BED OF LIES
A novel by Dean King
PROLOGUE
PETER SQUINTED THROUGH the fogged windshield
of his car. A late March storm blanketed the usually
clear and dry city. It was late, nearly ten at night. Thick
dark clouds rolled overhead, obscuring even the
faintest signs of what was supposed to be a full
moon. Typical for early spring in Houston. And he
hated it.
Rain fell in heavy torrents splattering the pavement
outside and he was loathe to get out in it. To make
matters worst, this was a high crime area of town,
only the most desperate or insane people could be
found here. And here he was, actually thinking of
braving the unsavory elements just to speak with his
debauched boss. This was the last place he wanted
to be, but he had great news that would boost their
chances of winning the gubernatorial election at the
end of the year. Peter had no choice: either head
inside this hole-in-the-wall, or kiss his new career
goodbye. The forlorn building sat staring at him from
under a sagging roof, its entrance marred by broken
door frames and light fixtures.
This place was so very different from the magnificent
Sixbow Lounge, where his boss could usually be
found talking politics with his cronies.
Peter sighed hard, there was no help for it, he had to
go inside. The kingmaker had him by the throat. This
was his test, he knew it without being told. Politics
was a game, it was who you knew that got you in the
door, but it was what you knew about them that kept
you there. He had to prove himself worthy enough to
be in the game. His hands tightened on the black
leather of the steering wheel. He wouldn’t fail, even if it
meant helping a depraved old man gain the
governor's mansion. He would do it, what ever it takes.
Peter sucked in his breath and held it, then blew out
hard, pulling the wide rim of his brown hat low over his
forehead he got out of the car. Running to the door of
the dilapidated bar, he darted inside. Standing in the
doorway, he squinted in the thick yellow smoke filled
haze, then spotted his reason for being here. His gut
churned with disgust and saliva pooled under his
tongue as he made his way to the fat, pathetic form
slumped over a table in a dark corner towards the
back.
He tried to keep the grimace from his face, but with
every step his leather shoes slid through wetness,
then something sticky popped and clung the bottom of
his two-hundred dollar shoes, and for him, escape
seemed too far away. “Sir?” It was a quiet hiss, it was
as much as he would allow
himself.
Sixbow Lounge, where his boss could usually be
found talking politics with his cronies.
Peter sighed hard, there was no help for it, he had to
go inside. The kingmaker had him by the throat. This
was his test, he knew it without being told. Politics
was a game, it was who you knew that got you in the
door, but it was what you knew about them that kept
you there. He had to prove himself worthy enough to
be in the game. His hands tightened on the black
leather of the steering wheel. He wouldn’t fail, even if it
meant helping a depraved old man gain the
governor's mansion. He would do it, what ever it takes.
Peter sucked in his breath and held it, then blew out
hard, pulling the wide rim of his brown hat low over his
forehead he got out of the car. Running to the door of
the dilapidated bar, he darted inside. Standing in the
doorway, he squinted in the thick yellow smoke filled
haze, then spotted his reason for being here. His gut
churned with disgust and saliva pooled under his
tongue as he made his way to the fat, pathetic form
slumped over a table in a dark corner towards the
back.
He tried to keep the grimace from his face, but with
every step his leather shoes slid through wetness,
then something sticky popped and clung the bottom of
his two-hundred dollar shoes, and for him, escape
seemed too far away. “Sir?” It was a quiet hiss, it was
as much as he would allow
himself.
It didn’t matter that Martin was a closet homosexual
who preferred teenage boys. More important was the
fact that Martin's wife and children were involved,
innocent victims. Pawns, bargaining chips to be used
for future favors. Peter's blue eyes narrowed, yes, this
was his chance to prove himself, and damn it he
would do it.
Peter couldn’t help the small smile that teased his
lips. The kingmaker himself had the same taste as
Martin. It was very useful knowledge, but he was no
fool, these were secrets he would keep until the time
was right.
Martin's blurry brown eyes narrowed. “What news?”
he growled. “It’d better be good. What if someone
followed you?”
Peter licked his dry lips, and cast a quick glance over
his shoulder, his shoulders sagged with relief. No one
in the small group of bedraggled people was paying
them any attention. “I wasn't followed,” his cramped
fingers clenched and unclenched on the soiled table
top. “I was careful.”
“Well, spit it out!” Martin growled.
“Judge Conroy has a secret,” he whispered, trying to
ignore the mayor's pungent liquor and garlic breath.
“If you don't tell me what it is then I'll never know now
will I?” Sarcasm dripped from his thick wet lips.
“She had a baby…” Peter began.
who preferred teenage boys. More important was the
fact that Martin's wife and children were involved,
innocent victims. Pawns, bargaining chips to be used
for future favors. Peter's blue eyes narrowed, yes, this
was his chance to prove himself, and damn it he
would do it.
Peter couldn’t help the small smile that teased his
lips. The kingmaker himself had the same taste as
Martin. It was very useful knowledge, but he was no
fool, these were secrets he would keep until the time
was right.
Martin's blurry brown eyes narrowed. “What news?”
he growled. “It’d better be good. What if someone
followed you?”
Peter licked his dry lips, and cast a quick glance over
his shoulder, his shoulders sagged with relief. No one
in the small group of bedraggled people was paying
them any attention. “I wasn't followed,” his cramped
fingers clenched and unclenched on the soiled table
top. “I was careful.”
“Well, spit it out!” Martin growled.
“Judge Conroy has a secret,” he whispered, trying to
ignore the mayor's pungent liquor and garlic breath.
“If you don't tell me what it is then I'll never know now
will I?” Sarcasm dripped from his thick wet lips.
“She had a baby…” Peter began.
Taking a furtive look around, he slid into the cracked
red leather seat in front of his employer. Palms sweaty,
and his fingers all thumbs, he fumbled with his blue
and white striped tie, accidentally pulling it too tight
around his neck.
The hot day had turned into a steamy night, the room
reeked of tobacco, sweat and mildew. His nose
wrinkled, stale beer and the acid scent of strong urine
was slowly suffocating him.
Droopy, red rimmed brown eyes looked up from a half
empty glass of some kind of brown liquid. “Peter?”
Mayor Martin grumbled, flicking lank gray hair out of his
pale flaccid face. “What the hell are you doing here?
You know better than to disturb me.”
“Sir, you wanted news on your opponent, Judge
Conroy,” Peter kept his blond head down. Water from
the rim of his hat dripped to the table in a puddle, then
dribble to the floor. He didn’t care, he would not remove
the hat. He couldn’t risk being seen. His grip on the
edges of his wet coat was so tight the white of his
knuckles showed. Fear was something he was not
afraid to show, acts of cowardice had gotten him out of
many bad situations.
To be seen here would mean the end of his budding
career and he could not afford that. Getting Mayor
Martin elected against the popular incumbent and a
pristine female judge would prove his worth to the
kingmaker and those of his ilk. It would solidify his
place in the world of golden gains, he swallowed hard
and closed his mind to his conscience.
red leather seat in front of his employer. Palms sweaty,
and his fingers all thumbs, he fumbled with his blue
and white striped tie, accidentally pulling it too tight
around his neck.
The hot day had turned into a steamy night, the room
reeked of tobacco, sweat and mildew. His nose
wrinkled, stale beer and the acid scent of strong urine
was slowly suffocating him.
Droopy, red rimmed brown eyes looked up from a half
empty glass of some kind of brown liquid. “Peter?”
Mayor Martin grumbled, flicking lank gray hair out of his
pale flaccid face. “What the hell are you doing here?
You know better than to disturb me.”
“Sir, you wanted news on your opponent, Judge
Conroy,” Peter kept his blond head down. Water from
the rim of his hat dripped to the table in a puddle, then
dribble to the floor. He didn’t care, he would not remove
the hat. He couldn’t risk being seen. His grip on the
edges of his wet coat was so tight the white of his
knuckles showed. Fear was something he was not
afraid to show, acts of cowardice had gotten him out of
many bad situations.
To be seen here would mean the end of his budding
career and he could not afford that. Getting Mayor
Martin elected against the popular incumbent and a
pristine female judge would prove his worth to the
kingmaker and those of his ilk. It would solidify his
place in the world of golden gains, he swallowed hard
and closed his mind to his conscience.
ONE
NINA MANCHESTER STOOD IN front of the
mirror in the unisex bathroom at work and stared at her
reflection. A tear slipped from one eye and she
clenched her teeth against it. Reaching up, she ripped
off her glasses and tossed them into the stainless
steel sink and leaned her hands on the cool marble.
Today was supposed to be a great day for her. She
gave a small snort and her nose started to burn as
more tears threatened to fall. She is just wasting her
life away, a dried up old prune and no man would want
her, that’s why she got that job. The laughter hurt
almost as much as the words. Nina’s throat
threatened to close as tears of self-pity consumed her.
She had just been promoted to head financial
consultant, put ahead of everyone who had been here
years before her, and they all hated her for it. She
stiffened her shoulders and lifted her head, the mirror
was crystal clear but all she could make out was her
outline. Without her glasses she couldn’t see a thing.
Nina turned on the cold water and splashed her face,
as the door opened and someone enter the restroom.
She didn’t look up because she didn’t care, she just
wanted to go home and share her good news with
people who loved her.
What the hell do you mean the shipment got lost?”
The voice was loud, whoever the man was he
sounded ticked. “Get Tim on the line.” One of the stalls
closed at the other end of the restroom but she could
still hear the man, trying to figure out what was going
on.
NINA MANCHESTER STOOD IN front of the
mirror in the unisex bathroom at work and stared at her
reflection. A tear slipped from one eye and she
clenched her teeth against it. Reaching up, she ripped
off her glasses and tossed them into the stainless
steel sink and leaned her hands on the cool marble.
Today was supposed to be a great day for her. She
gave a small snort and her nose started to burn as
more tears threatened to fall. She is just wasting her
life away, a dried up old prune and no man would want
her, that’s why she got that job. The laughter hurt
almost as much as the words. Nina’s throat
threatened to close as tears of self-pity consumed her.
She had just been promoted to head financial
consultant, put ahead of everyone who had been here
years before her, and they all hated her for it. She
stiffened her shoulders and lifted her head, the mirror
was crystal clear but all she could make out was her
outline. Without her glasses she couldn’t see a thing.
Nina turned on the cold water and splashed her face,
as the door opened and someone enter the restroom.
She didn’t look up because she didn’t care, she just
wanted to go home and share her good news with
people who loved her.
What the hell do you mean the shipment got lost?”
The voice was loud, whoever the man was he
sounded ticked. “Get Tim on the line.” One of the stalls
closed at the other end of the restroom but she could
still hear the man, trying to figure out what was going
on.
She took her time deciding what she wanted to do with
her life, then her father convinced her to become a
lawyer. I’d say from what the woman told me she had
to be in her late twenties.” Peter looked around then
cleared his throat. “But that's not all.”
Martin sat up straight and leaned in closer, his beady
eyes dark with anticipation.
“The baby was fathered by a teenage black man.
More than likely the boy was under age, his father was
a judge at the courthouse the same time Mrs. Conroy
was doing her internship there.”
"Yahoo!” Martin yelled, and slammed his fist on the
table, the glass rattled and was sent rolling, Peter
caught it. “Jackpot! You did good, Peter. Thanks, boy!”
“The woman wasn't clear about what happened to the
baby girl. She thinks there was talk about smothering
it, or dropping the kid off somewhere. But she did give
me some possible leads.”
“Go for it, boy! Find out all you can. I'll have Judge
Conroy eating out the palm of my hand when we break
this story.”
her life, then her father convinced her to become a
lawyer. I’d say from what the woman told me she had
to be in her late twenties.” Peter looked around then
cleared his throat. “But that's not all.”
