Текст книги "Dirty Little Secrets"

Автор книги: Erin Ashley Tanner

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Текущая страница: 6 (всего у книги 13 страниц)

Chapter Fourteen

Ava backed away. The air rushed from her lungs. No. No. This can’t be happening. Dominic? Dominic! She swallowed and then she slapped him as hard as she could. He didn’t even flinch but her hand stung as she pulled it back.

“Get out. Get out now.” Trying to regain her composure, Ava turned the shower off and then she moved to exit. Dominic didn’t flinch.

“Get out of my way.”

“I don’t think I’m going to do that,” he said. His green eyes mocked her.

“You’d better or you just might find that appendage you’re so fond of broken in half.”

“You wouldn’t do that.”

“You don’t know what I’m capable of.”

“Actually I do. Now that I’ve spent some time with you. Don’t get me wrong, you roar like a lion, but if you get stroked the right way you’re nothing but a pussy cat.”

Ava’s hand came up to slap him again. He caught her hand easily.

“You got one. That’s all you get.”

She tried to jerk her hand away, but he held onto it tighter.

“What do you want with me? What was the point of all this?”

“You say that like I set all of this up.”

“Well, didn’t you?”

“Not exactly.”

“You either did or you didn’t.”

“Fine. I didn’t.”

“Then what are you doing here? Oh wait, you’re a professional escort. That would explain all the pictures I saw of you with older women.”

Dominic lifted a brow. A small smile curved his lips. “So you’ve been checking up on me? I’m flattered.”

Ava sneered. “Don’t be. I make it a habit to know everything I can about my enemies.”

“So that’s what we are now? Enemies? I’m hurt, Ava. Really I am. Especially after everything we’ve shared.”

His hand came up to caress her face. Ava jerked away from him. “Don’t touch me ever again.”

“You don’t mean that. Not after last night, and then again this morning.”

“If you come near me again, I will make sure that my face is the last thing you see before you take your last breath.”

Before Ava could blink, a hand wrapped around her throat and she was pinned to the tile wall of the shower. Dominic leaned closer, his eyes glittering. A muscle twitched in his jaw. “Don’t you ever, ever threaten me.”

“If Joseph was really your father, then why did you make a point to screw his wife? Answer me that.”

His hold relaxed on her throat, but he didn’t let go. “Contrary to what you think, I am not a male escort. I do have a thing for older women and I may enjoy their company from time to time, but I don’t sell my body for sex. I have more respect for myself than that.”

Ava swallowed against his hand. “You still haven’t answered my question. Why did you have sex with me? To get back at Joseph for being a horrible father to you?”

“No. The only reason I’m here is because I had a bad breakup with a woman I cared a great deal about and a friend suggested I come along as an escort for the company he works for. Having nothing else to do, I agreed. It wasn’t until you walked into the ballroom I even realized you would be here.”

Ava shook her head. “I don’t believe you.”

“Why am I not surprised? Are you this suspicious of everybody?”

“You show up at my house and threaten me. Now you’re here spying on me. What are you doing? Trying to get something to blackmail me with so I’ll give you a part of my daughter’s inheritance?”

“I never threatened you. I simply told you what I wanted. And again I had no idea you would be here. But even if I did, there’s nothing I can use against you in an estate dispute and besides, I’m not going to call undue attention to what I’m doing here either.”

Ava stared at him. In her mind, his words made sense, but in her gut, she still didn’t trust him. Dominic had an angle and she needed to find out what it was. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Rule one of life, Ava. His thumb caressed her neck. The hard look in his eyes softening.

“Why did you choose me?” Ava asked.

“Why not? You’re a breathtaking woman. Any red-blooded man would be attracted to you.”

“There has to be more to it.”

“Like what?” Dominic asked. His hand trailed down her neck towards her breasts. Ava tried to ignore the havoc his touch was wreaking on her body.

“To find my weakness. Something you could exploit.”

His hand cupped her right breast. She glared at him. His head cocked to the side as he rubbed her nipple. A small laugh escaped his throat.

