Wrapped In Shadows (31 page)

“I’m fine, really.”

I pulled back, studying the woman that caused me breathless delight, but she also filled me with a consuming fear because I couldn’t picture my life without her. Thank God this woman had come into my life—a brilliant light that had emerged from the shadows.

I leaned close to her ear and tasted the shell, feeling a smile nudge my lips. “So, I hear you like pumpernickel.”

*************************

Katie

A week later, I sat in a meeting with my staff. They were going over the progress of the autism fundraiser and it warmed my heart to see all the shining, excited faces. The event was only one month away and everyone had pulled together and coordinated efforts to ensure a successful evening. The many months of planning would finally pay off. I couldn't wait to get the final number for the guest list, or better yet, the final number on how much is raised at the event. With more and more children diagnosed with autism each year, funding was constantly stressed. Speaking of stress, I took a quick glance at my watch. I was meeting with my banker in half an hour and had to get things wrapped up.

Luke had offered to come with me, but I knew he was swamped with Davenport PR. Glen’s arrest had sparked a series of investigations from multiple government agencies. From the Drug Enforcement Administration to the New York State Taxi Commission. It turned out Glen was paying Dylan’s Taxi service to always have cars available to deliver his drugs. ACE was quickly dismantling and Luke was doing everything he could to help Tom Grummel deal with the crisis. Tom was transferring most of his accounts to Davenport and Luke had his hands full.

Vicki finished giving an update on the journal ads and I nodded, impressed. We’d gotten twice as many advertisers as we had for the multiple sclerosis fundraiser. I called a conclusion to the meeting and the women started to file out of my office. Cindy rose from her seat to leave and I motioned for her to remain behind. We’d had a long talk last week about her pregnancy and her future at the Vandercamp Foundation, but I could see that she still seemed worried.

“Is something wrong, Cindy? You seemed distracted during the meeting.”

She smiled shyly and placed her palm on the slight swell of her abdomen. I waited for her to speak, seeing that she seemed to need time to formulate her thoughts.

“I—I know it may seem silly, but I just worry about everything. I’m worried about the baby… I’m worried about what kind of parent I’ll be.”

I leaned forward and smiled. “I think that’s natural when you’re becoming a new mom. Your entire life will change.”

The young woman shrugged and sat quietly for a moment, her eyes cast down to the floor. “It’s just that I had such a horrible childhood. I was abused sexually by my father since I was seven. My mother knew about it and did nothing. The only way to stop it was to run away. I want to be able to always protect and provide for my child.”

I had to force a slow breath into my lungs and school my expression. I wanted to weep for this girl who at nineteen was still a child herself and had already experienced a lifetime of evil. It sickened me to think that such horror existed in the world. That’s why I needed to do what I could to make things better.

“We don’t get to pick our parents, Cindy. We deal the best we can with the life God gives us. It took a great deal of courage for you to run away. And you will use that same courage to have this baby and be the best parent that you can be. The fact that you are already thinking about it shows that you understand the gravity of this life changing event.”

Cindy shot me a weepy smile. “I don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t met you.”

I returned the smile. “I think you would have found your own way. Remember that our strength comes from inside. Not from other people. Others can encourage us to use it and help us see it, but it’s ultimately up to you to be your own dragon. And you’ll do everything you can to protect your loved ones.”

“Thank you.”

“I will always be here for you, Cindy. No worries. You’re an excellent worker and you’re conscientious.” I steadily held her gaze. “Know you’ll always have a job here. I’ll do everything in my power to make sure of that.”

I turned a corner and started down a deserted path in Central Park. It was a cold, wintery day and I tunneled deep into my coat. A layer of snow blanketed the ground and showed no sign of melting any time soon. The naked trees and muted greenery seemed sadly abandoned by Mother nature. I double checked the street sign above my head and tightened my grip on the small briefcase I carried. This was the location Josh had given me I should be in the right place. I spun in a circle, my long coat twirling around my ankles. Chewing my bottom lip, I fought an acute wave of anxiety. It would be just like Josh to keep me waiting for hours out in the cold.

“You are early.”

The gritty voice came from behind and I turned to see him coming up behind me. His hands were shoved into his leather jacket and he wore a knit hat pulled low on his head. His eyes were as cold as the breeze scraping the back of my neck and as dull as our surroundings.

“I just want to get this over with,” I said tartly.

His lips turned down unpleasantly as he stopped directly in front of me, purposefully brushing against my front. I took a step back, knowing he was deliberately trying to intimidate me.

“What, you don’t want to catch up on old times?” He laughed bitterly, his hand reaching out to cup my chin.

I jerked my face away, sickened by his touch. “Don’t come near me, you asshole.”

“Looks like your boyfriend fooled the police again. Did he pay off that poor schmuck to take the rap for him? I’ve been watching him, you know. He’s dangerous. You better be careful.”

His eyes dropped to my neck where I had a small bandage on my stitches. He smiled.

