Tell Me No Lies: The Black Orchid, Book 1 (29 page)

.“All this supposedly to protect me?”

Nodding, Charlotte took a step back.

“And you have the audacity to call yourself my best friend? You watched my heart break, was there offering a shoulder to cry on and it was all your doing.”

My hands curled into fists. “You’re sick, you know that, right?”

“I was scared. I was afraid for you.” Charlotte tried to wrap her arms around me in a bear hug. I struggled out of her embrace, but she kept her arms locked tight around me. “I love you. I
love
you. You’re like my family, my sister, my—”

“We’re. Not. Shit,” I hissed at her, finally breaking free of her hug. “Get off of me!”

I pushed Charlotte with all of my strength. She stumbled backwards but caught herself before falling. She came toward me again, like a crazed woman intent on friendship.

“Please. Can’t we get passed this?” She stood before me, with red-rimmed eyes and slumped shoulders.

I thought of everything I’d gone through. Everything I’d lost. It all could’ve been avoided if Charlotte had not meddled in my business. Without thinking, I raised my hand and slapped the shit out of her.

The sound of my palm hitting her cheek reverberated throughout the quiet house and I couldn’t quite believe I’d hit her. Neither could anyone else, apparently. Charlotte stood there in stunned silence, holding her cheek with both hands. And my sister’s eyes were larger than her entire face. She just stood there, mouth wide enough for me to see her tonsils.

I looked at my sister. “I’m going to bed.”

Chapter Twenty-Seven

I stared at the closed-circuit television screen in stunned silence as the catfight developed. Every screen was focused on Rain, her roommate and her sister.

She knew.
Rain. Knew.

My temples throbbed. I pressed my palms to the sides of my head to reduce the ache, but it didn’t help. A million thoughts swarmed my brain. I could hear Haley’s low voice attempting to calm the situation to no avail. Sounds of sobs. Raised voices.
The slap.
It was chaos. And all because of me.

I knew it was a mistake to get involved. Men like me, people in my profession could not, should not expect to have normal, healthy relationships. Wasn’t possible. Just couldn’t happen.

Despite my feelings for Rain, I wanted to leave. Just leave her alone and never return. Let her heart heal, again without my interference.

But I couldn’t leave. Il Morte was coming for us both. I couldn’t stay in my living room replaying the footage of Rain discovering the depths of my lies, so I left. I got in my truck, wandered around Raleigh for a few hours, finally ending up at the downtown farmer’s market.

Only twenty-four hours had passed since Rain discovered the truth. She hadn’t called. I hadn’t called her. I’d run a half marathon, gone a few rounds at the local MMA gym and eaten a big greasy bacon cheeseburger. Nothing made me feel better.

I was angry, afraid and frustrated, a fucked-up combination to be sure. Angry that the roommate existed. Angry at myself for not offing her when I had the chance. Angry that she’d opened her big fat mouth and told Rain the truth.

And then there was the fear, a feeling I didn’t feel often but when I did, it was usually related to losing something precious, something dear to me. I was afraid of losing Rain. Hell, I was afraid I’d already lost her.

I was also frustrated because I didn’t know what the hell to do about any of this, not making things right with Rain, not finding Il Morte before he found Rain and then me…I was in a fucking holding pattern.

It was a hot, humid day, made doubly so by the sun reflecting on the concrete and pavement pervading the Fayetteville Street Mall. My t-shirt clung to my chest. At least my basketball shorts allowed for some circulation of air.

I purchased a cone of Hawaiian Ice and sat on a wooden green bench. People-watching was always distracting, though nothing could stop me from thinking about Rain. I needed to call her. But what would I say? What could I say? I’d been discovered, found out. All my sins lay bare.

She knew what I was. She hadn’t called. And I was too much of a punk to call her.

I’d bought some stuff at the market, just something to do to stay busy. I placed my carton of goods at my feet and stretched out on the bench, casually noting the throng of white-tented stands and the crowds passing through them.

My eyes lingered on a curvy blonde wearing a strappy yellow dress that fluttered around her thighs when the wind blew. I leaned forward. It was her. Charlotte. The bitch that had caused all of my problems.

She’d caused the woman I loved nothing but pain. She was smiling, talking to a man running one of the stands; her fingers lightly touching Mason jars full of honey. She selected one and then another, giving the man some money before she left.

She turned around, her eyes scanning the crowds for something and then she looked directly at me. Eyes narrowed, her face twisted into a sour expression and she marched toward me.

Taking a deep breath, I remained seated as she approached.

“What are you doing here?”

This bitch.
I kicked the box at my feet. “Purchasing locally-sourced, artisanal products same as you.”

Her mean green eyes never strayed from my face. “I meant, what are you still doing in Raleigh?” Her sneer glided into a warped grin. “The truth is finally out and Rain knows everything. Or were you still hoping for a happily ever after?”