Martin sat up straight and leaned in closer, his beady
eyes dark with anticipation.
“The baby was fathered by a teenage black man.
More than likely the boy was under age, his father was
a judge at the courthouse the same time Mrs. Conroy
was doing her internship there.”
"Yahoo!” Martin yelled, and slammed his fist on the
table, the glass rattled and was sent rolling, Peter
caught it. “Jackpot! You did good, Peter. Thanks, boy!”
“The woman wasn't clear about what happened to the
baby girl. She thinks there was talk about smothering
it, or dropping the kid off somewhere. But she did give
me some possible leads.”
“Go for it, boy! Find out all you can. I'll have Judge
Conroy eating out the palm of my hand when we break
this story.”
“Oh for chrissake!” He barked, one corner of his
sagging pink lips lifted in a snarl. “I knew that! She
and her husband have three children. You're
supposed to be looking for ways to ruin that lily white
reputation of hers.” One meaty fist banged with
startling force on the small oblong table, rattling its
contents.
“I know,” Peter muttered, losing what little patience
he had left. “I was in a small bar east of here two
nights ago. A woman was reading about the judge
wanting to run for governor. She started sprouting
about how she knew the judge. How she had a secret
the judge would pay her to keep.”
“Are you going to make me wait all night?”
Annoyance tightening his droopy jowls.
“I paid the woman,” Peter said in hushed tones. “It
seems this woman worked for the judge's father in
North Carolina. One summer Mrs. Conroy came home
from law school in her final year with only one
semester to go, crying to her father that she was
pregnant and that it didn't belong to the man she was
dating, her future husband, John Douglas Penrose III.
Being devout Catholic, she couldn't get an abortion, so
she hid out until the child was born. One year after the
birth, she graduated and married as if nothing had
happened. The woman says Conroy’s father helped
her get rid of the kid.”
Martin stilled, stunned into silence. “Are you sure?”
Came the urgent hiss. “How old was she?”
“She was pretty old, it seems in her youth she was a
party animal.
sagging pink lips lifted in a snarl. “I knew that! She
and her husband have three children. You're
supposed to be looking for ways to ruin that lily white
reputation of hers.” One meaty fist banged with
startling force on the small oblong table, rattling its
contents.
“I know,” Peter muttered, losing what little patience
he had left. “I was in a small bar east of here two
nights ago. A woman was reading about the judge
wanting to run for governor. She started sprouting
about how she knew the judge. How she had a secret
the judge would pay her to keep.”
“Are you going to make me wait all night?”
Annoyance tightening his droopy jowls.
“I paid the woman,” Peter said in hushed tones. “It
seems this woman worked for the judge's father in
North Carolina. One summer Mrs. Conroy came home
from law school in her final year with only one
semester to go, crying to her father that she was
pregnant and that it didn't belong to the man she was
dating, her future husband, John Douglas Penrose III.
Being devout Catholic, she couldn't get an abortion, so
she hid out until the child was born. One year after the
birth, she graduated and married as if nothing had
happened. The woman says Conroy’s father helped
her get rid of the kid.”
Martin stilled, stunned into silence. “Are you sure?”
Came the urgent hiss. “How old was she?”
“She was pretty old, it seems in her youth she was a
party animal.
The door opened again. This time Nina looked
towards it, and she was relieved. She made out the
small form of her secretary.
“Oh, Miss, Manchester,” Sharon, her came towards
her, but she didn’t stop. Sharon enveloped Nina in
what felt like a huge embrace for such a tiny
woman.
“They were mean to say that to you.” She ranted as
she patted Nina’s back. “I gave them what for, I told
them what asses they are being and I said you are so
smart you could think them under the table. I said they
were the stupidest bunch of idiots god ever created
and that you deserve that job!”
Nina laughed, and pulled away. “Thank you,” she
said and gave Sharon a small squeeze before
releasing her. “Thanks you so much, but you don’t
need to fight my battles for me, I can handle them.”
“I wanted to,” Sharon declared. “Those asses need to
be taught a lesson. And the Edgar,” she clenched her
fists and gave a growled. “I could wrap my hands
around his fat throat and jus choke the mean life out of
him.”
“That’s a sin Sharon,” Nina reminded her.
“It’s a good sin, I’d just be helping God out. Getting
rid of scum like Edgar it’s a blessing.”
Nina shook her head then she grabbed Sharon’s
hand. “You are going to the fourth floor with me aren’t
you?”
“Me?” Sharon squeaked and Nina laughed, already
relieved.
towards it, and she was relieved. She made out the
small form of her secretary.
“Oh, Miss, Manchester,” Sharon, her came towards
her, but she didn’t stop. Sharon enveloped Nina in
what felt like a huge embrace for such a tiny
woman.
“They were mean to say that to you.” She ranted as
she patted Nina’s back. “I gave them what for, I told
them what asses they are being and I said you are so
smart you could think them under the table. I said they
were the stupidest bunch of idiots god ever created
and that you deserve that job!”
Nina laughed, and pulled away. “Thank you,” she
said and gave Sharon a small squeeze before
releasing her. “Thanks you so much, but you don’t
need to fight my battles for me, I can handle them.”
“I wanted to,” Sharon declared. “Those asses need to
be taught a lesson. And the Edgar,” she clenched her
fists and gave a growled. “I could wrap my hands
around his fat throat and jus choke the mean life out of
him.”
“That’s a sin Sharon,” Nina reminded her.
“It’s a good sin, I’d just be helping God out. Getting
rid of scum like Edgar it’s a blessing.”
Nina shook her head then she grabbed Sharon’s
hand. “You are going to the fourth floor with me aren’t
you?”
“Me?” Sharon squeaked and Nina laughed, already
relieved.
“Excuse me,” She turned sharply. The man who had
come in earlier was standing in front of her. She
squinted to try and get a better view of him, but it was
useless. Instead she just smiled, and hoped he was
smiling too.
“Yes, may I help you,” she said politely.
“I need to dry my hands and you are standing in front of
the paper towels.”
“Oh,” her cheeks took on a charming flush as she
stepped aside. “Excuse me.”
Rafael Montoya gave her a slight grin, he moved
forward and grabbed two towels and dried his hands.
He frowned when he turned to see her standing there.
As if waiting for something. He thought for moment, then
he saw the glasses in the sink in front of him. He lifted
them to gave them a quick once over. Then his eyes
shot to her, she hands were folded in front of her and
she looked uncomfortable. He decided to put her out of
her misery and give them back to her. “Are these yours?’
“Yes, but I’ll just wait till you finish.”
“Here you go, I’m finish.”
She reached for them but she didn’t out them on. He
cleared his throat. “I couldn’t help over hearing you got
some kind of promotion today?”
When she smiled, dimples deepened the corner of her
lips. She wasn’t a bad looking girl, if you could get past
the squinting eyes, and the sixties school teacher look.
She was young, that much he could tell, but anything
else about her was hidden.
“Yes, I was promoted to Senior Financial Consultant.”
“Congratulations, which office? There are at least five
companies in this building.”
come in earlier was standing in front of her. She
squinted to try and get a better view of him, but it was
useless. Instead she just smiled, and hoped he was
smiling too.
“Yes, may I help you,” she said politely.
“I need to dry my hands and you are standing in front of
the paper towels.”
“Oh,” her cheeks took on a charming flush as she
stepped aside. “Excuse me.”
Rafael Montoya gave her a slight grin, he moved
forward and grabbed two towels and dried his hands.
He frowned when he turned to see her standing there.
As if waiting for something. He thought for moment, then
he saw the glasses in the sink in front of him. He lifted
them to gave them a quick once over. Then his eyes
shot to her, she hands were folded in front of her and
she looked uncomfortable. He decided to put her out of
her misery and give them back to her. “Are these yours?’
“Yes, but I’ll just wait till you finish.”
“Here you go, I’m finish.”
She reached for them but she didn’t out them on. He
cleared his throat. “I couldn’t help over hearing you got
some kind of promotion today?”
When she smiled, dimples deepened the corner of her
lips. She wasn’t a bad looking girl, if you could get past
the squinting eyes, and the sixties school teacher look.
She was young, that much he could tell, but anything
else about her was hidden.
“Yes, I was promoted to Senior Financial Consultant.”
“Congratulations, which office? There are at least five
companies in this building.”
“Yes you, I won’t take the job if you don’t come with
me.”
“Oh Miss Manchester, that just melts my heart. You
are wonderful.”
“Of course it means we have to move out of our
cramped little office, and you would have to get a pay
raise, then we’d be among those stuff shirt you are
always complaining about.”
“Hey as long as one of those stuffed shirts is Wayne I’
m all for it.” Her cheeks pinkened and Nina smiled.
“You still like him?”
“God, do I ever, have you seen those big blue eyes?
And his sandy blond hair, straight as a bone but it falls
so nice, I can’t wait to see how it feels sliding through
my fingers. He may not be a fitness freak but he looks
like he might do a little working out. I’d let him work out
on me any day.” She winked at Nina.
And Nina laughed outright. “You might want to start
our packing before you let him know your intentions.”
“Don’t be surprised if I have us packed before you
can make it back you your old desk.” She spun around
and headed out the door.
Nina couldn’t help but smile. She didn’t have friends,
she didn’t want them, and didn’t need the trouble
friends could bring into her life. But every now and then
she did get the urge to be able to laugh and talk with
people her own age. People who were interested in
the same thing she was. Though where she would
find anyone who liked numbers was beyond her.
me.”
“Oh Miss Manchester, that just melts my heart. You
are wonderful.”
“Of course it means we have to move out of our
cramped little office, and you would have to get a pay
raise, then we’d be among those stuff shirt you are
always complaining about.”
“Hey as long as one of those stuffed shirts is Wayne I’
m all for it.” Her cheeks pinkened and Nina smiled.
“You still like him?”
“God, do I ever, have you seen those big blue eyes?
And his sandy blond hair, straight as a bone but it falls
so nice, I can’t wait to see how it feels sliding through
my fingers. He may not be a fitness freak but he looks
like he might do a little working out. I’d let him work out
on me any day.” She winked at Nina.
And Nina laughed outright. “You might want to start
our packing before you let him know your intentions.”
“Don’t be surprised if I have us packed before you
can make it back you your old desk.” She spun around
and headed out the door.
Nina couldn’t help but smile. She didn’t have friends,
she didn’t want them, and didn’t need the trouble
friends could bring into her life. But every now and then
she did get the urge to be able to laugh and talk with
people her own age. People who were interested in
the same thing she was. Though where she would
find anyone who liked numbers was beyond her.
“I know,” his heart sank at the pain in her softly spoken
words. He knew she still felt his father’s death as
deeply as she had when it’d happened. “I’m sorry I
bothered you.” She whispered and Rafe could’ve kicked
himself.
“Your right mom, I’ll be there in half an hour.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes,”
“I don’t want to wait up if you aren’t coming.”
“When have I stood you up?”
“Would you like me to count?”
He cringed. “No, you don’t have to do that. I’ll be there.”
“Good, I’ll wait up. I love you.”
“I love you too mom.”
Rafe hung up the phone, then just as he was loading
up his briefcase he paused. Then he was smiling. He
picked up the phone and dialed Paula, she would be
half way home by now.
“Yes Sir, what can I do for you?”
“Paula, get me tickets to a play, anything. It’s for
Miranda. You know what she likes. Try to get them for
two hours from now. Also, get reservations to a
restaurant for half an hour.”
“Her favorite is barbeque and Italian, which one would
you like?”
“Which ever one you can get us into. I’ll be on my cell,
call me you have it all arranged.”
“Yes Sir.”
