Seven Guilty Pleasures

by Jeannette Winters

  “Don’t worry. You’ll have it. I don’t deal in my best guess. I find the facts.”

  “Have you updated Dean and the others?” Drake asked.

  Getting up to leave Drake’s office Gabe said, “As you like to remind me, I work for you. But they are my next stop. I have a few names to pass by them. See if any sound familiar.”

  In their long list of enemies.

  He wasn’t sure if Gabe had found anything more on Isa. Right now, Drake had all he needed to know. The rest was to be figured out later, just him and her.

  It was damn early to be in the office, but since he was there he might as well make the most of it. The past week had been filled with interruptions, one after another. Some were things he didn’t mind one bit. And one I like right now.

  He’d hoped Isa would have called him last night. All she’d needed to do was say one word and he’d have been there. There was no way he would have gotten any sleep, knowing the heartache she was going to have after he’d left her. Only a completely insensitive ass wouldn’t be affected. I’m usually that guy. Guess I’m not with her.

  Drake had no idea what it was about her that made him . . . care. He’d been very good about going through life with blinders on. He saw what was important to him: business. Never before had he ever let personal life get in the way. Isa definitely was a distraction, yet he didn’t mind one damn bit.

  Drake found himself wanting to spend more time with her. It was . . . easy. Most people needed some fancy gala where it was all about status. He had no problem functioning at them, but they were more of a requirement than anything else. Breakfast in a hole in the wall joint with Isa was memorable. Not like I can forget a thing about you. The way you look at me with those dark mysterious eyes. And then your sweet lips that make me hungry for so much more.

  It was fucking physically painful not to touch her. She’d kissed him and he knew if he’d reached out, pulled her into his arms, she wouldn’t have pulled away. But she was not just a quick lay or some conquest to him. The end-all wasn’t getting her into bed. Although he’d thought many times of what it would be like to feel her bare flesh against his. But she deserved so much more than some cheap meaningless fling. Before he acted on his desire for her, he needed to know where this was going. Isa had enough pain in her life. Fucking with her emotions would be cruel. He needed to tread lightly and cautiously. Someone has to watch out for your heart. I’m just not sure I’m the right person to do it, because my heart has never been invested before. What are you doing to me?

  Drake had thought long and hard about what kind of man would be best for Isa. Someone like him never made the list. He was arrogant, stubborn, and sometimes a complete ass. She’d experienced all those firsthand. And yet she still speaks to me. Go figure.

  But he couldn’t forget she’d been mistreated by men when she was young. She was more likely to get into a relationship with someone who’d do the same. Was he good enough for her? If you stripped away all the money and success, what was left that made him worthy of her?

  She should be with a school teacher, a doctor, or someone like that. An overall nice person. Drake had never been accused of being that. The reason he’d said yes to the Hendersons about Tabiq in the first place was image, nothing more. Granted, that had changed and he didn’t care if no one knew he was involved. It was about helping Isa’s homeland continue to head in the right direction. I can’t fix everything there, but maybe I can fix a piece for the next generation.

  His cell phone rang and it was Alex. They guy had a knack of calling when he was thinking about Tabiq. But this was great timing, because Drake had things he needed to discuss. And the only person who he could talk to was Alex. Not that Gabe’s going to like it, but fuck it. No one tells me what to do.

  “Hi Drake. Thought I’d check on you one more time before heading back to Tabiq.”

  “You’re going there? When we still don’t have a clue who is behind this shit?” Drake was puzzled. He’d answered Alex’s call for one reason only, to get a better feel of what to do regarding Isa. He hadn’t for a second forgotten about what was going on in Tabiq or with the Hendersons. It was troubling. But Gabe had made it clear that the Hendersons were the target.

  But the bastards were cocky enough to use Drake to get to the Hendersons. Gabe needed to get the fucking intel quickly. Drake hadn’t felt the repercussions as much as his employees had. He couldn’t let any more of them be wrongly accused. It had a ripple effect. They lost their jobs, their families lost their livelihood, and that could lead to them losing everything. If Gabe was correct, Drake needed to make amends with those employees/families.

