He longed to see what Sam did to the bedroom, but that area of the home was not part of tonight’s plan. He was still too angry, and a close encounter with Sam would result in pain rather than pleasure.
Winding his way through the guests, he let the hint of a smile curve his lips upward at several women, each giving him an eye-fuck as he passed by. He enjoyed the way their pupils dilated; how their hands fluttered to throats, the flush of blood filling their cheeks.
However, tonight was about something else, not enjoying the pleasures of whores eager to wrap their legs around his waist.
There was only one woman he craved, and she was only one room away.
Stopping at the edge of the foyer doorframe, he leaned against the smooth, freshly painted wood. The sounds, sights, and smells of the room disappeared as he took in every inch of tonight’s prey. The black dress was the perfect length, skimming right below her knees. The sinewy muscles of her calves flexed as she maintained her balance on sleek, sexy heels—the ones he bought her three years prior, which surprised and angered him. Though she was frugal with money, he envisioned her destroying all ties to their relationship, as he did during a moment of weakness. A surge of rage made his fingers curl into a fist. How could she keep such a frivolous, material item after disposing of what they created together, not once but twice?
Though he didn’t like the fact she cut her hair or lost weight, things he never allowed her to do when under his control, the changes did compliment her strong jawline and lovely neck. Her cheeks were slightly flushed; makeup impeccable. She exuded the perfect balance of grace, charm, and strength. No hint of remorse or regret for what she stole from him. The money didn’t matter—he had plenty and the means to acquire more. No, what Samantha Marie took would never, ever be returned to him. A part of him hated—despised—abhorred her for that, which is why he lost control the night he found out. Unable to contain his rage had cost him dearly because Sam used it against him, holding it over his head as leverage.
For the first six months after she exited his life, the feelings almost drove him to the brink of insanity. The intense emotions waned as he embraced the rage, using it as fuel to concoct a perfect plan of revenge to break her spirit and bring Sam back under the protection of his insulated wings.
Uncurling his fingers, he took a long, cleansing breath. She was chatting with her obnoxious best friend, Resa, whom he despised. Charmaine and Suzanne were sneaky social climbers, interested only in the zeros of their bank accounts, but Resa didn’t care about such things. He knew the chunky blonde wench was the driving force behind Sam’s decision to leave him.
He had plans to make her pay for the intrusion into his world, too.
Sam turned her head, staring at her slutty sister and bland, boring brother-in-law. He followed her gaze. As usual, Suzanne looked stunning. Watching the sexual interaction between the pair made him feel a bit off balance. It was difficult seeing a replicated version of his property with another man. He knew it was a silly, childish thought, yet at times, was unable to control his anger.
Unwilling to think about the past, he returned his gaze back to Sam. She looked happy and content with her new life.
And that wouldn’t do at all.
“Isn’t the place breathtaking?”
Cutting his gaze to the right, he contained the urge to slap the brash woman standing only feet away. The aroma of her perfume was sickeningly sweet. Big, brown doe-eyes stared up at him as she parted thin lips, attempting to look seductive. Considering she looked like a troll, it didn’t work.
“Yes, but it doesn’t compare to the living, breathing scenery.”
He laughed as the woman trembled with desire. Noticing her drink was empty, he smiled. “May I get you another glass of wine?”
“What a nice gesture. How nice to meet a chivalrous man. I don’t believe I recognize you. I’m Marian McMullan, County Clerk of Garland County. And you are?”
Taking the glass from her trembling hands, Richard smiled. “The man with your fingernails clawing down my back in about an hour.”
Blood filled Marian’s cheeks. Furrowing her brow, she gasped, snatching the glass back. “Well, I never.”
“You’re correct, Ms. McMullan. You never will.”
Marian stomped away, disappearing down the hallway. Richard guessed she was heading to find one of her crony friends and tattle on him as though still in school.
He didn’t care. It was time to say hello to Samantha.
He waited long enough.
