Deeper (The Deeper Chronicles #1)

by Allyn Lesley

  “Teens are a piece of work.” She chuckled.

  Jayson joined her in laughing. “Thank God we love our jobs, right?” He beeped his horn at a slow moving car. “Are you excited?”

  “Heck yeah. It’s Sofie’s birthday.”

  She recalled her friend gleefully dropping her invitation onto her desk. Sofie had a single warning to Avi: don’t come to her party stag. With zero prospects, Avi had invited Jayson.

  “I can’t believe her aunt and uncle are throwing such a fabulous party,” she said. What a way to celebrate Columbus Day weekend.

  Reaching for her left hand, Jayson threaded their fingers together. She didn’t want to appear ungrateful or rude, so she didn’t pull away from him. Jayson’s hand felt strange against hers. Uncertainty swam in her stomach, tightening her muscles.

  “I’m excited to be going with you.”

  Avi tried to tug her hand from his, but he was quick to keep their fingers locked in place.

  “What’s the matter?” he asked.

  “Nothing.”

  “You know I like you and wish we were going as something more, right?”

  Her hand went slack from the hold. “Jayson,” she pleaded, always uncomfortable when he chose to display his attraction to her when he knew she wasn’t going to return it.

  “We have so much in common. Both professionals in the same field.” He took a chance and glanced at her profile. “But I’m a patient man. You’ll come around.”

  Hope sparkled in his wide eyes.

  I’ll have a talk with him later...after this weekend.

  She treated him to a lopsided smile when additional words refused to leave her lips.

  “We’ve got an hour’s drive before we get to Rye. How ‘bout you finally tell me something about yourself?”

  Since that awkward date in the small restaurant, Jayson has fished for information about Avi’s background, but she’d found ways to turn the conversation back to him. He didn’t seem to have an issue speaking about himself.

  His face was full of expectation.

  Her lips parted and closed several times.

  “I’ll go first,” Jayson said.

  Avi breathed a sigh of relief.

  “My dad died when I was younger, so it’s always been my mother and me.” Avi’s upper body turned toward him. Encouraged, he went on. “Did you know I became a science teacher because of her?” His lips kept moving, but his words were drowned out as Avi became lost in thought about her own mother.

  “...your turn. Avi?”

  “Huh?”

  “What about your mom or anything? Beggars can’t be choosy.” The right side of his lips tilted upward while he faced the traffic ahead.

  She shrugged. “Not much to tell. I was born in Norland.”

  “Where’s that?”

  “About an hour from Miami.” Her lips curved upward, remembering her childhood. “She’s Jamaican, and the neighborhood had its fair share.”

  If the temperature dropped below sixty-five degrees, Avi remembered her mother griping about wanting to go back to her “country” even though she’d lived in the United States for more than thirty years. Those were the good days, when things were simple.

  “Is that so?” He stepped on the gas pedal, propelling the car forward and jerking her back to the present.

  Her phone vibrated.

  “Sorry, it might be...” Avi was happy for the diversion. She found her cell inside her bag. Her fingers moved with speed on the surface of her phone, tapping her text icon.

  The rest of the trip was spent with her exchanging messages with Sofie, glad she could get a moment away from Jayson.

  He whistled, and Avi’s head lifted from her phone.

  “Now this is how you should live,” he said.

  Avi’s mouth dropped open at the lush fauna and well-manicured lawn with its circular driveway.

  Sofie’s people are richer than King Solomon.

  Behind a tall wrought iron gate, a palatial home spread out on the grounds. On the right was a somber guard, whose outstretched hand resembled a weapon, or so it was in Avi’s mind. On their left was a much more imposing security guard. Neither approached the car right away.

  Inside the vehicle, Avi and Jayson looked from one guard to the next.

  “I’ve got this,” Jayson said with confidence.

  She had none.

  Both men cut intimidating figures, but it was the moving camera perched above the security booth that triggered Avi’s unease.