  He’d known dealing with the Hendersons would come with some issues. He’d never expected those. I’m not going to let myself or Isa be caught in the crossfire.

  “I have a feeling you’re not really all that worried about my ass, but thanks for the concern. Don’t worry. I won’t be alone. Bennett Stone is there with his men. Besides, Tabiq is home to me now.”

  Drake had no idea why Alex would leave Boston where he had access to everything and anything he wanted, only to live in a world that was unstable at best. Especially after they had kidnapped and almost killed you.

  “What does Ziva think about going back?” He didn’t have a right to ask, and Alex probably thought it was not his place to. He’d be correct. But this had nothing to do with Ziva, and everything to do with Isa. He needed to better understand Tabiq in order to be supportive to Isa.

  During the conference call with all of the Hendersons, Isa’s name had never been brought up. That had been intentional. Now he wasn’t so sure that had been a good idea. The only man who might be able to guide him as to what to do was Alex, and he might have just offended him.

  Even before Alex could give him shit for even implying he didn’t have Ziva’s best interest in mind, Drake said, “Alex, let me back up. I didn’t mean to question—”

  “As you shouldn’t,” Alex snapped.

  A blind man could see how much Alex loved Ziva. It wasn’t something Drake could relate to. A man willing to give up so much for one person. Was that changing? Drake hadn’t given up anything, but his thought process sure as hell wasn’t the same.

  “I know she means the world to you. It’s just that . . .” How the hell was he supposed to ask without bringing Isa’s name into the conversation? “I’ve never been there. Dean tried to bring me up to speed with the inner workings, but that doesn’t connect me with the Tabiqian people.”

  “You had the chance when my wife was there. I believe you walked out before she arrived.”

  Yeah. I know. I’m an ass. “Please pass along my apologies. I was—”

  “An ass. Unfortunately she married a Henderson, so she’s learned to handle herself nicely. And besides, your pissy attitude hadn’t been missed.”

  Normally he’d tell someone off for speaking to him like that, but he wouldn’t have been too pleased if someone treated Isa in such a manner. “I’ll work on it.” He’d been so focused on Isa he’d totally forgotten that Ziva was supposed to meet with them at the lounge that night. I don’t need Isa’s sister hating me.

  “Next time, dinner is on me.”

  “In that case Ziva and I are flying to Maine for lobster tonight. If you’re on your best behavior, she won’t mind if you tag along. You can ask her about Tabiq then.”

  It wasn’t about time, because his meeting schedule was light today, but Drake didn’t want to leave Isa. She’d been very upset last night. He’d promised he’d be there if she needed him. Drake needed to honor that. Was it possible to do both? How bad can it go?

  “Maybe another night.” Drake wanted to talk to her, but what was another day or two at this point?

  “It might be a while. We’re thinking about heading back home tomorrow.”

  That changes things. It was a risk, a huge one. This could be the breakthrough Isa needed, one he couldn’t give her. Then again, it might be one hell of a fucking shock, and she
could totally shut down. This was so much bigger than what he wanted. Drake needed to consider Ziva. He assumed she’d be elated to find her sister alive and well. Shit. This isn’t fucking easy.

  Drake normally didn’t take risks. He’d always done his research and knew the score before proceeding. Business seemed so much easier than this decision. There wasn’t any clear cut way to anticipate the outcome. There were so many variables to consider, and he had no clue what to do with some of them. Like how a woman thinks. Drake didn’t consider himself lacking in anything except that. Then again, from his understanding all men were lacking. I know I’m going to fuck it up somehow.

  That was unacceptable. This wasn’t his life he was gambling with. It was Isa’s, and she meant . . . a lot to him. More than he was willing to admit to himself. He was trying not to let his feelings cloud his judgment. If he did, he would take Ziva right out of the equation and tell Isa what he knew.

  “Are you someplace you can speak freely? I mean, alone?” Drake asked. He wasn’t sure if Ziva was in earshot or not.

