He peeked at the check, whistling softly to himself. Five Grand! A very sweet bonus, indeed.
“It’s been a real pleasure doing business with you, Mrs. Easton. If there’s anything else...”
“One more job, if you don’t mind.”
“Of course. What is it?”
“When I’m ready, I’ll want you to serve the divorce papers. You can do that, can’t you?”
“Certainly. It’ll be my pleasure.”
“He may still be in Louisiana.”
“No problem. Plenty enough here,” he waived her check, “to pay for that. Just a one day trip.”
“Good. When you do, emphasize to Keith how unpleasant I can make his life, should I release all this evidence to, say, the newspapers. I’ll smear him across the whole city, if he contests this divorce.”
“Sure. I can do that.”
He liked this lady more and more every minute.
He’d be sure Keith Easton got her message.
CHAPTER SIXTY-EIGHT
Two-Twenty.
Craig couldn’t remember the last time he took off work in the middle of the afternoon. Lucky (Smart! No luck involved, and you know it.) he had such competent people running the business. No sense in hanging around today, because he was getting nothing done.
His earlier session with Bruce left him edgy and filled with the memory of those strange visions. What were those two things… fantasies, he called them… that swam through his head like an endless ribbon of film?
They sure seemed real enough… and incomplete. Why had he stopped them just at the best parts? He was making love to that glorious French angel, and he could feel the wonder of it. Then Bruce pulled him away, as if snatching him from the jaws of danger.
Then he was with Morgana, 150 years later. Such gentle beauty! A warm peace filled him as he pictured her… them… on a big blanket in that shadowy meadow. His heart fluttered happily at the memory.
Two such incredible women. Three now, with Ashley. Nothing at all like the immoral succubus he married. Meanwhile, these regressions haven’t seemed to provide any real progress toward solving these new anxieties.
They hadn’t help him resolved what to do about Toni, either. No confrontation yet over her tying her tubes. Leading him on about having a family. Why was the wanton bitch so determined to hang onto him, when there was nothing left to save?
Possessions! Toni related everything to ownership, and men are her most prized trinkets. Why has he delayed making the break? Was he actually afraid of her? She’d go absolutely ballistic. He had no doubts Toni could be dangerous… physically dangerous… if she were crossed. Then there was big brother Brad, who would do anything she asked of him.
This was nuts… obsessing over his wife’s reaction to a move he hadn’t even made. About time to do something now, though. McNeely had provided all the physical evidence he needed to shove a divorce down her throat. Toni would have to agree. Her father wouldn’t stand for public disgrace.
God have pity on the first guy to get in her way after that. Or woman, for that matter. Got to keep Ashley totally out of things until it was all over. She had enough problems.
Thoughts of his new love had him smiling as her turned onto his street. Swinging into his drive, he had to brake abruptly to avoid clipping a shiny white Lexus sports coupe, sitting squarely in front of the garage.
Damn it! Toni must have guests.
Entering the house, fuming, he looked for someone on whom to vent his anger, preferably his wife. Finding no one in the family room or study, he headed for the patio. The French doors were open, two empty wine glasses sitting on the round glass table, but no one was in sight. Typical Toni. Well, the Hell with her. He was going for a swim.
He was half way up the stairs to the bedroom when he heard them. Grunts, moans, a high pitch, giggling little shriek.
Thump--thump--thump. And another shriek… Toni’s familiar sounds of the coming orgasm.
Craig hesitated for an instant, then continued quietly climbing, stopping for only a moment in the upstairs den to find something in the closet. Moving quickly to the master bedroom, he threw open the door and strode in.
Toni was straddling a young hunk whose face was buried in her considerable bosom. She continued to rise and fall, sucking the juices out of him. As Craig watched, a wave of relief flooded him, his anger gone. He chuckled softly.
She’d done it. Made things easy for him. There was only one small thing left to do.
“Ahh hum.” She froze in mid-stroke. The guy’s face peeked out from between two luscious mounds of flesh, eyes popping with obvious fright.