  Jayson stopped and opened the window. She ducked down in her seat, but kept her eyes forward, trained on the place Sofie called her home away from home.

  “Identification,” the guard on the left requested.

  “I’m expected. I’m Jayson Wheeler,” he said, sitting up in his seat with a wide grin on his face. “You should know me.”

  Avi watched him with confusion. Why would anyone know him? He was her plus one.

  A large palm was thrust through the open window at Jayson. “Identification.”

  “Here,” Avi said, showing him her driver’s license and wondering about Jayson’s peculiar behavior.

  The man pushed his dark glasses down his nose, revealing deep blue eyes. “I know you, Ms. Linton,” he said then shifted his eyes to her companion. “It’s his information I need.”

  “Oh, for fuck’s sake.” Jayson put the car in park and fished his wallet out of his back pocket.

  When Jayson did what was requested, the security guard backed away, speaking low into his clipped earpiece. Jayson tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, trying to give off an air of nonchalance, but Avi could feel his anger seething. She pressed herself farther against the passenger door.

  “Ms. Linton, Ms. Walker is waiting on the front steps for you.” He smiled in her direction, which pulled a half-smile from Avi. Slapping Jayson’s license in his upturned palm, he whispered, “You’re to go straight to Mr. Holder. Someone will show you the way.”

  Huh? Maybe he was still talking in his earpiece, Avi thought.

  The guard tapped on the roof of the car, and like magic, the gate parted.

  “What the heck was that?” Avi whispered through tight lips, as if there were now listening devices inside the car.

  “Hell if I know. Don’t worry about it.” He drove down the long driveway. “There’s your friend.”

  Sure enough, Sofie stood outside on marble stairs, waving like a lunatic. Sofie wore the biggest smile and didn’t even wait for Jayson to put his car in park before she was mauling the door handle to get Avi out.

  “What took you so long?” Sofie dragged a slow-moving Avi from her seat.

  “Stop manhandling me,” Avi grumbled, needing a second to stretch her legs from sitting so long and to quell her jitters from being surrounded by so much wealth.

  “Come on, Grouchy,” Sofie said. “Marvin’ll bring your bags in.”

  “Whoa, what bags?” Jayson approached the duo as Marvin moved to the back of the car. “I made reservations at a motel for Avi and myself,” he said with open frustration.

  Folding her arms over her chest, Avi pinned him with an icy glare.

  Swallowing, he worked a wide grin onto his face. “Surprise.”

  Not wanting to air any dirty laundry in front of Sofie, Avi’s lips tightened as she tried to be diplomatic, but Sofie spoke first.

  “There’s no need for that. She’s staying here.”

  “No, I’m not.” Avi now faced her friend.

  “Please?” Sofie pulled on one of Avi’s hands until it was free. “I need your help picking out outfits, finalizing seating arrangements, picking up gifts...there’s still so much to do.” Sofie slapped her forehead. “Come on. We only have three hours before the party starts.”

  The two had their hands clasped and heads tilted close together, deep in conversation.

  “Avi,” Jayson called out. “Um. A minute, please.”

  As she walked back to him, Avi heard Sofie giving instructions
to the staff. Avi did her best to hide her annoyance. Maybe the end of the weekend was too far off to remind him of their platonic friendship.

  “Were you going to leave me behind?” he whined.

  Avi wasn’t the type to draw attention to herself, especially in public, so she resisted her natural urge to pull away from his uncomfortable half-embrace.

  His eyes pleaded with her for another chance.

  She swallowed her irritation, realizing now wasn’t the most opportune time to speak with Jayson.

  “I—”

  He cut her off. “I’m sorry. That was forward of me to make plans without your consent.”

  The sincerity in his eyes stilled her angry retort.

  “Okay.”

  She turned and followed Sofie without another word.

  Hours later, having helped Sofie with last minute details then preparing for the night, Avi and Jayson stood silently beside each other. As she was getting ready, he’d texted to meet up to clear the air. Avi just wanted to enjoy the night and forget everything that had happened in the driveway. Still, apologies tumbled from Jayson’s lips. His heartfelt sentiments made it easy for Avi to allow him to place his hand on her lower back and guide her toward the tent where Sofie’s celebration was well underway.

