Small pools of moisture teetered on Tony’s lower lids. “The divorce wasn’t meant to hurt you.”
She reached out and hugged his neck. Her lips brushed his. “Tony, maybe I should be upset that you’ve had me followed, but I’m not. Honestly, I’m relieved. I didn’t think you cared anymore.”
His eyes shimmered while the tips of his lips curved into his signature devilish grin. Pushing her back against the mattress, Tony covered her body with his and replied, “Mrs. Rawlings, I will always care and always love you. I promised you that almost six years ago.”
This time, she didn’t protest as his weight held her to the soft satin comforter. Removing his shirt from his broad shoulders, Tony added, “I’ve told you. I am and despite it all, I continue to be, a man of my word.”
Claire watched his chest expand and contract. Unconsciously, her fingers threaded through the soft chest hair, which, too, had lightened with the addition of intermingling gray. As her hands caressed his warm muscles, any thought of age slipped from her mind. Her only thought was of his skin against hers. They were two pieces of a larger puzzle that fit perfectly together. Without their union, the puzzle would be forever incomplete.
The sensation of his lips trailing across her exposed collarbone as his fingers unbuttoned her blouse, incited goose bumps on her arms and her legs. Claire yearned to be closer, to have him inside of her and though every fiber of her body wanted what only he could give, she needed to know more. Finding her voice, she asked, “If we do this, if we reunite, can I trust you not to leave me again?”
“I wanted to protect you. The divorce was only to keep you from being hurt by me.”
“Don’t you see?” Her questioning stopped Tony’s seduction. “Not being with you hurt me. Every day hurt more than the one before.”
Tony nodded. “It was agony. When I was in prison and we were separated by distance, it sounded good in principle, but seeing you…” He lifted his head and looked down at her now nearly naked body. “…and touching you…” The tips of his fingers softly trailed the warm flesh from her collarbone down to the band of her lace panties. “…and not being allowed to taste you…” His lips seized a now exposed nipple and gently tugged while his tongue swirled the hardening nub, eliciting moans Claire didn’t know she’d articulated. “…was agony.”
Her breath quickened as the stubble of his beard prickled her skin. Unabashed, Claire wanted the kind of agony that only he could provide. Arching her back, she exposed her breasts for more of his delicious torture. While she still had the ability to speak, she murmured, “First—first, I have a request.”
His mischievous grin caused Claire’s muscles, the ones deep inside that had yet to be touched, to tighten. With a raised eyebrow, he quipped, “Yes? I think I might like this. Does it involve black satin?”
Fighting the carnal desire, she snickered. “No.” Trying to focus, she replied, “I want you to promise that you won’t leave me. No more talk of divorce—ever. I want my happily ever after. Despite everything, I trust you and your word. If you tell me you’ll never divorce me or discuss it, I’ll believe you.”
His baritone pitch resonated throughout their suite and deep into her soul as he spoke between kisses to her exposed skin. “You, my dear, are my drug. I’m so damn addicted. I can’t quit you. I know, because I’ve tried, not for me, but for you. I failed miserably. The more I have of you, the more I need. I can never get enough. If you’ll have me back, after all, this is your estate. If you’ll allow me to move back, I’ll try every day to give you exactly what you deserve. And I promise I will never mention divorce again.”
Claire pulled his face toward hers. Their kiss lingered as his fingers continued to roam, each move delving lower and lower. His promise returned color to her world. She was his, and he was hers. Her nails bit into his shoulders as he teased and electrified her body with taunting caresses. Breaking the spell, he looked honestly into her eyes. “I want you so badly, but I need to be honest.”
Her mind whirled with the possibilities of his confession.
Tony continued, “I can’t promise you the happy ever after.” A lump formed in her throat, fearing his next words. “Not because you don’t deserve one, but because I know myself, and I’ll probably screw it up; however, I can promise I’ll spend the rest of my life trying. Is that enough for you?”
Tears of relief cascaded from the corners of her emerald eyes. She captured him with her expression of acceptance; however, it was her words that secured the lock. “Tony, it’s more than enough.” Kissing his neck, she offered, “I promise that I’ll never drive away to leave you again, and I’ll never listen to anyone else without learning the truth from you, but…” She paused to deliver more butterfly kisses. “…I will drive away, to multiple places.” Claire waited. When he didn’t argue, she continued with a smile, “And I’ll travel easier knowing Phil is there, when you can’t be.”
Tony’s approving smile lit her world. His touch kindled a smoldering passion on the brink of an out of control wildfire.
“I think we have a deal.”
With a playful smile, Claire added, “Now, if you don’t make love to me right this minute, I’ll have you thrown off my property.”
“My, Mrs. Rawlings, will my lodging payments continue to be so extreme?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. I have the rest of our lives to come up with new ideas. You know, I’m very creative and let me warn you, the payments will be daunting. I hope you’re up for it.”
