Pyxis: Book Three of The Stardust Series

by Autumn Reed

  “Well, you haven’t mentioned your dad in a while, and I wanted to make sure you’re okay.”

  I relaxed, relieved for a relatively easy question to answer. “I miss him, of course, but I just want him to be safe.”

  “I’m happy to listen anytime you want to talk. And you know I’d do anything for you, any of us would.”

  “Thanks, Liam. I know. For now, I’m trying to be patient and hope it will all work out. Out of curiosity, what made you think to ask about him now?”

  “With meeting Jessica and the new DuBois development, it made me realize that we never talk about your dad or your life before the fire. I forget how sheltered you were, and how isolated your life must have been, because you’ve adapted remarkably well.”

  “I’m not so sure about that, but you guys have helped make the transition easier.”

  “I won’t speak for the others, but I certainly understand what it’s like to be forced to leave a life you know and to have your entire world thrown upside down.”

  “I know,” I said softly, “and I wish you didn’t. I only moved within the state, not across an ocean. I can’t even imagine.”

  “It was a dark time in my life. Jackson and Uncle tried to help me through it, but I had a lot of anger. I often wonder how, or why, they put up with me, especially considering we were strangers when I arrived.”

  “Why were you sent to live with Patrick instead of family?”

  “My father was an only child and his parents passed away before I was born, and the remaining members of my mum’s family were elderly. My father saw Patrick as the closest thing he had to a brother, and my parents decided to name Patrick as our legal guardian should something happen to them.”

  “Our?” I asked, wondering if Liam had a sibling I never knew of.

  Liam twirled his signet ring, and I could tell he was struggling. “A little sister named Olivia. She was murdered along with my parents.”

  I gasped softly, covering my mouth with my hand. “I’m so sorry, Liam.”

  Liam stared straight ahead and his eyes glazed as if he was reliving the memory. “One day, I came home from school to find police swarming our home. They refused my access to the house and brought me tea on the patio; a detective explained that my mother, father, and sister had all been murdered. They asked questions but explained that it looked like a robbery gone awry. Olivia was an innocent seven-year-old. I still wonder how he could take away her life,” Liam said, anger and sadness tingeing every word.

  I rubbed my hand in slow circles on his back, wishing that I could comfort him in some way. Coming home and finding his entire family wiped out in the blink of an eye was unthinkable. I remained quiet a moment longer, trying to let him collect himself.

  “So they caught the man responsible?”

  “Yes, the bastard is in jail and will be for a long time.”

  I stood behind Liam’s barstool and wrapped my arms around him, suddenly feeling the need to reassure not just him but myself as well.

  “Thank you,” he whispered, folding his hand around my forearm as I continued to hold him, my cheek against his back. I knew that all the guys had tragedy in their pasts, but knowing that Liam’s family was also murdered made me feel closer to him.

  I released him and sat on my barstool once more. “Does knowing he’s in jail make the pain any better?”

  “Not really,” he said morosely. “But at least I know he won’t hurt anyone else, and I feel like there’s some justice, even if it falls infinitely short.”

  “I would love to see DuBois behind bars. But you’re right, it wouldn’t ever make up for murdering my mom, my dad’s partner, and the countless other victims I’m sure he’s racked up over the years.”

  After clearing the dishes, Liam seemed more contemplative than normal, and I wondered if he was fixating on our earlier conversation. “What would you like to do next?” he asked. “Personally, I suggest we go for a dip in the pool.”

  “A swim sounds nice. Think we’ll be all alone?” I said playfully, hoping to cheer him up.

  “If I say yes, are swimsuits optional?” he asked, finally perking up after our serious conversation.

  I slapped him on the bicep. “Liam Carlyle, you are an incorrigible knave.”

  “An incorrigible knave?” he repeated with a laugh. “Been brushing up on your Shakespearean insults, my fair maiden?”

  “Don’t make me call you something worse,” I threatened.

