Wounded Birds (The Grayson Series Book 1) (28 page)

I will never tire of this, his touch, sensitivity, warmth, and love. I’m going to miss him immensely. I glance at the clock illuminating nine-thirty at night. Oh crap, I jerk out of bed, wrap myself in my robe, which was lying on the floor, and head for the bathroom.

I startle Michael, and he gets up to follow. “Ariana, are you okay?”

“Oh, Michael, stop worrying, I’m fine. I noticed the time. I still need to pack for three weeks, well technically nineteen days, but who’s counting? I’m leaving on an early flight out of JFK.”

“I’ll take you to the airport,” he offers.

“Not necessary, I’ll call a car.”

“Ariana don’t fight me on this, please. I’m taking you, and that’s not up for debate.”

I grunt inwardly. He’s back, the bully of all bulldozers. “Michael, do you even know how to communicate a kind gesture without making it sound condescending?” I scowl, angry, tapping my foot on the floor as the steam begins to come through my nose.

He looks dismayed, unsure of what to say or how to answer me. “No, I don’t think I do, but let me reiterate myself in a manner that may capture your heart.” He moves toward me, his eyes gleaming, and a radiant smile begins to surface across his face.

I nod, admiring his sculpted abs, and beautiful bronze skin. Mine.

“Ariana, may I have the honor of taking you to the airport tomorrow? The thought of even being without you for one moment pierces a knife through my heart.” He places his hand over his chest, his face expressing pain and a sorrowful look in his eyes like a puppy pleading for a treat. How dramatic.

“You’re pathetic.” I laugh.

“I love you, too, my little wildcat,” he comments, moving toward me, and I run past him. He darts after me and catches me. “I have you now,” he growls and throws me over his shoulder.

“Ah! Michael put me down, you beast,” I scream out, slapping his backside.

“Oh, no, sweetheart, this is too much fun.” He chuckles. I’m thrown down on the bed, and he pounces on me like a cat after a mouse.

“You’re too tempting not to have my way with you, my wildcat.” He strips off my robe and caresses my body with his tongue, and I float away into the blissful pleasures of his love.

Chapter 25

A Little Wild

“Ariana, Ariana.”

“Michael?” I grumble.

“Wake up.” He nudges me.

“I don’t want to,” I murmur and snuggle closer into his warm body, which is wrapped around me like a blanket, savoring his soft, bare skin against mine as his male scent seduces my subconscious, waking it up out of its sound sleep.

“Ariana, sweetheart . . . you need to wake up. You need to pack for your trip.”

“Trip?” Hmm. My trip . . . oh, yes, my . . . and my heart slams into gear and jolts me awake. Oh shit. I jerk up out of bed. I turn, and Michael is sitting there, all wide-eyed and smiles.

“What time is it?” The words rush out of my mouth, and I glance at the clock. The clock . . . it’s missing from the nightstand. I get up, put my robe on and stand across the bed from him admiring his mischievous smile.

“It’s midnight, and the clock took a dive for the floor. Did you forget we got a little wild a few hours ago?” He flashes his wicked grin.

A little wild?
I think to myself. Now that’s an understatement. I’m surprised the catastrophic roars didn’t shatter the windows.

“You are a wildcat, erotically hot under those sheets,” he says, licking his lips, and his eyes begin to gleam with lust.

I shut my eyes briefly to relish the moment, grinning from ear-to-ear. “Yes, how could I forget, my hot sensuous, wild, and sexy Neanderthal?”

He begins to crawl across the bed like a cougar that has finally found his mate.

“Don’t. Get the thought out of your head. I need to pack,” I say and giggle.

He sits back on his feet and pouts, God, even when he’s sulking he’s breathtaking.

I retrieve my luggage and clothes and begin to pack, and my mouth drops open when I hear Michael speaking in Cantonese, probably talking to someone in Hong Kong. The man never ceases to amaze me. He is a man of many talents.

I finish packing and crawl back into bed, snuggling my back up against his chest. The mattress feels warm and soft beneath me, but lying against Michael’s bare skin is much more serene. He disconnects the call and envelops me with his body. I feel his heat seep through my flesh, making me all warm and cozy, and I fall asleep in his arms.

***

I jolt from a piercing buzzing in my ear. My hand smacks around my nightstand, searching for my phone, and it’s nowhere to be found. Well, it may help if I open my eyes.