That’s right. She wouldn’t know I’d seen the events of yesterday played out in high definition on multiple screens.

“If that’s true, then she also knows what a snake in the grass
you’ve
been.”

Her face fell.
Yeah. Bingo.
I shook my head and exhaled heavily. “Go away, Charlotte. You’re toxic. Rain will be much better off without you in her life.”

Eyes wide, her nostrils flared. “You are unbelievable. You’re a murderer, a compulsive liar, a cheat.” Her face turned pink. “And you have the nerve to tell me…”

She puffed angry breaths of air out. “I ought to sic my boyfriend on you. He’d knock that smug look off your face.”

I leaned forward, feeling like truly laughing for the first time in weeks. “I would love to meet your boyfriend.” I stood up. “In fact, I want to shake hands with the guy who can put up with your insecurities, your pettiness and your obvious envy of your so-called best friend.”

Lips compressed into a thin, mean line, she glared at me, finally lost for words.

“You purposely kept me and Rain apart, destroyed my letters and postcards and then lied when you told me she’d moved on. That wasn’t because you were trying to protect Rain. You were jealous pure and simple.”

Her face drained of color, and I knew I had her. But I couldn’t stop myself. She’d caused Rain so much pain.

“Hey, you’re a pretty girl but you’re no Rain, are you? You don’t have her looks, her body, her brains, her ambition, her drive and you hate her for it, don’t you?”

She took a step forward and jabbed her finger into my chest. “I’m glad I ruined your relationship with her.
Miss Perfect and Mister Psycho Killer.
In the end, you’ve both gotten what you deserve.”

She tossed her hair over her shoulders and looked past me, a smile suddenly lighting up her face. “You said you wanted to meet my boyfriend? Well, here he comes.”

A smug look settled over her features. “Let’s see how much trash you talk to me now.”

I looked over my shoulder and saw a tall blond man approaching with clear plastic bags filled with restaurant takeout.

I did a double take and turned completely around.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

I didn’t see her boyfriend but I did see my pal and colleague, Luke. What was he still doing in Raleigh? Surely he wasn’t on another layover.

He approached me with a large smile on his face and I wondered how we’d play this. What cover would he be using? She already knew what I did for a living. Hopefully he wouldn’t say too much. I didn’t feel like explaining another thing to her.

I’d start the conversation, introduce him as an old college buddy, keep it short and sweet. He’d be on his way. But then, we’d have to catch up for real. I wanted to know what he was doing in Raleigh and this time no bullshit.

I scanned the area again, looking for her boyfriend and smirked. The coward. He’d probably seen me and turned the other way. Poor Charlotte. Hooked up with another loser.

Charlotte moved past me and moved closer to Luke. “Hey, baby, I was just about to text you.”

Baby?
I turned to look at Charlotte, who’d wrapped her arms around Luke. Her back was to me and Luke grinned at me over her shoulder.

A sick feeling bloomed in my stomach. He winked at me and then pulled away from her. “
Bella,
” he began in perfectly accented Italian. “You said you wanted BBQ, so I walked four blocks just to find the best reviewed barbeque restaurant in town.”

Charlotte turned to face me, sliding her arm possessively around Luke.

He kissed the top of her head. “It is, incidentally, right beside your roommate’s new place.”

Rain.

With my face free of expression, I took in his appearance, which was subtly different. His platinum blond hair had been dyed a dark golden blond with even darker highlights. He had a deep tan, and hazel contacts covered up his normally blue eyes. And while still incredibly fit, he looked like he’d lost some muscle mass.

He was even dressed differently. Gone was the ever-present athletic gear, replaced by conservative yet obviously designer clothes.

Even though it had to be a sweltering mid-nineties in the shade, a chill went down my spine, the hair on the back of my neck now standing on end.

He was in disguise. Which meant he was working. He was on an assignment.

What was he up to?

“Thanks, honey.” She peered into the bag and sniffed. “Smells heavenly.” She gave me a pointed look. “This is Kael. My roommate’s ex. You remember everything I’ve told you about him, right?”

“Of course,
bella
.” He extended his hand. “I’ve heard so much about you and Rain, I feel like I know you both.”

“Nice to meet you,
Gian-Carlo
.” I couldn’t help it, on assignment or not,
he
was Charlotte’s new boyfriend? I had to laugh. Poor Charlotte. She was just a pawn.

I looked at her. For the first time since she’d found me with the target, I actually felt sorry for her. Whatever was going on wouldn’t end well for her.

I directed my attention back to Luke. “Well, I’ve heard nothing about you, except your name. What brings you to Raleigh? Besides opening up a restaurant, I mean?”

