Tony was done with the conversation. “As you know, my original directive was two days ago. I wanted an answer yesterday. Your incompetence is…” Tony’s speech stalled. A knock and simultaneous opening of his office door caused him to turn. He expected to see Catherine and glared at the interruption. That quickly changed to shock, when he saw that Claire was the one who’d entered. There was a time when she was not allowed to enter his office without his permission. Obviously, Claire was now playing by her own rules. He stifled the chuckle that threatened Mr. George’s verbal lashing. Unable to contain the grin, Tony kept his gaze fixed on his ex-wife and continued his tirade. “It seems as though another pressing matter has come to my attention. We will postpone this conversation. Mr. George, I expect to hear from you Monday morning. Do not disappoint me.” Tony disconnected the line.
Claire smiled as he walked around his desk. With each step, he assessed the woman before him. Having her return—as she’d said she would—propelled his senses to an unexpected high.
“That should be your tagline.” Claire said as he stopped mere inches away.
“Oh, but you are so right. I don’t like being disappointed.”
“I remember that about you.” She hesitated. He said a silent prayer that Claire would lean forward—press toward him—and he’d feel her warmth against his chest. Maintaining their distance, Claire continued, “Your car has been returned in one piece, scarcely a scratch.”
The tips of his lips twitched, and his eyebrow cocked. “A scratch?”
Claire’s grin broadened. “Wasn’t that your concern, that I might scratch it?”
Tony took the initiative and closed the gap. Was it her erratic heartbeat that he felt or his own? “I don’t recall being concerned with a scratch. The whole damn car can be replaced. I believe my concern was with your safe return.” His willpower was suddenly spent. Wanting Claire closer, he wrapped his arm around the small of her back and pulled her against him as he cupped her chin, maintaining his gaze of her sparkling emerald eyes.
Her words slowed with breathy expectation. “I have returned.”
“You, my dear, are continually teaching me new things.”
“What, pray tell, have I taught you?”
His lips tenderly brushed hers. “I believe I mentioned before that I liked the black panties. The other night, the light blue satin bra strap monopolized my thoughts. Every time I looked at you, I wondered if it was part of a matching set.” Claire nodded, their noses brushing one another’s with the movement. “And just now, I realized how much more satisfying it is to have you bring yourself home, freely, willingly, than to know you have been driven—perhaps reluctantly.”
“It seems…” Claire giggled. “…you can teach an old dog new tricks.”
His hearty laugh rumbled from his chest.
She went on, “And as I recall, you’ve taught me quite a few things, too.”
“I had been thinking about the pool, but I’m up for review if you’re willing?” By Claire’s expression, she knew he was speaking literally. No other woman in the world could take him from angst on the phone to the edge of ecstasy in such a short time. Would she allow it?
Her hands reached up to his hair as her eyes opened wide. He pulled her closer, pressing his hips to hers and flattening her growing breasts. They fit together perfectly. When their lips connected, the room around them disappeared. Tony no longer cared about Mr. George or Sophia. Rawlings Industries could crash and his estate could burn. Tony didn’t care. What he wanted was in his arms, after returning completely on her own. He needed more. When she parted her lips, his tongue plunged deeper, tasting her sweetness and feeling her warmth.
He bent down, touching his nose to hers and asked, “Are you sure?”
“Yes. I’m sure.”
Tony didn’t ask again as he bent slightly and scooped Claire into his arms. He carried her away from the office, past the grand staircase, and down the corridor to his room. With each step, he fantasized about the woman in his arms. Once they arrived, he laid Claire on his bed and slowly, reverently, began to remove her clothes. With each item, their eyes met. The sultry gaze he saw was one that he hoped he was mirroring. Today, she wore pink underwear, matching the color of her top. He slowly removed the lace bra, freeing her beautiful breasts. There was no doubt they were growing, and by the way her nipples hardened and her back arched, they were ultrasensitive to his touch. As he suckled the pink nubs and she called out his name, Tony’s slacks grew uncomfortably tight. The small bow below her bellybutton again reminded him of a present—never had anything been wrapped so beautifully or presented so perfectly.