The ringing stops, and I hear Michael. “Hey, Trent.”

I yawn and, eyes wide open now, stretching against the aches and pains. I must have used every muscle in my body last night, and now I’m paying for the joy. Michael sure knows his way around. He wasn’t kidding when he said he would explore every inch of me. I feel the heat rising over my cheeks just thinking about it.

He moves towards the dresser and rest against it. I listen to the one-sided conversation. His expression is intense, his eyes cold and hard.

“When . . . . How many times . . . . Put extra security on her flight . . . . She’s leaving in a few hours . . . .Okay, I’ll speak to you soon.” He ends the call and shoves the phone in his pocket.

“Don’t tell me, from the expression one your face this phone call had something to do with the psycho.”

He gives me a curt nod. “Yes,” he says with an angry tone, and his eyes enraged.

“Are you going to tell me?” I sit up, facing him. Anxiety fills the air as he paces around the room.

“So, what happened?” I ask again, waiting impatiently.

He stops and stands in front of me. He frowns and says, “He called several times yesterday while we were at Sands Point and in the middle of the night.” He stares into my eyes, and there is a moment of silence.

“Go on,” I say as I feel my heart climbing into my throat.

He sits on the bed. “I can’t remember word for word, but he said, ‘The time is approaching, coming closer and closer for the day we meet, the day you become my wife, my everything, forever and ever. You are my truelove, my true fantasy and soon to be my baby doll. I hope you’re wearing the ring I left you.’”

I pale as the deep hollowness in my chest expands, my anger intensifying. The man is a pure mental case.

“Go on, I know there’s more,” I ask with ease; meanwhile, my stomach is in knots.

“The other calls . . . were about some house he’s preparing and,” There’s a long pause. I know he’s holding back.

“Finish,” I say my voice firm.

Michael rubs his face and runs his fingers through his hair. “He has a special belt for you and ropes sitting by the bedside table.”

I go slack. The sick bastard. Did Danny tell someone? Did he have a close friend I knew nothing about? Another existence? Anxiety begins to creep over me as my heart rate starts to increase at a rapid speed, deafened by the blood that’s pounding through my ears in a frenzied rush.

“Michael, no one knows anything about the belts or the ropes Danny kept by the bedside table.” I swallow hard and bury myself into his skin. “Who is it, Michael? Who would know so much about me, about Danny, and why torment me with it?”

I wrap myself around his rigid muscles, sensing the anger surfacing and his heart racing. “Ariana, I wish I could find the bastard so I could kill him,” he explodes, and the atmosphere around us turns arctic.

“Listen, Trent has extra security on your flight. You won’t even know they’re there.”

“There’s more than one going?” I ask.

“Yes, it’s a precaution. Will Blake and the rest of the crew be going along?”

“Yes. We’ll be staying in three-bedroom suites.”

“Good to hear and I hope that while you’re gone, we can track down the lowlife. He has to slip. They all do. Trent has a strong lead, but he’s not divulging the information to us until he’s sure. He also has questions about your housekeeper.”

“What about my housekeeper? I thought he had already questioned her.”

Michael shakes his head. “He tried to get in contact with her, but no luck. What is her name again?”

“Her name is Melinda Candles.”

“Does she have complete access to your place?”

“No, she can only come in when I’m here, but she’s been gone for the past three weeks. So, that’s probably why Trent never got a hold of her. She’ll be back in November. Family issues, she claims.”

“Who’s been cleaning your home?” He lifts his right eyebrow up.

“Joanne’s housekeeper. I see that look on your face. It’s not Lisa. I’ve known her for two years, and she has three kids. I also know it can’t be Melinda. She and I have had lunch a few times. She is a wonderful and caring woman. She works two jobs and has had a hard life. They have nothing to do with this.”

“I’ll pass the information to Trent,” he says and kisses me.

“There is one more thing. Trent viewed the surveillance tapes from your studio. A tall person with a husky built dressed in a custodial uniform was in the building just thirty minutes before you arrived at your office. He’s the one who placed the gift box holding the doll on your desk and took off. The description fits the person who dropped off the chocolates.”

I gasp. “How did he get in? Our cleaning staff comes in the evenings, not in the mornings.”

“That’s what security told Trent, but apparently he has a key to the back entrance.”

“This is a nightmare.” I rub my hands over my arms. This is like watching some horror flick, and I’m the main character.

