Unbridled Pursuit (Novak Springs Book 2) (16 page)

The night had been filled with fun, laughter, and memories they’d cherish later. Wes made sure Dallas had a night he’d never forget—except for perhaps during the moments he’d imbibed too much whiskey. When it’d become apparent his brother managed to drink himself into an oblivion Wes made sure Dallas found a bed to pass out in. Of course, knowing his brother, he’d wish his fiancée, Ginnifer, were next to him when he woke. Wes couldn’t do anything to help there.

Ginnifer, most likely, was fast asleep in the bed they normally shared at Novak Springs. As much as he’d like to accommodate his brother’s needs, Wes had other plans. As soon as he’d made sure Dallas was deposited in his hotel room, Wes left to visit Vitoria and spend some quality time with her. He checked his watch and realized how late it was, just past four in the morning. Vitoria might murder him for visiting at such a late hour. Wes planned on distracting her enough to appease her violent urges.

He couldn’t help himself—staying away from Vitoria was becoming increasingly more difficult.

Wes fished out the keys to Vitoria’s condo and opened the door at the entrance to her building. Once he was inside, he slid the penthouse key into the slot and pushed the button to go up. Wes skipped up the steps and hastened into her room. Moonlight streamed over a female form in the king-size bed in front of him. He started to strip off his jacket so he could crawl in bed with her.

“What are you doing here,” a voice whispered from behind him.

Wes turned, startled. “Vitoria?”

“Yes, you idiot. Come in here.” Vitoria gestured to the master bathroom. She was standing in the open doorway.

He walked toward her. When he reached her, she grabbed his hand, pulling him inside. She clicked the door shut and flicked on the light.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, again. “Didn’t you have plans with Dallas?”

“I did. He’s now passed out, lying on a bed in a hotel room across town. He’ll be fine by himself for a little while.”

“You abandoned him there? Some brother you are.”

She didn’t get it. Wes knew Dallas would be fine in the hotel room. Why not come and see her? He would make sure to be back well before Dallas woke up. If he wasn’t, he would have an excuse for his absence ready. He intended to pick up items to help cure a hangover on his way back.

“I wanted to see you.” He paused, gestured to toward the door. “Who’s in your bed?”

Who had he almost crawled in with and rubbed his naked body on? The horror of what almost happened finally settled in. In his rush to see Vitoria, it’d never occurred to him she might not be alone.

“Ginnifer,” she replied. “Emma and Alison are in the guest bedrooms. You’re lucky you didn’t wake anyone up tromping up the stairs like a herd of elephants.”

Good lord, Dallas would have killed him. Thank heaven Vitoria had prevented him from doing the unthinkable. It didn’t look like Wes’ evening would be going as he’d intended. Damn it, why did she have to invite a pack of females to stay with her? “What are they all doing here?”

“We had a girls’ night. Ginnifer didn’t want to be alone, so I brought her home with me. It seemed like a good idea at the time. Now I’m thinking one of us has lost their minds. If I had to guess, I’d say it’s you.”

Wes scrubbed his hand over his face. What could he do with what little he had? They did have the bathroom. He eyed the shower and considered his options. Maybe they could be innovative and work with the contents of her bathroom.

Maybe, if he was lucky, he could coax her into the shower with him.

The one time they’d spent in the shower had been hot. He’d love to explore some of the things they hadn’t had time to get to. She was always pushing him out the door—too busy to continue something they started. It drove him insane, but in a good way. He never knew what he’d get with Vitoria. She kept surprising him and he found himself eager to see what she’d do next.

“I can actually see your mind calculating.” Vitoria looked Wes in the eyes. “I don’t know what you’ve got going on in that head of yours, but you can forget it. I’m not going down the naughty road with you while my best friend is asleep on the other side of that door.”

Wes bit his lip and stalked toward her, pretending ignorance. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

She raised her eyebrow, cynicism clouding her eyes. “I’m not playing the fool tonight. I need to sneak you out the door before anyone realizes you’re here.”

“Why?”

“What do you mean why? The last thing I need is to get the third degree from the three women under my roof tonight. I don’t know if you're aware of this, but those three are relentless when they get an idea in their head.”

Wes studied her, considered her words, and conceded she had a point. Emma alone would be a horror to deal with. He didn’t know Alison well, but the little he’d learned from their one meeting was she’d be ruthless if she wanted answers. Of the three of them, Ginnifer would be the worst because it involved her best friend. She’d tear him to shreds, and if she didn’t like the situation probably push him over the edge of one of Vitoria’s balconies.