“I already found your weakness.”

“I don’t have one.”

“Liar. Of course you do. We all do.”

Her nipple puckered in his hand. She cleared her throat ignoring the slow rising flame in her belly. She couldn’t afford to be distracted. Not now. “And what’s my weakness?”

“Sex.”

“Sex? I can assure you I’m fine without it one way or another.”

“Maybe. Maybe not. From the way you responded to me it was obvious it’s been a while since a man touched you. I also could tell that my old man wasn’t doing you right. Those old-school guys aren’t known for being very inventive in the bedroom.”

“I’m not discussing my sex life with you.”

Dominic shrugged. “You don’t have to. Your body already told me everything I needed to know. Besides I’m sure that from now on, when you think of a Martelli, it won’t be my old man who crosses your mind.”

“Fine. We slept together. Add that to the notch on your belt, but it doesn’t change anything. I don’t like you and if you persist in fighting me over Joseph’s estate you’re going to lose.”

“I think you like me a lot, Ava. In fact, I think if I were to get down on my knees and put my tongue between your thighs again you’d like me even more.”

“You…You…”

“Speechless. Nice to know I have that effect on you.”

Ava slapped his hand away from her breast. “This is over.” Pushing past him, she stepped out of the shower. She didn’t get far, before Dominic grabbed her by the arm spinning her around to face him. She stamped her foot in frustration. “Why won’t you just leave me alone? You got what you wanted.”

He shook his head slowly. “No. Not yet.”

“If you’re still waiting for some of Joseph’s estate, don’t hold your breath. My lawyer is going to wipe the floor with you.”

“That’s a possibility, but my birthright is not the only thing I want.”

“Your birthright? That’s rich. Come on, humor me. You can’t possibly think you’re going to get his territory. Angelo has that and I’m sure he’s not going to share with a nobody like you.”

She waited for him to lash out at her. To call her names and threaten to wreak havoc on her life. None of that came. Instead, still holding her arm, he maneuvered her over to the bathroom counter until her butt was against it.

“Call me crazy but regardless of how these legal proceedings turn out between us, it’s you that I want.”

Ava’s eyes stretched wide. Had she just heard him right? He wanted her? No. She wasn’t buying it. She stared up at him. “What kind of game are you playing?”

“I’m too old to play games. I’m just informing you of my intentions. I. Want. You.”

Ava shook her head. “But why? Do you think you’ll be better accepted into ‘the life,’ if you’re sleeping with Joseph’s widow?”

“This thing between you and I, has nothing to do with my old man.”

“This thing between you and I—” Ava almost choked on her words. “There’s nothing between us but sex. Was between us.”

He grinned at her. “It’s still there, lingering.”

Dominic released her arm. His hands raked through his hair as he paced around the confines of the bathroom. Despite the tenseness between them, Ava couldn’t help but admire his naked physique. The molded buttocks and muscled thighs. The well-defined abs. Not to mention the more than adequate appendage hanging between his legs. Head out of the gutter, Ava. That boy is almost a decade younger than you, not to mention he might actually be Joseph’s son. She shook away her thoughts, waiting for him to speak.

“You want the truth. The truth is that at first I thought you were just mean and frigid. I’ve been watching you ever since Joseph died, trying to decide the best way to approach you. Of course I found you extremely attractive, but you give off an ice-queen vibe.”

“And you don’t think I’m mean and frigid now? What changed?”

“The time we spent together. I saw a different side to you. Yeah, you’re mean and feisty, but you’re not frigid. You’re passionate about what matters to you and whether you and I agree or not, that doesn’t change anything. Not to mention the fact that with your looks, it wouldn’t take much for a man to fall for you.”

Ava folded her arms. “Anything else, Dr. Phil?”

“Yeah. Whether you want to admit it or not, you like me too.”

“Now I know you’re crazy.”

“Not crazy. Just honest,” Dominic said, coming to stand in front of her.