  Inside, a live band set the tone for the night—festive, energetic, and fast-paced. Above, lights peeped through the gauzy fabric stretched as far as Avi could see and gave the illusion of walking under a starry night. Avi’s heels clicked on dark cherry wood instead of sinking into the lawn as she followed her escort. This is really nice. So taken with Sofie’s party and its set up, she missed when Jayson was placed on the opposite side of their table. As she was about to inquire as to the reason for the unusual seating arrangement, especially because there was an empty seat beside her, the lights dimmed and the music faded out.

  A smooth, baritone voice intoned, “Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. Walker, the birthday girl’s uncle and aunt, thank you for coming out to—”

  The interior went black, except for two quick flashes of light. Something hard fell. The light came back on just as abruptly as it was cut. In the center of the room, the Master of Ceremonies lay on the floor with two bullet wounds in his chest.

  Women screamed, clutching their bosoms in fear. Their chatter rose and bounced off each other as the guests tried to figure out what was going on. Most of the guests’ attention was focused on the floor, while a few others sat with their heads bowed in quiet conversation, ignoring the events around them.

  The doors were pushed open with force, revealing an older man wearing a brown parka and a gold badge on his left lapel. He entered the room with a microphone in hand. Silence fell as he walked toward the dead man.

  “It’s just as I suspected.” He paused, surveying the room. “This man was murdered by someone in the room. No one in or out.”

  The doors slammed shut.

  What is going on? Avi’s eyes drifted around her table, hoping to see an answer on someone’s face. When she landed on Jayson, he was staring to Avi’s left with a scowl and had his arms folded over his chest. He resembled one of her students who became upset when a classmate played with a toy they considered their own.

  She turned her head, following Jayson’s line of sight. Swallowing her surprise and the giddiness bubbling in her stomach, she turned her body toward the newcomer.

  It’s him. Her heart beat loudly in her ears.

  Noah Adams. All casual-like, sitting beside her.

  When had he come to the table?

  He draped his hand around the back of her chair then unleashed a smirk upon her. The butterflies in Avi’s stomach took flight. She ducked her head to hide her delight at his presence, but in the next second, she frowned at herself and her childish reaction to the man she’d met once.

  Raising her eyes to meet his, she didn’t back away from his intense gaze. The place between her thighs warmed. Her eyes had a mind of their own. They refused to move from the inky amused eyes of the man who’d invaded her dreams for the past month with sweaty nights that tested her celibacy. Their fictitious sex felt so real, and a huge part of her wanted it to be. She feared that in a moment of weakness she might beg the man to relieve her misery and make her dreams a reality.

  Avi did her best to pretend she was unaffected.

  When his eyes dropped to the slender column of her neck, she wished he were wrapping his long fingers around it. She could feel the heat from his stare as they fell to the V-neck cut of her dress. That part of her, only awakened in his presence, desired to be a tease for him. Voices around her faded and she was in a place where it was only she and Noah. Avi felt light and free—it was surreal.

  She had to get a grip on herself. But her body refused to conform and her mind didn’t want to leave the haven they’d created—even if it was imaginary. A bolt of lust curled Avi’s lower belly and saturated her thong under Noah’s blatant interest.

  She squirmed in her seat. He blinked and she was released from his seductive hold.

  She was gorgeous, a hand at her throat and her chest rising and falling as if she was having trouble breathing. Her hair was straightened and parted in the center, the dark mass fell past her shoulders and made her luminescent skin glow. He wanted to run his fingers through her hair, see how she’d look wild, loose, and undone.

  One of her lips was caught between her teeth. He’d give anything to nibble on the corners while tugging her lip free. When she sunk down in her seat with a frown, Noah realized what was happening.

