by Tia Wylder
“I can tell you know some stuff about her,” Detective Mikkelson said. “Just be honest, Honey.” He chuckled. “Is that really your name?”
I nodded. “She was jealous,” I said. “Peter and I…had a whirlwind romance.” I flushed. “We slept together a few times…I found out that I’m pregnant…and then we decided to get married and have the baby.”
Detective Mikkelson raised an eyebrow. “Congratulations,” he said skeptically. “I didn’t know you were expecting. I’ll have someone bring you more water.”
I nodded gratefully. “Thank you,” I said.
“So, you’re saying she attacked you?”
I bit my lip. “I’m not sure what happened, but someone grabbed me from behind and blindfolded me,” I said. “When I woke up, I was tied up.”
Detective Mikkelson scribbled everything down and nodded. “Right,” he said. “And then you got free?”
“The man who was watching me left,” I explained. “And I was able to get out of the ropes. But just as I was about to leave Pamela’s apartment, she came back and pulled a gun on me. She fired a few shots just as Peter burst through the door.”
Detective Mikkelson let out a long, low whistle. “Some crazy broad, huh?”
When I didn’t answer, the detective chuckled. “Relax,” he said. “You ain’t in trouble. We tested her hands for gunshot residue and found that she likely fired off a few shots. Your husband, though, his hands were clean.”
“He took the gun and removed the cartridge,” I said. “He didn’t fire it.”
The detective nodded. “All right,” he said. “And Honey – a few more things. How did you meet Peter?”
I bit my lip. “At a bar,” I said. “I was having a drink, and we started talking.”
“Did you know Peter had bought a ring for Pamela before he met you?”
I frowned. “I don’t know,” I said honestly. “I…”
“Don’t worry about it,” Detective Mikkelson said. He sighed again. “Look, Honey, I can’t keep you here. But you might have to come in and answer a few more questions, okay? You ain’t planning to leave town any time soon, are you?”
I shook my head. I was suddenly nervous – what would I do when I was alone with Peter?
“And if you need to talk to somebody, I’d recommend it,” the detective continued. “You been through somethin’ real traumatic, Honey – sometimes therapy is a good idea.”
I wrinkled my nose. “To tell you the truth, my life for the past few months has been so strange that this barely registers,” I said honestly. I meant it, too – between the news from my dad, meeting Peter, and now this whole thing with Pamela…I was so exhausted that I felt like if I lay down to take a nap, years would pass before I woke up.
“I get that,” the detective said. “Just think about it, okay?”
I nodded. “I will. Thank you.”
The detective took me out of the small room and led me down a narrow corridor. The walls were painted a vile shade of green, and I shuddered – why did police stations have to be so ugly?
Peter was waiting for me in the lobby. When I saw him, I felt like fainting again…but this time, from relief. I took a deep breath and willed myself to stay strong.
Peter grinned at me. He got to his feet and put a protective arm around my shoulders. “Are you okay?” Peter whispered in my ear.
I nodded.
“Want to go home?”
I bit my lip and tilted my face up to look into Peter’s gorgeous blue eyes.
“Actually,” I said softly. “I’m starving – mind if we get something to eat?”
Peter grinned. “That sounds like a great idea,” he said. He took my hand and squeezed, sending a pleasant warm jolt through my body.
As Peter led me out of the grimy police station, I realized I had no idea what the future held. But as long as I was with Peter, I knew I would be happy and safe.
Chapter 19
Honey
“Do you know what you want?”
I glanced down at the menu. “Everything looks good,” I confessed, biting my lip. “What do you want?”
Peter laughed. “Get everything, hell,” he said. “I’m starving.”
I flushed. “I can’t eat like this,” I said, gesturing down to my belly. It was still flat, but I knew that wouldn’t last long. “Or I’ll look like a whale by the time I actually give birth.”
Peter snickered. He reached out and took my hand, twisting his fingers with mine and holding my fist to his mouth. He kissed the back of my hand, then turned my hand over in his and kissed my palm. An erotic shiver ran down my spine, and I bit my lip, blushing harder than ever.
“You’re gorgeous,” Peter said in a low, sexy voice. “And you’ll always be gorgeous, no matter what.”
Peter’s words sounded genuine, and it wasn’t long before I felt tears welling up in my eyes.
I couldn’t answer. All I could do was stare at his handsome face and wonder about the future. What would happen to us? What would I do after Peter and I split – would I go back to work for Baker & Sons and just pretend like nothing had ever happened? Maybe go out with Nate a few times – heck, maybe even sleep with him?
“What’s wrong?” Peter asked.
I bit my lip. I wasn’t sure I was ready to talk about my feelings. Just as I was about to open my mouth, the waitress stopped by the table.
“Are you ready to order?”
“Yeah,” Peter said. “We’ll both have Italian soda – raspberry – and a Greek omelet.”