Michael pulls me against him. He gently caresses me and says, “Please don’t worry. Trent placed extra security at the studio. All employees and visitors entering or leaving the building will be checked for ID, and matched on their database. If they question why, they will be informed there was a break-in.

“Trent spoke with your boss a few days ago. I think this is the reason he’s sending you off on all these trips.”

I blow out a breath. “So that explains the mass of sudden expeditions. I just don’t understand why he didn’t tell me himself.”

“Trent made him swear not to discuss it with you or anyone else and to keep the information under lock and key.”

“I can’t believe all the drama and complications I’ve caused everyone.” I pull away from his arms and pace around, agitated and furious.

“Ariana, stop talking nonsense. You haven’t done anything wrong. That demented fuck haunting you is at fault,” he says furiously.

“How can you sit there and say that, Michael. The guy is after me, and I’m the cause of this mess happening at work, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Trent doesn’t have his whole staff working round the clock to find him, when I’m sure he has other cases he needs to work on. Of course, I’m the blame,” I say, well not entirely, but it sure as hell feels that way.

“Please stop blaming yourself, Ariana,” he pleads and wraps his arms around me, holding me close to his naked body.

I shake my head and kiss his chest. “I don’t want to discuss this anymore. Let’s get a shower and get ready to leave,” I order.

“Now you’re talking,” Michael says with a boyish smile, looking all sexy with his hair mussed up.

Chapter 26

The Chase

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and we’re just minutes away from home, arriving from Australia. The trip, as always, has been rewarding. The exposition of these majestic hotels went smoothly.

We made our first stop at Rayavadee Hotel located in Krabi, Thailand, adjacent to the towering limestone cliffs and islands joined by the crystal-clear waters of the Andaman Sea.

The second stop was Capella Singapore, a luxury resort situated on Sentosa Island that sits among thirty acres of rolling hills where a splendid serenity awaits you.

Our final destination was Australia. We embarked on a small charter plane to Hayman Resort, a luxurious, majestic private island settled amidst a tropical paradise in the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef. The resort offers serenity, seclusion, pristine beauty, and luxury.

Throughout my trip, Michael and I communicated every day by way of FaceTime or cell phone. I miss that overbearing, protective, bulldozer.

There is still no trace of the psycho, and I’m dreading to hear what he’s been up to. Before I left, Michael mentioned Trent had a strong lead. Unfortunately, Trent isn’t about to disclose any information and won’t anytime soon. Nonetheless, I must keep my faith. I just wish they would catch him so I can live in peace once again.

I haven’t been the same since this obsessed psychopath entered my life. In spite of that, Blake strived several times to ease my anxiety, tickling me, tossing me over his shoulder, making silly faces and even took me dancing. However, nothing topped this move when Blake caught me by surprise and threw me in the pool, clothes and all. Of course, I was not going to plunge into the depths alone. I managed to take hold of his shirt and pulled him in for a swim. That had to be the most I laughed. Jackie, Mandy, and Willie decided to join in. It was fun and our last night at the Hayman Resort.

“This is the captain speaking, we are about to land in less than fifteen minutes. Please fasten your seat belts. Flight crew, prepare for landing.”

A swarm of butterfly’s bursts into my stomach, and my adrenalin and eagerness boost into overdrive. I’m tingling all over, craving Michael’s touch. “Paradise” by Sade echoes through my headset.

I close my eyes, and with a smile on my face, I picture Michael in my arms, kissing those smooth, tender lips. I remember Michael’s promise to me that he will be waiting for me at the airport. I remove the headset and wiggle in my seat with anticipation, too anxious to sit still.

“Finally, Ariana, we’re home,” Blake sings out and offers his hand. I take it, and I sense his force and energy flow through me.

What would I have done without him? He befriended me the moment I stepped into my first new job. He was there for strength and moral support when I had to identify Danny’s body. He sat and listened to my fears of intimacy with men and the raw trauma with Danny and during my brief break up with Michael. Now he’s my human shield, protecting me along with Michael and his brothers from my psychotic stalker.

“I bet you’re looking forward to seeing Francis,” I say, excitement bursting through.

His eyes light up like the Eiffel tower. “I sure missed him. I don’t think we’ve ever been apart this long.”

“Is he picking you up at the airport?” I ask.

“No. Since we wouldn’t be landing until one or two in the morning, I told him I’ll be getting a ride with Jackie.”

