Authors: Sheena Morrish
“I can’t get rid of her at the moment,” he said and that was as close to the truth as he could get. He couldn’t tell her the real reason that he had to keep her around.
“You promise me that there’s nothing going on between you though?” Gabby urged and he took in a swift breath at the question. It felt like he had been kicked in the stomach by the thought that Gabby might not trust him.
“I swear there’s nothing going on between me and Callie. I wouldn’t touch her if she was the last woman on earth. And I definitely wouldn’t want her when I’ve got you,” he promised. He half expected Gabby to simply call him a liar and walk out but instead she offered him a smile and pulled him closer.
“You know dinner’s cold by now but there’s still time for dessert,” she offered as she kissed him slowly.
The dessert and lingerie were put to good use as they took things up to the bedroom and spent the next couple of hours proving to each other that nothing had changed just because they were home again.
Gabby wasn’t impressed to be waking alone once again.
She had thought that after the late night Nik had that he would have gone in to the office later that day especially considering that it was a Saturday. Instead she had awoken at barely eleven to find him gone once again. This was getting to be a habit and not one that she liked.
She spent the day getting in touch with Ramona Grove and was pleased that they were more than willing for her to continue working with them. She had thought after the way that she had not only left them so suddenly but also used one of their clients that they would be more than a little cautious with her but they were thrilled that she would be back with them so soon. They sent over some documents and updates on their various clients which kept her busy most of the day.
Gabby expected Nik to be back early but once again he didn’t arrive until the early hours of the morning. At least this time he had called to let her know though. Knowing that he wouldn’t be back until late she had gone to bed early and had only awoken when he slid in to bed beside her and gathered her close.
“Mm. What time is it?” she asked as she snuggled closer.
“A little after two,” he said and she turned in his arms to face him. He looked tired and worn out. There were bags under his eyes and his eyes lacked that normal steely glow that she was used to seeing there.
“Everything okay?” she asked and he sighed as he placed a gentle kiss upon her lips.
“Everything is fine,” he assured her but Gabby knew he was lying and she didn’t know why. What was going on that was keeping him out all hours and what did it have to do with Callie? She found that now she trusted her husband but she was certain that something was up. He wouldn’t have kept Callie around for no reason and it disturbed her that he thought he had to lie to her about it.
“You can tell me anything you know,” she reminded him but all that greeted her was his deep and even breathing. When she looked at him she realised he was asleep and she gave a sigh as she got herself comfy and tried to go back to sleep. Something that soon proved to be impossible as she had too much going round in her head to settle.
There was something going on at work that involved Callie, she was sure of it. But then why wouldn’t Nik tell her? What was he keeping from her?
The late nights and lies continued for the next few weeks and it was starting to make Gabby question everything. She had thought when they were on the Island, that their marriage was finally in a good place and that they would actually start working together rather than drifting apart. That had all worked out extremely well on the Island but since they had been back Nik had been drifting further from her and there seemed to be nothing she could do to stop it. They had even stopped making love lately because Nik never seemed to have the time for her. Since they had been home they had only shared a meal together twice and he was never there when she woke up.
It seemed irrational to be thinking that something big was going on but Gabby couldn’t believe that her husband was abandoning her for no reason. They had promised each other no lies and that was exactly why she had to get to the bottom of all this. If for no other reason than the fact that she was starting to suspect that they may indeed have conceived have a child on that island.
Her first port of call was to get hold of Luca. If anyone would know what was going on with her husband it was his cousin. Despite his jealous tendencies Nik really did value his cousin’s opinion in the business and she was sure that if anything big was going on then they would both be thick as thieves.
The problem was that Luca seemed to be avoiding her. Normally he would take her calls straight away but now he wasn’t answering her at all and she didn’t understand why. What the hell was going on?
Gabby decided that she’d had enough. She was going to get those two in the same room with her and find out what the hell was going on even if it killed her.
With that in mind she decided to take a trip to Nik’s office. If there really was something going on with the company then she guaranteed that was where they would both be. All she had to do was show up and force them to tell the truth.
Gabby headed straight up to Nik’s office and was surprised to see that Callie wasn’t outside the door ready to screen for visitors. Knocking lightly on Nik’s door she let herself in when there wasn’t any answer. The room was empty.
“What the hell?”
Gabby frowned as she realised that the room didn’t look like it had been in use since dawn. There were no files on the desk or papers scattered anywhere. The place looked spotless and not at all like it had been used constantly for weeks.
Spinning on her heel she made her way to one of the other offices on the floor. This one was run by Paul. He was a man that she had met on occasion and she had never really gotten the best vibe from him but she figured that Nik trusted him for a reason. He also seemed like a man in the know and she wanted to know where everyone was and what exactly was happening.