The waitress nodded. I couldn’t help but grin – it was like Peter had read my mind.
As soon as she walked off, I leaned in close. “This is nice,” I said softly.
Peter nodded. “Honey, I owe you a huge apology,” he said. His face turned serious – he narrowed his ocean-blue eyes at me, and I could see lines of tension on his forehead.
“No, it’s okay,” I said. I felt helpless, sitting there as the man I loved tried to explain himself to me.
“No, it’s not okay,” Peter said. “I had no idea Pamela was capable of doing anything like that.” He sighed, raking a hand through his messy hair. “She and my father were working together the whole time. She’s been sleeping with him for years – before she met me, even.”
My jaw dropped. “You’re kidding!”
“No,” Peter said. He shook his head. “Trust me, Honey…I wish that I was. But she’s insane, and with any luck, she’ll be going away for a long time.”
I frowned. “I don’t know if I could testify,” I said softly.
“You have to,” Peter said. He shook his head. “It’s your word that will put her away and keep you safe. Don’t you want that?”
The tears that had been building up in my eyes were now threatening to flow over. I bit my lip, willing myself not to cry, but it was useless. Before I could stop myself, hot salt water began spilling down my cheeks.
“Honey!” Peter cried. He looked aghast. “What did I say?”
I buried my face in my hands. “I’m just so tired,” I said. “Of everything. Of worrying about my father, of worrying about the baby, of this! It’s all too much, Peter. I don’t know how I’m going to do it anymore.”
Peter took my hands away from my eyes. He looked deeply into my eyes until my cheeks burned red. The moment felt surprisingly intimate – even though we were sitting in a grimy Brooklyn diner, I felt like Peter and I were the last people on Earth.
“I know you’re tired,” Peter said in a soothing voice. “But you just have to keep going for a little bit longer, okay?” He gave me an encouraging smile. “Come on, let’s get our stuff to go. I’m taking you home.”
As hungry as I was, I didn’t fight Peter on the idea. I was so tired that my lids were falling like iron doors over my eyes, and Peter practically had to carry me outside. He flagged down a cab, and we both crawled in the backseat, too exhausted for words.
Thankfully, Beth wasn’t home when we got back to my place. P
eter plated the omelets and brought a bottle of ketchup from the fridge over to the living room table. I flopped down on the couch and kicked off my shoes, yawning so widely that my jaw cracked.
“Here,” Peter said. He handed me the plate and smirked.
“What is it?”
Peter glanced around before sitting next to me on the couch. “Nothing,” he said. “I just thought you might want to get used to the way this place looks.”
“Why?” I frowned. “What’s going on?”
Peter cleared his throat and set his plated omelet down on the table. “Honey, I love you. I want you to move in with me.”
“Oh, Peter,” I said softly. “Do you mean it?”
Peter nodded. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you before now.” He sighed. “Maybe it took nearly losing you to realize how much I love you, but I do love you, Honey. I love you deeply. I want you to be my wife – for real, not just because of the contract.”
By now, I was crying so hard that I could barely see. I couldn’t believe it – Peter had fallen in love with me, and my dream had come true.
“Honey? Are you okay?” Peter asked tenderly before scooping me into his arms and holding me tightly. “What’s the matter?”
“Nothing,” I said. I buried my face in Peter’s neck and wrapped my arms around his shoulders, pulling him close. “Nothing’s wrong, Peter. I’m just so happy, that’s all. I love you so much.”
Peter gently brushed the tears away from my face before pressing his lips to mine and kissing me deeply. He tasted like home.
“So,” Peter said, pulling away. “Will you move in with me, Honey?”
All I could do was nod. I was crying again – I couldn’t help myself.
“Yes,” I said in a choked voice. “Of course, Peter. I love you. I want to be with you.”
Peter grinned. “Good,” he said. “Because I can’t stand the thought of life without you.” He put his hand on my lower belly. “And besides, I have another very important question to ask you.”
“Oh?” I raised an eyebrow, wiping my eyes with both hands. “What is it?”
Peter smirked. “Where do you want to go for our honeymoon?”
I took Peter’s shoulders in both hands and leaned in close, pressing my lips to his in a deep, passionate kiss. As Peter’s tongue slipped into my mouth, I moaned softly. Peter put his hands on my waist and pulled me into his lap. Our bodies pushed together in a frenzied tangle of passion, and I wrapped my legs around Peter’s waist, hiking my skirt up nearly to my thighs. When Peter put a hand on my bare leg, I shuddered with desire and arousal.
“I want you,” Peter murmured in my ear. He nibbled the soft flesh of my earlobe and kissed my neck until I was shivering and moaning with my own desire.
“So, take me,” I whispered back, pressing my forehead against Peter’s and kissing him deeply. I sucked on his lower lip, running my tongue along the soft surface of his mouth. Peter groaned into my mouth. He put his hands back at the lean curve of my waist and pulled me close until my body was pressed firmly against his.