  “I can be. Is it that important?” Alex inquired.

  “It is.” Drake said firmly, hoping Alex didn’t ask any more until he was alone.

  “Hold on a sec.”

  He could her Alex mumbling something to Ziva, and a few moments later, he was back on the line.

  “What is it you want to discuss?” Alex asked.

  “Ziva.”

  “I’m not talking about my wife without her here. If you were married, you’d understand.”

  “I’m not asking you to talk about her. I want to—.”

  Alex growled out his warning. “Then you best make sure you choose your words wisely. I can let a lot of things go, but I have a fucking short fuse when it comes to my wife. Keep that in mind.”

  A few weeks ago Drake would’ve thought Alex was whipped, letting anyone get under his skin that much. But now, Alex’s words easily could’ve been Drake’s. If anyone hurt Isa, it would get ugly, and he’d only touched the beauty a few times and had his lips on hers even less. He prided himself on always being in control. Why the hell had thinking of Isa changed all that?

  “I’m not sure where to start. I’m asking your advice on something that affects both of us.”

  “I thought you wanted to talk about Ziva.”

  Just say it. “I found her sister.”

  The line was silent. Then Alex said, “I’m glad you didn’t say anything to Ziva.”

  “Why?”

  “Ziva looked for her sister a long time. The first was when she was on her own in Tabiq, trying to save other young women. But no one would talk to her. They were all still living in fear of retaliation.”

  “Dean explained what it was like then. Sorry. Ziva must’ve gone through hell.” Like Isa.

  “Ziva had been fortunate. Her father had been able to hide her when she was still young. So when she’d come of age, Ziva wasn’t to be found.”

  Drake wanted to ask what about Isa? Why wasn’t she protected? Those seemed like reasonable questions, but the truth was, Ziva was the exception. From what he knew, most young women weren’t that lucky.

  “Ziva didn’t just sit back. She went out in search of others who were approaching eighteen. She couldn’t offer them much, but she took them in, fed them, and protected them the best she could. Hell, I was shocked to see what she’d accomplished all by herself. The only thing she couldn’t do was find her sister. But once she and I got together, we attempted looking again. We checked all over Tabiq and the surrounding islands. No one had seen her or at least not that they were willing to admit. There were leads coming in. Each time her hopes were high and then she found they were false.”

  Drake couldn’t imagine what it had been like to feel so close, only find out it was a scam. He’d have fucking flipped. I’m sure they were dealt with. No one fucks with the Hendersons.

  “That’s fucking cruel.”

  Alex added, “More than you can imagine. The women were looking for money. They figured Ziva struck it rich, and they would hustle her for a price. I’m not going to allow that to happen again.” Alex’s warning was crystal clear, even on the phone.

  “That’s not the case here. She’s not looking, not asking for anything. In fact, I’m not sure how she will handle the fact that I, or anyone else, knows who she is.”

  “It’s Isa, isn’t it? Alex asked.

  “Yes.” Alex wasn’t a stupid man and Drake knew Alex would figure it out once he got past his initial anger over Ziva’s past.

  “Shit. I offered her a job, and she shot me down. Why would she do that if she knew Ziva was her sister?”

  Pain? Fear? He wasn’t exactly sure either. But he didn’t experience the things she had either. “I’m guessing she questioned your agenda, because from what I can tell, Isa has no clue what your wife’s name is, nor their relationship.” He would’ve been shocked if Isa hadn’t questioned Alex’s motive, because she sure as hell had questioned Drake’s. “She’s . . . not very trusting.” And for good reason.

  Alex’s tone changed. No longer defensive he said, “It’s been a few years, and Ziva still struggles. I’m not sure that will ever change. If Isa is truly Ziva’s older sister, I need to tell her.”

  “Should I tell Isa?”

  “No. Not yet.”

  Drake heard the concern in his voice. “Why is that?” He grew tired of everyone telling him not to give Isa the information he believed she needed to hear. “This would change everything.”