Resa’s confused gaze bounced between Sam and the man standing inches behind her. Even with heels on, he towered over her bestie. She knew he was 6’4”. The jet-black hair and sharp features were handsome yet off-putting. The way he stared at Sam made Resa cringe on the inside. Her heartrate spiked. “Uh, Sam?”
“Sorry. I got caught up ogling the love birds. It’s so nice to see them both so relaxed. I don’t want to ask Reed to get the ice. I’ll do it.”
“You outdid yourself, Ms. Chapman. I’m impressed. I see the floral arrangement arrived in time. I’m sorry the vendor misunderstood my request for a celebratory bouquet and sent a design better suited for a funeral home.”
Chill bumps rippled up Sam’s back. For a second, she felt dizzy. The familiar aroma of leather and sandalwood followed the statement, making her stomach roll. Squaring her shoulders, she addressed Resa. “I’ll be right back with the ice.”
Resa knew he had a mean streak a mile wide. Though he hid it well, his eyes reflected the monster lurking inside. Stifling a gasp, she cut her gaze over to Sam, unsure what to do.
Setting the glass onto the counter, Sam ignored Resa’s burning stare. Making her way through the crowd, she headed out to the back patio, forcing her steps to be sure, confident, and pulling herself together before speaking. It took all her strength to keep her facial muscles to continue to produce a fake smile as she nodded at guests. Upon entering the conference room, she noticed her mother’s gaze shifted their direction, a hint of a smile gracing her lips, followed by the slightest head nod.
None of it was directed at Sam. The realization made her fume on the inside.
Once on the deck, she walked out to the edge where the wood met the blacktop, praying her heels wouldn’t catch in the slats and send her sprawling. She knew it was a dangerous choice to be alone with the man she hated and feared, yet she knew their interaction would be ugly. She didn’t want to ruin a wonderful night by setting tongues wagging while the battle between them raged.
Controlling the tone and volume of her voice, Sam refused to face him, worried he would see the terror behind her eyes, even in the dark. “I should have known the flowers were from you. What are you doing here, Richard?”
Moving closer until only inches from the back of her exquisite neck, Richard bent down and exhaled long and deep, letting his warm breath caress the exposed nape. She changed perfume—something fresh with a touch of citrus.
He didn’t care for the scent even though it melded well with the hint of musky fear. “Flowers seemed too cold, too callous, for celebrating such a momentous life moment. Your achievement called for a face-to-face visit and I thought it rude to turn down a personal invitation to a party when invited by a family member. Plus, I wanted to see how you spent my money. From what I see so far, it was wisely. I’ll save my final opinion until I get a peek upstairs. How about a private tour of your boudoir? I’ll try to behave, but can’t promise to be a good boy. The urge to feel you quiver underneath me is tough to fight.”
Sam knew her instincts were correct: Mom invited him, though she couldn’t fathom why. A shockwave of fury made her body tremble. It was foolish to think the strained relationship would ever heal. “You’re breaching the terms of our agreement. Leave, or I’ll...”
“You’ll what, Sam? Please don’t say call local law enforcement. So clichéd.”
Excited Sam responded as he hoped, Richard grinned. When angry, Samantha was stunning. With calm precision, he let th
e tips of his fingers float across the goosebumps jutting from her soft skin.
Rather than cause pleasure as his seductive gestures once did, the feel of Richard’s touch sent waves of anger burning throughout Sam’s body. Without thinking of the spectacle about to happen if any of the guests were in the parking lot, she attacked. Using all her strength, she raised her leg, bringing her foot down with all she had, hoping the spiked heel would impale the bastard’s toes to the deck.
Aware Sam would attempt such a foolish, impulsive act, Richard shifted positions. The stiletto grazed the side of his loafer. Grabbing her right arm, he yanked it behind her back while encircling his other arm around her neck. Jerking back, he pulled her body tight against his own, lifting her light frame off the ground.
The feel of her under his control again made his heart pound. “Oh, how I missed your fiery spirit and passion, Samantha. Have you shared it with some unworthy, lesser man?”