Ava sighed. This was absurd. Really it was. “And what are you proposing? That I just welcome you into my bed? That I give you everything you want and we live happily ever after? Sorry, I’m not made that way. I learned a long time ago that fairy tales don’t exist.”

Dominic caressed her cheek. His voice grew soft. “I can be your happy ever after.”

And then his lips were on hers. Taking. Consuming. Forcing her to admit the truth that her body had already decided. She wanted him. He gripped her face tight as he kissed her with ardent passion. Ava moaned against his mouth as his other hand slid between her legs. Rubbing. Caressing. She pressed herself into his hand. His tongue slipped into her mouth, mimicking what he was doing with his finger. Her breasts were crushed against his chest. Her hands gripped his shoulders pulling him closer to her. She whimpered when he stopped kissing her.

His eyes burned into hers and she was surprised when he picked her up and placed her on the counter. He wedged himself between her thighs. Her bottom lip trembled as he played with her breasts.

“I’m not going to force this, Ava. If you say stop, this goes no further, but I think you want it too.”

He leaned down and kissed her neck softly. Repeatedly. Her body was screaming, begging her to give in to his seduction. It wasn’t like she hadn’t already enjoyed the fruits he had to offer. Why not, Ava? She tried to ignore the voice in her head, but she couldn’t. Not with the way her body was humming.

“Tell me, Ava. Do you want this just as much as I do?” he whispered against her neck.

Her body tingled and she bit her tongue trying to hold back her response. Trying to deny her body what it wanted most. But every kiss across her neck weakened her resolve. “Yes.”

“Yes what?”

“I want you.”

Dominic kissed his way back along her jawline. “What do you want? Tell me how you want it.”

“I want you kissing me. Touching me. Rubbing me. Pleasing me.”

“Pleasing you how, Ava? Tell me. I want to hear you say it,” he whispered.

“I want…I want…”

“I’m waiting.”

“I want you to go down on me and don’t stop until I tell you to.”

Her hands flew to cover her mouth. She was sure her cheeks were red with embarrassment. Dominic’s laughter rumbled in her ear. She made a move to push him away, but he stopped her.

“Your wish is my command.”

She didn’t breathe as he pressed her back against the mirror behind the counter and dropped to his knees. He grabbed her thighs and opened them wider. The first lick of his tongue made her nerves dance. Bracing herself on the counter, she closed her eyes and gave herself over to the pleasure he made her feel. He lapped at her, licking and sucking like she was a juicy sweet mango. His grip on her thighs was tight. And already hovering closer was the promise of an orgasm.

“More. More.”

He complied by sucking her harder. Her pleasure increased and before she knew it she was grabbing his hair holding on to him.

Her entire world burst to life between her legs and the force of the orgasm left her trembling.

“Everybody freeze. Right now.”

Ava opened her eyes. Two uniformed men were standing in the entrance of the bathroom with guns pointed at her and Dominic.

Chapter Fifteen

Ava couldn’t move even if she wanted to. Her eyes were locked on the men holding guns on her and Dominic. Her lover rose from between her legs. Without looking at her, Dominic pulled her from the counter to stand behind him. She could see the muscles in his back flexing. His jaw was suddenly tense.

“I don’t know what you two are doing here, with guns pointed at two people in the midst of making love, but I suggest both of you get out,” Dominic said.

His tone was hard. Cold like ice. A shudder ran through her.

“I suggest the both of you get dressed now. This ship is now under the control of the U.S. Coast Guard.”

“I didn’t realize the Coast Guard was teaching their recruits to burst in, guns blazing at a nude woman in her bathroom.”

“I’ve had just about enough of your tone,” the tall blond man holding a gun said.

“My tone should be the least of your concerns,” Dominic said.

The blond Coast Guard official made a move towards Dominic and Ava touched his back.

“Dominic, please. Until we know what’s going on, let’s just do what they say. I have a daughter I’d like to make it back home to.”

He turned to look at her. She could still see the ice in his gaze. Finally he nodded at her. With as much dignity as she could muster, Ava dressed in front of the officials. Her cheeks burned at the indignity she was being forced to suffer.