“Say cheese.” The flash popped, followed by a whine as the Polaroid camera ejected a photo.
Pop… whine. Pop… whine. Pop… whine. Craig calmly ran off all the film remaining in the camera, catching them in various stages of uncoupling and scrambling.
“You bastard,” she screamed. “What the fuck are you doing here.”
“It’s my house, darling. Even paid for it myself.”
“Who the Hell is he?” the man asked as he was struggling into his pants. “Your husband? You said you were divorced!”
“Won’t be long now. Be patient, son, and she’ll be all yours.” Craig was enjoying himself more than he should.
“You son-of-a-bitch. I’ll never give you a divorce.” Her face was contorted by rage, no longer lovely. Certainly not sensual.
He smiled, strangely relaxed. He held up six photos, fanned in his hand like playing cards. Now fully developed, the figures were plainly recognizable.
“Good likeness, don’t you think, darling. I’ll send you a set for your album. I’ll bet papa would love such cute shots of his daughter at play. Of course, the society columns are always interested in what the Rudolph’s are doing.”
Toni hurled herself at him, a screeching banshee, long red claws seeking blood. Left hand filled with the snapshots, he could only catch one wrist with the other. Yanking her to him, he quickly spun, turning his back to her, doing a neat shoulder throw. He hadn’t forgotten the judo training of his youth. Still, two nails caught him on the left cheek as she sailed by, landing hard on the thick carpet.
She sat there, massaging her wrist, perfect teeth bared like a cornered cat, cobalt eyes spitting cold fire.
“I’ll kill you, you bastard! You’ll never get away with this.”
“I already have. These pics are only the coup d’gras. I’ve had a detective on you for a month. File’s five inches thick. Lots of photos, and even some video and audio tapes. And of course, there’s the tied fallopian tubes you never bothered to mention to me.” She blanched, drawing back, hissing at him.
“Funny thing is, I was still trying to find some way to save things, right up ‘til just now. But, you’ve made it easy for me. It’s over for good.”
He glanced at the other man, dressed now, edging for the door. Blonde, muscular, middle twenties, and very scared.
“Look, man. I’m sorry. I didn’t know. She said...”
“It’s okay. She’s hard to resist. Just go. And, you might want to get a blood test.”
He turned gray and looked at Toni, tongue darting between her lips like a cornered snake.
“Uhh, the photos.” He fidgeted for a moment. “I wouldn’t want...”
“Not to worry. Her daddy’s got more sense than she does. I suspect everything will wind up very quietly.”
The younger man nodded and hurried out of the room. A moment later, the front door slammed.
Craig turned back to his wife, still crouched on the floor, watching him. How exquisite. How dangerous! He shook his head in disgust at himself.
“I’m going to pack some things and move to a hotel. Understand, I’m not giving up the house. I don’t know why I was clever enough to title it solely in my name, but this is just simpler until we finalize things. My attorney will be in touch with you. I think, after you’ve discussed it with Daddy, you’ll be quite amenable to a No Fault Divorce,
don’t you?”
He went for a suitcase. When he returned, she was wearing her sexiest teddy, and smelling of fresh perfume, sidling up to him as he began packing.
”Craig, darling.” A hand stoked his neck, her warm breath caressing his ear. The smell of jasmine and spice, combined with her musky odor, was intensely erotic.
“Don’t, Toni.” He moved away slightly, but she followed.
“Darling, it was all a mistake. I love only you.”
“It won’t work, Toni.”
“Oh, baby, I need you. If you weren’t off with the horses so much, I’d never be naughty. I just need to be loved.”
He sighed. “It’s no good, Toni.” Her warm body was pressing against him. Her touch, her smell! In spite of his resolve, he was becoming aroused. She was a Goddammed succubus. Slamming the suitcase shut, he pulled away roughly.
“Not this time! You’re a fucking witch, but the spell’s broken. I’m outta here, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”
Screaming, she leaped at him again. He snagged both wrists this time, but she managed a knee kick that barely missed its mark. It would still leave a sizable bruise on the inside of his upper thigh.
