Silken Threats (14 page)

A light shiver worked its way along her back, at odds with the warm sun that streamed in the windows. “But we don’t know anything. And the police can’t protect us indefinitely. Whoever did this had to have known for a while, yet they bided their time. A few more days won’t be much in the scheme of things overall.”

“No, I suppose not.”

* * *

“That was fun.”

“Liar.” Cassidy’s response was immediate as she eyed him sideways from the passenger seat.

“It was. After I tuned out the wedding mania and began plotting some moves with my fantasy football team.”

Tucker kept his eyes on the road but didn’t miss the light sniff before she added, “I certainly hope you didn’t pick that new rookie the Cowboys drafted for your team. He might be a fantasy someday but that boy needs some serious seasoning.”

“What do you take me for?” He’d been burned by rookies before and wasn’t inclined to repeat the performance unless forced.

“Just making sure you don’t have an inflated sense of excitement for your new hometown team.”

“So noted.” He risked a glance at her, the same satisfaction he’d seen leaving Bridget’s house still painted across her face. “You had fun this morning.”

“It’s fun to see someone so excited and know I had a small part in that happiness. I do enjoy it.”

“Yet you’ve never had the urge to say ‘I do’ yourself?”

Tucker wasn’t sure why he felt the need to ask
that
particular question, but now that it was out he was curious to hear her answer.

“Am I wearing a sign today?”

A sign?

She pressed on before he could question her. “Sorry. But Bridget made a similar comment when you were putting her dress in her room. It comes with the territory but it gets old sometimes.”

“Questions we don’t want to answer usually do.” Her gaze was thoughtful as he turned off into a fast-food parking lot. “You hungry?”

“Now that’s a question I always have an answer to. Yes.”

“What do you want?”

“Burger. Fries. Vanilla shake.”

“A woman after my own heart.”

He ordered a double, changing only the vanilla for chocolate on his order, then settled behind the two cars waiting before them. He reached out to stroke her hand. “My question might be one you don’t want to answer, but I’m still curious.”

Her fingers closed over his, the move so unexpected it cratered straight through his stomach before he could catch his breath.

“I came close. Once in college and again a few years ago.”

Although the words weren’t what he was expecting, they went down surprisingly better with her hand locked with his. “Not the right guys?”

“Not by a long shot. First one was too young. We’re just lucky we both figured it out before he bought much more than a ring.”

“You didn’t get into the wedding mania?”

Her grip never lessened but her gaze stayed steady on a carwash across the parking lot. “We thought graduating first was important and we focused on buying a house. The day I stood next to him to sign the papers on a contract for our brand-new home in the suburbs, I panicked and ran out of the model home.”

“It’s a big moment.”

“And one-hundred-percent right when it’s something you want. When it’s not something you want, it’s big, stifling and cuts off all your air.”

“Did you hyperventilate when you bought your current house?”

“Nope. I danced into the mortgage office the same way Bridget danced down her hallway today.”

“While prancing isn’t in my repertoire, I was pretty light-footed the day I got Bailey.”

“Dancing, not prancing, smart aleck.” She squeezed his hand before letting it go so he could pull up to the window. “You love that dog.”

“It’s sick, I know, but yes, I love that damn dog like a brother.”

“I think it’s nice. I heard it said once that our pets are the only chance we get to pick a family member. From those loyal brown eyes to that silly tail, it’s clear you picked well.”

Tucker paid the cashier and took the milk shakes, then the bag, Cassidy’s words bringing a smile to his face. He had chosen Bailey and the pup was the best family he’d ever had.

Family...

The word stuck as he navigated the rest of the drive-through and into the parking lot.

Family
.

Excitement replaced the crazy nerves in his stomach, and he pulled into a parking space and turned toward her.

“That’s it.”

“What?” She looked up from pulling a wrapped burger out of the bag, the scent of fried potatoes following on its heels. “What’s it?”

“Family. This whole thing.” When she only stared at him, Tucker pressed on, urgent now to get out the words. “Everything happening. It’s all connected. The knowledge someone has. The connections between all of you. Even the break-in to your shop the other morning. The person had the alarm code. You know who’s doing this.”

“I don’t know anyone who would do this.”

“Then Violet or Lilah do. It’s connected, Cassidy. Don’t you see it?”