“Let go of me or I swear you’ll regret…”
“Let go of you?” Richard’s chuckle was low and throaty. He was aroused. Tightening his grip, he buried his lips into his lover’s neck, fighting the overwhelming urge to take what was rightfully his while enjoying the brisk air and twinkling stars, like two animals in the forest. He satiated the hunger by running his tongue across her moist flesh. “What an amusing choice of words. Once an alpha chooses a mate, the bond is permanent. Nothing you do, no distance you travel, will ever change the fact our paths are forever fused together.”
“I’m not your fucking mate!” Sam wanted to yell but the crushing weight on her windpipe made the statement impossible. Though the idea abhorrent, she had only one option to extricate herself from the situation. She stopped struggling and went limp.
“Ah, yes, such a good girl. You know better than to fight me.” Richard loosened the grip around her neck while stroking her cheek. “I always win, well, except for our little disagreement. I believe it is time to talk about changing the terms of our...”
“Wrong. Let the lady go. Right the fuck now.”
Distracted for a split second by the sound of another man’s voice in the dark, Richard’s attention shifted.
Seizing the opportunity, Sam slammed her elbow into the soft flesh below Richard’s ribcage. He let out a loud oomph. The pressure around her neck lessened enough to wiggle out of his grip.
Before Sam had a chance to knee Richard in the nuts, an arm pushed her backward. Blinking twice, she couldn’t believe Kip stood between her and Richard, holding a long object in his right hand.
“I’ll give you five seconds to leave before bashing your freakin’ skull in.”
Richard’s lips twitched.
Sam knew the look. It was the same one he had the night he split her head open. It meant he was about to explode. Kip was younger and close to Richard’s height, but it wouldn’t matter. Richard was like a charging bull when angry.
“You’re stepping into territory you don’t belong. I’m very protective over…”
“Wrong answer, asshole.” Kip raised the hammer, taking the stance of a baseball player. “You don’t belong here. Down to three…two…”
Taking a deep breath, Richard stepped back, adjusting his tie. Now was not the time to lose control. Too many witnesses were around. “Good to see you again, Samantha. As usual, interactions with you are stimulating.”
Sam and Kip watched in silence as Richard stormed across the parking lot. In seconds, his Mercedes eased out onto Central Avenue. Both held their collective breaths until the red taillights disappeared.
“Holy shit! Are you okay?”
“Yes.” Sam rubbed her neck. “Sorry you had to see such a thing, though I’m glad you intervened when you did. I was close to passing out.”
“Don’t apologize for his acts of violence! I’m sorry I didn’t arrive sooner. Who was that prick?”
Forcing her legs to stop trembling, Sam sighed. “My former boss.”
Kip raised an eyebrow. “He didn’t take losing you as an employee well. What did you do, steal all his clients or something? I can’t imagine that was because you’re a phenomenal attorney.”
“I am, but our relationship was a bit more complicated than the normal employer, employee stuff. Richard has issues.”
Staring back to the road, Kip grimaced. “Clearly. Should we call the police? Make a report? He might come back if…”
“Oh, he’ll be back. Guaranteed. I’m sort of surprised he let almost thirteen months elapse since our last, uh, interaction. He’s too smooth to do something to get arrested for, and even if he did snap and crossed a legal line, he could talk his way out of it. He’s a damn good lawyer. He doesn’t lose often, and when he does, his ego retaliates.”
“Grade-A snake, huh?” Kip teased, hoping to make Sam smile.
“Yes. He ranks at the top of the pit viper chain.”
Noticing Sam shiver, Kip pointed to the door. “Let’s head back inside before you catch a cold.”
Sam shook her head. She needed to calm down before seeing her mother, fearing she might say something to damage the relationship for good. “Not until I get my game face back on. God, I wish I still smoked. Oh, wait! Resa has cigarettes. Would you mind going inside and asking her for one, and a glass of merlot? She’s tending bar.”
“No need. I got smokes and a little something to take the edge off right here.” Kip set the hammer against the wall. Pulling a pack of cigarettes and silver flask from the pocket, he yanked the jacket off, handing all to Sam. “Here. I won’t tell anyone you slipped. Please, put it on while out here. Can’t smoke if your teeth are chattering. Sip you some Kentucky bourbon. One nip to warm the belly and one nip to stop the shakes.”