Shoving her away, she bounced off the bed, slipping to the floor with a soft thump. Grabbing the suitcase, he started for the door. She glared at him.
“You’ll be sorry! No one walks out on Toni Rudolph. No one!”
“Well, there’s always a first time. ‘Bye, darling. See you in court.”
Her scream profanities followed him down the stairs and out the door. He smiled, dabbing the still oozing scratches on his cheek.
It was finally over, with no room for regrets. He eagerly anticipated a new future, hopefully including Ashley.
But, he had no idea how dangerously things were actually progressing.
CHAPTER SIXTY-NINE
The big, dark-red horse nickered, tossing his head. He reach back, nuzzling his mistress, nipping at the sleeve of her shirt.
“Hey! Cut it out. You’ll get your apple when I’m done and not before.” She giggled as he nudged her again while she continued currying his mane. Satisfied, she began brushing his long, powerful neck and shoulders. Another determined nudge almost sent her sprawling.
“Hey!” She laughed, wrapping her arms affectionately around Injun’s neck.
“Delightful to see you in such a good mood, even when being shoved around by a pushy guy.”
She spun around, russet eyebrows arched, one hand to her throat. Craig was leaning against the gate of the stall, grinning, his dark eyes devouring her.
Hummingbird wings fluttered in her breast, a delicious heat filling her. Auburn locks swirling, she sucking in a ragged breath, trying to calm her galloping heart, but the sight of him turned her long legs wobbly, like a new-born filly.
“Hi, buddy,” her voice hoarse and softly breathy. “What’re you doing here in the middle of the week?”
“Thought you might be here this afternoon. Getting him all fancied up for something?
“Yeah. We’re having a tenants-only show this weekend. The fox hunt was great, but I thought it was time to ease back into competition, now that Janine’s a little bigger.”
“Getting ready for the quest for a Grand Prix title, huh?
“I hope so. You got some free time to work with me? I… I really need the help.” The look in his soft dark eyes sent goose bumps trilling down her spine.
“There’s nothing I’d rather do. To spend as much time with you as you can stand.”
“What about your work?”
“I’ve got the best general manager in the business. He could run that place for months without me. And I’m only a cell phone away.” He sidled forward, taking her long, slim fingers in his.
“Handy little gadgets, aren’t they?” She drew him closer. “But, won’t Toni be upset if you’re spending so much time with me?”
“That’s not a worry anymore.” One corner of his mouth tilted up, his gaze holding hers.
“Oh?” She trembled, her hands suddenly damp. She seemed unable to draw a breath.
“I caught the brazen bitch bare-assed in the sack with some young stud. I’m getting a divorce.”
Ashley exploded, laughing almost hysterically, gripping her sides as if to keep them from bursting. Craig’s face bloomed red, a quizzical frown crinkling his eyes at such unexpected merriment.
“What’s so damned funny? It was no real surprise.”
“Ohhh.” She struggled for breath. “Not… funny. Just… can’t… Ohhh!”
She flopped down on a pile of hay, still holding her sides, rolling back and forth, cackling uncontrollably. He began to chuckle, her levity infectious. This beautiful woman was really having a great time, apparently at his expense. The expression on his face clearly said he didn’t really care. He settled on the ground beside her, gently picking straw from her hair as she rocked from side to side.
Two minutes passed before she gained sufficient control, struggling to a sitting position, catching her breath.
“Now I know what it means to be rolling with laughter,” he said, grinning.
“Pffft. Ohh, no!” She erupted, off again in gales of unrestrained glee.
Craig wrapped one arm around her shoulders, nestling his nose in her russet locks. Happy tears streamed down her cheeks as she snuggled close, still out of control.
Even after she finally stopped, they sat quietly, savoring their nearness.
“Now can you tell me what was so hilarious about my pending divorce?”
“Only that it’s a happy coincidence.” She sighed, scrunching tightly in his arms. Her smell was an intoxicating blend of lilies, mingled with the musk-scent of fresh perspiration.