Just as my fingers were fumbling with the buttons of Peter’s shirt, I heard the front door open. Gasping in surprise, I leapt away from Peter, landing on the couch with my legs splayed in the air.
Beth stood there, looking both relieved and somewhat embarrassed.
“I’m so sorry,” Beth said quickly. “Honey! I’m glad to see you!”
I flushed and smoothed my hands over my skirt, pulling it down to my knees where it belonged.
“Don’t worry about it,” I said, smiling weakly. Taking my plated omelet, I held it out to Beth. “Want some breakfast?”
Beth shook her head.
Peter got to his feet and wiped his hands on his thighs. When Beth wasn’t looking, he winked at me.
“Ladies, I should be going,” Peter said. “I have to talk to my father.”
“Oh, let me come,” I said, getting to my feet.
Peter narrowed his eyes. “Haven’t you had enough excitement for the time being?”
I bit my lip. “I’d…well, I’d like to meet him,” I said.
“Yeah,” Peter said drily. “Before he goes to jail, I assume.”
Beth’s jaw dropped, and she eyed me. I could tell by the expression on her face that she was dying to know what was going on, but unfortunately for Beth, she was going to have to wait.
I took a quick shower, changed into another dress, and pinned my hair back in a loose bun at the nape of my neck. After scarfing down the rest of my omelet, I joined Peter in the living room. He and Beth were talking, and when I joined them, she turned to me and grinned.
“Peter told me the good news,” she said softly. “I’m so happy for you, Honey.”
I pulled Beth into a tight hug. “Thank you,” I said. “I’m just sorry you have to find a new roommate. Want me to help?”
Peter chuckled, and Beth gave me a guilty smile. “No,” she said. “Peter offered to pay the rest of the year’s rent. He said he felt too bad about stealing you.”
I felt my heart melt inside my chest. How had I managed to find such a perfect man?
Reaching up on the tips of my toes, I kissed Peter’s cheek. “I love you,” I whispered in his ear.
Peter grinned. “I love you, too,” he said. “Now, come on. I have a feeling the old man won’t be in public for too much longer.”
Peter and I didn’t talk much in the cab. He told me to make moving arrangements, but when I thought about it, I realized that most of the things I owned weren’t even worth moving. As the cab driver crossed the bridge into Manhattan, I felt a nervous lump growing in my stomach.
“What if your father hates me,” I said in a quiet voice. “What if he tells you the deal is off?”
Peter scoffed. “Trust me,” he said drily. “He won’t.”
As I followed Peter into Spyros Magnate, I couldn’t help but smile. This is all Peter’s, I thought, glancing around. And someday, our child will inherit the whole thing. I put a hand on my lower belly as if to reassure our unborn child that he or she wouldn’t ever have to worry about money.
Peter’s father’s office was on the penthouse floor. Peter led me inside, squeezing my hand affectionately.
I recognized Peter’s father immediately. Although he was in late middle-age, he was still handsome. He and Peter even had the same eyes. But when he saw me, he frowned.
“Peter,” he said. “You didn’t call. You know how busy I am.”
Peter chuckled mirthlessly. “Father, this is Honey,” he said. “My wife.”
Peter’s father narrowed his eyes at me. “Well,” he said. “I see you’ve chosen well.”
“Yes,” Peter said curtly. I could see a muscle twitching at the side of his jaw. “I have.”
Peter’s father turned to me. “So, dear,” he said, spreading his hands in the air and giving me a little ironic smile. “Welcome to the family.”
“Thank you,” I said quietly.
Peter stared at his father for a long moment before shaking his head. “You really don’t get it, do you?”
“What?” Peter’s father frowned. “What are you talking about?”
“We know everything,” Peter said, crossing his arms over his muscular chest. “There’s no use lying now.”
“What?” Peter’s father squinted and frowned. “What the hell are you talking about?”
Peter sighed. “I’m not stupid, father, despite years of you treating me like I am,” he said. “I know everything about Pamela. She told me over the phone. And I recorded it.”
Peter’s father went white in the face. He pressed his lips together and swallowed firmly, clearing his throat. “I wouldn’t jump to conclusions, son,” he said slowly. “You don’t know anything.”
Peter burst out laughing. I glanced at him with concern – I could tell he was getting very upset.
“Bullshit,” Peter sneered. “You and Pamela were working against me from the beginning, and I know you’ve been sleeping w
ith her for years.” He shook his head and sniffed. “And you had the nerve to criticize me for breaking up with her! I can’t believe you! You would’ve lied to me forever!”
Peter’s father didn’t reply.
“And you treated me like a fool,” Peter added hotly, narrowing his eyes in disgust.
Peter’s father got to his feet, his eyes blazing with anger. “That’s right,” he said viciously. “Because you are a fool. And you aren’t getting your hands on this company, no matter what!”