Of Love and Deception (18 page)

A solitary tear tumbled down her cheek. Daniella inhaled a deep breath and broke out in a coughing-choking spell. Breathing was difficult. She could feel her swollen throat swell further, nearing the point of suffocation. The light surrounding her slowly faded.

“Daniella, Daniella! Wake up, love. Please wake up!
Cruz's frantic voice muddled around in her head. What a cruel joke her mind played on her.

Screaming sirens burst into her already throbbing head. The crushing pain was too much and she wanted to die. There was a pinch and a stinging sensation in her forearm followed by a cold ache that traveled up her arm. Her head went fuzzy and her body floated.

It was dark. So very dark.

And then there were noises.

Sick, sexual noises.

“You like that? Hard? Tell me what you want, baby.”

“Fuck me harder… oh… oh yeah… I'm… coming, Blake. I'm…”

A blurry image of a man towered over her. He smiled but it wasn't a pretty smile.

His lips parted and his spit sprayed against her cheeks. She could feel the weight of her body being dragged, but where?

“You're going to forget this. Forget what you saw. And then it will be you and me, and our happy little lives together. Got that?”
She kicked, screamed and clawed at him.

Smooth fingers held her hands against something solid. Warm lips kissed her cheeks and whispered things against her ear.
“It's okay. I won't let anyone hurt you. I love you.”

  She woke in a panic, her body slick with sweat. She smiled at Cruz. He was sitting there staring at her and dabbing her forehead with a cool cloth. She reached out with a shaky hand and stroked his silky brown hair.

His eyes sparkled. A slow curl of his lips formed an endearing smile. “Welcome to earth.”

He leaned over and kissed her forehead.  His lips trailed down to her ear and he spoke softly. “Tell me I didn't blow it. Tell me you still love me, that you'll marry me?”

It took a minute before it all came flooding back. The night at the bar.

Though she was weak and her throat parched, she whispered, “No, you didn't blow it. I-I did.” She paused, placing a finger to her lips. “Well, I do have a beautiful wedding gown with all the trimmings and accessories. Why, what would I do with it if I said no?”

He kissed and nibbled her fingers. “I suppose you could give it to one of the blonde—what did you call them? Oh yeah, whore bait.”

Daniella swiped her hand back. “I don't find that amusing.” She swatted the top of his head.

“Cool off. It was just a joke.” 

“I love you so much… so much that I can't handle seeing you talk to any woman. You're mine and… and yes, I do want to marry you.”

He buried his nose into her neck. Daniella prayed she didn't stink.

“Cruz?” she rasped.

“What is it, babe?”

“What happened? Why am I in the hospital?”

His lips pressed against her cheek, “Alcohol poisoning,” he mumbled.

“Ww-what? But—”

“Sh, sh. I'm just kidding. But I have to admit, I've never seen you
that
drunk before.” He smirked.

“Glad you're amused. I don't find any humor in it. The whole night sucked ass.” She wanted to thump his head but refrained, knowing he'd probably laugh harder.

“Influenza and mono. That's what the doc said. Your tonsils swelled to the point they were almost touching and nearly cut off your breathing.” He sat up. “Why didn't you call me, or Lori, or anyone?” He jabbed his finger lightly against her chest. “You know how lucky you are?” His jaw tightened.

She reached for his hand and weaved her fingers between his. “How did I get here, to the hospital? I mean… well, I don't know.”

“Two days of you not answering my calls or texts, I walked into Designers, Inc. Parker was headed out the front doors, and I stopped to ask him if you were working. Your car was not in the parking lot.”

“Oh no! I hope you told him what happened. I don’t want to lose my job.” She shrieked.

“Hush, hush. You're covered. Parker's aware of what happened and where you are. See all the flowers over there?” He pointed toward the window.

“Aw, gosh. Let me guess, the red, white, and pink roses are from you?” Daniella sniggered.

“Well, they are your favorite. I wouldn't dare buy you anything less.” Cruz circled her palm with his thumb. “Anyway. I gave Parker the run down, mentioned we'd had a fight Saturday night. He said he was just leaving to pay you a visit, but I told him I'd make that run. Good thing your good buddy, Lori, gave me the key you'd given her to your apartment. Otherwise the firemen or cops would have busted down your door.”

