Devious Little Lies (16 page)

Chapter Twenty-Five

Rena moved with a bounce in her step. Dark hair falling over her shoulders and a form-fitting blue dress that had heads turning as she walked by. It was taking all Shane could do to keep himself away from her, but he was on a mission. The last thing he needed was to be distracted by her beautiful face and even more spectacular body.

She was a temptress.

A devil in disguise that would send your soul straight to hell.

He couldn’t forget his mission. He’d finally started to make a name for himself and nothing could get in the way of that. He had to take her down.

Beneath that smile hid a killer. He was sure of it, though he didn’t yet have conclusive proof. But things had a way of falling into his lap and when they did they were usually big. He watched Rena as she took a seat in front of the terminal that lead to the plane that would take her to see her no good felon husband. She was unconcerned with anything around her, as if she was on top of the world without a care. But he knew a part of that bravado was just an act.

Under all of that confidence was a lonely woman desperate to prove herself.

Desperate for love.

If only she realized that there was no need for her to travel down the dark path that she had set out on. For a woman like her there were so many other options. He couldn’t help the desire creeping up within him. He wished there was some other way besides the paths they both had chosen.

He wanted to save her.

To free her from a life that she believed she couldn’t escape.

To save her soul before it grew even darker than it already had. She was worth it. A woman like her was worth everything. If only she realized the worth within herself. Shane was getting beside himself for nothing. She was a grown woman who had made her choices and whatever the consequences were from those actions, they both had to live with them. Still, as he watched her stand and walk to the attendant who would scan her ticket, he couldn’t help but be saddened. Prison was no place for her, but sadly it was precisely where she was going to end up and there was nothing he could do about it. Rena was a marked woman.

* * * * *

Rena would be so glad for the day that she no longer had to make this trip. A penitentiary was the last place she wanted to spend any of her time, but today it was a necessary evil. Business was about to really kick off and it was important that Tony understood that she’d righted a sinking ship and had no intentions of handing back the wheel. She was in charge and that was the way she intended to keep it. Rena handed her ID to the same bored receptionist she saw on her last visit.

Today there were no sly looks as the woman placed a call for her escort. Stepping away from the window, she waited. Less than three minutes later, a tall, lanky white kid walked toward her. His uniform was too big for him. As he approached, he had to keep grabbing for his belt.
Hmm. Delgado’s replacement. This kid looks like he belongs in a skate park, not working in the pen.

“Mrs. Rosetti?” he stammered.

“Yes?”

“Follow me, please.”

He turned and Rena fell into step behind him. Today there were no butterflies fluttering in her stomach. She was calm and in control. Tony would not be able to use his charm to tear down her walls. They exited the elevators and her guard led her to a large room to the right of the hallway. As she entered, she was at least happy that it was in better condition than the last room she was in with her husband.

Rena took a seat on the gray couch sitting in the corner and threw her legs over the armrest. Closing her eyes, she waited for her husband. She wasn’t sure how long she lay there, but when she opened her eyes, Tony stood over her, a soft expression on his stubbled face.

“How long have you been standing there?” she asked.

“Long enough to know that you’re exhausted.”

A sneer curved her lips. “Well thank you for saying I look like shit. This is definitely the way to your wife’s heart.”

“Damn it, Rena, I didn’t mean it like that at all.”

“Forget it, Tony. I really don’t care what the hell you meant. This is not a social call. This is about business.”

“Business?” He frowned.

“Yes, business. Surely you didn’t think I’d waste any more of my breath talking about us.”

“The hell with business, Rena. We’re more important.”

Quicker than her eyes could follow, Tony was lifting her from the couch and into his arms. His lips moved toward hers and she tried to turn her head. She tried to escape his kiss, but she couldn’t. In the only way that he knew he was trying to show her that he wanted her. Needed her. That she mattered. Too bad for him she wouldn’t allow herself to believe it. Pushing against his chest with all the strength she could manage, she put some distance between them and slapped him. Hard.

“What the fuck, Rena?”

“Do you really think one stupid kiss is going to undo everything? Well guess what? It’s not. I hate you, Tony, for all the lies, the heartache, making me feel like shit and just being a cold bastard.”

His eyes narrowed as he took a deep breath. She tried to get down and out of his arms, but he was not having it. Instead he held her tighter and took a seat on the couch. She didn’t want to get into this. She didn’t have the mental energy for it and today she was supposed to be flying on top of the world. She just wanted to say her piece and leave. No more. No less. They stared at each other, the clock on the wall ticking away on their time together.

“Tell me that you don’t still love me.”