His dark chocolate eyes liquefied into molten pools of brown, glistening above his signature devilish grin, as he said, “I believe that you know that I am. And Mrs. Rawlings, I look forward to your challenges. Apparently, only you can decide whether I make the cut.”
Claire’s eyes fluttered as her body quaked in anticipation. Gripping his shoulders, she whispered, “Don’t disappoint me—there will be consequences.”
Epilogue
The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life.
—Richard Bach
The aroma of sea filled the air as a gentle breeze brought the sound of the surf into the large living room. Madeline’s smile reflected the mood of the occasion. It had been years since she’d had so many people on the island. By the glow in her big brown eyes, her heart was as full as the house. The little baby she’d helped bring into the world was a beautiful little girl with large brown eyes, soft as suede and filled with joy, just like her father’s.
Claire held tightly to her sister’s hand as they both watched Tony place their grandmother’s pearl necklace around Nichol’s neck.
“Look, Momma! Look, Aunt Em! Isn’t it pretty?” Nichol exclaimed as she spun toward them, exposing her precious gift. Turning back, she wrapped her small arms around Tony’s neck. “Thank you, Daddy!”
As Tony swung their daughter into his arms, Claire let go of Emily’s hand and walked toward Nichol. Kissing her cheek, Claire replied, “It sure is, honey; this necklace means a lot to Mommy and Daddy.” Claire’s eyes shifted momentarily to Tony’s as the emerald glistened with memories only the two of them shared. “So,” she continued to Nichol. “It’s only for special occasions. A long time ago, it belonged to Aunt Em and Mommy’s grandmother, your great-grandmother.”
“Is today a special occasion?” Nichol asked.
“It sure is!” Tony exclaimed. “It’s your third birthday. I don’t think anything is more special than that!”
Claire leaned closer as Tony wrapped one arm around his wife and held tight to their daughter. Their group hug had the attention of everyone in the room: John, Emily, Michael, Brent, Courtney, Maryn, Caleb, Julia, Meredith, Jerry, their children, Madeline, and Francis. Undoubtedly, it was a full house and would be until after Christmas.
Tony and Claire couldn’t think of a better way to thank all of the people who’d worked to keep their daughter safe and helped to make their world right. Truly, it was an unlikely assembl
y: one brought together against all odds. Some might say that, at one time, this assembly would’ve been considered improbable, maybe even impossible; however, as everyone rejoiced and wished Nichol a happy birthday, they were a family united with unbreakable bonds.
Their ties had gone through the fires of hell and come out stronger. Refined by the flames, not consumed; nevertheless, the safety of their family would never be taken for granted. That was why Eric and Phil were outside, patrolling the shores and watching the skies. Phil had updated the security, both at the estate and on the island. He and Tony both told Claire it was only a precaution. After all, Catherine was in the Iowa State Penitentiary and would be for a long time; however, even Claire realized there would always be threats. The Rawlings were wealthy people, and despite Claire’s dislike for fame, their money would forever make them possible targets. There was no measure Tony or Claire wouldn’t be willing to endure to insure the safety of their family—all of them.
Phil looked at the text message and shook his head.
“Did something else arrive?” Eric asked.
“Yes, this one’s also addressed to Nichol Rawls. This time, it came with a birthday gift.”
“Has it been opened?”
“Not yet; it has to be scanned to be sure there aren’t any explosives.”
Eric stiffened his neck. “So far, the only clue we’ve had was that one of the envelopes was sealed with female DNA. The feds have ruled out Catherine London.”
“That isn’t enough. Maybe we’ll get more on this one.” Phil squared his shoulders and looked out toward the crystal blue sea. “I believe it goes without saying, I’d have no problem getting rid of this threat once she’s identified, and I think we both know who the most likely candidate is.”
Eric nodded. “After Mr. Rawlings had her fired, it was as if she dropped off the face of the earth.”
“I still support his decision.”
“As do I,” Eric said with pride. “You’d think she’d be smarter than to rehash this shit.”
“I’d go all-in that she’s the sender of these little reminders.”
Eric’s lips formed a straight line. “Next to me, she worked the closest with Mr. Rawlings—for many years.”
“Yeah, she’d certainly know their history. The thing is, I’m not sure if she’s a real physical threat or if she’s just trying to upset Claire.” Phil squared his shoulders. “Either way, when her identity’s confirmed, I promise she won’t be around long enough to stand trial. No one will put them through that again. Besides, there isn’t a person I can’t find.”
“Hmm,” Eric murmured. There was no reason to confirm Phil’s statement; their understanding transcended words. As unlikely as the assembly was up in the big house, so was their intimate family; nevertheless, that was what they were—a family, and Eric and Phil knew the truth. They would do anything within their power to keep their full house consequence free.
Volume Four
Revealed
The Missing Years
Book #4 of the bestselling Consequences series
The tragic or the humorous is a matter of perspective.