Rafe hung up feeling better than he’d felt in months, it
also reminded him it was time to give Paula a raise. He
smiled at that, she was a great secretary sometimes
she knew what he was thinking before he did.
words. He knew she still felt his father’s death as
deeply as she had when it’d happened. “I’m sorry I
bothered you.” She whispered and Rafe could’ve kicked
himself.
“Your right mom, I’ll be there in half an hour.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes,”
“I don’t want to wait up if you aren’t coming.”
“When have I stood you up?”
“Would you like me to count?”
He cringed. “No, you don’t have to do that. I’ll be there.”
“Good, I’ll wait up. I love you.”
“I love you too mom.”
Rafe hung up the phone, then just as he was loading
up his briefcase he paused. Then he was smiling. He
picked up the phone and dialed Paula, she would be
half way home by now.
“Yes Sir, what can I do for you?”
“Paula, get me tickets to a play, anything. It’s for
Miranda. You know what she likes. Try to get them for
two hours from now. Also, get reservations to a
restaurant for half an hour.”
“Her favorite is barbeque and Italian, which one would
you like?”
“Which ever one you can get us into. I’ll be on my cell,
call me you have it all arranged.”
“Yes Sir.”
Rafe hung up feeling better than he’d felt in months, it
also reminded him it was time to give Paula a raise. He
smiled at that, she was a great secretary sometimes
she knew what he was thinking before he did.
“Okay Mother, I’m sorry.”
“Sorry for what?” She chirped innocently and Rafe
clenched his teeth, she was going to make this
difficult.
“I’m sorry for not dropping by.”
“Is that all you’re sorry for?”
“I’m sorry for missing your birthday.”
“And”
“And for not seeing Frank off to Spain.”
“And?”
“Mother there is only so much I can do!” Rafe
snapped before he could stop himself.
“Are you yelling at me?”
Despite his best efforts Rafe could feel his teeth
grinding in an attempt to keep his voice level. “No
mother I’d never yell at you. I’m sorry.”
“Then what are you apologizing for?”
He rolled his eyes. “I’m sorry for being a bad son,
and not being there when you needed me.”
“Oh Rafe,” she cooed and he would’ve sworn she
had gone insane. “You aren’t a bad son, you are
selfless and it has to stop. You don’t take time for your
family. I know you don’t take time for your self.”
“How do you know that? Have you been talking to
Paula?”
“No, if you had been I would have a daughter-in-law
and a few grandkids by now.”
Rafe could only shake his head in disbelief. “How
did I know you would take the conversation there?”
“Because you know what’s right and wrong, you are
thirty two years old, your father was married by the
time he turned thirty.”
“I’m not Dad.”
“Sorry for what?” She chirped innocently and Rafe
clenched his teeth, she was going to make this
difficult.
“I’m sorry for not dropping by.”
“Is that all you’re sorry for?”
“I’m sorry for missing your birthday.”
“And”
“And for not seeing Frank off to Spain.”
“And?”
“Mother there is only so much I can do!” Rafe
snapped before he could stop himself.
“Are you yelling at me?”
Despite his best efforts Rafe could feel his teeth
grinding in an attempt to keep his voice level. “No
mother I’d never yell at you. I’m sorry.”
“Then what are you apologizing for?”
He rolled his eyes. “I’m sorry for being a bad son,
and not being there when you needed me.”
“Oh Rafe,” she cooed and he would’ve sworn she
had gone insane. “You aren’t a bad son, you are
selfless and it has to stop. You don’t take time for your
family. I know you don’t take time for your self.”
“How do you know that? Have you been talking to
Paula?”
“No, if you had been I would have a daughter-in-law
and a few grandkids by now.”
Rafe could only shake his head in disbelief. “How
did I know you would take the conversation there?”
“Because you know what’s right and wrong, you are
thirty two years old, your father was married by the
time he turned thirty.”
“I’m not Dad.”
“Umm, Sir?” He looked up
“What do you want?” He snapped “Can’t you see I’m
busy?” He could’ve bitten his tongue at the look on her
face.
“I… it’s getting late. I wanted to tell you good night.”
Rafe straightened the papers in front of him, then
looked at her again. “I’m sorry for yelling. I’m just tired,
you have a good night Paula.”
“You too Sir,” She turned to go, then she stopped.
“Oh, did you get a chance to call your mother? She
asked me to make sure you didn’t forget.”
Rafe closed his eyes for just an instant, then shook
his head. “I forgot.”
“Please do call her. I wouldn’t want her to think I didn’t
give you the message.”
“I’ll call Paula, you drive safe.”
Paula smiled and closed the door behind her.
Rafe sighed hard, and leaned back in the chair. His
eyes went to the phone. It I call she is going to scream
at me for neglecting her, on the other hand if I don’t
call, I can put off the screaming to a later date.
He sighed again as that little voice of guilt whispered
in his ear. Before he could change his mind he picked
up the receiver and dialed the number.
“Well I’ll be,” he cringed at the cynicism on the other
end of the phone, he didn’t even think the phone had a
chance to ruing before she picked it up. “Maybe I wasn’
t imagining the fact that I have children. For a while I
thought I was just a lonely old woman with no one to
love her or care about her.”
“What do you want?” He snapped “Can’t you see I’m
busy?” He could’ve bitten his tongue at the look on her
face.
“I… it’s getting late. I wanted to tell you good night.”
Rafe straightened the papers in front of him, then
looked at her again. “I’m sorry for yelling. I’m just tired,
you have a good night Paula.”
“You too Sir,” She turned to go, then she stopped.
“Oh, did you get a chance to call your mother? She
asked me to make sure you didn’t forget.”
Rafe closed his eyes for just an instant, then shook
his head. “I forgot.”
“Please do call her. I wouldn’t want her to think I didn’t
give you the message.”
“I’ll call Paula, you drive safe.”
Paula smiled and closed the door behind her.
Rafe sighed hard, and leaned back in the chair. His
eyes went to the phone. It I call she is going to scream
at me for neglecting her, on the other hand if I don’t
call, I can put off the screaming to a later date.
He sighed again as that little voice of guilt whispered
in his ear. Before he could change his mind he picked
up the receiver and dialed the number.
“Well I’ll be,” he cringed at the cynicism on the other
end of the phone, he didn’t even think the phone had a
chance to ruing before she picked it up. “Maybe I wasn’
t imagining the fact that I have children. For a while I
thought I was just a lonely old woman with no one to
love her or care about her.”
“I wasn’t ease dropping, but when you came in I heard
you are having some problems, did you manage to get it
fixed?”
Rafe blinked slightly confused, “No, I’m on my way to do
that right now.”
She held out her hand and he took it. “I wish you all the
luck.”
Was he being dismissed? Rafe chuckled, slightly
amused but he could take a hint. “I’ll leave you to your
celebration.” He turned and walked out of the restroom.
She had to be a triple M employee. Just this morning his
Senior Executive Officer had promoted a Miss Manchester
to that same position. Rafe had only seen her from a
distance and now that he’d seen her close up he was
glad the girl had brains, because other than being
passable pretty she didn’t have much else working for her.
Nina hurried to put on her glasses, but by the time she
had them on, he was out the door. She sighed, washed
her hands and headed out the door and to her new office.
She hummed as walked, her step unusually light. Today
would be the start of a different Nina. She decided then
and there things were going to be different for her in every
way She was going to take hold of her life.
******
Rafe sat behind his desk trying to finish reading the
report Wayne had given him. It was two hundred pages
long and his eyes ached. He leaned back and strengthen,
it had been a long day. He arrived at six thirty a.m., he
looked at his watch and cursed. It was six thirty p.m. He
hadn’t meant to stay this long. Tonight he had planned to
go to his apartment, if he could remember where it was,
and kick his feet up and get a full nights sleep.
you are having some problems, did you manage to get it
fixed?”
Rafe blinked slightly confused, “No, I’m on my way to do
that right now.”
She held out her hand and he took it. “I wish you all the
luck.”
Was he being dismissed? Rafe chuckled, slightly
amused but he could take a hint. “I’ll leave you to your
celebration.” He turned and walked out of the restroom.
She had to be a triple M employee. Just this morning his
Senior Executive Officer had promoted a Miss Manchester
to that same position. Rafe had only seen her from a
distance and now that he’d seen her close up he was
glad the girl had brains, because other than being
passable pretty she didn’t have much else working for her.
Nina hurried to put on her glasses, but by the time she
had them on, he was out the door. She sighed, washed
her hands and headed out the door and to her new office.
She hummed as walked, her step unusually light. Today
would be the start of a different Nina. She decided then
and there things were going to be different for her in every
way She was going to take hold of her life.
******
Rafe sat behind his desk trying to finish reading the
report Wayne had given him. It was two hundred pages
long and his eyes ached. He leaned back and strengthen,
it had been a long day. He arrived at six thirty a.m., he
looked at his watch and cursed. It was six thirty p.m. He
hadn’t meant to stay this long. Tonight he had planned to
go to his apartment, if he could remember where it was,
and kick his feet up and get a full nights sleep.
Every time he came here it made him feel dirty, the
need for a bath utmost on his mind. He laughed
inwardly. How desperate did one have to be to come to
a place like this? Observe the animals at play, but
never join in. The phrase rang through his mind every
time he was forced to come here. “Damn you, Frank!”
He cursed his brother for not tearing the place down
when they had the chance. His lips turned up at one
corner, the half smile dripped with contempt. He’d lost
two girlfriends to this place, one of which he had gone
so far as to ask her to marry him, then she’d come
here, thanks to Frank. In a way he was glad it
happened, it was better to find out now rather than be
broken hearted the way Frank had been when his
marriage went sour.
People of all races and nationality prowled around
him looking for their next prey. Sex did strange things
to people, but then Frank already knew that. And he
had capitalized on it. The club thrived. Catering to every
fantasy and fetish imaginable, the only line that was
never cross was children, any and everything dealing
with children was outlawed, and that was the only
saving grace the place had.
Empty, that one word rang through Rafe's mind;
empty smiles, empty promises, and empty lives. All of
them the same, hiding behind thin black masks.
Everyone came to this den of decadence to forget or to
at least escape whatever monsters rode them during
the daylight hours.
Straightening up in the burgundy leather barstool, he
inhaled deeply, holding the air in he let it puff out his
cheeks, then exhaled in a rush. He purposely sat at
the end of the long bar so he could view the night's
festivities without participating. Having already sent
two lovelies away with their appetites unfulfilled, he
stared into a long, wide gild framed mirror behind the
bar. Something churned in his gut. It wasn’t pleasant,
it left him feeling edgy, ill at ease with himself. He didn’
t like the feeling, it was unfamiliar. But he didn’t know
how to get rid of it. Rafe pushed his fingers through his
black curls and took a quick look around.
Frank had done wonders. Only the most elite came
here. At five thousand to twenty thousand a head, it
catered to only the upper crust from around the world.
need for a bath utmost on his mind. He laughed
inwardly. How desperate did one have to be to come to
a place like this? Observe the animals at play, but
never join in. The phrase rang through his mind every
time he was forced to come here. “Damn you, Frank!”
He cursed his brother for not tearing the place down
when they had the chance. His lips turned up at one
corner, the half smile dripped with contempt. He’d lost
two girlfriends to this place, one of which he had gone
so far as to ask her to marry him, then she’d come
here, thanks to Frank. In a way he was glad it
happened, it was better to find out now rather than be
broken hearted the way Frank had been when his
marriage went sour.
People of all races and nationality prowled around
him looking for their next prey. Sex did strange things
to people, but then Frank already knew that. And he
had capitalized on it. The club thrived. Catering to every
fantasy and fetish imaginable, the only line that was
never cross was children, any and everything dealing
with children was outlawed, and that was the only
saving grace the place had.