“What d’ya mean?” he asked. What could be happier than this?
“I’ve finally kicked Keith out. I’m filing for divorce, too.”
“You’re kidding!”
“Nope. I hired your guy, McNeely. Did a great job. Photos, tapes, videos. The whole shebang. My darling husband’s been living with that gorgeous bitch in Louisiana, telling everyone she’s his wife. Well, now she’ll have a chance to really make that happen.”
“Wow! So, we’ll both be free.” He took her chin in his hand, her gray eyes consuming him. She raised her lips slowly toward his.
“No.” Her voice was husky. “I’ll never be free. I’m happily trapped by my love for you.”
The kiss was tender, yet filled with a blinding heat. Her heart was galloping around inside her breast, her whole body quivering, every nerve alive with delicious fire.
Mon amor. She sighed. Musing in French seemed somehow so appropriate.
How remarkable to find oneself totally in love with your best friend.
CHAPTER SEVENTY
As their lips lingered together, singed with a delicious heat, a momentary image of the French Countess flashed into Craig’s head. This aura of tranquility and excitement, this sense of completeness with his newly discovered love for Ashley, was identical to how he felt toward Victoria in that wonderful, imaginary incarnation. It must have been his sub-conscious mind’s way of telling him how he felt toward this angel now in his arms, just as Bruce said.
So, why was he still so uneasy, the braced arching of his back, the prickly skin on his scalp? How could he feel so charged with joy while also plagued by senseless panic.
Her fingers were in his hair, and he could feel her trembling, molded tightly against him. Slowly, they parted, his world coming back into focus. Eyes wide, he devoured her. Everything was okay. More than okay.
“My God! How was it that for all this time, I never realized I loved you?” he asked.
“It’s the same with me. But wasn’t this best? Good friends first. Love has a better chance this way, don’t you think?”
“I suppose. But, I’ve never felt like this, even in the beginning with Toni. Everything’s so much more intense… so much more concentrated. I can’t bear the thought of going home without
you tonight.”
“Me, too, but we must be careful. Feeling like this… it’s… it’s a wonder beyond my wildest dreams. But we’re still married. How would it look?”
“Oh, my darling!” He pulled her close again, nuzzling her hair. “Wishful thinking. Just wishful thinking. You’re right, of course. We’ve both gotta establish legal separations. Let the World know we’re getting out of our rotten marriages.”
“Right. People will wonder why the split, even though I bet Toni’s and Keith’s reputations are widely known. Our… our relationship will certainly look suspect, regardless of how cautious we are.”
“Yeah,” he nodded thoughtfully. “Toni’s already trying to blame you. Her family thinks she can do no wrong.”
“Will she give you any trouble?”
He snorted. “Trouble’s her middle name. It’s her father who’ll speed things along, once he sees what I’ve got on her. He won’t want stuff like that to come out in court. A blemish on the Rudolph name.
“What about Keith?” he asked. “How did he react?”
“I don’t know.” She stood, brushing hay from her jodhpurs and started pacing with short, nervous little bursts.
“What d’ya mean? You didn’t tell him you’re filing?”
“No. He’s still in Louisiana. Mr. McNeely was supposed to fly down with the papers yesterday to serve him. He thinks he can convince Keith to go along quietly. I’ve hired someone to come in and pack all his stuff. Once he’s served, I’ll move everything to his mother’s. No need for him to ever come back to the house.”
“You think he’ll fight a divorce, if he’s so hot for this other woman? You’re making it easy for him.”
He took her hands to corral her nervous meandering. She glanced up, producing a bitter-sweet smile and a helpless shrug.
“It’s money. It’s always about money.”
“Jesus, Ashley, he’s an Easton. They got oodles of dough. Why would he need yours?”
“I… I shouldn’t say. It’s confidential things. I owe them that much.” She studiously examined the tips of her brown leather riding boots, polishing one, then the other on the back of her pants.
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