“Lori. Gawd, I love that girl.” Daniella's eyes widened. “Crap, Cruz. I haven't given you a key. Keep Lori's. I'll give her another one.”

Raising her hand to his lips, he kissed each one of her fingers. “Bout time.”

~~~

Several days later, she was discharged from the hospital.

The minute she stepped into her apartment, she headed straight to the jacuzzi. After filling the tub, she whipped off her clothes and slid in to the warm water.

“Whoa. What's the rush?” Cruz stood in the doorway, naked.

Her cheeks heated. “Hospital. Greasy hair. Prickly stubbles on my legs. In other words, I feel nasty.” She watched him, wondering why he was still standing by the door. She crooked a finger. “Are you going to stand there all naked and wait, or are you going to get in?”

  He grinned and shook his head, and made his way into the tub. As Daniella took the sprayer and wet her head, Cruz pressed his chest against her back, and reached for the shampoo. After pouring it into his hands, he lathered it into her hair, took the sprayer and then rinsed it out. She welcomed the help he offered but refused to let him wash her body or shave the one place he dared to try.

“Come on. I'll be careful, I promise.” He teased.

“No way. Not happening, so give it up already. And get out so I can shave privately.”

Cupping her breasts and pressing his lips against her ear, he panted, “Fine, but one of these days you're going to let me do it. I'll leave you to do your thing and make you something to eat.” He released her breasts and stepped out of the tub. As he walked away, Daniella marveled at the tight, muscular cheeks connected to a mighty fine body.

“Very nice, Mr. Canton. Very, very nice.” He turned to catch her licking her lips. She continued. “Work it, work it.” He placed his hands on both cheeks, turned his nose up, walked out of the bathroom, and laughed.

Daniella's muscles protested, her legs and arms cramping and aching as she slipped into her white cotton pajama shorts, and matching t-shirt.  Even the short walk to the couch was grueling. She melted into the cushions, relishing the crisp cold of the fabric against her heated skin. Cruz sat next to her and encouraged her to rest her head in his lap.

“Your skin is so soft and you smell downy fresh,” he said while running his fingers through her damp hair, and caressing her cheeks. His touch was so soft and soothing; she couldn't keep her eyes open any longer.

~~~

Cruz spent a few weeks pampering and spoiling Daniella. If she'd known he'd pander to her the way he had, she would have pretended not to and kept him there forever. But, duty called and she knew he had to leave today. 

“Go on. Get out of here. I'm fine,” she said as she pushed him toward the door.

He pulled her close and whispered against her lips, “That means I can finally kiss you then.”

They were kissing goodbye and he had that look in his eyes, the same one she was certain she had. Fire, lust, passion and love. If she didn't pull away now, he'd be late to his business meeting. Unwillingly, she broke their kiss and pushed him further out the door.

“Damn, Daniella. I need just a little more of that.” He attempted to step toward her.

Raising her hands, she pressed her palms against his chest and nudged him back into the hall. “Nooo. You've gotta go.” A giggle escaped her. “You can't be late. Now go on and get it over with so you can hurry back to me, and then we can finish where we left off.”

A wicked grin crossed his lips and he stripped her naked. A fire flickered in his eyes that spoke of all the wicked and sinful things he might do to her.

Watching his eyes slowly descend to the edges of her pajama shorts caused a delicious swirl to coil in her belly. She could almost feel his fingers snaking under the fabric and slipping between—