—Arnold Beisser
By:
Aleatha Romig
Copyright And License Information
Revealed: The Missing Years
Published by Aleatha Romig
2014 Edition
Copyright ©2014 Aleatha Romig
Editing: Lisa Aurello
Formatting: Romig Works llc
Cover Designer: Melissa Ringuette
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
This book is available in print from most online retailers
2014 Edition License
This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment. This eBook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to the appropriate retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to all of you who’ve made this incredible journey with me. Thank you for loving Tony, or hating Tony, for loving Claire, or hating Claire. It has been your emotion that has propelled me to continue this story. You will never know how much your messages have meant and continue to mean to me.
Thank you also to my wonderful team. I began the Consequences journey one night alone at my computer. Today I’m not only surrounded by a wonderfully supportive family, I also have some of the best betas, a fantastic editor, a wonderful formatter, and creative cover designer. Without these supportive people my final product would not be the same.
Thank you to all of my author friends, those I see and those I know in great online groups. I have learned so much from each and every one of you!
Thank you to the fantastic bloggers who have not only read, but loved my stories and felt passionate enough about them to tell others! I’m always so glad to meet and hug you in person. I truly believe that without you, only my mother and her friends would have read Consequences.
My sincerest thank you goes to my readers. This book is for you. I almost didn’t finish it. I admit in many ways it was the most difficult and I believe, my most beloved. I hope you all enjoy the REVEALED missing years and the future.
As I have done since my second book, I must thank Claire Nichols and Anthony Rawlings. You two characters have taken permanent residence in my heart and soul. I never imagined the amazing roller coaster we would ride together, and though it has turned my life upside down, I wouldn’t trade a moment. Tony and Claire, you will live forever in my heart and the hearts of thousands and thousands of the best readers that an author could hope to find.
I hope you'll take one more step after REVEALED and read BEYOND THE CONSEQUENCES. More Tony and Claire and all their wonderful friends!
Disclaimer
The CONSEQUENCES series contains dark adult content. Although there is not excessive use of description and detail, the content contains innuendos of kidnapping, rape, and abuse—both physical and mental. If you’re unable to read this material, please do not purchase. If you are ready, welcome aboard and enjoy the ride! ~Aleatha Romig
Note From Aleatha
Dear Readers,
When I began writing this book of the CONSEQUENCES SERIES, I planned to write a companion; however, my characters informed me otherwise. This fourth novel gives you the complete story of what was only mentioned in CONVICTED. It begins at the fateful gunshot and goes into the future. Since most of this book occurs while Claire is unable to tell the story, REVEALED: THE MISSING YEARS is told from the point of view of many of the male characters in her life.
Claire's voice is heard through excerpts from her book: My Life As it Didn't Appear.
REVEALED: THE MISSING YEARS has become book 4 of the CONSEQUENCES SERIES. Therefore, once you have completed CONSEQUENCES, TRUTH, AND CONVICTED, please join me for REVEALED.
Share the struggle as the dominoes begin to fall and the crashing consequences of the past threaten everyone’s future. Watch as Anthony Rawlings fights for what is his. Join Harrison Baldwin as he discovers the truth that threatens his beliefs, and John Vandersol as he come to terms with his revelations. Witness as Phillip Roach decides with whom his loyalties lie, and Brent Simmons demonstrates the meaning of friendship—no matter the cost.
Following the epilogue, I have included a complete glossary
of characters and a timeline of significant events for the entire CONSEQUENCES Series.
Once you have completed REVEALED, I hope you'll join Tony and Claire for book #5 BEYOND THE CONSEQUENCES.
The reading companions, BEHIND HIS EYES CONSEQUENCES and BEHIND HIS EYES TRUTH are full-length books, but were written as an adjunct to CONSEQUENCES and TRUTH. Once you have completed this journey, if you seek more, books 1.5 and 2.5 are already available through most online channels. They answer the burning question: "What was he thinking?"
Once again, thank you for this incredible journey. Please note that I would never have completed this story had it not been for you!
Thank you again for your support!
~Aleatha Romig
Prologue
January 2014
Tony
For the first time in his life he’d dared to believe in happily-ever-after. He learned at a young age it was unattainable. Therefore, he’d never even tried… until Claire.
―Aleatha Romig, Truth
TONY'S HEART MELTED as Nichol’s soft mews filled their suite, a contrast to the whish-whish of waves lapping the shore. Together the sounds created the perfect melody for the middle of the night. He kissed Claire’s forehead and watched the tired emerald disappear behind her closed eyes while their daughter’s little body wiggled in his large hands. Stretching contently, she relaxed as he pulled her against his broad chest. Settling into the rocking chair in the nursery, Tony watched Nichol’s long lashes flutter as she fought the sleepy lids that threatened to cover her dark chocolate eyes. After a few moments of monotonous rocking, her tiny nose nestled into his soft cotton t-shirt, and sleep won, as she lost her fight with one final sigh.
The Consequences Series Box Set Page 169