When she went in to Paul’s office he was bent over his computer with a grin on his face as he typed frantically on the keyboard. He was a fairly attractive man but he had never appealed to Gabby. He had short blonde hair that was always perfectly styled, baby blue eyes that always managed to convey innocence and a body that filled out his designer suits perfectly. Maybe that was what had always put her off about him, the fact that he seemed too perfect. He would never be seen with his shirt unbuttoned or tie missing or even his hair a little bit mussed. Call her crazy but Gabby didn’t like a man who seemed perfect. She didn’t trust perfection.
“Hi,” she said and was surprised when Paul almost jumped out of his skin. A flush of red stole up his neck as he quickly closed down whatever he was working on and covered the files on his desk. He recovered quickly though and offered her a stunning smile.
“Well hi there Gabriella,” he said in that smarmy tone of his and Gabby fought not to grimace.
“I was just wondering if you had seen Nik about,” she asked and his smile faded and he suddenly looked uncomfortable. Or rather he tried to look uncomfortable. Gabby wasn’t sure how she knew it but she just knew that Paul was acting. Why? What exactly was he trying to hide?
“He hasn’t been in the office much lately,” Paul informed her and Gabby frowned. She wasn’t sure whether she should believe him or not. It wasn’t like he had a reason to lie and yet she just felt on edge all of a sudden.
“Do you know where he might be?” she asked.
“I hear he’s off working on some special project with Callie,” Paul revealed. In the past Gabby would have immediately believed the worst of Nik but something wasn’t adding up. She didn’t understand what had her convinced but all of a sudden she didn’t believe that Nik was cheating on her.
“I hadn’t realised,” she said and Paul’s smile suddenly seemed more calculating.
“That’s if there is a special project of course,” Paul suggested and she stared at him in disbelief.
“Excuse me?”
“I’m sure everyone around here has heard the rumours about those two. It’s you I feel sorry for,” Paul said and Gabby was unprepared for the surge of anger that rose inside her and made her dizzy with the force of it. Surely he wasn’t suggesting that her husband was cheating on her?
“Nik is my husband and I trust him,” Gabby informed him coldly and Paul seemed to make an effort to look contrite.
“I’m sure you do. It just seems suspicious is all,” he said and Gabby decided that she really didn’t like this guy.
“What seems suspicious?” she asked sweetly.
“Just the way that he always disappears off with her and how they’re always working on special projects,” he suggested.
“Well thanks for the help,” Gabby said as she turned to walk away. She noticed that Paul looked entirely too pleased with himself.
“Shame about the kid,” Paul added before she could leave and Gabby spun on her heel to face him.
“What kid?” she asked.
“Didn’t you know? Apparently Callie is pregnant. Strange how Nik flew back the day that she announced that little piece of gossip,” he said. Gabby gave him a tight-lipped smile and stormed out.
For once she didn’t doubt Nik but she did wonder why two of his employees seemed desperate to sabotage his marriage. What did they have to gain if she walked out? The sooner she tracked down Nik the better.
Gabby knew the way to get Nik’s attention; or rather she thought she did.
He was awfully protective over her safety and though he had accepted her decision to return to Ramona Grove he hadn’t fully embraced the idea. She was certain that with a few hints he might change his mind about missing dinner.
Gabby waited up for Nik knowing that he probably wouldn’t be returning until late again. She was right. She was just starting to doze off when she heard the door click quietly back in to place. Immediately she got up off the sofa and went in search of her missing husband who seemed to be doing his best to avoid her. She found him in his office with a glass of whiskey in his hand.
“Hey there handsome,” she offered as she paused in the doorway and he spun round in surprise.
“Gabby. I thought you’d be asleep,” he said. She wondered why he looked guilty at the sight of her. What was going on that all the men in his office seemed to have that guilty expression whenever she was around?
“I thought I would wait up for you. I haven’t seen you lately,” she said and he flinched at that very accurate statement.
“I’ve been really busy,” he offered.
“Too busy to make a little time for your wife?”
“I promise I’ll have more time soon and things can go back to normal,” he swore and she cocked her head to one side at this piece of news.
“What will have changed that you’ll have more time?” she asked curiously and noticed his jaw muscle give a faint twitch.
“Just a big deal I’m working on.”
“A deal with Callie?” she asked and his eyes widened in surprise.
“Why would you assume Callie’s involved?” he asked.
“Isn’t she?”
Nik didn’t answer that and Gabby’s suspicions deepened. There was definitely something going on and she wanted to get to the bottom of it. She was sick of being in the dark about everything.