Daniella's cheeks heated. “Go!” she said, as she swung the door closed. “I love you!” The echo of his laughter trailed behind him as he descended the steps.

~~~

A
rap, tap, tap,
woke Daniella from her afternoon nap. It wasn't Cruz because he had a key. She had no choice but to get off the couch and answer it.

She opened the door. It was Meg, the one person she hadn’t expected to see. Great. She wasn’t in the mood for entertaining. “What do you want, Meg?”

“I need to talk to you. Can I come in?” Meg shifted and crossed her arms over her chest. “Please?”

“Fine.” Daniella opened the door wider and stepped aside, allowing Meg to enter.

“I'm so sorry about that whole bar scene. What you saw wasn't what it looked like.” Meg's voice had a nervous bite to it.

“Oh, pu-lease,” Daniella huffed, and then nodded toward the couch. After they were seated, Daniella turned to face Meg. She really wasn't up for Meg's bullshit today.

“No, really, Daniella. It wasn't what you thought.” Meg stirred uncomfortably.

“Oh? And what exactly do you think I thought?”

“Just hear me out, and then you can say whatever you want.”

“Fine. Just get on with it, Meg. I'm tired and I don't want to sit here entertaining your apology,” Daniella scoffed.

  “Okay. Cruz didn't do anything wrong. Lexus tried to get him to take her back, obviously threatened by the knowledge of his upcoming wedding. She was certain he'd take her back, but she failed miserably. I happened to see you walk in and squealed my excitement, knowing Lexus would take one look at you and be horribly jealous. I didn't know she'd up her game by pawing Cruz. She did it on purpose.” Meg paused, probably to see if Daniella showed interest in what she was saying, and then she continued. “Lexus knew it would tear you up, and when you stomped off, she did a little victory dance.” Meg dropped her head. Tears dripped onto her neatly folded hands resting between her knees.

“I'm so sorry, Daniella, for the way I acted. I only touched Cruz the way I did because I wanted to make Lexus pay for her actions—how she deliberately hurt you and caused a rift between you and Cruz. I never meant to hurt you, or Cruz. Can you forgive me?”

Daniella pondered over Meg's confession. She'd known how women like Lexus worked, so Meg's story was believable enough.

“You should have handled it differently, or at least taken the time to come after me to tell me what was going on. But you didn't and you left me believing my fiancé was a player. I forgive you, but don’t ever do that to me again.” She shook her head.

“You're right. I should have warned you, but I couldn't chase you down, not with that woman, what's her name?”

“Lori.”

“Yeah, her. I wasn't up for a fight with her. Sorry, but I can't stand her.”

“I assure you, the feeling is mutual.”

“I'm sure it is. Anyway, do you see where I'm coming from, even if I was wrong?” Meg scooted along the couch, closer to Daniella, and then lightly elbowed her.

“Okay, dick lips! But if you ever do that again, I'll kick your mother loving ass.”

Meg squealed and wrapped her arms around Daniella, squeezing her tightly. “Does that mean I'm still a bridesmaid?”

  Daniella stared at Meg and wondered how this woman could be a doctor. She acted so childish at times. “Yes, Meg. You're still a bridesmaid.”

~~~

Planning a wedding was hectic. Time moved all too quickly and Daniella had barely had all that needed to be done, done. Nevertheless, everything went off without a hitch and their wedding turned out amazing.

Arm in arm, Mr. and Mrs. Cruz Canton escaped through the front doors. Rice rained down on them as they ducked toward the carriage. She caught a glimpse of Meg. Her cheeks were ruby red and her hands were folded across her chest. If her lips were pressed any tighter, she’d need cosmetic surgery. Falcon had his arm draped over her shoulder, fingers clenching, releasing, and then clenching again. He nodded and smiled his approval. Daniella wondered what caused Meg's disappointment, but shrugged it off. This was her special day. In no way would she allow anyone to take that away from her. 

“Wow,” Daniella gasped. The carriage reminded her of the time she'd spent with Cruz at Arbor Day Lodge, daydreaming and wondering about romance the people of the past had. She pulled her wedding gown up, and he hoisted her with his hands at her hips into the pure white carriage. 

“Why, me lady, is it not up to your fancy?” Cruz asked.

“Most certainly it is, Meestor Canton, I love it!” Daniella turned into him, threw her arms up, and cupped his cheeks. “You have to be the most romantic man I know.” She stared into his irresistible blue eyes. “I love you so much. I just really do.” Tears threatened to smear her eyeliner and mascara. She blinked rapidly to keep the flood behind the gates.

Cruz drew her into the warmth of his chest and graced her with a tender kiss. “Mm. I
just love you
so
much
, too.” He smiled against her lips.

They waved to everyone as the horse and buggy pulled forward. The warm breeze, the clippity-clop of horse hooves clapping the cobblestone road and the luscious lips now greeting her own was an incredible moment she promised never to forget.

We're married! God, thank you. I love you!

~~~

The reception hall flourished with purple and white roses, white table covers, purple accents, and even the lighting had a purple hue. Glasses clinked; chatter filled all corners of the reception hall while soft music floated in the background. Everything turned out perfect.

The DJ called for the bride and groom to step onto the dance floor.

Daniella's eyes swept over the crowd in search of Cruz. She glanced at Meg and followed the direction in which Meg focused. She was staring at Cruz.