Empty, that one word rang through Rafe's mind;
empty smiles, empty promises, and empty lives. All of
them the same, hiding behind thin black masks.
Everyone came to this den of decadence to forget or to
at least escape whatever monsters rode them during
the daylight hours.
Straightening up in the burgundy leather barstool, he
inhaled deeply, holding the air in he let it puff out his
cheeks, then exhaled in a rush. He purposely sat at
the end of the long bar so he could view the night's
festivities without participating. Having already sent
two lovelies away with their appetites unfulfilled, he
stared into a long, wide gild framed mirror behind the
bar. Something churned in his gut. It wasn’t pleasant,
it left him feeling edgy, ill at ease with himself. He didn’
t like the feeling, it was unfamiliar. But he didn’t know
how to get rid of it. Rafe pushed his fingers through his
black curls and took a quick look around.
Frank had done wonders. Only the most elite came
here. At five thousand to twenty thousand a head, it
catered to only the upper crust from around the world.
“I did,” Clem shrugged. “She couldn’t see me if I was
standing right in front of her. Anyway, she’s too smart
for me. I want a woman that I don’t need a dictionary to
talk to her.”
Rafe laughed. “It can’t be that bad.”
“No,” Clem turned red. “I want to be the smart one in
my relationship, but I don’t know nothing about what
she does. She would talk me under the table.”
“How do you know?”
“Tony and I take turns walking her out. She is polite,
sweet and she gives great gifts. She even remembers
our birthdays and any special events in our lives.” He
shrugged. “I…if it’s not a number she doesn’t want
anything to do with it. Not saying I’m some prize, but I’
m not half bad looking. She won’t give me the time of
day.”
Suddenly Rafe’s phone rang. “Oh shit!” He jumped
up from the chair and headed for the door. “Sorry Clem
gotta go, you keep trying, you never know.” With that he
hurried out of the room and into the elevator. Again he
had forgotten his mother. Rafe ran down the hall and
out the door. He had promised his father that would
never happen and yet here he was breaking that
promise.
*****
The Dream Maker. Rafe shook his head, that was a
flat out lie. This place created nightmares. It ruined
lives and promised false pleasures. He was tired,
angry and ready to burn the place to the ground. He
didn’t want to be here, but he couldn’t leave. It was by
far the most disgusting night yet. Late April. Windy, wet,
and all together dreary. Inside, the darkly elegant night
club was dry, but no less revolting. The sweet sounds
of fifties jazz music was drowned out by loud shouts of
passion, low throaty moans of pleasure and squeals
of sinful delight. Rafe shook his dark head, loathing
welled up in his throat. Through the black domino he
wore, his aching gray eyes took in all the false gaiety
around him. He didn’t want to be recognized, not here
of all places. Everyone in the room wore domino
masks for one reason or another. The sharp cracking
of the ice cubes in his drink caught his attention. He
had half a mind to call Frank and tell him to get on the
next available plane and hightail it back here or he’d
burn this hell hole to the ground.
standing right in front of her. Anyway, she’s too smart
for me. I want a woman that I don’t need a dictionary to
talk to her.”
Rafe laughed. “It can’t be that bad.”
“No,” Clem turned red. “I want to be the smart one in
my relationship, but I don’t know nothing about what
she does. She would talk me under the table.”
“How do you know?”
“Tony and I take turns walking her out. She is polite,
sweet and she gives great gifts. She even remembers
our birthdays and any special events in our lives.” He
shrugged. “I…if it’s not a number she doesn’t want
anything to do with it. Not saying I’m some prize, but I’
m not half bad looking. She won’t give me the time of
day.”
Suddenly Rafe’s phone rang. “Oh shit!” He jumped
up from the chair and headed for the door. “Sorry Clem
gotta go, you keep trying, you never know.” With that he
hurried out of the room and into the elevator. Again he
had forgotten his mother. Rafe ran down the hall and
out the door. He had promised his father that would
never happen and yet here he was breaking that
promise.
*****
The Dream Maker. Rafe shook his head, that was a
flat out lie. This place created nightmares. It ruined
lives and promised false pleasures. He was tired,
angry and ready to burn the place to the ground. He
didn’t want to be here, but he couldn’t leave. It was by
far the most disgusting night yet. Late April. Windy, wet,
and all together dreary. Inside, the darkly elegant night
club was dry, but no less revolting. The sweet sounds
of fifties jazz music was drowned out by loud shouts of
passion, low throaty moans of pleasure and squeals
of sinful delight. Rafe shook his dark head, loathing
welled up in his throat. Through the black domino he
wore, his aching gray eyes took in all the false gaiety
around him. He didn’t want to be recognized, not here
of all places. Everyone in the room wore domino
masks for one reason or another. The sharp cracking
of the ice cubes in his drink caught his attention. He
had half a mind to call Frank and tell him to get on the
next available plane and hightail it back here or he’d
burn this hell hole to the ground.
“Tony, go have fun, we’ll see you tomorrow night.”
“Thanks boss, thanks so much. I thought I was going
to have to miss it.”
“No problem.”
Tony gathered his things and almost ran from the
room. Rafe turned to see Clem with his eyes on the
monitors. He walked deeper into the room and his
eyes followed Clem’s. He was watching Ms.
Manchester with a dreamy look on his face. Rafe
frowned. She wasn’t that much to look at. Actually she
was a bit mousy. He took the seat next to Clem. “What
are you doing?”
“Sssh,” Clem whispered. “It’s almost time.”
Rafe’s frown deepened, ‘Time for what?”
“Watch.”
Rafe allowed his eyes to rest on her legs, she wore
sensible flat black shoes, and from what he could
make out her legs had to be her best assets. They
seemed to stretch on forever, which reminded him of
how long he had been without a date. Just as his eyes
came to the hem of her skirt he heard Clem sigh. Rafe
watched as she lifted her hand and pulled off her
glasses, she rubbed the bridge of her pretty nose then
reached up and pulled something from her hair. He
found him self holding his breath as the mass
tumbled around her shoulders, then she shook it out
and ran her fingers though the silken waves. He found
himself wishing they were his fingers.
“That woman is a hidden gem and she don’t even
know it.”
“What do you mean?”
“Aaah nothing, she’s got a heart of gold and the face
of an angel. But she’s so wrapped up in her job she
can’t see the forest for the trees.”
“Have you tried to talk to her?” Rafe was amused,
Clem was obviously infatuated with Miss. Manchester.
“Thanks boss, thanks so much. I thought I was going
to have to miss it.”
“No problem.”
Tony gathered his things and almost ran from the
room. Rafe turned to see Clem with his eyes on the
monitors. He walked deeper into the room and his
eyes followed Clem’s. He was watching Ms.
Manchester with a dreamy look on his face. Rafe
frowned. She wasn’t that much to look at. Actually she
was a bit mousy. He took the seat next to Clem. “What
are you doing?”
“Sssh,” Clem whispered. “It’s almost time.”
Rafe’s frown deepened, ‘Time for what?”
“Watch.”
Rafe allowed his eyes to rest on her legs, she wore
sensible flat black shoes, and from what he could
make out her legs had to be her best assets. They
seemed to stretch on forever, which reminded him of
how long he had been without a date. Just as his eyes
came to the hem of her skirt he heard Clem sigh. Rafe
watched as she lifted her hand and pulled off her
glasses, she rubbed the bridge of her pretty nose then
reached up and pulled something from her hair. He
found him self holding his breath as the mass
tumbled around her shoulders, then she shook it out
and ran her fingers though the silken waves. He found
himself wishing they were his fingers.
“That woman is a hidden gem and she don’t even
know it.”
“What do you mean?”
“Aaah nothing, she’s got a heart of gold and the face
of an angel. But she’s so wrapped up in her job she
can’t see the forest for the trees.”
“Have you tried to talk to her?” Rafe was amused,
Clem was obviously infatuated with Miss. Manchester.
He gathered his things and headed for the door.
Walking down the hall, and decided to check on
security. Rafe ducked his head into the security room.
“Hey Clem, Tony, how’s it going?”
They straightened at the first sound of his voice and
turned towards the door. “Hey Boss,” Clem said.
“Same as always, quiet as a church mouse.”
“Yeah,” Tony chimed in. “Quiet, the only other person
in the building is Ms. Manchester.”
“Really?” Rafe quirked a brow at that. “Why is she
still here.”
Clem shrugged. “She’s always here, she never stays
later than seven though.”
Rafe looked at his watch it was ten till. “Well you guys
keep an eye on her, make sure she gets to her car
alright.”
“We always do Sir.” Tony smiled.
“Have a good night, I’ll see you two in the morning.”
He started to close the door but Tony jumped up and
hurried towards him.
“Uh, Boss?”
Rafe stopped. “Yes Tony?”
“Hey listen, I know you like to have two security
officers on hand at all times but,” he paused. “This is
the deal. My mother planed a surprised birthday party
for my dad tonight. I just found out an hour ago. Me
and my pop are so close they were afraid I’d tell him if
I knew earlier. Clem said it was okay with him if I
ducked out for an hour or two. Would you mind if I left
for bit. I swear I’ll be right back..”
“No, take all night.” Rafe clasped him on his back,
then looked at Clem. “Should I call for a replacement
or do you think you can handle it ?”
“I’m fine Boss.”
Walking down the hall, and decided to check on
security. Rafe ducked his head into the security room.
“Hey Clem, Tony, how’s it going?”
They straightened at the first sound of his voice and
turned towards the door. “Hey Boss,” Clem said.
“Same as always, quiet as a church mouse.”
“Yeah,” Tony chimed in. “Quiet, the only other person
in the building is Ms. Manchester.”
“Really?” Rafe quirked a brow at that. “Why is she
still here.”
Clem shrugged. “She’s always here, she never stays
later than seven though.”
Rafe looked at his watch it was ten till. “Well you guys
keep an eye on her, make sure she gets to her car
alright.”
“We always do Sir.” Tony smiled.
“Have a good night, I’ll see you two in the morning.”
He started to close the door but Tony jumped up and
hurried towards him.
“Uh, Boss?”
Rafe stopped. “Yes Tony?”
“Hey listen, I know you like to have two security
officers on hand at all times but,” he paused. “This is
the deal. My mother planed a surprised birthday party
for my dad tonight. I just found out an hour ago. Me
and my pop are so close they were afraid I’d tell him if
I knew earlier. Clem said it was okay with him if I
ducked out for an hour or two. Would you mind if I left
for bit. I swear I’ll be right back..”
“No, take all night.” Rafe clasped him on his back,
then looked at Clem. “Should I call for a replacement
or do you think you can handle it ?”
“I’m fine Boss.”
“How about another?” He watched Ben approach.
The third year political science student had been
working for Frank for two years but, like Rafe, had tired
of this place a long time ago.
He grinned, showing crowded bright white teeth.
“Sure thing Rafe. You finished with the books
upstairs?” Ben cocked his blond head to the side
while he made the whiskey sour with very little ice.
“Yes, that brother of mine is going to kill me one day,”
Rafe drew circled in the wet ring the glass left on the
counter with the tip of his finger. “I don’t see why he
can’t take care of his own finances. He’s always
messing up the taxes he probably does it on purpose.”
Ben laughed but it was a quiet sound, not like his
usual blustery tones. “Frank hired my cousin before he
left,” the smile didn’t reach his blue eyes. “Have you
met him?”
“No, I don't think so,” their eyes clashed.
Ben set the drink on a red and gold coaster and
pushed it in front of Rafe. “You don't mind do you?”
Anxiety colored his words. “He'll only be changing
rooms and monitoring cameras and taking care of any
other odds and ends around here.”