When she found out who was responsible for this, heads were going to roll. She was going to make sure of that.

When she was properly attired, her gaze turned back to Dominic. He was lazily buttoning the last button on his shirt. His eyes waged a silent war with the blond who’d been so contentious. Ava watched the redheaded Coast Guard. He made a motion for them to exit the bathroom.

Ava took a step forward, but Dominic grabbed her, pushing her behind him. A protest rose in her mouth until it dawned on her that he was simply trying to protect her if there was any danger afoot. She grabbed his hand and held tight as they found themselves being lead to the living room. Neither of the officials said a word, but Ava had a bad feeling.

With fluid grace, Dominic sat down on a love seat. He pulled her down beside him. Ava kept her eyes straight on the men in front of her, but from the corner of her eye, she could see Dominic appraising her. We’re being held at gunpoint and he’s comfortable enough to ogle me. Typical man.

She cleared her throat. “Since you seem to care nothing about infringing on the privacy of people aboard this ship, perhaps you’d deign to tell us why you’re here. After all, I need something to tell my attorney when I call and inform her of your harassment.”

“Oh you’re going to need a lawyer, but not for harassment. Let’s try murder,” the blond man said.

“What are you talking about?” Dominic asked.

“We got a tip that someone had been killed aboard this little pleasure boat. Turns out our tip was right on the money and you two are at the top of the suspect list.”

“Someone was murdered on this ship? Who?” Ava asked.

“Gina Marron.”

There was a heavy feeling in Ava’s stomach. Her muscles grew rigid. “Gina? Gina’s dead?” she asked, her voice rising in pitch.

“Yes. Her throat was slashed. So far we haven’t found any sign of the weapon used,” the red-headed officer offered.

“I’m sorry to hear that there is a murderer loose among us, but why are you two fingering us for this? We were in bed all night last night,” Dominic said folding his arms.

“For starters we’re well aware of both your reputations.”

Ava’s eyes narrowed. “I’m a legitimate businesswoman and a widow raising a small child. I wouldn’t consider that a reputation that makes me a suspect in a murder.”

“Don’t talk to us like we’re stupid. You’re Joseph Martelli’s widow. No way you’re clean. What did Mrs. Marron do that was worth you slitting her throat?”

“Ava, don’t say another word,” Dominic ordered.

She frowned at the authority in his tone. So going to bed together gave him the right to order her around? She didn’t think so. He must’ve forgotten who he was dealing with. But as much as she hated it, Dominic was right. When it came to law enforcement you couldn’t trust any of them. With a smile, Ava made a motion as if she were zipping her lips. “Sorry. Nothing else to say without my attorney present.”

The two men exchanged glances and Ava crossed her legs watching them. There was nothing “the law” hated more than a person pulling the attorney card. Both men turned their attention to Dominic.

“And what about you, Sambarino? You pulling the attorney card too?”

“That depends.”

“Depends on what?”

“You telling me why you think I’m a suspect.”

“Are you kidding? A guy like you. A male prostitute. A guy connected to the Cosa Nostra. You’re a prime candidate.”

Dominic’s eyes narrowed. A muscle moved in his jaw. For some reason, Ava was sure he was a few seconds away from throttling both men. His arms unfolded and he cracked his knuckles. His eyes were growing darker. He was about to go nuclear and get them both shot. Ava placed her hand on his bicep. Leaning close she whispered, “Calm down. Don’t give them what they want.”

She leaned away and Dominic gazed at her from the corner of his eye, before turning his full attention back to their interrogators.

“For starters, I’m not a prostitute. Secondly the Cosa Nostra crap is laughable and lastly I didn’t even know the victim.”

“If you didn’t know Mrs. Marron, then what are you doing here?”

“I was invited by a friend who was invited by Mrs. Marron and that’s all I have to say.”

“I don’t buy it,” the red-headed officer said.

Dominic shrugged his shoulders. “Don’t care,” he said before putting his arm around Ava.