“It’s late. We should go to bed,” Nik said and Gabby knew that now was the only chance she would have to convince him to have dinner with her. She bet that by the time she woke in the morning he would be gone again.
“I just wanted to let you know that if you’re going to be late again tomorrow then I’m probably going to stay late at Ramona Grove. They have some new patients coming in and there’s always a lot of work to do there,” she said and saw Nik freeze in place.
“You can’t be serious.”
“Of course I’m serious. That place needs all the help they can get at the moment and with all this spare time on my hands I figured I may as well help out,” she told him and could practically see his head exploding at the very idea.
“Don’t be so bloody ridiculous!”
“What’s ridiculous about it?” she asked as she ignored his angry tone.
“That place is in a dangerous part of town with known felons. It’s bad enough that you go there during daylight hours but now you want to stay there overnight?” he demanded and she shrugged.
“It’s lonely being here all by myself. I may as well be somewhere else,” she told him.
“I forbid you to go,” he countered and she smiled at him.
“If you’re not home Nik then you won’t even notice I’m gone,” she reminded him and his jaw clenched again.
“Fine. If I make it home for dinner will you drop this ridiculous notion?” he asked and she smiled up at him.
“If you’re home then I have no reason to go out,” she told him and he sighed.
“You should tell Luca to join us,” she informed him and he stared at her in disbelief.
“Luca? What do you want him there for?” he asked and she offered that smile again.
“I’m inviting your father as well. I just thought it would be nice to have a family meal for a change. We haven’t had your father over in ages and it wouldn’t be fair to leave Luca out,” she told him. Nik’s shoulders drooped as he realised that he had been played but he wouldn’t go back on a promise and they both knew that.
“Let’s go to bed,” he suggested and Gabby finally agreed. She could see how exhausted he was and she hated to see him killing himself this way. Tomorrow she would force the truth from him and whatever it was they could face it together. She had no intention of simply letting it all go.
The next evening Gabby had everything ready. The housekeeper had left the meal ready for them with instructions on heating everything. Gabby had set the table and supplied the candles and music that provided a relaxing atmosphere. She wanted to lull the Kostos men in to a false sense of security. She knew that she could break at least one of them if she really tried. They all saw her as this sweet naïve woman but they were going to learn that she didn’t like being left in the dark.
It was a little before six when Nik arrived home and Gabby was actually shocked to see him. She’d had the niggling doubt that he might not show up after all. But here he was and she was genuinely glad to see him. Since their closeness on the Island she had missed him. She had missed going to sleep next to him then waking next to him the next morning. She had especially missed their lovemaking and their talks about whatever was bothering them. She wasn’t sure she was strong enough to survive without him anymore.
“I’ve missed you,” Nik said as he came in to the kitchen and gathered her close. It felt so good to be held by him that she didn’t protest. He kissed her and that kiss became something more.
“Stop,” she finally said after several minutes. She had to gather the energy to push him away because she wanted to keep him close.
“What?” he asked in a hurt tone.
“Your family will be here any minute,” she reminded him and he grinned at her.
“I told my family to be here at seven. Which gives us time to take a shower,” he suggested and Gabby wouldn’t have been strong enough to refuse him even if she had wanted to.
Gabby didn’t realise just how much she had missed Nik until she was in his arms and kissing him while they tried to rip their clothes off so they could be skin to skin. She gasped when he ripped her blouse open and lifted her up so she could wrap her legs around him while he continued to feast on her mouth.
It took a few minutes but eventually they were both naked and Nik was carrying her in to the shower. The spray was powerful but Nik positioned her so that she was out of the direct line of fire. There was no foreplay needed as they were both so fired up for each other that it was a wonder they hadn’t combusted.
“Can’t. Be. Gentle.”
Nik had to force every word out and Gabby was amazed at the way her husband was finally losing control with her.
“Now,” she hissed and he didn’t need telling twice.
Before she could blink he positioned her and thrust in to her welcoming heat. They both groaned at first contact and Nik had to steady himself for a moment before this whole thing ended too quickly.
Gabby knew exactly how he felt. She was one step away from exploding herself so she tilted her head and kissed him thoroughly as a way to let him know that she was right there with him.
Finally after what seemed an age he began to move inside of her and she couldn’t help the moans that escaped her. The sensations became too much and she gripped him tightly as her nails scored his back. Arching her back she let her head fall back against the tile as Nik continued to thrust deep within her. It didn’t take much at all for her to suddenly find herself flying over the edge with his name on her lips and she heard his shout of pleasure a moment before she felt his seed erupt inside her. His legs gave way beneath him and Gabby laughed as they ended up on the floor of the shower in a heap of limbs.