“I’m actually here to help out a friend. He’s in a bit of trouble and could use a hand.”

“Really? That’s interesting.”

I kept my voice level, but inside I was seething. I wanted to yell
: “What the fuck is going on? Why are you here? Why have you insinuated yourself into Rain’s roommate’s life?”

None of it made any sense. I needed answers, like yesterday.

Charlotte looked at both of us, a puzzled look on her face. “Gian-Carlo, this is
Kael
.” She placed extra emphasis on my name. “The one I said hadn’t been very nice to me?”

He smiled politely. “Ah. What would you have me do,
bella
? Smash him in the face with my fist. Would that make you feel better?”

She wavered as if, yes, that was exactly what she wanted.

“We are men, not animals.” Smiling, he turned to me. “Kael, as a gentleman… Apologize to her, for whatever it is she thinks you’ve done to her.”

My pulse raced. I was not apologizing to her. Not after everything she’d done. Grinding my teeth, I stared at her.

“You should come by my restaurant sometime. We can have a drink.”

“Uh, Gian-Carlo…” She frowned at me before favoring him with a pretty smile. “I don’t think you two should become friends. Rain and I don’t really get along anymore. Plus, he’s not very—”

He pressed a finger against her lips. “Shhhhh,
bella
.” He turned to me. “Well, about that drink?”

“Sure.” I needed to talk to him. I turned to her and spit out my apology. Made it clear I didn’t mean it and hoped she’d choke on the words.

She stepped back, surprised by the venom in my voice. She clutched Luke’s arm. “Let’s go, baby, I’m starving.”

When I returned home, I placed the locally grown cauliflower, brussels sprouts and broccoli in my refrigerator.
She still hadn’t called.
She now knew that I killed for a living and she hadn’t reached out to me. I hadn’t tried to call her either.

I placed a tin of roasted peanuts and a jar of apple butter in my cupboard.
What must she be thinking?
Why hadn’t I called her? Like your average sane person, I have a healthy fear of most things that could end my life. But basically, I was pretty intrepid. Except with Rain. I didn’t want to face her. Didn’t want to confront her accusations.

Why did you kill?
I could hear it as if she were standing before me right now, smelling of honey and violets.

I closed my eyes, remembering the silkiness of her skin. I’d probably never have the opportunity to make love to her again. Not now.

Not unless I tied her up and forced her. Which I would never do. Unless she asked very nicely. Or begged. Which, under the circumstances seemed highly unlikely.
Damn it.

I had to call her. Had to get out front of the situation to say whatever it took to stay in her good graces so I could watch over her, keep her safe. Not just on a screen but in person. Be near her when Il Morte appeared. Because he would. Only the time and place had yet to be determined.

And then I had to swing by Luke’s…I mean, Gian-Carlo’s restaurant and find out what the hell was going on with him. There was no way his being in Raleigh was coincidence.

First, Rain.

Sighing, I picked up my phone and dialed her number. It rang several times before going to voice mail. I listened to her soft, husky voice and ended the call without leaving a message.

I placed the phone down and stared at it. Willed her to call back. Or maybe I hoped she wouldn’t. Clearing my throat, I picked the phone up and dialed again. Voicemail. A second time.

I set the phone down and rubbed my temples. The phone rang. I stared at it for a moment, holding my breath. Looked at the screen. Her face and name appeared.

“Rain.”

“You called…twice?”

“How are you?”

There was a long, heavy pause.

“I need to see you. In person.”

“Of course. Would you like to have dinner? I’ll have something delivered—”

“No.” Her voice rose. “Not alone. Not in your house. I…” Her voice broke.

“Rain, you’re safe with me.”

A sound like half laughter, half sob filled the phone. “The Coffee Grind. Thirty minutes?”

“Sure. I’ll see—”

She ended the phone call before I could complete my sentence. Sighing, I rose from my seat and grabbed my wallet and keys.

* * * * *

I settled into my favorite chair with my latte and a feeling of dread wrapped around me like a wet wool blanket. I wanted to see Kael, but I didn’t want to see him.

I’d carefully prepared for this meeting, this meeting which would be my last time seeing Kael. I slid into the lime-green dress with tears running down my eyes. I’d stepped into my sandals with a lump in my throat.

I didn’t want to say goodbye to him. But I had to. No more lies. I absolutely could not deal with anymore lies. Not from Charlotte and not from him. They both had to go, both had to be removed from my life.

I couldn’t kick Charlotte out of the house we both owned, but I had offered to buy her out. And she had accepted. She’d already moved out and was temporarily staying with her parents in Chapel Hill.

One down, one to go.

I felt his presence the moment he arrived. The door of the coffee shop swung open and the feel of the room changed. It was charged with electricity, the colors became more vibrant and every fiber of my body was at attention.