He saw her work through it—saw the ideas racing through her eyes as she pondered, then discarded each—before she shook her head. “No one I know would do this. My immediate family certainly wouldn’t. And even my extended family just doesn’t fit. They ask me about the shop at the occasional family gathering, but then the subject fades and we move on to something else.”

“It’s someone you know. We need to get back to the shop.”

“We have to go see bride number two.”

“Can you reschedule her?”

“Do you want me to break her heart?”

He wanted to argue but thought once more of Bridget Talloway’s dance down her hallway and Cassidy’s reaction to that pure, unadulterated joy.

It’s fun to see someone so excited and know I had a small part in that happiness.

“Fine. We go there and then we head back to find your partners. The three of you know who’s doing this. We just need to follow the connections and we’ll find him, too.”

Chapter 12

C
assidy dragged her supplies from the back of Tucker’s SUV and blew out a hard breath. If her morning appointment was the height of joy and pleasure, her afternoon bridezilla nearly had her throwing in the towel.

The hem wasn’t right.

The train was too long to be chapel and too short to be cathedral.

The bodice gave the bride slut boobs, not church boobs.

On and on it had gone, despite the fact this should have been their last fitting before the big day.

Tucker had been a trouper, and Cassidy figured she owed him big-time since she’d been adamant about not canceling the appointment. For herself, she already envisioned a large glass of wine after she got her supplies unloaded inside.

Her gaze caught on the overflowing garbage container at the back of the building and she stopped short. Something cold and dark slithered through her, despite the oppressive afternoon heat, and she stared at the evidence of their shop break-in—black plastic bags of garbage piled so high they spilled from the lip of the industrial bin.

“What’s wrong?” Tucker rustled behind her, both wrapped gowns piled high in his hands. His oversize bundle was so large, she felt the press of frothy material at her back even though he stood several inches behind her.

She turned toward him, reassured by his large form even as she tried to process the small yet dangerous example of what they were up against.

Someone had broken into Elegance and Lace.

His eyes crinkled at the corners, his concern more than evident as he tried to juggle the heavy material. “Cass? Tell me what’s wrong?”

“I just noticed the garbage can. That’s all.”

She saw his attention shift, then swing back to her. “I can call the city to come make a special pickup.”

It was sweet, she thought, his willingness to remove something she found distasteful. On a small smile, she shook her head. “It’s not a snake, Tucker. It can keep.”

“It upsets you.”

“No, what it means upsets me.”

Vanilla hung heavy in the air as the smell of Lilah’s latest creation greeted them. Cassidy pushed through the door with her hip, giving Tucker an easier entry with his load of dresses, and tried to put what she’d seen out of her mind.

They were all safe. And once she confronted Mrs. B. with the note, they’d get to the bottom of things and then begin to move on.

She had to focus on that simple fact or she’d drive herself crazy.

“Let’s take those back to my workspace.”

The familiar space in the large oversize office next to Violet’s went a long way toward offering some measure of comfort. Although still covered against the risk of dust, several dress dummies held gowns in various stages of completion, and a wall of sketches held the patterns of her work. Another wall held photos of completed creations, their owners immortalized forever, their special days stamped in her workplace.

Her dreams were on that wall and in that room.

Free of his burden, Tucker came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her from behind. “We’re going to get to the bottom of this.”

“I know.”

He rested his head against hers as his hands roamed along her arms, soothing and enticing all at the same time. She felt alive in his arms. Safe, yes, but alive in ways she’d never felt before.

They’d shared so much already. Dangerous moments, but more than that. In less than seventy-two hours, she’d shared her past. Her family issues. Even the misery and anguish that filled her over the loss of her sister.

He hadn’t flinched through a bit of it.

Such a contrast to her second fiancé.

Images of Robert Barrington’s perfect features filled her mind’s eye. In the two years they’d been together, Lilah had teased her often about how she and Robert were one of Dallas’s power couples, her with her up-and-coming business and him with his third-generation, family-based antiques business.

They were a pair who had their picture captured for the society pages at nearly every event they attended and who were considered the next generation of the city’s crème de la crème.

What a mirage.

She’d known it, of course. Sensed the distance that had grown stronger and stronger over the months after Robert had proposed.

And then Leah had died and her world had shattered, and Robert had showed no interest in helping her build it up again.