Of all the things, why did he have to say that? Rena licked her lips as he stared at her waiting for an answer. Opening her mouth, she frowned at him.

“I…don’t…”

The words got stuck in her throat and she couldn’t get the rest of them out. Rena turned her face away from him and wiped a tear pooling in the corner of her eye. His hand grasped her chin, forcing her to look at him. His brown eyes were soft.

“You can’t say it. Can you?”

“No. Damn you.”

He smiled and his lips descended on hers. She didn’t fight him. Tony’s kiss was soft, and sweet like a gentle first kiss. He nibbled at her lips, before running his tongue over them. She could feel his rigid manhood pressing into her and despite the circumstances she was getting aroused.

“I love you. I’ll always love you,” he whispered against her lips.

Tears burned in her eyes, but Rena refused to let them fall. He couldn’t know the power he still had over her. He couldn’t know how his words had made her heart leap. Deep down she still loved Tony, no matter how stupid it was. Her hands reached for his shoulders as he pressed her back against the couch. Less than three minutes later, her dress was up around her waist and Tony was buried inside her, pumping her body as if he was drilling for oil.

A moan left her throat as he stroked a spot deep inside. His hands held her thighs in a vice grip as his lips trailed kisses down her throat. She bit back a scream as she orgasmed.

“I love you, Rena.”

And then Tony’s weight fell atop her as he found his own release. They lay entwined together, the sound of their pants filling the air. He softened inside of her and a few moments went by before he shifted and stared down at her.

“I knew you still loved me.”

She itched to slap the self-satisfied grin off his face.

“This doesn’t change anything.”

“Liar,” he said still smiling.

“I had an itch. You scratched it. End of story.”

“Tell that to someone who hasn’t been married to you for the last ten years, Rena. You growl and snarl like a pit bull, but deep down you’re a softie.”

With all of her strength she pushed him away and pulled down her dress. He sat beside her on the couch, righting his own attire.

“No, what I am is a fool for feeling anything for you at all.”

“You’re a wife who loves her husband. You stick by me no matter what. A man couldn’t ask for a better woman, especially in our lifestyle.”

“I thought about divorcing you. Of what my life would be like without you.”

Her eyes met his and his expression was stony. This was the Tony she was used to seeing. The ruthless bastard with no emotion.

“Till death do us part, Rena.”

“Life is too short to be unhappy, Tony. Besides, it’s not like you haven’t been the one who has constantly undermined our marriage.”

“Yeah, I’ve fucked up. I know that and for some reason I keep fucking up when it comes to you, but I need you. There’s no one who could ever take your place.”

“I know that. Glad you could finally admit it out loud.”

Tony shrugged. “You know me. I’m a little thick headed sometimes.”

“Sometimes. Try all the time.”

He smiled and they laughed together. It felt good, like when he first won her heart. Abruptly her laughter stopped as all the reasons she was angry with Tony floated across her mind. Clearing her throat, she tried to push her emotions away.

“Some things happened that I think you should know about.”

“What kind of things?” He took her hand holding it in his.

Rena looked around the room. She didn’t spot any cameras off hand, but that didn’t mean they weren’t there. The same went for listening devices. Motioning for him to lean forward, she put her lips to his ear and told him everything. When she was done she leaned away and waited for his reaction. It wasn’t difficult to notice that he was hard again.

“You should be covered in platinum and diamonds, baby. You’re fucking amazing. I wish I could’ve been there to see it…all of it. Just thinking about you with a pair of brass knucks has me hot for you all over again.”

“I don’t know how sexy you’d think it was if I was pounding your face in with them.”

“Hell, I might like it.”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re sick, you know that?”

“Sick for you, baby. You did it.”

“I told you that I would protect my king and I meant it. You don’t have to worry about business anymore. The Rosetti name is coming back to the top and nobody is going to stand in our way.”

“I’ve got to be the luckiest bastard ever.”

“You are, so don’t forget it.”

Rena moved closer and their lips met in a sweet kiss. A knock at the door caused them to part and Rena to glance at the clock. Tony swore. The door opened and the guard who brought her up stood in the doorway.

“Mrs. Rosetti, I’m here to escort you back down.”

She nodded as Tony helped her to her feet. Straightening out her dress, she stared at her husband.

“I’ll miss you,” he said.

Pulling her into an embrace, he kissed her again. She stepped back and turned to the guard following him out of the room. As she stepped across the threshold she looked back at Tony. His shoulders were slumped and some of the light had gone out of his eyes.

“I love you, Tony.”

