Deadly Obsession (29 page)

Kaden took point position as they strolled along the sidewalk. After many exclamations, questions and quick kisses, they ended up in front of Valentino, where Lauren studied the window display. She craned her neck to see past the mannequins to the back of the store. He took her hand and placed a soft kiss on her palm. “Do you want to go inside?”

She chewed her lip for a moment, then nodded. Kaden opened the door for Lauren, and Nic followed her inside. He held her back for a moment, giving Kaden time to make sure the store was secure. When Kaden nodded, Nic pointed to the men’s section. “I’ll wait over there.”

As he watched Lauren wander toward a rack of dresses, a saleswoman approached him. She smiled and offered her hand. “Mr. Lamoureux, my name is Bridget. It would be my pleasure to assist you today. Are you interested in something for yourself?”

“For my girlfriend, actually. She needs a formal gown, shoes, handbag—the whole package.”

Bridget peered behind him. “Is she the pretty brunette?”

“Yes, that’s Lauren. And the big blond guy? He’s her bodyguard.”

She took one glance at Kaden and swallowed hard. “Okay. I’ll make sure she finds everything she needs. Would you like to have a seat?” She indicated three plush chairs at the back, arranged around a low table.

Nic stretched out in one of the armchairs confident that Lauren was in good hands. While he waited, another associate brought him a cup of Starbucks. Did everyone know about his addiction?
Who cares
, he thought, taking a sip of the rich brew. After a few minutes, Lauren rushed over, followed closely by Bridget and Kaden. “This shop is fabulous. They have some wonderful gowns.”

Nic eyed Bridget’s empty arms. “Aren’t you going to try anything on?”

Lauren lowered her voice to a whisper. “They’re
really
expensive.”

He struggled to hold back his grin and settled for a small smile. “
Chérie
, don’t worry about the cost.” Turning to Bridget, he said, “Please bring the gowns she liked.”

As the woman was leaving, he asked Lauren, “What’s your shoe size?”

“Seven, why?”

“Bridget, please also bring her some matching shoes in a size seven.”

Lauren’s eyes bulged. “Shoes too?”

“Come here,” he said. “Might as well have some coffee and relax while you wait.” With one arm, he pulled her down onto his lap, making her laugh.

“And here I was, all worried about showing you any signs of affection in public,” she teased.

“Never be worried about that.” He pulled her more tightly against his chest and crushed his mouth down on hers. He thrust a hand in her hair and let the strands flow through his fingers. Her tongue slid against his, making him groan deep in his chest. He loved the taste of her in his mouth and the feel of her in his arms. His cock was as hard as the fucking marble tabletop. Fucking? Tabletop? God, he wanted this woman.

Lauren whispered, “Bridget’s back with the gowns.”

Shit
. As usual, Lauren had eclipsed the world for him. She stood up, grinning as if he’d muttered that out loud. Hell, maybe he had. He crossed his legs at the knee to camouflage the tenting action. “Go.” He waved toward the changing room. Was it his imagination or was there more wiggle in her walk than usual? The little minx knew exactly what she did to him. And she loved it.

He took another sip of coffee, then looked up to see Kaden standing like a sentinel with his big arms folded across his chest. After scanning the room, he met Nic’s gaze. “You have it bad, man.”

“Is it that obvious?”

“As obvious as you winning another Oscar for
Bad Days
.”

“Yeah, well.” He grinned. “I don’t care. I really like her.”

Nic heard Lauren’s soft laughter coming from the changing area. As he turned, she emerged, a vision in a flowing, curve-hugging black creation that fit like it had been made for her. Drawn by the mixture of joy and apprehension on her face, he rose and met her halfway. “You look outstanding,” he said, his voice suddenly hoarse. He ran his fingers along the neckline of the gown until he encountered the dog tags. “But these don’t go with this gown.”

“What?” Then she looked down at his hand. “I… in all the excitement, I forgot I was wearing them.”

He raised her chin until she met his eyes. “It’s okay,
chérie
. I understand,” he said, making his voice soft.