She looked at him but didn’t say anything. Right now her mind was on something else. Gina. She couldn’t believe her friend was dead. Who would want to kill Gina? It just didn’t make sense. Had she been on this ship for over twenty-four hours with a killer and not even known it? And what about Dominic? He hadn’t been there when she woke up. Could he have been gone longer than she thought? Might he be the one who killed Gina? She didn’t want to believe it. Didn’t want to think that the man she’d allowed into her bed could be a killer or even worse, a killer set out to frame her.

As the two guards huddled together talking, Ava whispered, “Did you do it?” She looked at him waiting for an answer. He turned to face her and his eyes were hard again. Cold. He was angry, but she didn’t care. She had a right to know.

“After everything you still have to ask me that?”

“And what is that supposed to mean?”

“You know what it means. After making love to you, after spending hours on end with you, do you think I would kill anyone you love or do anything to hurt you?”

“So after spending one magical night with me I’m supposed to believe you have no ulterior motives?”

Before Dominic could respond, the blond guard walked past them and headed towards the bedroom.

“Where’s he going?” Ava asked.

“To check your things. Make sure the murder weapon isn’t hidden anywhere. Although knowing you two, you probably threw it overboard.”

Ava’s fists clinched. Cursing under her breath she turned back to Dominic. He was watching her. His eyes searched her face, roving up and down. Trying to pretend he wasn’t unnerving her, she returned his gaze, waiting for him to speak. His hand caressed her face as his eyes grew soft.

“No. I did not kill your friend. I told you already what I wanted. I can’t have either of those things if you’re behind bars now can I?”

Ava swallowed. “I suppose not.”

“I don’t expect you to have one hundred percent faith in me, Ava. I realize I did deceive you, but regardless of whether you want to admit it out loud or not, there is something between us. Maybe you’re in denial because I’m Joseph’s son. That’s fine. I can wait. I’m not going anywhere.”

His hand dropped from her face and he turned his attention back to the guard still watching them. Ava sighed. She didn’t know what to think, but her antenna was up. Something was very wrong about all of this. How far was the ship out if the Coast Guard had jurisdiction to board? And who’d called in with a supposed tip about a murder? It all smelled of a setup to Ava and she wanted to know who was behind it. And poor Gina. The vivacious, fun-loving redhead was gone. She just couldn’t believe it. Didn’t want to.

In a world where many times to be a successful woman, you had to be a ball breaker, Gina had always managed to maintain her femininity and still get things done. It was one of the things Ava had admired about her. She was going to find out what happened to Gina and when she did, whoever was responsible for Gina’s death was going to pay. And that was a promise.

“Martelli’s room is clean.”

Ava turned to see the guard returning to the living room. There was a scowl on his face. She couldn’t resist the chance to needle him a bit.

“Looks like your theory is out the window then. Pity. That just gives me more ammo to sue you with.”

“Don’t think this is over. We’ll be docking in less than thirty minutes and you two are headed to the police station for a more formal interrogation.”

Ava stood up. “I’m not going anywhere but home to my daughter. You have no evidence that I committed a crime and I’m not going to the police station. Got it?”

“You need to sit down.”

Ava rolled her eyes, before turning on her heel and heading down the hallway to the bedroom.

“Come back here now,” one of the guards yelled.

Ava ignored them. She’d had enough. She may have changed her name but she was still a Martelli and she’d had more than enough of the attitudes of the armed men. Ava entered the room and found her clothes strewn everywhere. Footsteps pounded down the hallway behind her, but she ignored them. Opening her suitcase she quickly started stuffing her clothing and toiletries away. Once that was done, she pulled out her cellphone and called the one person she never thought she’d call.

“Angelo, it’s Ava. I’m in trouble.”

“What is it?”

“I’m being held by members of the Coast Guard for suspicion of murder. We’ll be docking in a few minutes. Can you please meet me?”

“Those bastards. Listen, don’t say another word. I’ll be right there.”

“Thank you.”

“I thought I told you to stay put.”

Ava whirled around. It was the redheaded guard. His blue eyes blazed.