“I hope Sean doesn’t send us out again for a while. The holidays are already approaching. Thanksgiving is less than a week away.”

“I’m with you.”

We collect our bags and go through customs. I kiss Blake and the others good-bye and head for my man, who’s pacing like a wild cat, threading his hands through his hair. He hasn’t seen me yet.

I gape at the white T-shirt accenting his broad, muscular chest, covered in his bad-boy leather jacket. I bite my lower lip when my eyes shift to his tight-fitting black jeans. Yummy. The poor guy looks restless. I can’t stand it anymore. I pull my handbag over my shoulder; haul my carry-on case from the floor and dart toward him like a cougar running toward her mate.

As I get closer, I call out his name. He turns his face full of surprise, shock, and elation. I release the carry-on, drop my bag and jump him, wrapping my legs and arms around him like a snake entwined around a tree. He sways, almost losing his balance.

He chuckles. “Hold on, sweet thing. You don’t want us to fall.” He places me down, looking at me with voracious eyes, and hauls me back against his solid chest, kissing me hard.

Our surroundings blur into a vapor of mist, as I’m lost in the sensation of pleasure, a place I longed for, missed, somewhere safe and from harm’s way.

He pulls us apart to take one more look at me, breathing erratic. “I’ve missed you so damn much, little wildcat,” he says sounding seductive, and I’m pulled into his arms with undying urgency.

I’m pressed harder and deeper against his chest, feeling the harsh throbbing beats of his heart, his sweet scent tantalizing all my senses. My heart is doing flip-flops, pounding away, keeping up with his beating heart.

I pour my mind, body, and soul into my kiss, threading my fingers viciously through his luscious, thick, black hair with gentle pulls. He moans, which increases my breathing and want for this man.

I get a tap on my shoulder. I pull away, and Michael shoves me behind him, holding me with a protective, secure grip when he faces a man who was standing behind me. “Can I help you?” He rasps out with harshness.

I peek over, recognizing the gentleman who helped me with my luggage. I forgot all about him. “Michael, it’s okay.” I move from behind him. “I’m sorry, sir,” I say, mortified over our rambunctiousness, making out like two teenagers in the middle of the airport.

“No problem, Miss DiMarco,” he says shyly.

The moment I walked into the baggage claim area the young man rushed over to assist me with my bags. I went to offer him money, but he refused and asked if I could sign an autograph for him. Of course, I was happy to do it.

“Are you ready for your bags?” He looks at me then at Michael, shuffling his feet side-to-side looking nervous

“Yes, of course, please follow me.” Michael gestures toward the glass doors, sounding more relax and polite.

We walk outside, and I’m stunned. “Wow, I don’t recall hearing anything about snow,” I say with a shiver, reminding me my coat is packed in the luggage. I glance over my attire, satisfied with my warm, pink turtleneck sweater and jeans that are tucked in my boots.

“Ah, sugar, you’re cold.” He takes his leather jacket off. “Put this on,” he insists.

“I’m fine, Michael.” I inhale the frigid air, taking a few of the alabaster flakes into my mouth, which immediately melt. I fold his jacket over my arm. I spin once, admiring the view of the white crystals and the several inches of snow already packed beneath my feet. “I love the snow.” I exhale out with glee.

Michael places his hand over my shoulder, penetrating me with his heat. His eyes lock onto mine, making my heart melt into a pool of vanilla ice cream. “And I can’t wait to play in it with you.”

“Aw, Michael.” I kiss him, and this beautiful snowflake flutters over us, gently landing above his lip. I tiptoe and glide my tongue over the flake as it liquefies in my mouth. “Snowflake,” I murmur and nip at his chin. His breath hitches and he flashes me a dangerous grin.

“You’re playing with fire.”

I laugh and change the subject. “Is Joe here?” I ask, searching for his driver.

“No, I wanted you all to myself.” And he smacks my backside, sending an erotic sensation to my core.

“Don’t start something you can’t finish, Mr. Grayson. It’s been a long nineteen days,” I tease, caressing his shapely, firm bottom.

“Wait until I get you home, Ariana.” I squeal as I’m swept up into his arms and he spins me around in the parking lot.

He gently eases me down, and for that one moment, the world fades except for Michael and the delicate flurries cascading over us like diamonds.

“I’ve missed you, and I miss this,” he whispers in my ear, and his fingers dance erotically over my sex.