  “And nothing. You don’t understand. I’ve been there. Seen with my own eyes. But Isa, she’s—”

  “Strong. A survivor. Like her sister.” Alex was right. Drake saw her struggling, but the point was she didn’t break.

  “I’m sure she is. Hell, if Isa really is Ziva’s sister, she’d have to be. But it’s not going to be as easy as saying: Hey guess what? Your sister wants to see you.”

  No shit! “If I thought it was, I’d have acted on that already. I understand completely how this may affect them both. What do you suggest?” Drake was willing to hear Alex out. That didn’t mean he was letting Alex make all the decisions. But he needed to respect all parties involved.

  “I think instead of Maine, Ziva and I will head back to High View Falls. I’ll prepare Ziva with the possibility that Isa is her sister. I suggest you don’t tell Isa. Let Ziva observe her. Then we’ll know how to proceed.”

  “You want me to lie to Isa?” That wasn’t about to happen. She had become very important to him. And I won’t even let her own sister cause her pain.

  “I’d like to think you wouldn’t do that to her. Not if you really care about her, that is. Since you’ve gone to such lengths to do this right, I suggest you keep doing so. Don’t let your pride get in the way. This is between the sisters. No matter how much I—we—want to fix this, there are some things out of our control. Neither you nor I will ever truly understand the fucking hell it was for them. And there are things they’ll never share with us. We have to respect that.” This was something so far out of Drake’s comfort zone . . . feelings. Emotions. Empathy. Something this Henderson seems to have in spades. I have to respect that.

  Drake was learning that the hard way. He’d wanted to stay with her last night, but she’d refused. Was it because she hadn’t needed him or was it because she hadn’t wanted him there? Was he doing all this now because it was what he wanted? Gabe told him to hold off, and he didn’t listen. Now Alex was giving him yet another set of instructions. Neither of them were what he wanted to do. He was in uncharted territory. And had to go with his gut.

  “Isa is scheduled to work tonight. I suggest we all meet there for drinks. I can’t promise anything more than that.”

  “I understand. For both Ziva and Isa’s sake, I hope this is real. I’m not sure how much more my wife can take. We’ll meet you at the lounge at eight.”

  When the call ended Drake tried to turn his attention to the work on his desk. New vendors waiting for approval
and old ones who needed to be cut free. No matter how hard he’d tried, his mind wondered back to her. There was a hell of a lot riding on tonight. He wasn’t sure what shape she was in after last night. Hopefully receptive and forgiving because this might blow up in my face if she’s not.

  Nothing should matter to him as long as Isa was at peace. He wanted the pain and darkness to leave her eyes. Her heart. But there was a very selfish part of him that didn’t want the price of that to be them. For once, I want it all. Just not sure that’s even possible. If he had to choose between having her or her happiness, he was willing to walk away. Damn. I fucking hope I don’t have to.

  * * *

  Isa had picked up the phone several times during the day, but she didn’t know what to say. Drake had seen her bawling her eyes out. Not just a little tear rolling down her cheek either. It was one of those ugly cries where you wished you were alone because it was uncontrollable and went on for what seemed like forever.

  Drake wouldn’t let her go and she had no choice but to hang on to him and let it flow. It was the first time since she was a child that she could remember bawling like that. She’d tried burying her emotions so she wouldn’t feel the pain and loneliness. But when she was around Drake, he brought out so much emotion it overwhelmed her. She couldn’t feel happy without the sad. I don’t want to stop whatever it is between us. I just don’t know what it is. If it’s not real, maybe I don’t want to know. But he’s probably been frightened away. I doubt he wants an emotional, weak woman in his life.

  She’d only asked him to leave last night because she’d been embarrassed. Isa had left him sitting alone in the restaurant without much of an explanation. She wasn’t a child, yet that’s how she perceived her behavior last night. She needed to regain her composure and self-control. That was the only reason she’d asked him to leave. He didn’t force her to change her mind. She should’ve been thrilled with that. Instead she’d spent the remainder of the night wishing he had.