“No, I don't mind,” Rafe said evenly. “Frank can hire
whoever he wants.” Deep silver eyes burrowed into
Ben's. “Your cousin knows the rules?”
“Yes,” Ben hurried to assure him. “He knows never to
join in with the guests.” He fidgeted with an empty
glass.
Rafe nodded. “Did he sign the contract?”
“Uh,” Ben cleared his throat, “Well, not exactly. You
see, Frank was in a rush. He said it would be okay to
sign it when he gets back.”
“No,” Rafe shook his head, his eyes hard. “It doesn’t
work that way. He has to sign the contract. You know
the rules better than most. We have too many
important people here to take risks.”
“I know, but he is deeply into politics. He wouldn’t do
anything unlawful.”
“I understand, but before he can start he has to sign
on the dotted line.”
“Alright, he’s not here tonight, can you see him
tomorrow night? He has a day job at the courthouse
and he goes to college but only part time.”
Rafe snorted. “Sounds like my kind of guy. I’ll see
him.”
The third year political science student had been
working for Frank for two years but, like Rafe, had tired
of this place a long time ago.
He grinned, showing crowded bright white teeth.
“Sure thing Rafe. You finished with the books
upstairs?” Ben cocked his blond head to the side
while he made the whiskey sour with very little ice.
“Yes, that brother of mine is going to kill me one day,”
Rafe drew circled in the wet ring the glass left on the
counter with the tip of his finger. “I don’t see why he
can’t take care of his own finances. He’s always
messing up the taxes he probably does it on purpose.”
Ben laughed but it was a quiet sound, not like his
usual blustery tones. “Frank hired my cousin before he
left,” the smile didn’t reach his blue eyes. “Have you
met him?”
“No, I don't think so,” their eyes clashed.
Ben set the drink on a red and gold coaster and
pushed it in front of Rafe. “You don't mind do you?”
Anxiety colored his words. “He'll only be changing
rooms and monitoring cameras and taking care of any
other odds and ends around here.”
“No, I don't mind,” Rafe said evenly. “Frank can hire
whoever he wants.” Deep silver eyes burrowed into
Ben's. “Your cousin knows the rules?”
“Yes,” Ben hurried to assure him. “He knows never to
join in with the guests.” He fidgeted with an empty
glass.
Rafe nodded. “Did he sign the contract?”
“Uh,” Ben cleared his throat, “Well, not exactly. You
see, Frank was in a rush. He said it would be okay to
sign it when he gets back.”
“No,” Rafe shook his head, his eyes hard. “It doesn’t
work that way. He has to sign the contract. You know
the rules better than most. We have too many
important people here to take risks.”
“I know, but he is deeply into politics. He wouldn’t do
anything unlawful.”
“I understand, but before he can start he has to sign
on the dotted line.”
“Alright, he’s not here tonight, can you see him
tomorrow night? He has a day job at the courthouse
and he goes to college but only part time.”
Rafe snorted. “Sounds like my kind of guy. I’ll see
him.”
Right now it was in full swing. It always was, never a
dull moment, this place was forever in demand, much
to Rafe's displeasure. Soft amber lights, slow
throbbing music, and plenty of drinks surrounded him,
trying to pull him into the facade of false promises and
lovely lying lips.
He couldn’t get into it, he didn’t try. What was the
point, it was just a sugar glazed sculpture that was
ready to break the minute light hit it. And if he were
honest, he hadn’t gotten into this scene in a very long
time. As with everything else right now in his life, it left
him with a foul taste in his mouth. Maybe he was the
one who was empty, maybe he was lost. He snorted,
not likely, he was too busy, his life was too full. He didn’
t need this kind of fake emptiness. His restless eyes
fell to the dark amber drink wrapped in his hand, lifting
the short crystal tumbler to his lips he took a hefty
swallow.
The ache was still there, but it had moved to his
heart, he felt hollow. Not quite empty, just… alone.
The cold wet liquor seared a trail down his throat only
to erupt in a burst of fire in the pit of his stomach. Rafe
exhaled sharply and pushed the empty glass away. He
looked at his watch. It was midnight. Why did I come
down here? He asked himself. For that matter why am
I still here? This wasn’t his idea of fun. He wasn’t the
wild spontaneous guy his brother Frank was. He could
hear Frank now. Loosen up, let your hair down, stop
acting like a father! You don’t have kids, stop acting
like you need to direct everything. Like you need to
spoon feed people. Live Rafe, live now or you’ll regret
it. Sometimes, he had to admit he did grow tired of the
straight-laced life, but wild and crazy had never been in
his vocabulary. He was more conscious of what
needed to be done then most people, he couldn’t just
let things happen, he made things happen, he couldn’t
just walk away. He was always having to be the
realistic one, responsible for everything and everyone.
Usually by midnight he was pouring over his company
books, or working on some new and upcoming
program to expand one of their general contracting
companies And he liked it like that. This was the first
time in months he was out so late. He signaled the
bartender.
dull moment, this place was forever in demand, much
to Rafe's displeasure. Soft amber lights, slow
throbbing music, and plenty of drinks surrounded him,
trying to pull him into the facade of false promises and
lovely lying lips.
He couldn’t get into it, he didn’t try. What was the
point, it was just a sugar glazed sculpture that was
ready to break the minute light hit it. And if he were
honest, he hadn’t gotten into this scene in a very long
time. As with everything else right now in his life, it left
him with a foul taste in his mouth. Maybe he was the
one who was empty, maybe he was lost. He snorted,
not likely, he was too busy, his life was too full. He didn’
t need this kind of fake emptiness. His restless eyes
fell to the dark amber drink wrapped in his hand, lifting
the short crystal tumbler to his lips he took a hefty
swallow.
The ache was still there, but it had moved to his
heart, he felt hollow. Not quite empty, just… alone.
The cold wet liquor seared a trail down his throat only
to erupt in a burst of fire in the pit of his stomach. Rafe
exhaled sharply and pushed the empty glass away. He
looked at his watch. It was midnight. Why did I come
down here? He asked himself. For that matter why am
I still here? This wasn’t his idea of fun. He wasn’t the
wild spontaneous guy his brother Frank was. He could
hear Frank now. Loosen up, let your hair down, stop
acting like a father! You don’t have kids, stop acting
like you need to direct everything. Like you need to
spoon feed people. Live Rafe, live now or you’ll regret
it. Sometimes, he had to admit he did grow tired of the
straight-laced life, but wild and crazy had never been in
his vocabulary. He was more conscious of what
needed to be done then most people, he couldn’t just
let things happen, he made things happen, he couldn’t
just walk away. He was always having to be the
realistic one, responsible for everything and everyone.
Usually by midnight he was pouring over his company
books, or working on some new and upcoming
program to expand one of their general contracting
companies And he liked it like that. This was the first
time in months he was out so late. He signaled the
bartender.
She was of medium height, and looked as timid as a
mouse. She appeared totally self-absorbed, but
demeanor reeked of confidence, a sureness of herself
that most people lacked. It was disconcerting. He had to
admit she’d tickled his attention once, but black women
weren’t usually to his taste. Still, she had beautifully
formed lips, and right now she sounded quite put off.
“Look, for the fourth time, I’m not wearing that…that
thing!” She glared at Ben, contempt pouring from her. “I’
m just waiting for a friend. When she finishes what she’
s doing, we’ll leave.”
“No, it’s not alright. You either put this on or you leave
right now.” Ben was giving no quarters.
The tortoise shell frame glasses she wore covered
half her face. They reminded Rafe of something
someone from the early sixties would’ve worn. They
matched the stiff green woolen skirt, hanging
unflatteringly on her thin frame.
His eyes narrowed. Why is she here? Who is her
benefactor? His frown hardened as a new thought hit
him. Maybe she isn't as innocent as she seems.
His gut twisted uncomfortably. Someone paid to bring
her here. Who? He cased a look around the room, for
the most part people seem to ignore her. Sane people
like her just didn’t come here by chance. He was
surprised when she yanked off her glasses and put on
the black domino. A vague sense of disappointment
filled him. He eased back in his seat, waiting to see just
what would happen next. Maybe still waters do indeed
run deep...
Nina adjusted the black mask until it felt comfortable.
Sitting at the long bar, she felt alone. But that was hardly
the case. She closed her weary eyes and was
immediately relieved from the strain of watching the
spectacle going on around her. Everyone was in some
state of undress. Without her glasses she couldn’t see
very far, and for that she was grateful. Lifting her soda,
she took a deep swallow. The smooth, iciness cooled
her heated skin. She was stuck, stranded. Her ride here
was busy getting ridden! Fury boiled in her chest
making it hard to breathe.
Despite all the vanilla scented candles burning
everywhere, the thick musky smell of sex clung to the
air, clogging her throat. The two scents didn’t
compliment each other. Wrinkling her nose, she fanned
the air with her hand, but the odor wouldn’t go away.
mouse. She appeared totally self-absorbed, but
demeanor reeked of confidence, a sureness of herself
that most people lacked. It was disconcerting. He had to
admit she’d tickled his attention once, but black women
weren’t usually to his taste. Still, she had beautifully
formed lips, and right now she sounded quite put off.
“Look, for the fourth time, I’m not wearing that…that
thing!” She glared at Ben, contempt pouring from her. “I’
m just waiting for a friend. When she finishes what she’
s doing, we’ll leave.”
“No, it’s not alright. You either put this on or you leave
right now.” Ben was giving no quarters.
The tortoise shell frame glasses she wore covered
half her face. They reminded Rafe of something
someone from the early sixties would’ve worn. They
matched the stiff green woolen skirt, hanging
unflatteringly on her thin frame.
His eyes narrowed. Why is she here? Who is her
benefactor? His frown hardened as a new thought hit
him. Maybe she isn't as innocent as she seems.
His gut twisted uncomfortably. Someone paid to bring
her here. Who? He cased a look around the room, for
the most part people seem to ignore her. Sane people
like her just didn’t come here by chance. He was
surprised when she yanked off her glasses and put on
the black domino. A vague sense of disappointment
filled him. He eased back in his seat, waiting to see just
what would happen next. Maybe still waters do indeed
run deep...
Nina adjusted the black mask until it felt comfortable.
Sitting at the long bar, she felt alone. But that was hardly
the case. She closed her weary eyes and was
immediately relieved from the strain of watching the
spectacle going on around her. Everyone was in some
state of undress. Without her glasses she couldn’t see
very far, and for that she was grateful. Lifting her soda,
she took a deep swallow. The smooth, iciness cooled
her heated skin. She was stuck, stranded. Her ride here
was busy getting ridden! Fury boiled in her chest
making it hard to breathe.
Despite all the vanilla scented candles burning
everywhere, the thick musky smell of sex clung to the
air, clogging her throat. The two scents didn’t
compliment each other. Wrinkling her nose, she fanned
the air with her hand, but the odor wouldn’t go away.
“Thanks, Rafe.” Ben was hailed from the other end of
the bar. “Well, I gotta go, I’ll tell Peter to see you right
away.”
Rafe tossed back another mouthful, he swallowed
hard. His thoughts turned what it must feel like to be
Frank. Living by his own rules, caring for no one and
nothing. Frank always said 'Live life while you’re young,
screw the rest of it.' Rafe wanted to agree, and yet he
couldn’t let go of sanity. For him it was cause and effect,
effect always out weighed everything. He looked at his
watch again, it was time to go, but he was reluctant to
leave.
Staring at the glossy mahogany bar top he became
lost in thought. At thirty-two years old he had everything.
He and his twin, Francisco, always had. But with the
passing of their father three years ago, Rafe had to step
up. Frank would’ve never thought to do anything that
would bite into his fun time. So, Rafe took control of the
family’s fortunes and divided everything up. He and
Frank split all the companies right down the middle.