“Sorry,” he mumbled and Gabby turned her head and kissed him. She had never seen her husband lose control like that. He had always taken the time to pleasure them both thoroughly but this had been just what she needed.
“I love you,” she breathed and he smiled against her lips as he tasted her all over again.
“Ready for round two?” he asked and Gabby couldn’t help the giggle that escaped her as he took the time to pleasure them both properly.
They had only just finished getting dressed when the doorbell rang and Gabby sent Nik a sheepish smile. She couldn’t believe that she had let him distract her like that when she was supposed to be the one distracting him.
“Do you think they’ll know what we’ve been up to?” she asked as embarrassment assailed her and Nik grinned down at her.
“We’re married honey, it’s expected. Besides it will just convince my father that grandchildren are on the horizon,” he said.
Together they made their way downstairs and Nik let his family in while Gabby went to the kitchen and made sure that the meal was coming along well and wasn’t yet destroyed. Everything seemed fine and after a few minutes she lowered the heat and went in to the lounge where the men were all sat with drinks.
“Wine?” Nik asked and at her nod he poured her a glass and bought it over. She noticed that he didn’t stray far and seemed to like touching her.
“I have to say that vacation has done you two the world of good. You look more relaxed than I can remember seeing you,” Pablo offered and she smiled at him. He looked good too and Gabby saw a sparkle in his eyes that hadn’t been there before. She wondered if he had a new lady in his life.
The conversation flowed for a while as they all caught up on each other’s lives and Nik described the paradise that had been the Island. Gabby didn’t think that she’d had a more relaxing night in ages. She was glad that they had done this even if her motives hadn’t been the best.
For once when the subject of children was bought up Gabby didn’t feel embarrassed by the question and she didn’t feel the need to lie. Instead she told Pablo that when it happened he would be the first to know and he seemed thrilled by the prospect of having grandchildren. It made Gabby feel guilty for all the time she’d wasted when she could have been happy with Nik and providing Pablo with the next generation.
It was during dinner that Gabby finally managed to bring up the subject of work and what the hell was going on there that she wasn’t allowed to know anything. She’d been very quiet towards the end of the meal and had allowed the men to do all the talking. If they’d noticed that she had been quieter than normal they hadn’t mentioned it. Pablo was the one who bought up work first and Gabby could have kissed him for getting the conversation to where she wanted it. He only asked how work was going for Nik as he’d been hearing good things. Nik responded that it was fine but it was all the opening that she needed.
“It’s weird that you mention hearing things about Nik’s work because I’ve been hearing some weird things too,” Gabby said as she toyed with her wineglass. She didn’t miss the sudden exchange of panicked looks between Luca and Nik.
“What kind of weird things?” Nik asked in a bored tone but she also didn’t miss the small spark of panic in his eyes.
“It just seems odd to me that you’re pulling all these odd hours and that Luca suddenly can’t be reached,” Gabby said which made Luca look shifty as hell.
“We’ve just been busy trying to sort a problem out,” Nik assured her and she flashed him that innocent smile of hers.
“A problem that required you and Callie to work together?” she questioned and Nik froze as suspicion clouded his gaze.
“Is this your way of saying that you don’t trust me and think I’m having an affair?” he asked and Gabby shook her head slowly.
“No. This is my way of asking why one of your colleagues wants me to believe that you’re having an affair,” she corrected and both Luca and Nik looked confused by this. Pablo didn’t seem to have any idea about any of it and he stayed silent as he watched his son carefully.
“Who wants you to believe that?” Luca asked but Gabby was certain that they already knew. What she didn’t understand was how they could know and what was going on.
“I think you already know. What I want to know is what the hell’s going on?” she demanded and again both of them looked shifty.
“We can’t tell you,” Luca finally said and Nik shot him a glare but all Gabby felt was annoyance that she wasn’t considered part of the inner circle but he would confide in his cousin.
“Why can’t you tell me?” she demanded and Luca simply shook his head. Apparently he didn’t dare go up against Nik again.
“Just give it a rest Gabby,” Nik said and she wouldn’t have dropped it but for the look in his eyes that let her know she wouldn’t be getting any more information out of either of them after that.
The rest of the meal was tense and Luca and Pablo both took an early exit. That left her and Nik alone. He headed straight for their room but she was determined not to be lied to anymore. She wanted answers and she wanted them now. They had confirmed what she had already known but she still didn’t understand why they were lying to her.
“Tell me what’s going on,” she insisted when she reached their room and he spun round in the middle of removing his shirt to send her a glare.
“I can’t,” he gritted out and Gabby had finally had enough. She was sick of being fobbed off and he would be telling her what the hell was going on if it was the last thing he did.
“Why can’t you just tell me?” she demanded and he let out a frustrated sigh.