I felt him in my chest because the ache increased, I felt him in my mind because I was lightheaded with joy and anticipation. My nipples tingled. The place between my thighs throbbed. No matter what, I would always be happy to see him, at least physiologically.

I closed my eyes, inhaled and thought of every happy, beautiful moment that I had ever shared with him. I thought of Jamaica, I thought of making dinner while he worked on his laptop. I recalled being curled up beside him drinking coffee and watching old Bruce Lee flicks.

I remembered the way he made me feel with his tongue, his hands, his… Tears threatened to burst through my closed eyelids. I thought of everything and then remembered it was all a lie.

I loved him. I loved him with every part of my being, but I had to let him go. Again. But this had to be the last time. No do-overs.

I grabbed my coffee mug enjoying the feel of the warmth heating up my palms and comforted myself, knowing that I was doing the right thing. I wanted my life to be bigger. Better. The stuff of my dreams.

I also wanted simple and uncomplicated. I needed to let him go.

She was already seated when I arrived. I stood at the door and watched her for a moment. Wanted to watch her in repose, much like when she was sleeping. Wanted to see her the way I remembered her, happy and in love with me.

Luminous, sun-kissed complexion, a face of sharp angles and elegant lines lent her an air of sophistication, while the amber eyes lined with dark lashes and full lush lips were exotic.

And her hair. I loved the fact that she stopped straightening her hair. Her mane of dark curls swirled about her face and tumbled past her shoulders in a chaotic symphony of sleek waves.

I wanted to run my hands through her hair and then grab a handful and— She looked up and saw me. Her eyes darkened and her face tightened. And I was sorry for it. I moved toward her.

“Rain, how are you?”

She gestured to the chair beside her without smiling. A small table sat between us. “We need to talk.” Her voice was hard and her eyes sad. She pushed a cup and saucer toward me.

“I took the liberty of ordering for you. Double shot of espresso?”

Nodding, I took the coffee and sat. “Thank you.”

She sipped her own coffee without looking at me. In fact, she looked everywhere but at me. Even when she began to talk, she stared straight ahead with dead eyes.

“Is there anything you want to tell me, Kael?” She set her coffee down and finally made eye contact with me. “Anything you think I should know about you? Anything you’ve been keeping from me?”

How to start? Where to begin? She already knew. What could I say that would allay her fears? There was nothing. I was not supposed to tell her the truth. She was already in danger. It was bad enough that I had to protect her from Il Morte without letting her know he was a threat. What could I say to her?

She sighed. “The truth, Kael. The truth for once would be nice.”

It was best to broach this as conservatively as possible. I would only tell her the bare minimum. “Rain, honey, what it is you think you know?”

“Charlotte told me about you.” Her eyes swept the crowded coffee shop and she lowered her voice. “About what she saw in Jamaica.”

I nodded. “I was on the job.”

“Which is what?” Her voice rose unexpectedly. She clapped a hand over her mouth and looked around the room. She cleared her throat in a quieter tone. “What precisely is your job?”

“I work for the government. That’s all I can tell you.”

“And you used to be in the Army?” I nodded again. “Used to be or still are?”

I shook my head. “Used to be.”

She digested the information. “Why did you tell me you worked in healthcare? Why did you lie to me?”

“Because that’s what I’m supposed to do, lie to everyone. About who I am and what I do. That’s part of the job description.”

“Even to me? Even to the one you supposedly love…you’d tell me lies?”

“Even to those closest to me.” She flinched and I softened the edge in my voice. “It’s not my preference but it’s better that way. Keeps you safe. Even my parents don’t know. They think I work for Teachers Without Borders or something.”

“So, you kill people for a living. Which makes you,” her voice cracked, “an assassin.”

“That’s dramatic and not…completely accurate.” It was totally accurate, I just couldn’t admit that to her, not even now. Didn’t want to see the way her face would change when she looked at me.

“But it
is
a part of your job description,” she persisted. “You are capable of taking human life.”

I shrugged. “I think most people are, in the right context.”

“You’re violent.” She visibly flinched. “Obviously.”

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. When she opened them, her face was cold, lifeless. A part of me died then.

That beautiful gleam of love and happiness that emanated from her whenever she looked upon my face was gone. It was replaced by something dark and angry.

She looked at me like she hated me. Like I was disgusting.

“Are you going to kill me?”

I looked at her distraught face. “Does that question make sense to you? Have I ever given you reason to fear me?”

“The things you did me, the way you touched me. The way you grabbed me. You tried to convince me it was
passion
. But you’re just an angry, violent…maniac. You could have suffocated me. Or snapped my neck. You were so angry, when you should have been full of love. What stopped you from really hurting me?”

“It’s not the same. What I do for work, and what I do in bed. How I am with someone I care deeply for…they’re not related.”