“I don’t take orders from you and since you’re not going to shoot me, I suggest you buzz off and leave me be.”

“I ought to—”

“You ought to do your job and find out who killed my friend instead of harassing me because of who I used to be married to.”

Biting her lip in an effort to keep from slapping the man, she packed the rest of her items and went into the bathroom for one final check. She found her hairbrush and took a few moments to brush some of the tangles from her hair. It was a mess. Half curled and half straight. She brushed it straight as best as she could before moving back into the bedroom. The man was still standing there. Ava ignored him, zipping up her suitcase and retrieving her cellphone and purse before making her way back to the living room with her things.

She didn’t bother stopping. Instead Ava rolled her suitcase straight to the front door. Dominic and the other guard were already standing there. Taking a seat, she waited to be told that they were back at port. It came sooner than she expected.

“I just got the call that we’re docking. They want us to escort these two down,” the blond told her counterpart.

“Let’s go then. The sooner we can get these two off our hands the better. Let’s hope MDPD has better luck with them than we did.”

The men motioned with their guns towards the door. Ava grabbed the knob and turned. They didn’t have to tell her twice. She was ready to get away from both of them. Opening the door, Ava grabbed for her luggage, but Dominic was holding it for her. With a shrug she set off down the hallway towards the elevator. She pressed the button and held it. Finally the doors opened and she and Dominic entered the elevator, their “captors” right behind, guns pointed.

They were silent as the elevator took them down to the first floor. As soon as the doors opened, Ava was out. She headed through the ballroom and out the way she’d entered the ship just yesterday. When she made it to the dock, the confusion that greeted her was enough to make her head spin. Police cars were everywhere. There were news vans set up behind barriers. What had she just walked into? Ava started down the ramp when her arm was grabbed.

“Oh no you don’t. You’re heading downtown with us.”

She turned around, but before she could say anything she heard a familiar voice.

“I suggest you unhand her or the Coast Guard is going to be hit with the biggest lawsuit you’ve ever seen and by the time I’m done with you, you will be lucky if you can find work as a garbage man.”

Ava faced forward. “Angelo, how did you get here so fast?”

Her brother-in-law gifted her with a small smile. Next to him stood a white-haired older gentleman. He clutched a briefcase and a sheaf of papers in his hand.

“I don’t know who the hell you are, but I suggest you get out of our way. We have a job to do.”

With a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes, Angelo took a step forward and wrenched the blond man’s hand from around Ava’s arm. The guard pointed his gun at Angelo, but he didn’t flinch. Instead he motioned for the man standing behind him. The sheaf of papers passed to his hand and he held them up in front of the guard’s face.

“These are legal documents signed by Judge Ritts. They state that you have no authority to detain or question Ms. Hill and any attempt to do so will result in the right of Ms. Hill to sue you for violating her rights. If you have any further questions, my attorney Hayes Milford will be happy to explain things to you, but Ms. Hill and I are leaving. Come on, Ava.”

Angelo thrust the papers at the guard and grabbed for Ava’s hand. She evaded his touch by turning back to collect her belongings from Dominic. His green eyes watched her. She had no clue what he was thinking, but she could feel the reluctance as he relinquished her things.

“Thank you,” she said softly.

He nodded and she turned away.

“Ava, wait.”

She half turned to face Dominic. Though Angelo was waiting on the dock, she knew he was watching.

“What is it?” she asked.

“I meant what I said. All of it. Think about it.”

She nodded, not sure what to say before she turned and walked down the ramp that lead to the dock. Angelo took her luggage and motioned for her to follow him. A black limo was parked less than ten feet away.

As they approached, a chauffeur exited and popped the trunk, loading her luggage. Ava gritted her teeth at the feel of Angelo’s hand on the small of her back as he opened the back door for her. Before she entered the limo, she took one last look back towards the boat. Dominic was being lead handcuffed down to a police car. She sighed and climbed into the limo. It wasn’t her problem. But somehow saying that didn’t make her feel any better.