  She was hiding. From him? Noah threw back his head and barked out a laugh. He ignored the curious stares and the concerned glances nearest him, and he dismissed Poindexter. While the other man fumed across from him, Noah came to a decision.

  Fuck Wheeler. He can get her back after…later…maybe.

  He leaned in close to her, fingers gripping a part of her body he planned to see up close in an hour or so. “I want you.”

  Noah’s sensual words replayed in her head. It wasn’t until his hand left her thigh that the haze he induced lessened. The world around her filtered back into her subconscious, and it was then that Avi realized the room was embarking on a game.

  “...murder mystery,” someone said. “These are so fun.”

  Avi caught snatches of conversations around her, but she couldn’t focus on anyone. She grabbed her glass of water to help ease her dry throat while Noah chuckled beside her.

  “We’re looking for a couple to help us out,” Detective Smith announced. “You there.”

  “Me?” Jayson asked.

  The detective spoke into the microphone, “No, the gentleman across from you and his wife.”

  Noah’s image blurred, and in an instant, his hand was on the back of her chair, pulling Avi away from the table.

  “Um, no. What? He’s not—”

  They weren’t married. And she certainly didn’t like him, no matter how many times she had screamed his name in her dreams.

  “Avi, we’re being asked to play.” Innuendo dripped sweet and thick like honey into her ears.

  She gulped down her anxiety. “B-but—” she sputtered, half-rising.

  “Let’s thank this beautiful couple. Seems the missus is a bit on the shy side,” the detective guffawed into the microphone, earning a few hearty chuckles and handclaps.

  “You’re not going to let Sofie down, are you?” he said in her ear. “Unless you’re afraid to play...with me?” The challenge in his voice was clear, but Avi was sure Noah underestimated her.

  She stood upright. “You want to play?” She leaned in and spoke so only he could hear. “Let’s play.” She allowed him to lead them toward the group.

  “I play hard, Avi. Are you up to that?” he asked.

  The sound of his voice caressed her. It made her want to be carefree and join him in the banter. Instead, she walked with him, her head held high and her back stiff, to the center where the group waited for them. Once there, Noah and Avi were given
their roles in the game—a newlywed couple—and were told to improvise but stick to their characterizations. Eventually, Avi loosened up and mingled with the crowd, although Noah was never more than an arm’s length away.

  “It was the husband,” a voice yelled out. “He killed the man, because his wife was two-timing him.” A man with a blond crew-cut stood, pointing at Noah, who lost all outward signs of lightheartedness and now looked as if he’d swallowed something distasteful.

  Noah grabbed the microphone from the detective and yanked Avi to his side. “Fuck you.” He gave the device back and whispered in Avi’s ear, “You cheat on me and I’ll kill you and the man who dared touch what’s mine.”

  Avi searched his face for the smile that should’ve accompanied his bad joke. Her spine tingled at its absence. “Well, thank God this is just a game then.”

  His once cold eyes warmed as he tucked loose strands of hair behind her ear. With a feather-like touch, he cupped her cheek. “You think I’m playing.”

  He turned back to the game without another word.

  At the end of the game, Noah revealed the man who had heckled him was Sofie’s uncle and insisted they should meet. Despite her refusals, his large, commanding hand on her lower back guided her from the center of the room to a table off to the side. As they neared, Avi stopped.

  Noah stepped in front of her and tipped her chin up. He stared at her until Avi began to fidget. “Relax. My friends won’t bite.”

  She bit her inner cheek, a childhood habit she used to hide her nervousness. “I am relaxed.”

  At her side again, he pressed his hand into the curve of her spine, and the heat instantly burned through the layers she wore.

  “You’re a bad liar, Avi. Leave that to the professionals.”

  Before she could respond, Avi was enveloped by a soft form and pulled forward.

  “I’m Bethany, Sofie’s aunt, but please call me Beth. She’s told us so much about you,” she gushed.

  Beth’s smile was friendly and inviting. She could easily pass for a twenty-something, rather than someone nearing forty years old, as Sofie had told her. The man beside Beth came forward with an outstretched hand.