Slipping the leather jacket on, Sam opened the flask, promptly throwing back three long gulps. “And one to erase the memory. Thank you, Kip. For everything. Let’s keep this little sideshow fiasco between the two of us, okay? My mother is freaked out enough I’m living on this side of town. Ha, she thinks danger only comes from drug addicts and the homeless.”
“My lips are sealed.”
“Appreciate it.”
“Have you considered getting some type of protection besides the security system? You know, an equalizer of sorts? I could add motion detectors outside if you like. You said it yourself he’ll probably be back.”
The burn of the bourbon made it all the way to Sam’s feet. “Are you insinuating I should buy a gun?”
“Yes, no, well, maybe. Something besides an annoying alarm people tend to ignore. If you aren’t comfortable with firearms, what about a guard dog or stun gun?”
“Rest assured I considered every precaution. There’s a loaded Glock on my nightstand, two in my office, and one in my Tahoe. I let my guard down tonight, foolishly allowing myself to be alone with him. Trust me, it won’t happen again.”
“Good choices, Sam. A woman living alone can’t be too careful these days.”
“Agreed. Speaking of being careful, I noticed a few light fixtures are missing in the foyer, office, and my bedroom and one out here. Would you mind stopping by in the next day or so to finish before the holiday?”
“I’m leaving tomorrow to head to Memphis to pick up my son for Thanksgiving. How about I come by Saturday? Will you be here?”
“Yes. By the time Friday rolls around, we’re all kind of sick of looking at each other so we go our separate ways. Are you cooking for your son or taking him to your parents?”
“Cooking? Uh, no. I don’t think Grayson would enjoy charred bird and lumpy potatoes. Kathy’s not much of a cook either, so going out to eat won’t seem strange to him.”
“You aren’t eating dinner with your parents?”
“No. They died in a car accident seven months ago on Interstate 30, not long after I moved back. I’m living in their old place on James Drive.”
Sam’s face flushed from embarrassment. She forgot Reed mentioned Kip and Kathy tied the knot right after graduation, and like most high school romances, the u
nion didn’t last, hence the reason he moved back home from Memphis. “I’m sorry, Kip. I didn’t know they passed on. I can’t fathom how painful it must be to lose both parents at the same time.”
“Tough for sure.”
Sam decided to change the subject. “Will Grayson still be here on Saturday, or are you taking him back home Friday?”
“No, he’ll be here until Sunday. Why?”
“You should bring him by and show off a little. Let him see what his daddy does for a living. I remember the days I used to tag along with Big Sam. Those kinds of memories will stick with your son the rest of his life.”
Silence fell between them as they each puffed away, blowing plumes of warm steam into the frigid night air. The rush of nicotine was familiar yet repulsive, making Sam feel a bit dizzy and euphoric at the same time.
Stubbing out the butt, she handed Kip the jacket before pointing at his nose. “I don’t think I apologized. Allow me to say I’m sorry?”
“No need.” Kip shook his head, grinning wide. “I had it coming. What we did to Suzy, and others, was wrong. But all water under an old bridge, right?”
“Right.”
“Come on, your guests are going to start wondering where you went.”
Pausing at the door, Sam laughed. “The only thing my guests are worried about is running out of booze and if there are enough taxis out tonight to take their drunk asses home.”
“Let me go put my hammer back in the truck. I’ll see you inside so you can show me which spots I need to fix.”
Nodding, Sam disappeared inside. Kip retrieved the hammer while fishing his keys from the pocket of his jeans. He parked in the last spot of the vast lot, so he picked up his pace as the biting air made his cheeks sting.
Keeping his head low, a hint of a smile touched his lips. It was sheer luck he pulled into the parking lot late. Only minutes before arriving at Sam’s, he was pissed for wasting time chasing the strange man he noticed skulking around his truck from the bedroom window.
Fatal Agreements Page 5