  “World’s sexist man? Handsome devil? Sex god?” he rattled off to my stone-faced silence. “I’m sure you’ll come around,” he said with cocky assurance. “I’ll grab a couple towels and meet you out here in five.”

  Still wearing my swimsuit from our earlier sailing excursion, I made a quick stop to the bathroom. I pinned my braid up into a high bun and dabbed lip gloss on my lips. Glancing at my reflection once more, I rolled my eyes at myself. Haley, what are you doing? You’re going swimming for crying out loud.

  The city lights and sounds filtered up to us on the empty rooftop, and I removed my clothing before slipping into the pool. The water was cool but pleasant, and the lights within the pool illuminated the area. Liam joined me moments later after switching on some music and setting our towels on the lounge chair with my clothes.

  My head and shoulders were the only things above water, and I paddled around with my hands to warm up. While Liam’s back was turned to me, I watched him strip off his polo shirt, staring at his muscles as they moved with the light effort. He strode toward the pool and descended the steps before dipping underwater briefly only to resurface and smooth his dark hair back. As he approached, I grinned, delighted by his usual boyish charm, which seemed enhanced by the more prominent freckles dappling the bridge of his nose and cheeks after a day in the sun.

  “What?” Liam asked, coming to stand in front of me.

  I leaned back, resting against the pool wall and cushioning myself with my hands. “Nothing.” I shook my head, still grinning.

  “Mhmm,” he said skeptically.

  “It’s just, every time I think I’ve seen all sides of you or have you figured out, you surprise me.”

  “Do tell.”

  “May I be completely honest?”

  “If you must,” he responded with a cheeky grin.

  “You used to make me really uncomfortable, and the thought of staying at your place probably would have made me break out in hives.”

  Liam choked out a laugh. “Gee, thanks, gorgeous.”

  I held up a hand. “But, I’ve enjoyed staying with you and have felt amazingly relaxed. You haven’t even commented on my swimsuit, which is a significant improvement.” I paused before saying more sincerely, “I mean it. Thank you for a lovely stay.”

  “I’m glad to hear it. You know you’re welcome anytime, for as long as you like. And as to the swimsuit, I didn’t get a chance to admire it since you were already in the pool by the time I walked over.”

  “Trust me, you’re going to hate it—it’s not a bikini,” I joked, knowing that the navy-and-white striped one piece was far too modest for his taste despite the scoop neckline and low back that revealed a large expanse of skin.

  “Well, at least let me be the judge of that.” He smirked. “Now come here,” he said, reaching out with his arm to grab my wrist.

  He pulled me closer, the water swirling about my body and my stomach churning in anticipation. I was teasing about the bikini, since it was a running joke between us, but now I was feeling self-conscious about Liam openly assessing my figure. Perhaps sensing my hesitation, Liam didn’t give me a chance to escape and placed one hand on my lower back to hold me in place. My hands automatically wrapped around him, resting at his waist.

  “Mmm, I like it already,” he said as he caressed my bare skin. He looked me in the eyes, forcing me to hold his gaze while he maintained eye contact. I expected him to break it and look down, but he didn’t, keeping his eyes locked on mine as one hand stayed at my lower back and the other t
raveled up toward my neck.

  Liam played with the lines of the spaghetti straps on my back and shoulders, delicately running the tips of his fingers over my increasingly sensitive skin. I knew I should move away, should put some distance between us, but even if I could have, I didn’t want to. He continued slowly moving his hands along my straps and back, and I could feel my heart pounding in response.

  Unable to resist any longer, I brushed my fingers along his sides and back, exploring his torso. He was lean and muscular, and I loved the way my fingers glided over his skin beneath the water. The relaxing atmosphere and his touch were causing my thoughts to go hazy, making me forget where I was and what I was doing.

  He leaned into me, and I closed my eyes without thinking, accepting that this moment was inevitable. Liam’s lips met mine, kissing me slowly, almost tentatively. When I responded, it felt natural, and our bodies gravitated toward each other, closing what little space was left and fusing our chests together. I draped my arms around his neck, and when he tilted his head, my lips parted and our tongues tangled.