Not a day went by that he didn’t think of his father or
feel the pain of that lost. Cancer was a hard thing to
deal with, especially when it sneaks up on you like a
thief in the night and takes a loved one.
“Miss., you have to wear this.” The irritation in Ben’s
slightly raised voice caught Rafe’s attention. He was
holding out a mask to a woman.
Rafe's brow creased in a curious frown, his gaze
swung to the woman Ben spoke to. Instantly he
recognized her. “Christ!” He whispered. “What the hell is
she doing here?” He stared in disbelief; she looked as
out of place as a nun in a whorehouse. His heart
throbbed against his ribs. Not wanting her to recognize
him, he reached up to make sure his mask was in
place.
She worked at the main office on the outskirts of the
Memorial.. She was the youngest and newest member
of his finance team at Montoya Enterprises. And he had
just seen her hard at work not two days ago. At twenty-
eight he’d thought her too young to promote to that level,
but his chairman, Wayne McCollum, had proved him
wrong. Her work had shown them money they hadn’t
realized they were missing. Promoting her was the only
thing he could do, she knew her job well. But to find her
here, sitting in this hellhole! It was a blow to his
equilibrium. This was the last place he’d ever thought to
find someone of her caliber.
the bar. “Well, I gotta go, I’ll tell Peter to see you right
away.”
Rafe tossed back another mouthful, he swallowed
hard. His thoughts turned what it must feel like to be
Frank. Living by his own rules, caring for no one and
nothing. Frank always said 'Live life while you’re young,
screw the rest of it.' Rafe wanted to agree, and yet he
couldn’t let go of sanity. For him it was cause and effect,
effect always out weighed everything. He looked at his
watch again, it was time to go, but he was reluctant to
leave.
Staring at the glossy mahogany bar top he became
lost in thought. At thirty-two years old he had everything.
He and his twin, Francisco, always had. But with the
passing of their father three years ago, Rafe had to step
up. Frank would’ve never thought to do anything that
would bite into his fun time. So, Rafe took control of the
family’s fortunes and divided everything up. He and
Frank split all the companies right down the middle.
Not a day went by that he didn’t think of his father or
feel the pain of that lost. Cancer was a hard thing to
deal with, especially when it sneaks up on you like a
thief in the night and takes a loved one.
“Miss., you have to wear this.” The irritation in Ben’s
slightly raised voice caught Rafe’s attention. He was
holding out a mask to a woman.
Rafe's brow creased in a curious frown, his gaze
swung to the woman Ben spoke to. Instantly he
recognized her. “Christ!” He whispered. “What the hell is
she doing here?” He stared in disbelief; she looked as
out of place as a nun in a whorehouse. His heart
throbbed against his ribs. Not wanting her to recognize
him, he reached up to make sure his mask was in
place.
She worked at the main office on the outskirts of the
Memorial.. She was the youngest and newest member
of his finance team at Montoya Enterprises. And he had
just seen her hard at work not two days ago. At twenty-
eight he’d thought her too young to promote to that level,
but his chairman, Wayne McCollum, had proved him
wrong. Her work had shown them money they hadn’t
realized they were missing. Promoting her was the only
thing he could do, she knew her job well. But to find her
here, sitting in this hellhole! It was a blow to his
equilibrium. This was the last place he’d ever thought to
find someone of her caliber.
Suddenly a voice from her childhood rang in her mind.
You are a walking, incarnate of evil. You were sent to
temp and taunt mankind. Nina closed her eyes and
pushed the thought away. But the voice slid through her
mind like a racing serpent. Repent! It cried, chilling her
to the very core. Weakness of the flesh is in you, you
must to be punished... She lifted her head, frantically
looking around, her eyes stretched wide. I have to get
out of here! Wild laughter echoed through the room. She
was sure they were laughing at her. Her heart whirled
out of control, her breath was coming in short pants. Her
skin crawled, but she couldn’t move, every muscle in
her body was paralyzed.
She clutched her tumbler with numb hands. For a
moment dizzying fear clawed at her, she clenched her
teeth, her slim nostrils flaring.
Firmly collecting her wits, Nina assured herself that
Sister Bethany-Ann was wrong. I'm not the sinning
creature she said I was! But in the back of her mind,
doubt remained. She tried hard to make her limbs
move, she needed to get to the door, to get out of this
horrible place. But to her dismay her body reminded her
it had been too long since she had tasted the pleasures
of the flesh, but without a husband that was impossible
for her. Since leaving college she had taken a vow to
wait until she was married, but being here was starting
to weaken her resolve. She would have to leave before
anything happened that would make her hate herself for
being weak. A sharp slap came from her right followed
by a yelp! Her hand flew to her racing heart, Nina closed
her eyes then opened them and hazard a glance in that
direction, only to quickly shut them again. Will these
people burn in hell? Is this what purgatory is like? She
shook away the derogatory thoughts.
Those people were demented, doing things she’d
never dreamed possible, and it shook the foundation of
her orderly world. Swallowing hard, she slowly opened
her eyes. The fierce need to put her hands over her ears
to shut out the moans of passion and shouts of ecstasy
that whirled around her consumed her. She darted a
quick glance from the corner of her eyes, at the couple
to her left, and quickly shut them. But the image was
burned in her mind. Each breath came in sharp bursts,
her treacherous body defied her. It was time to go, ride
or no ride she was leaving.
Rafe closed his eyes for a moment. A curious weight
settled in his chest, an odd throbbing in his temples. Of
all the people in the world why did she have to come
here? He opened his eyes, only to be drawn back to
Nina. She looked frightened out of her wits. Her eyes
darted from one place to the next, with a trembling hand
she reached for the top of her blouse closing the neck
tight. Deep furrows wrinkled his dark brows, for an
unknown reason, white hot anger whipped through him.
You are a walking, incarnate of evil. You were sent to
temp and taunt mankind. Nina closed her eyes and
pushed the thought away. But the voice slid through her
mind like a racing serpent. Repent! It cried, chilling her
to the very core. Weakness of the flesh is in you, you
must to be punished... She lifted her head, frantically
looking around, her eyes stretched wide. I have to get
out of here! Wild laughter echoed through the room. She
was sure they were laughing at her. Her heart whirled
out of control, her breath was coming in short pants. Her
skin crawled, but she couldn’t move, every muscle in
her body was paralyzed.
She clutched her tumbler with numb hands. For a
moment dizzying fear clawed at her, she clenched her
teeth, her slim nostrils flaring.
Firmly collecting her wits, Nina assured herself that
Sister Bethany-Ann was wrong. I'm not the sinning
creature she said I was! But in the back of her mind,
doubt remained. She tried hard to make her limbs
move, she needed to get to the door, to get out of this
horrible place. But to her dismay her body reminded her
it had been too long since she had tasted the pleasures
of the flesh, but without a husband that was impossible
for her. Since leaving college she had taken a vow to
wait until she was married, but being here was starting
to weaken her resolve. She would have to leave before
anything happened that would make her hate herself for
being weak. A sharp slap came from her right followed
by a yelp! Her hand flew to her racing heart, Nina closed
her eyes then opened them and hazard a glance in that
direction, only to quickly shut them again. Will these
people burn in hell? Is this what purgatory is like? She
shook away the derogatory thoughts.
Those people were demented, doing things she’d
never dreamed possible, and it shook the foundation of
her orderly world. Swallowing hard, she slowly opened
her eyes. The fierce need to put her hands over her ears
to shut out the moans of passion and shouts of ecstasy
that whirled around her consumed her. She darted a
quick glance from the corner of her eyes, at the couple
to her left, and quickly shut them. But the image was
burned in her mind. Each breath came in sharp bursts,
her treacherous body defied her. It was time to go, ride
or no ride she was leaving.
Rafe closed his eyes for a moment. A curious weight
settled in his chest, an odd throbbing in his temples. Of
all the people in the world why did she have to come
here? He opened his eyes, only to be drawn back to
Nina. She looked frightened out of her wits. Her eyes
darted from one place to the next, with a trembling hand
she reached for the top of her blouse closing the neck
tight. Deep furrows wrinkled his dark brows, for an
unknown reason, white hot anger whipped through him.
This is crazy. Why am I here? She asked herself for
the hundredth time. Already knowing the answer. I’m
stupid! She berated herself. Just plain stupid. It was
hard to admit to being a fool. She had allowed her
need to belong to override her good judgment and now
she was paying for it. Why have I let them do this to
me?
Her stomach muscles cramped in physical pain as
memories of past mistakes washed over her. Her fists
clenched, and she fought to keep them at bay. Now
wasn’t the time for self pity! She needed to be strong
and sure of herself in front of the witch who thought to
bring her this low. Nina lifted her chin, she speared her
supposed friend with as cruel a look as she could
muster. But no one was paying any attention. Nina
sighed and turned back to her drink. She was probably
the only one here drinking soda, maybe even the only
one who thought this was wrong
She should’ve known it was a bad idea to go out with
Cathy. But this was the first time anyone had asked her
to join them for a night out, and Nina felt so ready. She
was ashamed to admit, even to herself, how desperate
she was for adult company.
She had never been out with friends. Nina frowned
tightly as she stirred her soda. Who am I trying to fool?
She didn’t have any friends. Had never, in her entire life
had friends. The word was as foreign as they come.
Not that she needed any, her life was too full to bother
with outsiders. Her children were all the company she
needed. But when Cathy suggested they go out to
celebrate Nina’s promotion, she’d jumped at the
chance. It was wonderful to know someone was happy
for her!
In the beginning, guilt about taking the job rode her
hard, especially since others had been working there
longer than she had. But, at the time, she considered
their asking her out as a way of telling her they were
fine with it. Otherwise, Cathy was the last person Nina
ever thought would step forward and offer a hand in
friendship. When the three others backed out at the
last minute, it hadn’t occurred to her that something
might be wrong.
Cathy was proud of her deep green eyes, wispy
platinum hair, and pouty red lips. The way she dressed
had everyone falling over themselves trying to be her
friend. Yet she’d offered to help celebrate Nina’s
promotion, and shocked by this, Nina stammered out a
dazed acceptance. This vulgar display of human nature
is what she got for her ignorance. Nina shook her
head, a small smirk of contempt touched her lips. She
could leave, she knew the bartender would call her a
cab, so why hesitate?
the hundredth time. Already knowing the answer. I’m
stupid! She berated herself. Just plain stupid. It was
hard to admit to being a fool. She had allowed her
need to belong to override her good judgment and now
she was paying for it. Why have I let them do this to
me?
Her stomach muscles cramped in physical pain as
memories of past mistakes washed over her. Her fists
clenched, and she fought to keep them at bay. Now
wasn’t the time for self pity! She needed to be strong
and sure of herself in front of the witch who thought to
bring her this low. Nina lifted her chin, she speared her
supposed friend with as cruel a look as she could
muster. But no one was paying any attention. Nina
sighed and turned back to her drink. She was probably
the only one here drinking soda, maybe even the only
one who thought this was wrong
She should’ve known it was a bad idea to go out with
Cathy. But this was the first time anyone had asked her
to join them for a night out, and Nina felt so ready. She
was ashamed to admit, even to herself, how desperate
she was for adult company.
She had never been out with friends. Nina frowned
tightly as she stirred her soda. Who am I trying to fool?
She didn’t have any friends. Had never, in her entire life
had friends. The word was as foreign as they come.
Not that she needed any, her life was too full to bother
with outsiders. Her children were all the company she
needed. But when Cathy suggested they go out to
celebrate Nina’s promotion, she’d jumped at the
chance. It was wonderful to know someone was happy
for her!