He wanted to reconnect in a way like never before. He longed to feel her hugging him, surrounding him, and responding to him, but before they made love, he needed to be confident that she was with him willingly. As he was about to ask again, Claire called out, removing all doubt and breaking all barriers. “Oh, please, Tony, I need you.”
Midday turned to early afternoon as they reached new heights and took their reunification to the next level. With his sheet covering them and the sun streaming through the uncovered window, Claire nestled her head on his shoulder and asked, “Do you think we could have lunch at the pool and enjoy some of this day outside?”
He turned to her with a grin. Could her preoccupation with food also include an appetite for sex? Both seemed somewhat insatiable, not that he was complaining. With a sultry tone, he replied, “I’d like to stay here forever, but I like the idea of getting you more sun.”
Her lips found his neck and began to roam, and between suckles, she said, “At this second, I wouldn’t argue with staying here.” A low growl rumbled from his throat as she continued, “But I’m hungry, and that sky looks beautiful.”
He rolled her onto her back. As her long, brown hair fanned the pillow, he studied her glowing pink cheeks and swollen red lips. “Not as beautiful as you look this moment.” He nuzzled her collar bone and moved south.
“Mr. Rawlings, I believe we were discussing lunch?”
It amused him how she continually worked food into the conversation. With a sigh, he stopped his descent, allowing her to sit up. It was then she stammered, “T-Tony, h-how long have you had that there?”
He followed her astonished gaze. It was her wedding portrait. He hadn’t even considered its presence when he brought her to his room. Sheepishly, he replied, “Ever since you left.”
“But why?”
Tony took her hands and cupped them in his own. “You said no more closed conversations. I’m not closing it, but understand, I can’t answer you—I don’t know. Despite being angry with you, I do know that I’ve spent the last year and a half staring at you every night before I went to sleep.” Before she could respond, Tony gently kissed her lips and added, “For now, will you please let that be enough of an answer?”
With tears glistening in her stunning eyes, Claire nodded.
Where we love is home—home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts.
—Oliver Wendell Holmes
Tony was pleased that Courtney had facilitated the get-together at Sue and Tim’s house. It truly helped to ease Claire’s anxiety at being with everyone. The atmosphere at the wedding and reception was festive and friendly. It seemed as though all of the discomfort of Thursday night was a distant memory. From the ceremony, where Claire held tightly to his hand, to the reception where they moved fluidly as one across the dance floor, Tony enjoyed every minute.
Tony had promised Courtney increased security and delivered. No one advertently singled Tony and Claire out of the crowd, yet from time to time from the corner of his eye, Tony saw a cell phone or two pointed their direction. He didn’t mind—the way he saw it, maybe Baldwin would see the pictures and realize that what he and Claire were experiencing wasn’t purely for show. Even Claire admitted as much while they danced.
As the guests began to thin out, Tony suggested they head back to the estate. Although she looked disappointed to leave their friends, Cla
ire didn’t argue. She truly had the reticent and genteel in the presence of others down pat. Tony hoped that they’d all be together again soon. The day—no, the entire weekend—had exceeded his expectations. The only flaw that ate away at him was the break-in at Claire’s condominium.
During the reception, Tony had received an email:
To: Anthony Rawlings
From: Phillip Roach
Subject: Ms. Nichols
Date: June 8, 2013
I’ve confirmed with security at Ms. Nichols’ condominium: her unit was indeed breached. It wasn’t until the perpetrator was leaving her unit that security devices indicated a violation. Until Ms. Nichols can confirm that the only item taken was her laptop, it is safe to assume, since her room was the only one disturbed, she was the intended target.