Rena didn’t wait to see his reaction. She’d done what she came to do, but she’d also failed miserably. She’d been a fool to think she could just waltz in, tell Tony about business, and leave. Never had a man made her feel so much anger and love at the same time. Just like that she’d softened towards him once again. She prayed that she wouldn’t regret the cracking ice wall around her heart.

Chapter Twenty-Six

In less than an hour Rena would be on her way to Sage Aprea’s ball. Her stomach was in knots. Before her visit to see Tony, she was in control. She knew what she wanted and nothing was going to dissuade her. Now she was a mess all over again. She loved her husband despite his many faults and fuck ups and after catching a glimpse of the man she’d fallen in love with, going to the ball with another man was starting to feel disloyal to say the least.

Sitting at her vanity, she appraised her appearance. Her dark hair was swept up into an elegant chignon with just a few wisps hanging at her nape and by her ears. A thin chain of white diamonds hung from her ear lobes. The bold red lipstick she wore flattered her mouth. The elegant curve of her neck was showcased by the four-strand diamond choker Tony had bought her for their third wedding anniversary. She smiled as she touched it. Diamonds were a girl’s best friend no matter how old you were.

Her date would be arriving soon. She knew it was a bad idea to allow him to be her escort. She should’ve called him and told him she wasn’t going. Anything to stop him from showing up when she and Tony were on the road to reconciliation. Shane could stand in the way of that happening. When she heard his voice or looked in his eyes, she felt young and desirable again. As if she was the only woman in the world that mattered and her life could be normal.

A life with a husband who was home every night.

A life with no death and violence.

A real happily ever after.

It was stupid. She wasn’t some silly girl that believed in fairytales. Hell, she’d never believed in them. Rena knew better, but Shane brought out a longing in her she’d never realized was there and now she found herself caught between her still loving husband and her growing and improper feelings for a much younger man. What a mess.

The doorbell rang and Rena stood. Cesare was downstairs to answer it. She took a deep breath to compose herself. She was going to make sure that Shane understood that they were just two fancy acquaintances going to a fancy dinner. Nothing more. There would be no kissing or longing looks. She’d never been a cheater and she wasn’t about to change things now. Besides, as soon as Rena found Simone at the party, she was likely going to be spending the majority of her time with her friend. She couldn’t wait to see how Simone would look in the dress she’d sent to her.

“Boss Lady, your date’s here,” Cesare yelled up the stairs.

“I’ll be right down,” she yelled back.

Picking up the clutch from her bed, Rena gave herself one last glance before she headed downstairs determined to keep Shane at arm’s length.

Waiting downstairs, Shane felt like he was under a microscope as the man in the living room watched him. A hard scowl marred the man’s features and Shane was pretty sure a gun was hidden beneath his suit coat. He didn’t doubt the man would be all too happy to use it if given the chance.

“Don’t make me have to break your face tonight.”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me. It’s an honor for you to even be in the same room with Mrs. Rosetti. Don’t try anything stupid. She’s a married woman.”

“I’m well aware.”

“See that it stays that way.”

“Cesare, are you playing nice down there?”

Hearing her voice, Shane turned his attention away from the scowling man and to the stairs. A small, white pearl-studded shoe appeared first. His gaze moved upward and then he saw her as his heart lodged in his throat. She looked like a queen who should be worshipped. He bit his lip to keep from saying something stupid. Rena’s hair was up in a sophisticated style that showcased the slender curve of her neck. If they were alone, he’d remove that choker and press kisses all over her soft skin. A hint of a smile drew his attention to her ruby red lips. She lifted a well-manicured brow as she moved closer and it was all he could do to tear himself away from the gray whirlpool of her beautiful eyes.

As his gaze dropped to her dress, he grew hard.
Sweet Jesus. How in the hell am I going to be able to act like a gentleman when she’s wearing a dress like that?
A strapless, corseted bodice fit her body like a glove, showing off her slim waist and gently flaring hips. The strategically placed pearls and crystals that curved around the bodice drew ample attention to her large, luscious breasts that threatened to spill from the top of the dress. Rena was a vision in a white. A vision that could get him into all kinds of trouble, but for once he just didn’t care.

“Shane,” she said stopping in front of him.

“You look…so beautiful.” He couldn’t keep the ache from his voice as he looked at her.

“Thank you.” A wide smile crossed her face.

He wanted to take her in his arms and kiss her like there was no tomorrow, but he couldn’t. Not with Cesare already threating to do him bodily harm.

“No thanks necessary. Are you ready? My car’s waiting outside.”

“Cesare is going to drive us,” she said motioning toward the dark-haired man.

“Is there a reason we need a driver?” he asked.

Rena rolled her eyes. “Let’s just say I’m an important woman, going to an event in which I intend to upstage every other woman in the room. Indulge me.”