In the beginning, guilt about taking the job rode her
hard, especially since others had been working there
longer than she had. But, at the time, she considered
their asking her out as a way of telling her they were
fine with it. Otherwise, Cathy was the last person Nina
ever thought would step forward and offer a hand in
friendship. When the three others backed out at the
last minute, it hadn’t occurred to her that something
might be wrong.
Cathy was proud of her deep green eyes, wispy
platinum hair, and pouty red lips. The way she dressed
had everyone falling over themselves trying to be her
friend. Yet she’d offered to help celebrate Nina’s
promotion, and shocked by this, Nina stammered out a
dazed acceptance. This vulgar display of human nature
is what she got for her ignorance. Nina shook her
head, a small smirk of contempt touched her lips. She
could leave, she knew the bartender would call her a
cab, so why hesitate?
Nina panicked. For a moment she'd been hypnotized
by his smooth deep tones and the hunger in his
fathomless silver eyes. “What wha…t are you saying?
You knew what?” His nearness clouded her mind but
she couldn't let this happen. Kicking out, she beat at
his broad back with tightly closed fists. “Let me go! I
said I’m not here for this. My friend brought me by
mistake. Please!” She clutched the back of his shirt in
her hands, the heat of his hands on the backs of her
legs had her quivering.
Rafe gave a bark of laughter, holding her shapely
legs tight against his chest. “I like that game too. Keep
going. You’re making me hot.” He slapped her round
bottom once for good measure. He almost believed
her. Her act was better than most he'd seen. Maybe
she really is here by mistake. He marched down the
hallway. I’ll scare the pants off of her and she'll never
come back here again! Satisfied, he continued on his
way.
Nina stiffened, disbelief swarming her. The red carpet
flew by her frantic eyes as he hurried down the dark
hallway. The sister's words rang in her ears. Red, the
color of sin. Something she knew intimately. He
pushed open a door at the end of the hall and stepped
inside.
Seeing the door close, she made a desperate grab
for it. But he swung her around too fast. She found
herself flying through the air. A startled scream
erupting from her throat! She landed on the soft thick
mattress, the breath temporarily knocked from her. As
soon as she hit, she was rolling away. Nina fell to the
thick carpeted floor, flat on her back on the other side
of the bed. Dazed for a split second, she heard his
deep rich laughter. She scrambled to her feet, and
turned to face him. She had to get away!
“Look, this isn’t my thing. I don’t sleep around. I’m
only here because I thought it was a night club.” His
touch confused her, she found herself longing for what
he offered but it wasn't right. The voice of sin reared it's
ugly head. Why not? No one would know but you. Look
at him, when was the last time a man like that was
interested in you? Nina bit her lower lip. Against her
will, her eyes wandered over his lithe frame.
He wasn't half-dressed like everyone else. She
clasped her trembling hands together in a vain attempt
to hold them still. He wasn't a bad looking man from
what she could make out. An inky curl fell over the front
of his mask, the rest of his hair lay peacefully on his
dark head not quite reaching the collar of his white
shirt. He stood at least a head taller than her five feet
nine inches. His shoulders were broad, encased in a
fine white linen shirt that buttoned down the front. Black
slacks clung to his trim hips. He moved with an
assured grace she had only seen on actors like
Denzel Washington or Jeff Goldblom. It was almost
hypnotizing the way his hips swayed, Nina swallowed
hard. Letting the evil out had cost her before. She bit
her lower lip. Am I willing to do it again?
Rafe advanced on her, he wanted to believe her. He
didn't know a lot about her, he left the employees to his
senior staff. She stared defiantly at him, but the rapid
fluttering of her shirt over her heart gave her away. She
didn't belong here, not in this corrupt place. He hoped
she was afraid. He saw the slight tremor in her lower
lip just before she bit it. Hopefully this is a lesson she'll
never forget. He thought with grim resolve.
“I know what you want,” he said in slow deliberate
tones. “I’ll give it to you. But go ahead, keep it up. I like
the shy act. I’m rock hard already.” She stood under the
amber glow of the room’s low lights. One was directly
above her, like a spotlight while she was on stage. Her
caramel skin was now chalky, her eyes bulged as she
looked for a way out. Rafe wanted to laugh as her eyes
flew to his crotch as if to see for herself.
“Listen to me, you pervert!” He was quick to note the
desperation in her tone. “I’m not here for this! You have
to let me go!” Her voice high, she inched towards the
door her hands flat on the wall behind her.
“Oh, I’ll let you go alright. Right after you take down that
hair of yours.” He didn't know where that came from. In
that instant he realized how very much he wanted to
see her without that big bun at the back of her head.
He wanted to see it close up instead of through the
security monitors. Then he could tell Clem if she was
worth all the worshiping or not. It was an easy way out
for both of them. He'd scared her enough. It was over,
he was sure she'd never come back here.
Nina froze, her eyes deep with uncertainty. “If I take
down my hair, you’ll let me go?” She was jolted by an
unexpected mixture of disappointment and elation.
“Yes.” Was all he said, he voice steady and from what
she could see of his face was he was being truthful.
He was standing at the foot of the bed, his feet spread
wide, and his arms crossed over his broad chest.
She bit her lower lip, and watched him for any sign of
treachery. Still unsure, she tried to judge the distance
between where he stood and the closed door. I’ll never
make it. Fear clogged her throat. Swallowing hard she
looked at him again, “You're going to let me go, right?”
She asked not fully trusting him.
Rafe felt a tug on his heart, she was genuinely
distressed. “Yes, I’ll let you go,” he'd do more than that,
he'd walk her out the front door and tell her to never
come back.
With jerky movements she reached up, and tugged at
the pins that held her hair. Not once did she take her
eyes from him.
He couldn’t understand it. Watching the soft material
of her white blouse stretch across her full breast as
she lifted her arms excited him to no end. Her pale
gold lips, devoid of lipstick, were slightly parted. Her
small pink tongue shot out moistening them. Those
lips seemed to beg for his kiss, but he said he'd let her
go and that was what he would do.
Nina let her hair fall around her shoulders, and shook
it out then she said. “There,” her hands at her sides
she stared at him. She held her breath to control her
pain, and confusion. Even in a place like this no one
wants me. The thought hurt even as her mind rejoiced.
It proved what the sisters told her all her life. Sin oozed
from her; it was in the way she walked, it sparkled in
her eyes and all who looked upon her knew it. She'd
corrupt all who dared to touch her. Did he feel it? Could
he see it? Is that why he is letting me go? The thought
crushed her. Maybe she was in the right place. All
sinners belonged together. Her eyes burned and
stung, she knew in her heart that wasn't true. They
were wrong. She wasn't a sinner, not like this. But a
fierce need to touch and be touched wouldn't go away,
and it frightened her.
by his smooth deep tones and the hunger in his
fathomless silver eyes. “What wha…t are you saying?
You knew what?” His nearness clouded her mind but
she couldn't let this happen. Kicking out, she beat at
his broad back with tightly closed fists. “Let me go! I
said I’m not here for this. My friend brought me by
mistake. Please!” She clutched the back of his shirt in
her hands, the heat of his hands on the backs of her
legs had her quivering.
Rafe gave a bark of laughter, holding her shapely
legs tight against his chest. “I like that game too. Keep
going. You’re making me hot.” He slapped her round
bottom once for good measure. He almost believed
her. Her act was better than most he'd seen. Maybe
she really is here by mistake. He marched down the
hallway. I’ll scare the pants off of her and she'll never
come back here again! Satisfied, he continued on his
way.
Nina stiffened, disbelief swarming her. The red carpet
flew by her frantic eyes as he hurried down the dark
hallway. The sister's words rang in her ears. Red, the
color of sin. Something she knew intimately. He
pushed open a door at the end of the hall and stepped
inside.
Seeing the door close, she made a desperate grab
for it. But he swung her around too fast. She found
herself flying through the air. A startled scream
erupting from her throat! She landed on the soft thick
mattress, the breath temporarily knocked from her. As
soon as she hit, she was rolling away. Nina fell to the
thick carpeted floor, flat on her back on the other side
of the bed. Dazed for a split second, she heard his
deep rich laughter. She scrambled to her feet, and
turned to face him. She had to get away!
“Look, this isn’t my thing. I don’t sleep around. I’m
only here because I thought it was a night club.” His
touch confused her, she found herself longing for what
he offered but it wasn't right. The voice of sin reared it's
ugly head. Why not? No one would know but you. Look
at him, when was the last time a man like that was
interested in you? Nina bit her lower lip. Against her
will, her eyes wandered over his lithe frame.
He wasn't half-dressed like everyone else. She
clasped her trembling hands together in a vain attempt
to hold them still. He wasn't a bad looking man from
what she could make out. An inky curl fell over the front
of his mask, the rest of his hair lay peacefully on his
dark head not quite reaching the collar of his white
shirt. He stood at least a head taller than her five feet
nine inches. His shoulders were broad, encased in a
fine white linen shirt that buttoned down the front. Black
slacks clung to his trim hips. He moved with an
assured grace she had only seen on actors like
Denzel Washington or Jeff Goldblom. It was almost
hypnotizing the way his hips swayed, Nina swallowed
hard. Letting the evil out had cost her before. She bit
her lower lip. Am I willing to do it again?
Rafe advanced on her, he wanted to believe her. He
didn't know a lot about her, he left the employees to his
senior staff. She stared defiantly at him, but the rapid
fluttering of her shirt over her heart gave her away. She
didn't belong here, not in this corrupt place. He hoped
she was afraid. He saw the slight tremor in her lower
lip just before she bit it. Hopefully this is a lesson she'll
never forget. He thought with grim resolve.
“I know what you want,” he said in slow deliberate
tones. “I’ll give it to you. But go ahead, keep it up. I like
the shy act. I’m rock hard already.” She stood under the
amber glow of the room’s low lights. One was directly
above her, like a spotlight while she was on stage. Her
caramel skin was now chalky, her eyes bulged as she
looked for a way out. Rafe wanted to laugh as her eyes
flew to his crotch as if to see for herself.
“Listen to me, you pervert!” He was quick to note the
desperation in her tone. “I’m not here for this! You have
to let me go!” Her voice high, she inched towards the
door her hands flat on the wall behind her.
“Oh, I’ll let you go alright. Right after you take down that
hair of yours.” He didn't know where that came from. In
that instant he realized how very much he wanted to
see her without that big bun at the back of her head.
He wanted to see it close up instead of through the
security monitors. Then he could tell Clem if she was
worth all the worshiping or not. It was an easy way out
for both of them. He'd scared her enough. It was over,
he was sure she'd never come back here.
Nina froze, her eyes deep with uncertainty. “If I take
down my hair, you’ll let me go?” She was jolted by an
unexpected mixture of disappointment and elation.
“Yes.” Was all he said, he voice steady and from what
she could see of his face was he was being truthful.
He was standing at the foot of the bed, his feet spread
wide, and his arms crossed over his broad chest.
She bit her lower lip, and watched him for any sign of
treachery. Still unsure, she tried to judge the distance
between where he stood and the closed door. I’ll never
make it. Fear clogged her throat. Swallowing hard she
looked at him again, “You're going to let me go, right?”
She asked not fully trusting him.
Rafe felt a tug on his heart, she was genuinely
distressed. “Yes, I’ll let you go,” he'd do more than that,
he'd walk her out the front door and tell her to never
come back.
With jerky movements she reached up, and tugged at
the pins that held her hair. Not once did she take her
eyes from him.
He couldn’t understand it. Watching the soft material
of her white blouse stretch across her full breast as
she lifted her arms excited him to no end. Her pale
gold lips, devoid of lipstick, were slightly parted. Her
small pink tongue shot out moistening them. Those
lips seemed to beg for his kiss, but he said he'd let her
go and that was what he would do.