According to the records of my indicators, the front door to her condo was opened Friday, June 7, at 20:15. The violation was noted when the door once again opened at 20:27. Security cameras did not show a clear picture of the person in question. It appears to be a man who’s bald or balding. I will increase my surveillance and report any suspicious activity.
Please confirm the time and place of Ms. Nichols’ arrival. I know her reservations have been changed. I will look for the new times and places.
Thank you.
Tony didn’t mention it during the festivities, but once they were alone in the car, he wanted to know more about the contents of her computer. “Have you spoken to anyone from Palo Alto lately?”
“I haven’t even looked at my phone since we left for the wedding. Why? Has something else happened?”
“Not to my knowledge; however, my source tells me that the intruder to your unit was not interrupted. His only intention was to access your room and take your laptop.”
Tony watched from his peripheral vision as Claire contemplated his words. Finally, she asked, “Why would anyone want my laptop?”
“What was on it?”
“I don’t know… my bank accounts, my travel itinerary…”
Tony was immediately glad he’d cancelled her flight. He didn’t want this intruder knowing Claire’s plans. He refocused as she continued. “…information about your past, and a rough draft from Meredith about her boo—articles.”
He gripped the steering wheel trying to temper his tone. “I thought this stupid Meredith Banks thing was over?”
“It is,” she replied. “With the money you gave me to give her, she’ll keep it quiet, unless, as you and I agreed, something happens to me or someone I care about.”
He tried to process the contents. “What do you have regarding my past?”
Fidgeting against the leather seat, she answered, “Seriously, I’ve spent so much time on this; it’s hard to condense it into an elevator pitch.”
“Give it a try,” his tone dripped with sarcasm. “I’m sure you can do it.”
Claire inhaled. “Fine. I confirmed Nathaniel and Sharron Rawls had a son named Samuel. He married a woman named Amanda; they had a son named Anton, born February 12, 1965—the same day as you. That, plus a picture in Newsweek showing your grandfather’s home confirmed to me that you were indeed Anton.”
“Well, you know that’s true. Why are you continuing this research?”
“I really don’t want to discuss this… please?”
“Despite your suspicions, I had nothing to do with the break-in. I need to know what the perpetrator now knows.”
“My computer is password-protected. No one besides me can access it.”
He didn’t speak, but looked at her, questioning her secure laptop. He assumed it was password protected with PASSWORD123 or her birthdate—some fail-safe, impenetrable barrier.
Eventually, she said, “Obviously you disagree. If someone is able to access my information, they’d see documents and reports from your parents’ death.”
No longer was peripheral vision enough; Tony turned to stare incredulously at his ex-wife. “What possible business of yours is my parents’ death?”
“I suppose that before, it was morbid curiosity. I wanted to know if you were truly capable of hurting your own parents. Now, however…” She hesitated and sat straighter, defiantly. “…now, it is very much my business. I need to know about my child’s family history.”
He exhaled, releasing some of the stress upon the leather wheel. “I suppose that’s true.” He paused. “I didn’t harm my parents.”
Claire reached out and covered Tony’s hand, a simple touch that reassured him more than words. “I know that now. I’ve known for a while. It wasn’t you—it was the woman in a blue Honda.”
His newfound calm disappeared. Before he could process, Claire continued. “Whoever that woman is, you’ve been protecting her for years.”
“Protecting her?”
“Yes, whoever she is, you’ve kept her secret secure.”
Tony struggled with Claire’s knowledge. How could she have learned about Catherine’s car? That information, as well as eyewitness accounts, had been disposed of years ago. Could he now tell her the truth? After all, Catherine had opened his secret world when she mailed that damn box. Should he return the favor? First and foremost, he needed to get her laptop back and discover who took it. “So all of this is on your laptop?”
Claire nodded. “Yes.”
He contemplated her return flight. No doubt she’d be upset that he’d cancelled her flight; perhaps he could make her think it was her idea. “I want you to seriously reconsider your return to California. The estate is much safer and more secure than a condominium that has already been broken into.”