“I’d love to.”

Rena studied him. There was something hidden behind her eyes as if she wanted to say something, but didn’t know how.

“We should be going, Boss Lady,” Cesare cut in.

“Yes, we should,” she said still looking at Shane.

“My lady.”

Shane offered his arm and after a moment’s hesitation she took it. Cesare stomped in front of them to open the door. Shane led Rena outside and she motioned to a car he hadn’t even noticed. A shiny, black stretch Hummer limousine waited for them. Opening the back door of the massive vehicle he helped Rena inside before taking his seat next to her.

“I feel like a V.I.P. tonight,” he told her.

“And for tonight you are, but I think there’s something we need to talk about.”

She grabbed for his hand, sliding his thumb across her palm. “And what’s that?”

“Us.”

The way his eyes watched her with such eager hope, made her almost re-think what she was about to tell him. She didn’t want their evening to get off to a bad start, but she’d made a promise to herself to toe the line. She needed to put it out in the atmosphere to make it so.

“What about us?” he asked.

“There isn’t an us, Shane. I appreciate you accompanying me tonight, but we are going to be surrounded by associates of mine and my husband. I wouldn’t want them to get any strange ideas about what exactly our relationship is.”

“So this is about saving face?”

“Yes and no.”

His eyebrows drew together. A small furrow appeared between them.

“Then exactly what do you mean?” he pressed.

“When you and I first met, I was going through a rough patch in my marriage and you were there for me. You made me feel the way my husband used to a long time ago and I so appreciate you for it. But things have changed now.”

“Really? Is your husband coming home to you?”

“No.”

“I see.” He let go of her hand and crossed his arms.

“And what the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“It means that you’re not living in reality. Your husband is a criminal who doesn’t, and never will, deserve you.”

“You don’t know anything about him.”

“I read the papers and besides that you’ve told me enough for me to know he’s not good enough for you.”

“And just who do you think is good enough for me, Shane?”

“I am.”

His hands gripped her waist and brought her closer. She pushed against his chest and felt the same rock-hard muscles as the night he’d kissed her in the swimming pool.

“I’m married.”

“Marriages end all the time.”

She tried again. “I’m married to a man who would slit your throat for the way you’re touching me right now.”

“Any man in his right mind would slit a throat where you’re involved. That doesn’t mean anything.”

“I still love him,” she whispered.

Shane’s eyes grew hard and a tic moved in his jaw. His hands tightened on her waist as a heavy silence descended on them. Her heart felt like a jackhammer. She didn’t want to hurt him and he didn’t deserve that. But she had to give her marriage one last try.

“He doesn’t deserve that love, but I admire your commitment to your marriage. Most women would have walked away a long time ago. Yet you stay and still offer him the gift of your love. I hope he doesn’t hurt you again, Rena.”

“I hope so too,” she confessed before adding, “I’m not trying to hurt you. You’re a wonderful man, Shane.”

“Sweet Rena, you couldn’t have wounded me more.”

“You need to forget about me and go out there and find a woman worthy of you.”

“I already have, but she just won’t listen.”

He was making things so hard, especially looking this handsome in his black tuxedo. He should be somewhere on magazine covers with screaming young girls throwing themselves at his feet, mooning over him.

“I may look like a pretty package, but everything that glitters isn’t gold, Shane.”

“Meaning what?”

“Let’s just say what you see is not always what you get. Sometimes a pretty face hides a monster inside.”

He laughed. “You’re going to have to do better than that to scare me off.”

She had to give it to him. No matter what she said, he couldn’t be dissuaded. There was only one thing left to try.

Leaning close so that her lips brushed his ear, she whispered, “If I were to give you what you think you want, you’d be calling for your mama before I sent you into a coma. You’re not ready.”

She leaned away and removed his arms from around her waist. Shane didn’t move, but nothing could hide the bulge that had grown in his pants. Rena was sure that if she were to kiss him right now he’d combust.

“I think I made my point. Now get yourself under control and be the arm candy I need at this party.”

Cesare opened the door, helping her down. She stood and waited for Shane to collect himself. It seemed that he’d finally gotten the point. Now it was time to get this evening over with.

* * * * *

Well played, Rena.

Well played.

If only she knew that she wasn’t the only one with a few tricks up their sleeve. For now he would let her think that she’d scared him off. Giving her some space would put her at ease with him and before she knew it, he would be engaging in a seduction of his own. Running away and clinging to her failing marriage was not going to save her. There was a passion between them just waiting to be unleashed and he intended to do just that.

One way or another.

Tonight was just the beginning.