Her lip wobbled a little and her chest rose as she took a deep breath. “I’ll take them off.” She pulled the chain over her head and handed it to Bridget. “Could you put this in the changing room?”

“I’ll set it on your purse.”

Nic took Lauren’s hand and twirled her around. “Let me see the b—”

Jesus Christ
. The dress was cut low enough in the back to reveal the indentations at the base of her spine. He was torn between wanting to lick his way down to those adorable dimples and wanting to rip his shirt off and cover her up.

She shot him a knowing grin over her shoulder. “I knew you’d like it.”

Fuck yeah
. “It’s beautiful. You’re beautiful. And the shoes?” She lifted up the hem of the dress so he could see. The strappy silver three-inch heels made her legs look about a mile long, legs that would look awesome wrapped around his waist.

Bridget approached, holding out a small glittery handbag. “What do you think of this?”

“It’s wonderful,” Lauren said, reaching for it. Nic watched the women ooh and ahh over the ensemble and had to agree. Lauren looked stunning. She’d have nothing to worry about tomorrow night.

He shot Kaden a grin and joined him. “I have an errand to run, but I want you to stay with Lauren. I’ll be right back.”

“I’m not real comfortable with that idea.”

He knew Kaden took his job seriously, but today, Lauren came first. “I’m just going down to Harry Winston’s.”

Kaden whistled low between his teeth. “Okay. But if you’re not back in ten minutes, I’m grabbing Lauren and we’re coming after you.”

“Fair enough. But keep her busy. I don’t want her to realize I’m gone.”

He raced the half block down to the shop. Even though he didn’t have the requisite appointment, as soon as he entered the quiet, classy interior, he was greeted enthusiastically by a smiling young man.

“I need something to go with a black gown.”

“Diamonds, colored stones, pearls, or gold?”

“Her eyes are a bluish-green so I’m thinking emeralds.”

The salesman peered into the display case and pointed to a necklace on his left. “Something like this emerald and diamond drop necklace? The setting is 18K yellow gold and platinum.”

“Can I see it? And this one, too.”

“You show a fine appreciation for jewelry, sir. Sunset by Harry Winston is a padparadscha sapphire and diamond necklace. The setting is also 18K yellow gold and platinum.” He laid the two necklaces on a velvet-lined tray in front of Nic.

Nic eyed both pieces, imagining them around Lauren’s neck in place of the dog tags. Either one would look fantastic on her, but which would go better with the dress? The emeralds would bring out the color of her eyes, but the pink sapphires would make her sparkle.

“I’ll take the Sunset necklace. And matching earrings.”

“Excellent choice, sir.” The man artfully gift-wrapped the necklace and earrings. Nic checked his watch. He had to hurry; in about one minute Kaden would come after him. After paying, he raced out of the shop.

He reached Valentino in time to see Lauren emerging from the changing room wearing her shorts and tank. “Got everything you need?” he asked, hiding the bag behind his back.

Lauren’s face shone as she indicated her choices. “Yep. Dress, shoes, and handbag. I’m all set.”

Nic leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Not quite. Next stop, La Perla?”

She gulped. “Are you kidding? Their lingerie makes mine look like Walmart specials.” He nuzzled her neck. “Okay. But, I’m going in by myself.”

No. Not okay
.

“Hey, don’t look so disappointed.” She laughed. “I thought it would be more fun to model my purchases for you at home. Alone.”

His mouth went dry as the tent in his pants made a comeback. He couldn’t think of a more pleasurable way to spend an afternoon than watching a beautiful woman parade around in sexy lingerie. And if there was a bed nearby? Even better.

Excitement and anticipation warmed her blood as she settled onto the comfortable leather couch, a glass of cabernet sauvignon and a bowl of strawberries and whipped cream beside her. Finally, she had a few minutes to finish watching the video of Nic’s first night home. With any luck, he’d taken a shower. Watching him soap up his perfect body made her wet. She closed her eyes and brought up the memory of him lathering up until his hands were covered in bubbles, and then using one large hand to stroke his cock, up and down…. That sight drove her wild every time.