Her petite hand once again made contact. Reaching for his knee, she explained, “I’ve had a wonderful time. Please don’t ruin it. Let’s just take all of this one day at a time? I’d like to think about tonight now and tomorrow later.”
Tony didn’t argue. It wouldn’t matter; she no longer had a seat on the commercial flight. When they reached the estate, Tony opened Claire’s door and took her hand. She’d said she wanted to concentrate on tonight. So did he. Even without the airline ticket, Tony doubted he’d be able to convince her to stay an extra night, week, or month—that left tonight. Gazing into her emerald eyes, he touched his lips to the top of the hand resting within his. Silently, they walked hand in hand into the house. At the base of the grand staircase, Tony whispered, “I suppose this is good-night?”
She stretched her toes allowing her lips to linger on his. When she pulled away, she suckled his neck, just above his perfectly starched collar. Tony’s grasp of her small waist tightened as he pulled her hips toward his and a low groan escaped his clenched teeth. “That’s up to you,” Claire purred. “I don’t plan on using that lock.”
With their fingers entwined, they made their way toward her suite. He wanted what was beyond that door, what they’d done in that room hundreds of times. However, if he didn’t tell her about the ticket, was that lying? He began to confess, “There’s more for us to discuss—”
Claire’s finger reached out and covered his mouth. He pressed his lips together and watched as desire and determination swirled before him, creating a beautiful, blazing emerald fire. It wasn’t sparked by anger, but yearning. He’d seen it before and knew it was being reciprocated in his gaze. Slowly, below her touch, the tips of his lips moved upward. She whispered, “Tonight is about us, noncharade, nonperformance. If you want something different, go downstairs.”
She wanted control; he’d allow some. They wouldn’t discuss her return flight, her computer, or his history. Instead, they’d continue their reunification within the walls of their shared history. It was a room that contained memories—both good and bad—of domination and consent, and of lust and love.
Love? Tony couldn’t believe it was real, yet it was. He’d never wanted love. Why would he? He wasn’t even sure it existed, until her—the woman once again willingly beneath him. Their roles were redefined: Tony no longer desired domination, and Claire wasn’t submitting. She was an active,
willing participant, capable of accommodating his needs as well as voicing her own. Her beautiful eyes saw into his soul, and her petite body dominated his thoughts. Despite all of his mistakes and manipulation, Tony was once again where he longed to be.
He knew it wouldn’t be easy. Each moment was an internal battle. Instinctively, he wanted to control Claire and limit her access to his past and his heart; however, Tony knew it was too late. She’d already managed to unearth emotions he never knew existed, and now they had a child coming. Despite his power slipping through his fingers, when Claire opened her eyes and Tony saw the shimmering emerald irises glow and her lips form a smile—he no longer cared. Within the copper walls and satin drapes of Claire’s suite, it was only the two of them—and that was all they needed.
The next morning when Tony woke, he didn’t slip from bed as he’d done in the past. He lingered, enjoying the warmth of Claire’s body against his side, the sweet smell of perfume that whiffed from her hair, and the soft tickle of her breaths across his chest. Everything within him wanted to wake her and repeat last night’s activities; however, the entire weekend had gone too well. He didn’t want to push her any further than she was willing to go. With their relationship still undefined, Tony forced himself from her bed.
Once within his office, it didn’t take long for the knock and opening of the door. Catherine entered silently, not waiting for an invitation. “Tell me, how was the wedding? You haven’t said much of anything since she arrived.”
Tony ran his hand through his hair. He didn’t want to share any of the weekend with anyone except Claire. Exhaling, he opted to pacify. “The wedding was nice. What more do you want?”
“I don’t know, perhaps how she was received? How she did? I’ve seen pictures from the wedding on the Internet. Did you know they were being taken?”
He shrugged. “I saw some people snapping pictures, and I don’t care. It’s time people see her with me and not him.”