Nina let her hair fall around her shoulders, and shook
it out then she said. “There,” her hands at her sides
she stared at him. She held her breath to control her
pain, and confusion. Even in a place like this no one
wants me. The thought hurt even as her mind rejoiced.
It proved what the sisters told her all her life. Sin oozed
from her; it was in the way she walked, it sparkled in
her eyes and all who looked upon her knew it. She'd
corrupt all who dared to touch her. Did he feel it? Could
he see it? Is that why he is letting me go? The thought
crushed her. Maybe she was in the right place. All
sinners belonged together. Her eyes burned and
stung, she knew in her heart that wasn't true. They
were wrong. She wasn't a sinner, not like this. But a
fierce need to touch and be touched wouldn't go away,
and it frightened her.
His eyes narrowed as he followed her every
movement. He spotted one more of his employees.
This must be the friend she said she came with. His
lips tightened in a thin line. That Cathy is a beauty, and
she knows it. Perfection, was the only word that fit. His
cool gaze roamed over her alabaster nakedness as
she sashayed around offering herself to all takers. It
did nothing for him, he liked his women a lot less
used.
He knew who Cathy’s benefactor was, so it wasn’t
surprised when a short, stout, balding man readily
took her up on her offerings. He grabbed Cathy around
her slim waist and pulled her with him to a table top
near by. Rafe turned his attention back to the cringing
Lily as he thought to dub Nina. Her eyes were locked
on the couple, a deep dark stain covered her red-
brown cheeks. She swallowed hard as if unable to
look away. There was a prettiness about her.
Something in the way she held her head, or maybe the
way she squeaked when someone touched her.
When no one claimed this cringing Lily, a crocked
smile eased unto his lips. What would Frank do in this
situation? Maybe it was time he took a shot at being
bad.
Nina turned in her seat, beads of moister coated her
skin. Her almond shaped eyes scanned the crowded
room. She cleared her throat and opened the top
button of her blouse, fanning herself. Her eyes landed
on a couple on the table across from her. She couldn’t
tell who it was from this distance, but she knew what
they were doing. Her heart tripled its beat. She wiped
between her breasts trying to get rid of the evidence of
her body’s deception, but the wetness continued to
plague her.
She shut her eyes. It was disgusting! How can
people take a private act of love and turn it into a freak
show? She didn’t understand, nor did she want too.
When she opened her eyes she found the grayest
eyes she’d ever seen staring at her from behind a
black domino similar to her own. She jumped back,
her eyes wide.
“Hello,” the rich deep tones vibrated through her.
“I’m not interested,” she said quickly, and turned from
him, her heart hammering. She held her breath,
willing him to go away. Her skin tingled at his nearest
and she couldn’t stop it.
Rafe caught her barstool, and turned her to face him.
“You’re here, I’d say you were interested.”
He was close, so close that Nina could feel his warm
breath on her cheek. “I’m here through no fault of my
own.” She murmured, trying not to look at him. Finding
no other safe place, she stared at his dimpled chin. “I
was just leaving.”
Rafe extended one finger towards her, touching the
protruding tip of one breast. It pressed against the
fabric of her thin white cotton shirt where her jacket
hung open. His gaze narrowed as it ran the length of
her. She was taller than he had thought, her head
would reach his chin when she stood. She was pretty
close up. He wanted to see her squirm, anything to
shake that untouchable look from her, to bring that
upturned nose of hers down just a bit. It bothered him
greatly to think she was playing a game just like the
rest of them. Maybe she is as wild underneath that get-
up as Cathy. His scowl intensified, absently he
wondered why he even cared. Other than the fact that
she was an employee, and was supposed to be a
trustworthy person, he shouldn’t care what she did in
her spare time. But it angered him to see one of his
staff members here. Ben said this was the first time
he’d seen her here. A sharp sense of righteous anger
at whoever brought her here rocked him. At least she
hasn't been corrupted yet. Maybe, if he played his
cards right he could scare her into not coming back.
Nina jumped away from his electric touch, and
slapped at his hand. “Don’t touch me!” She hissed,
deathly afraid of the longing his nearness caused.
She felt irresistibly drawn to him and the only way to
fight it was to get away from him, but she was stuck
between two barstools and his big lean body.
“You’re here for a reason,” his lazy drawl infuriated
her, it was like he knew something that she didn’t. He
lifted the other hand lightly caressing her rigid cheek,
she shivered despite herself and her eyes closed.
“The same reason I’m here, we all want to play the
game.”
Her eyes snapped open and she flushed deeply, her
body was giving her away. “What game?” she
whispered. Her eyes fell to his lush lips and the breath
rushed from her. The bold fullness of them
mesmerized her, everything else in the room
disappeared. She licked her lips, her mouth watering
at the fierce need to taste him. She didn’t know what
was happening to her, she didn’t even like sex, it’d
been years since she had even thought about it, but at
this moment it was all she could think about.
Rafe’s whole body tensed with a raging need, taking
him totally by surprise. The sight of her small pink
tongue darting out to wet her lips fired his imagination.
Her slim flaring nostrils and her soft panting breath on
his skin made him think of things that were much
more fun. Stepping closer, he ran the tip of his finger
over her delicate ear lobe, and smiled as a shudder
race through her. He wanted to laugh when she gave
a little squeak and weakly tried to push him away. Just
in case this wasn’t an act, he had to show her this
was no place for the meek!
Again, Nina slapped at his hard hand but it came
back to travel the opening of her shirt. “I didn’t ask you
to touch me,” she cried, her voice hoarse. “I said I was
leaving.” She tried to move around him, but he stood
directly in front of her. His hands on the bar on either
side of her, she was trapped. She swallowed hard,
chest to chest she had to lean back to get even a bare
inch between them.
“I know your type,” he breathed against her cheek. “I
had you pegged the minute I saw you sitting here with
your pretty little nose stuck in the air. That disgusted
look turning those luscious lips down.” He lifted one
hand to her hair. “I must say I like the look. It’s very
authentic. Social worker, huh?” His eyes flickered over
her clothes. “You went all out for this tonight. I won’t
disappoint you.” He leaned closer his lips barely
grazing hers. “Come on, I’ll play the game with you.”
Suddenly he bent down and tossed her over his
shoulder, then headed down a long dark hallway.
movement. He spotted one more of his employees.
This must be the friend she said she came with. His
lips tightened in a thin line. That Cathy is a beauty, and
she knows it. Perfection, was the only word that fit. His
cool gaze roamed over her alabaster nakedness as
she sashayed around offering herself to all takers. It
did nothing for him, he liked his women a lot less
used.
He knew who Cathy’s benefactor was, so it wasn’t
surprised when a short, stout, balding man readily
took her up on her offerings. He grabbed Cathy around
her slim waist and pulled her with him to a table top
near by. Rafe turned his attention back to the cringing
Lily as he thought to dub Nina. Her eyes were locked
on the couple, a deep dark stain covered her red-
brown cheeks. She swallowed hard as if unable to
look away. There was a prettiness about her.
Something in the way she held her head, or maybe the
way she squeaked when someone touched her.
When no one claimed this cringing Lily, a crocked
smile eased unto his lips. What would Frank do in this
situation? Maybe it was time he took a shot at being
bad.
Nina turned in her seat, beads of moister coated her
skin. Her almond shaped eyes scanned the crowded
room. She cleared her throat and opened the top
button of her blouse, fanning herself. Her eyes landed
on a couple on the table across from her. She couldn’t
tell who it was from this distance, but she knew what
they were doing. Her heart tripled its beat. She wiped
between her breasts trying to get rid of the evidence of
her body’s deception, but the wetness continued to
plague her.
She shut her eyes. It was disgusting! How can
people take a private act of love and turn it into a freak
show? She didn’t understand, nor did she want too.
When she opened her eyes she found the grayest
eyes she’d ever seen staring at her from behind a
black domino similar to her own. She jumped back,
her eyes wide.
“Hello,” the rich deep tones vibrated through her.
“I’m not interested,” she said quickly, and turned from
him, her heart hammering. She held her breath,
willing him to go away. Her skin tingled at his nearest
and she couldn’t stop it.
Rafe caught her barstool, and turned her to face him.
“You’re here, I’d say you were interested.”
He was close, so close that Nina could feel his warm
breath on her cheek. “I’m here through no fault of my
own.” She murmured, trying not to look at him. Finding
no other safe place, she stared at his dimpled chin. “I
was just leaving.”
Rafe extended one finger towards her, touching the
protruding tip of one breast. It pressed against the
fabric of her thin white cotton shirt where her jacket
hung open. His gaze narrowed as it ran the length of
her. She was taller than he had thought, her head
would reach his chin when she stood. She was pretty
close up. He wanted to see her squirm, anything to
shake that untouchable look from her, to bring that
upturned nose of hers down just a bit. It bothered him
greatly to think she was playing a game just like the
rest of them. Maybe she is as wild underneath that get-
up as Cathy. His scowl intensified, absently he
wondered why he even cared. Other than the fact that
she was an employee, and was supposed to be a
trustworthy person, he shouldn’t care what she did in
her spare time. But it angered him to see one of his
staff members here. Ben said this was the first time
he’d seen her here. A sharp sense of righteous anger
at whoever brought her here rocked him. At least she
hasn't been corrupted yet. Maybe, if he played his
cards right he could scare her into not coming back.
Nina jumped away from his electric touch, and
slapped at his hand. “Don’t touch me!” She hissed,
deathly afraid of the longing his nearness caused.
She felt irresistibly drawn to him and the only way to
fight it was to get away from him, but she was stuck
between two barstools and his big lean body.
“You’re here for a reason,” his lazy drawl infuriated
her, it was like he knew something that she didn’t. He
lifted the other hand lightly caressing her rigid cheek,
she shivered despite herself and her eyes closed.
“The same reason I’m here, we all want to play the
game.”
Her eyes snapped open and she flushed deeply, her
body was giving her away. “What game?” she
whispered. Her eyes fell to his lush lips and the breath
rushed from her. The bold fullness of them
mesmerized her, everything else in the room
disappeared. She licked her lips, her mouth watering
at the fierce need to taste him. She didn’t know what
was happening to her, she didn’t even like sex, it’d
been years since she had even thought about it, but at
this moment it was all she could think about.
Rafe’s whole body tensed with a raging need, taking
him totally by surprise. The sight of her small pink
tongue darting out to wet her lips fired his imagination.
Her slim flaring nostrils and her soft panting breath on
his skin made him think of things that were much
more fun. Stepping closer, he ran the tip of his finger
over her delicate ear lobe, and smiled as a shudder
race through her. He wanted to laugh when she gave
a little squeak and weakly tried to push him away. Just
in case this wasn’t an act, he had to show her this
was no place for the meek!
Again, Nina slapped at his hard hand but it came
back to travel the opening of her shirt. “I didn’t ask you
to touch me,” she cried, her voice hoarse. “I said I was
leaving.” She tried to move around him, but he stood
directly in front of her. His hands on the bar on either
side of her, she was trapped. She swallowed hard,
chest to chest she had to lean back to get even a bare
inch between them.
“I know your type,” he breathed against her cheek. “I
had you pegged the minute I saw you sitting here with
your pretty little nose stuck in the air. That disgusted
look turning those luscious lips down.” He lifted one
hand to her hair. “I must say I like the look. It’s very
authentic. Social worker, huh?” His eyes flickered over
her clothes. “You went all out for this tonight. I won’t
disappoint you.” He leaned closer his lips barely
grazing hers. “Come on, I’ll play the game with you.”
Suddenly he bent down and tossed her over his
shoulder, then headed down a long dark hallway.