She might have concerns about entering a relationship with Tucker that was forged in the fires of adrenaline and danger, but she also knew damn well she wasn’t the best judge, even of so-called “normal” relationships.

Her experience with Robert had been the antithesis of adrenaline-fueled and it hadn’t ended up successful.

They’d had a slow and steady courtship. The “right” group of friends and acquaintances. An appropriately planned and well-timed engagement. Basically, nothing out of the ordinary or unexpected until the very end when it all fell apart.

The worst part was that after a few months, she’d realized that the only thing she missed was the idea of him. The actual man was far from her thoughts and she hadn’t missed a beat pining for him.

Tucker, on the other hand...

She turned into his arms and reveled in the solid strength to be found there. Sure of herself and what she wanted, she pulled his head to hers, capturing his lips with her own.

Thoughts of imminent danger and crazy brides vanished as she took this for herself. Long, lush moments erupted between them, full of passion and promise. His hands played over her lower back, his fingers caressing the skin of her spine as his mouth moved over hers with masterful precision.

Moments as delicate as the sugar Lilah spun over her creations captured them both, only his lips were more satisfying than anything she’d ever tasted.

The gentle stroking over her spine grew more urgent, and she felt his hand slip lower, covering her derriere and pressing her more fully against his body. Heat crawled over her skin, a demanding taskmaster that pushed her on, desperate to take more.

To take all.

She ran her hands over the short hair at his nape. The soft strands tickled her fingers and provided another sensual exploration as their mouths continued their carnal mating dance.

She wanted him.

She’d known it, of course. Had felt the tug of instant attraction from their first moments, but this was something more.

The idea of having any choice in this—the mere thought of walking away from him—was fast fading due to the needs of her body and the joy of being in his arms.

“You had fast foo—”

Lilah’s words were cut off midcensure as her voice echoed from the doorway of Cassidy’s office.

“Oops. Sorry.” Lilah had the grace to look contrite, but Cassidy didn’t miss the clear enjoyment that covered her face.

“No, you’re not.” Cassidy slipped from Tucker’s arms and attempted to right the folds of her blouse.

“You’re right. I’m not.” Lilah waved the empty fast-food bag she’d carried into the office. “And clearly this wasn’t your biggest sin today.”

“Put that away.”

“You’re the one who tossed it in the kitchen. You know if Violet sees this you’re looking at a lecture, and she’ll drag me into it just for fun.”

Tucker’s face was drawn in a sober expression but Cassidy didn’t miss the laughter that crinkled the edges of his dark eyes. “I’m the one to blame. I had no idea tossing away trash from lunch could incite such a riot.”

“Then you don’t know Violet.” Lilah shuddered before wadding up the bag into a small ball and tossing it into Cassidy’s wastebasket. “The woman can go on for hours about the evils of trans fats and sodium.”

Tucker clutched his chest. “The horror.”

“Exactly.”

“Since I’ve thoroughly interrupted your moment and made you feel guilty for lunch, come on out and keep me company as I put that cake together for the Butler-Parker engagement party.”

Cassidy shot Tucker a light shrug but his answering smile indicated he’d taken this in stride.

“Where’s Max?”

“He was set up in front looking at blueprints with Violet until she ran out for a bridal emergency at the Anatole about fifteen minutes ago.”

“I’ll just go hunt up Max.” Tucker pulled her close for one last kiss, his lips firm and possessive as he laid one on her. Cassidy didn’t miss Lilah’s sharp exhale of breath or the fact that her already weak knees got a little more rubbery at the touch of Tucker’s lips.

“For the record.” He shot a wink at Lilah. “I don’t feel guilty at all.”

Cassidy knew she should keep her cool and turn and follow Lilah to the kitchen, but for the moment, she was unable to move.

His very attractive posterior held her attention, but it was the smile he tossed over his shoulder as he walked—half cocky and half full of longing—that wrapped her heart in a tight fist that refused to let go.

* * *

“Tell me all about Tucker the hottie.”

Cassidy settled herself on a stool near Lilah’s workstation, her wine reward for managing her bridezilla firmly in hand.

“First let me tell you about today’s fitting. I need to get it out.”

Lilah’s disappointment was palpable, but she nodded. “Vent away.”