After taking a deep breath to slow her speeding heart, she hit play. Seconds later, the TV lit up, showing Nic going through a stack of photos. She leaned forward and saw he was looking at photos of himself. When he pulled a sexy shot out of the pile and signed it, she frowned. Who was he autographing it for? It had better not be for that bitch Lauren.

A woman appeared in the doorway carrying a glass of something for Nic. She stiffened when she recognized the photographer. “Well, at least she’s taking care of him,” she muttered. When she heard them chatting about Kaden staying to protect them, she laughed. The bitch might need protection, but not Nic. She was all the protection he needed.

Her laughter abruptly cut off when the hussy sat on Nic’s lap and ran her hand down his neck and into his shirt, unbuttoning it. Enraged, she jumped off the couch and got closer to the TV. What the hell was the tramp doing now? She gasped when she saw the woman take his nipple into her mouth. “Bitch! Get your hands off him!” she shouted at the screen.

Nic’s bodyguard interrupted them. “Good man,” she said out loud. She watched as he took the autographed photo from Nic and left. Returning to the sofa, she took a sip of her wine and prayed the whore would leave too. She really had to do something to get rid of her.

When the woman pulled up her skirt to straddle Nic’s lap, she choked on her wine, spewing the red liquid onto the white carpet. Nic rose, the bitch’s legs wrapped around his waist, and carried her out of the office. Her heart started to pound, and not in a good way. For a few seconds, the television was blessedly blank, showing only Nic’s empty office. Wiping her mouth on the back of her hand, she prayed this would be the end of it. Nic wouldn’t do this to her. He
loved
her!

The image on the screen changed to show Nic laying the bitch down on his bed, the big king-size bed he was supposed to share only with
her
. Dread tiptoed up her spine. She had a brief moment of hope when Nic stood up. Maybe he’d changed his mind? But no. Her heart sank when he returned to the bed. They spoke softly, but she could still make out parts of their conversation.

The bitch said, “It’s been a long time for me….”

“How long?” Nic asked.

“Over five years.”

So the hag hadn’t been laid in five years? Didn’t surprise her one bit. The only thing that surprised her was that the bitch actually thought Nic was going to end her dry streak.

“Ahh, Nic. You bad boy,” she chuckled, picking up the bowl of strawberries, and relaxed against the couch. She selected the biggest, ripest berry, coated it in whipped cream, then bit into it as she watched the bitch take Nic in her mouth. He was toying with the woman, using her the way any man would use a whore; it was clear as day. That’s all the bitch was good for: getting him off and then getting out. She couldn’t wait for Nic to toss her onto the street.

Oh, what was this? Nic was stopping her? Priceless! The bitch couldn’t even give a decent blow job. No wonder she hadn’t been fucked in the last five years. She laughed so hard, tears clouded her eyes, blurring the screen. Eager to see the look of horror on the woman’s face, she wiped away the wetness.

“No!” she roared, disgusted by what she was seeing on the screen. The woman lay sprawled out on the bed and Nic was servicing her! This was all wrong. Nic was hers, he was supposed to pleasure her, not some no-talent bitch. He
had
to be playing her.
Come on
. The man could have any number of beautiful women. Why would he settle for an overweight loser with stretch marks?

He wouldn’t. Nic was her destiny. He was just slaking his needs with the bitch until everything was ready for them to start their future together.

With growing horror, she saw him roll a condom down his ready cock. Her gut clenched as he pushed himself between the bitch’s thighs. Her eyes welled as his beautiful body undulated, muscles bunching and stretching. Her tears spilled as his back arched in ecstasy. She hit the stop button.

Nic had betrayed her
.

Which left her with a dilemma: She could hate Nic and throw away their future together, or she could forgive him and live the life she’d planned for them. Could she do it? Could she forgive his infidelity? Closing her eyes, she looked deep in her heart. Nic was young. He’d made a mistake. Yes, she could forgive him, but first she’d bring him to his knees. Then she’d make him crawl.