I let out a screech. “Stop that! We are in a public place." Thank God, the baggage handler is looking the other way. I pray no one else caught that moment if so I hope I won’t see it on YouTube.

“And I’m going to kiss every inch of you,” he says with a wicked grin.

I gasp, my breath caught in my lungs, and my knees go weak. Thank God my arms are wrapped around his neck or I would have collapsed on the glittering snow from the image that flashed before me.

“Breathe, Ariana,” he whispers with an erotic tone, making me mewl into his chest. The man is toxic. There is no other way to explain this foreign substance running through my blood. He takes my hand in his and we walk towards the car.

“You are evil, Mr. Grayson, damn straight evil,” I retort, catching my breath and easing the fast-beating heart in my chest.

“You remember that, Miss DiMarco. I hope you slept well on the plane because we have almost three weeks of making up to do.”

We reach the car, and the gentleman places my luggage in the back of Michael’s white Lexus SUV. Again, I have forgotten about this poor man, and my face turns red. “Thank you so much for all your help,” I say with genuine gratitude.

“You’re welcome, Ms. DiMarco,” he says and rushes off towards the warm, inviting airport.

I stare at Michael’s car. I shake my head. “I see you have a love for Lexus cars,” I say.

“They’re beautiful cars, safe and last. I upgrade every other year from a good friend who owns a Lexus dealer ship in Long Island City. I donate my cars to families that need them. As for the sports cars, I sell them and give the money to charities.”

“You’re such a philanthropist. That’s one of the many things I love about you.” I reach up and kiss him on his cool, moist lips.

“I don’t ever remember telling you anything about my altruism,” he says.

“Oh, Michael, you’re not a big secret to the world.” I point my finger to his chest. “I know all about your donations and that you’re on the board of directors for the battered women and children’s shelter in Texas. You are a generous man.”

“As do you, Ariana. I read about the amount of time you spend at the shelter, and the scholarships you’ve given out. Oh, and let’s not forget all necessities you give the children. I also know you donate a generous amount of money to animal shelters, Covenant House, Maria’s birthday wishes for the homeless, and food banks. If that’s not generous, then shoot me now,” he says and we step into the car, and he reaches over to kiss me.

“Are you ready to go? I don’t want to hear any excuses you have jet lag, baby. The moment we get to our destination you’re all mine.” His laughter rings sweetly in the car bringing music to my ears.

“I’m ready,” I say thinking about what awaits when we get to my apartment.

He starts the ignition, and the SUV comes to life, purring like a baby. The surround sound kicks in and “Amazed” by Lonestar springs to life. He turns it up and sings aloud.

His tender voice echoes throughout the car transporting me into a blissful paradise. I gape at his beautiful features, strong and powerful, both hands enfolded around the steering wheel with full control and confidence. I’m tempted to stroke my fingers over his exposed sculpted biceps.

I love this man so much. At times, it’s hard to fathom the never-ending emotions that rush through me. How my insides liquefy like butter every time he touches me.

“Michael, where are we going?” I’m not sure about the length of time we’ve been on the road, but I’ve noticed the trees dominating both sides of a desolate highway covered in a blanket of snow. The snow seems to be falling harder now.

“I have a surprise for you, sweetheart. Josh has a beautiful home in Bedford, on twenty acres of secluded property.

“He’s working the night shift at NW Hospital and asked if we would dog sit for him. He has a small Maltese named Chica, who is ill, and he wasn’t comfortable leaving her alone. Is that okay?”

“Yes, of course, I love animals.” I lift his hand, place a kiss over each finger, inhaling his angelic scent, which has me spiraling, and I brush his knuckles against my face, cherishing his soft tenderness and strength.

“The highway’s barren,” I say.

“It’s two thirty in the morning and snowing,” he comments.

“I’m sorry. The flight was delayed.”

“You have nothing to be sorry about, Ariana. I’m just relieved and happy you’re home and soon in my arms.”

I peek at the side view mirror, noticing one other vehicle not far behind us. An uneasy sensation slithers down my spine, along with a cold shiver. “The road looks eerie,” I whisper.

“Turn the station to 1010. I’m interested to hear the extent of the storm,” Michael asks.

I change the station. Meteorologists are predicting twelve to eighteen inches of heavy snowfall to accumulate in the northeast by early morning. All motorists are being asked to stay off the road due to hazardous blizzard conditions because of winds over forty miles per hour causing poor visibility and dangerous drifts.