  I sighed, and he deepened the kiss, groaning and kissing me with an intensity that left me breathless. I couldn’t get enough of him or get close enough to him, and my hands acted with a mind of their own, tracing his neck, his collarbone, his hairline. Sensing the same desire within him, his hands roaming along my exposed skin, I didn’t even hesitate to wrap my legs around his waist as he pushed me harder against the pool wall. I felt blissfully wanton, eagerly indulging in every brush of his body against mine.

  When we finally broke the kiss, I was breathing heavily and Liam was staring at me, his eyes hooded, as he reached a hand up to caress the side of my face. After such a scorching kiss, he placed a tender one on my, now quite swollen, lips. What? How? My mind struggled to make sense of what just happened, but I was in a daze.

  “Gorgeous,” he whispered after several long moments, “please say something.”

  “Wow,” I exhaled.

  “I know,” Liam said, leaning his forehead against mine and hugging me closer. How can he be so composed after that earth-shattering kiss?

  I nestled my cheek on his shoulder, trying to catch my breath and steady my thoughts. I could hear his heart pounding in rhythm with my own and felt comforted by the thought that maybe he wasn’t as calm as he appeared. Untangling my legs from his waist, I nearly submerged myself despite the relatively shallow depth; my legs felt wobbly even with the added buoyancy of the water.

  We exited the pool hand in hand, the chilly night air a shock after the warmth of the pool and the steamy kiss. Liam draped a big, fluffy towel around my shoulders, holding it open while he perused me from head to toe.

  “Bloody fantastic,” he muttered, pulling me toward him and kissing me passionately once more. It only lasted a couple of seconds but still made my toes curl.

  He dried himself off and then led me by the hand back to his condo. Both of us were silent as we walked into the penthouse, and by the time we reached the door to the guest room, I still hadn’t spoken and was anxiously awaiting Liam’s next move. I could tell he wanted to kiss me again. Hell, I want to kiss him again, I thought, then pushed the idea from my mind.

  “Sweet dreams, gorgeous,” he said, placing a chaste kiss on my cheek before disappearing down the hallway to his own bedroom.

  I closed the door and slumped to the floor against it. How could I let that happen?

  I groaned inwardly, chastising myself for making a complicated situation even worse. Not only did Chase kiss me, and want to date me openly, Liam had kissed me as well. And what a kiss it was. I couldn’t help but think of it again as heat flooded my body; I had been completely swept away by the moment. Did I really wrap my legs around his waist? And what about the, uh, incident with Liam and Jax on the boat? I covered my face in my hands.

  Jackson had warned me to be careful, as had Jess. I knew they were both right, but choosing one of the guys seemed damn near impossible, especially after tonight. And, undoubtedly, the longer I delayed, the more difficult it would become. I wanted to scream in frustration and curse what felt increasingly like an “all or nothing” situation. Since “all” was off the table, I realized with a sinking heart that I would likely be forced to choose none, and I hated that idea just as much or more.

  I swiped on my phone, hoping to distract myself, and was surprised to discover several new messages.

  Jackson: Penny misses you. She’s been moping around all day.

  The next message was a picture of Penny’s snout down with her head on her paws as she lay on the floor. Awww.

  Chase: Hope you’re having a good day!

  I cringed, thinking about how Chase had been texting me more lately with sweet messages. Ugh, I’m a terrible person.

  Fortunately, this was the last night I was staying at Liam’s, and tomorrow I would go home to the loft. I was already unsure about what to do with Chase and this new twist was only adding to my confusion. Jess is right. My life is more tumultuous than her favorite TV dramas.

  Cryptic

  “Almost ready?” Kara asked as she smoothed back a stray hair.

  “I hope so.” I tried not to grimace.

  “Come on,” she said, wrapping an arm around my shoulder as she ushered me out of the bathroom. “Everything looks great. And either way, tomorrow is Friday, and it will all be over soon.”