Cassidy walked her friend through the afternoon and was pouring her second glass when Lilah veered the conversation straight back to their neighbor. “Sounds like Tucker was a champ through the entire thing. Most men would have run for the hills. Or the nearest set of razor blades.”

“He hung in there and he actually made it fun, shooting me faces behind her back. The bride was insistent on getting his input, so she stood in her living room for about an hour preening for him, all the while bitching at me.”

“Some women don’t know how to be anything but catty to another woman when a good-looking man’s around.”

Lilah’s gaze never moved off the delicate piping she worked around the base of a three-tiered cake but Cassidy felt the gravitas of her statement as clearly as a gunshot.

“You think that was it?”

“Come on, Cass. She’s been a pain, but what you’re describing is off the charts. Natasha, aka bridezilla, enjoyed the male attention. And I bet she enjoyed making you look like her personal servant even more.”

“I suppose.”

“You know I’m right. And you also know she recognized competition.”

“What competition? She’s getting married. There’s only one place she should be looking. At her fiancé.” Even as she said the words, Cassidy knew Lilah had a point. The air had changed the moment she and Tucker had walked into Natasha’s home. She’d chalked it up to being off her own turf, but it was something more.

Something destructive and mistrustful and selfish.

“It used to be like that at my sister’s house. Leah and Charlie had a weird energy about them when you were in their company.”

Lilah set down her piping bag and reached for her wineglass. “You haven’t said much about her lately.”

“The memories are all churned up with what’s going on. I sort of broke down over it to Tucker. I know it’s not the same but it feels the same, you know?”

“It’s not the same.” Lilah reached out to cover her hand. “But I can see how the feelings could be. Destruction, disorder and chaos. The hallmarks of bad situations.”

Cassidy squeezed back. She knew Lilah’s words were anything but casual, having been forged in the fires of her own chaos from her first marriage. “You okay?”

“We’re talking about you and Mr. Yummy. And Leah if you need to. But yes, I’m fine.” Lilah took another sip of her wine before picking up a new bag filled with a soft lilac-colored frosting. “Tell me more about this weird energy. You always mentioned how much you hated going to your sister’s for holidays but nothing this specific.”

“It was always tense, especially after they got married. He was a little off when they were dating but I was in college and dealing with my own stuff and hated how my family didn’t like my work, so I had tuned out for a few years. And then boom, they’re married and I’m seeing them for family events and I realize my brother-in-law is a jerk.”

“Of the first order. But she loved him, right?”

“I always thought so. In fact, there were times I envied her, being so in love with someone and so crazy about him. But now that I think back on it—” Cassidy broke off, a memory of their Christmas before Leah died filling her mind’s eye.

They were at Christmas Eve dinner, all play-acting at the sweet happy family routine when a loud crash had come from the kitchen. The swinging door had been closed but the yelling had been more than evident.

“Now what?”

“Just something I remembered.” She filled Lilah in on the long-forgotten fight. “It got so loud Robert finally went in to calm things down. Leah had burned herself getting a pan of lasagna out of the oven and Charlie had gone after her about it when she dropped it.”

“Jerk.”

“Yeah.” Lilah nodded, her anxious feelings from that long-ago night resettling themselves in her stomach. “He was. Still is, I’m sure. I just don’t have to see him anymore.”

“What did happen to him?”

“Last I heard he was bumming around in between jobs. He hasn’t worked steadily since she died.”

“That’s a long time to grieve.” Lilah looked up from her careful work. “A long time.”

“Probably his latest way to excuse himself and gain some sympathy in the process. The loss of my young wife and all that.”

“You sure don’t have any lingering feelings there.”

“None.” Cassidy shook her head, trying to shake off the memories. “And there’s something awfully sad about that.”

* * *

The man they called the Duke was reclined out by an Olympic-size pool behind one of the largest homes in one of Dallas’s most exclusive neighborhoods. Charlie took in the lush green lawn—an anomaly this time of year when the summer heat was at its zenith—and admired what the man had.

When he pictured his future, he envisioned himself in something similar, his every whim satisfied the moment he had them.

Something burned low in his gut to think this man had access to the very thing he wanted. The very thing he’d worked so hard on his own to have.

He’d masterminded this plot. So why was he now stuck bowing and scraping because the man had a bug up his bum about his stupid, inept henchmen?