“I see he’s already shown you who’s boss. But then, you’ve always needed a firm hand.”

“I’m not listening to you. You’re nothing but a twisted psychopath!”

His lips turned up in a smile. “Such anger. Such insults from those pretty lips. I remember when those lips would wrap lovingly around my cock.”

I almost gagged at his crude words. I wanted to lash out at him, but needed to stay focused and get this over with. Josh was volatile, and could erupt at any moment.

“I know why you’re so upset,” he snickered. “Luke can’t give you what you need.”

Deliberately ignoring him, I held out my arm, proffering the case. “It’s all there.”

He grabbed the briefcase and took a few steps to a park bench, laying it flat.

“Am I right?” he asked casually, flipping open the metal locks and examining the contents. “He can’t satisfy you. Pity. If you decide to try a real man again, I’ll be happy to oblige.”

“No thanks. You and Carol deserve each other,” I spat back, unable to help myself.

He chuckled hoarsely. “She’s not too happy with you right now, thinks you broke her nose.”

Internal happy dance!

I sighed. “I hope you stick to your word now that you have the money.”

He shuffled some bills and snapped the case shut. “It seems to be all here, but if you’ve shorted me, I swear I’ll tell the world what a slut you are.”

“You’re threatening me?”

“It’s a promise, sweetheart. Your parents will turn on the morning show and see my mug dishing the dirt on the Vandercamps. You’ll lose everything: your reputation, your snooty friends, your precious foundation.”

“I can’t believe you’d go through with it.”

“I will make your life a living hell. Got me?”

I wanted to smile. “Got you.”

I watched him turn and walk away with a swagger, his lips pulling in a smile. He made it about thirty feet when all hell broke loose. Carlos and another man jumped from behind two large bushes and tackled Josh to the ground while a camera man materialized and continued to shoot footage. I raised a hand and tapped the front of my coat, checking the camouflaged microphone.

“Luke? Got it?”

“We got it all, beautiful. You were great.”

Luke’s voice came through the mike, but he also sounded closer. I turned and saw him coming up the path behind me, his long legs chewing up the ground. I ran the remaining steps and threw myself into his arms, exhaling a long sigh of relief.

“It’s okay. It’s over.” His big hand cradled my head to his chest as he planted kisses on my temple. “I just need a minute,” he grated and pulled away, heading toward Josh.

Angry flames glowed in his eyes, turning them to hard cut stones. I grabbed his arm and pulled him back to me.

“Luke? He’s not worth it.”

He stared down at me, his hands balled into fists. I could see indecision warring in his head. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I pulled his lips closer to mine and kissed him slowly, lovingly. Gradually his body loosened and I could feel his tension ebb.

Someone cleared his throat behind us and we swiveled to regard Matt Wilkinson. He was staring at us sheepishly.

“I’m sorry for all the trouble my boy has caused. You have my word he won’t be a problem again.”

“I’ll hold you to that, Matt,” Luke said.

The older man sighed, twisting his head to look at his son now handcuffed to the park bench, a nasty scowl on his face. He’d been screaming profanities a moment ago, but the appearance of his father seemed to have deflated him.

“I’ll make sure he’s on that plane to the Caiman Islands tomorrow. You could have called the police. Extortion is a criminal offense.”

“It was only because of my friendship with you that Katie decided not to. Besides, we have the tape if he tries anything. His credibility is shot.”

Matt Wilkinson extended a hand and Luke shook it. He smiled at me.

“I always thought you were too good for him.”

With those words, Matt took off in the direction of the bench. Carlos stepped in and handed me the case with the money.

“I believe this belongs to you, ma’am.”

I took the case and huddled back into the comfort of Luke’s arms as he guided us toward the waiting car. My feet slowed and he stopped to stare down at me, his dark brows raised in question.

I looked into the beautiful green eyes that enveloped me with warmth and kept me wonderfully rooted to the ground. After a lifetime of floating on a breeze and drifting in the wind I had finally landed.

I rose on tiptoe and crushed my lips against his, sweeping my tongue deep into his mouth and savoring his taste. I dug my nose into his neck and inhaled deeply. With a teasing smile, I looked up and whispered, “What’s my name again?”

His eyes crinkled as he smiled.

“Ivanna Gettof.”

“It would be my pleasure.”

About the Author

Lisa Eugene began writing as a way to mentally escape from the hectic medical world where she has been a practicing nurse for over twenty years. After publishing her first novel, STRICTLY BUSINESS, she quickly learned that readers couldn’t get enough of the world she created and now she lives out her wildest fantasies by writing steamy romantic suspense for her fan-favorite
Washington Memorial Hospital
series.

When she’s not plotting her next dangerous, fast-paced, sexy adventure, you can find her juggling a full time job, playing soccer mom, or curled up reading a good romance.  Lisa loves hearing from fans; be sure to connect with her on her website at
lisaeugenebooks.com
, make sure to sign up for her newsletter to hear about exciting new titles. Twitter at
@lisaeugene43
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[email protected]
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