  With less than an hour until the doors of the training center were to open, Kara and I, along with a team of Zenith employees and recruits, had spent the better part of the morning setting up for the annual youth outreach event. Last night had been a late night of last-minute preparations and this morning an early start, and despite all our hard work, I was nervous. This was one of my first major assignments in my full-time position at Zenith. I wanted to prove to the guys, and more importantly, to myself, that I was a good fit for the position and that their faith in hiring me was justified.

  “Anything I can help with?” Theo asked, having found me rearranging some pamphlets while I double-checked every detail. I spied Knox across the room, drawn into conversation with a couple of the other regional directors. I was glad Knox and Theo were attending the event, and I knew their passion about the youth outreach program would be a great boon to recruitment.

  “Just be your usual charming self.” I smiled.

  Theo grinned. “Done. And you’ve done an amazing job. Seriously, Haley, in all the years I’ve attended the open house, it’s never looked like this.”

  “Thanks,” I exhaled. “I don’t know that I’ve ever been this ready for the weekend.”

  “Want to grab some dinner when we’re done here?”

  “Sounds great.”

  “Speaking of the weekend, did you figure out what dessert you’re making for Knox’s birthday?”

  I nodded. “Oh yeah, and I think he’s going to love it.” I scanned the room, noticing the new faces filling in. “By the way, where’s Ethan? I thought he was coming?”

  Theo shrugged but didn’t provide any information on Ethan’s whereabouts.

  “Do you think I should text him?”

  “I’m not sure it will do any good,” he muttered, his attention focused on the room.

  “Theo?” I prodded, and noticed a shadow cross over his expression.

  “I don’t know what’s going on with him,” he huffed.

  “What do you mean? You just spent all that time with him in Mexico,” I said, wondering what Ethan’s problem was this time. Ever since his outburst in San Francisco, I’d noticed that any time there was friction within the team, Ethan was usually in the middle of it.

  “Exactly. He had this . . . I don’t know, attitude. He seems distant, almost angry.”

  Hmm. I didn’t like the sounds of that, but considering he’d been just as standoffish with me as with the team lately, I couldn’t comment. Although there were moments when I saw the old Ethan—like when he walked me and Jess back to the hotel in Vegas—those were few and far between. Choosi
ng to assume he wasn’t purposely skipping the event, I sent him a text to ask if everything was okay. When he didn’t immediately respond, I put my cell away and got back to work.

  The event seemed to be well attended, and when I spoke with a couple of the regional directors, including Patrick, they seemed pleased with the turnout. Among the few clients represented was Gerald Douglas, looking polished in a crisp black suit. I knew he was invited, but with it being a daytime open house, a response to the invitation hadn’t been required, and I had secretly hoped he wouldn’t attend.

  Circulating the facility, I checked in at the various information centers to make sure everyone had what they needed. More than once, I had the eerie feeling that someone was watching me and could have sworn that I caught Douglas staring in my direction. Deciding I was probably being paranoid, I forgot all about it in the flurry of activity—answering questions, giving tours of the center, and signing up potential recruits.

  As I stood at the doors several hours later, thanking people for their attendance while they exited, I was relieved it was almost over. My feet were aching, and all I could think about was sitting down to a relaxing dinner. I shook a man’s hand and felt a piece of paper pressed between our palms. Surprised, I glanced at the paper briefly and then looked up to find that he had vanished into the group leaving the facility. That’s odd. Ready to discard it as junk, I thought better of it and slipped it in my pocket.

  When the open house was finally over, I found an empty corner and unfolded the small piece of paper.

  Let’s have a chat about your father. Japanese Friendship Garden, Kelley Park, this Sunday at 1:00 p.m. Tell no one. Come alone.

  I reread the note in disbelief. My immediate thought was that it was from Douglas, and I assumed he had passed it to me through someone else. I tried to recall the features of the man who handed me the note but was frustrated to realize I’d barely gotten a glimpse of him before he disappeared. How could Douglas possibly know that Stephen Jones, I mean Brian Taylor, is my father? Maybe it’s a mistake? I tried to reassure myself that was the case but quickly failed, panic setting in.