Nope, he really did not want to wake any of them up. However, he also didn’t want to pass up some alone time with Vitoria. No reason they couldn’t at least get a little make-out session in while they were enclosed in her bathroom.

“What? You don’t feel up to living a bit on the wild side?” Wes teased.

“Not particularly, no. It’s not like any of them passed out from drinking too much. With Ginnifer’s condition to consider, none of us drank even a sip of alcoholic beverages tonight.”

Wes lifted his eyebrow. “Condition?” What the hell was Vitoria talking about? Why wouldn’t Ginnifer be able to drink any wine?

“The baby, you idiot. Alcohol and pregnancy don’t mix.”

“Excuse me?” Wes asked, confusion settling in. What baby?

Vitoria tilted her head and studied him. “You didn’t know, did you?”

Wes’s stomach churned, and an ache similar to a sucker punch filled it. Why hadn’t Dallas told him? Did his brother know? He shook his head, slowly, as the news processed. “Nope, I had no clue. Does my brother know?”

“Of course he does. She wouldn’t hold something like that from him. In fact, he was the first to find out—next to Ginny of course.”

“Of course…”

When he shoved Dallas awake later on, he’d have some explaining to do. Hell, what reason would he give for having the information? What a conundrum. Damned if he did, and fucking damned if he didn’t. If he brought up the subject, he would need to tell Dallas about his conversation with Vitoria.

It would lead him to a hot seat he didn’t want to visit. Still, he wanted to know why his brother wasn’t telling him such important news. Clearly his sister must know if she’d been a part of the nonalcoholic girls’ night. Why was he the only one left in the dark?

“I wouldn’t worry about it. Maybe Dallas forgot to tell you. He’s had a lot on his mind the past few weeks. Plus the wedding is only a day away.”

“Weeks? How far along is this pregnancy?”

Vitoria shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know exactly. I’ve only known a little while now, maybe a week.”

Wes decided he didn’t want to think about it anymore. He was going to be an uncle. It didn’t matter why his brother hadn’t informed him yet. Dallas would tell him when he was ready. Vitoria looked especially lovely in her little blue cotton shorts and white camisole. What he really wanted to do was strip them off and kiss every inch of her delectable body. If he couldn’t do that, he’d settle for a scorching kiss. If he was going to leave unfulfilled, Wes planned on making sure she was left in a similar state. One that was taut with a need so deep and ingrained it never left her thoughts. He reached for her and pulled her into his arms.

A shocked squeak fell from her mouth. Her tongue darted out and slid across her plump bottom lip. “I thought we were past this.”

“Not even close.”

Wes lifted her shirt and rubbed his thumb against her breast.

“You really should stop.”

Desire filled her voice. Wes knew enough about her to know when she was only putting up a token effort. She wanted him as much as he wanted her. Sadly, he knew he couldn’t do everything he wanted to. He refused to go away without a little taste of her.

“You don’t want me to.”

“I don’t, but it doesn’t mean this can continue.”

“It can.” Wes leaned down, whispered in her ear, “I’m not leaving until I’m satisfied.”

“I’m not here to serve you.”

Wes smiled. He adored her. “Sweetheart, I’m here to serve you.”

He captured her lips with his. A soft, sweet kiss meant to coax, cajole, and entice. Once he had her full attention, he changed the tone. He demanded, savored, and nipped at her lips until they both burned. Their tongues entwined together, he relished the feel of each exquisite caress.

Wes pulled back and enjoyed the look in her eyes. Heat filled them, mirrored his own desire. He could leave now that she’d have an equally uncomfortable night as him. Once this wedding was over, he planned on staying in bed with her for days. Even that wouldn’t be enough—Wes was beginning to believe nothing ever would.

“Why don’t you walk me to the door?”

“Hmm.” Vitoria’s eyes glazed over. “Oh, yeah. I can do that.”

Vitoria pulled out of his arms and flipped the light off. It took a minute for his eyes to adjust to the darkness. Once he could see, Wes twisted the door handle and eased the door open. Wes peeked out the door, and he saw Ginnifer’s still body on the bed.

He moved through the doorway, pulling Vitoria’s hand in his as they left the room. They tiptoed down the stairs being careful to not make any extra noise. No one chased them down, so he figured they’d been able to get away with their little meeting in the master bathroom. Tori stopped in the hallway in front of the elevator next to Wes. She gazed up into his eyes, desire reflecting back at him. Before he left he needed to feel her lips on his again; he gathered Vitoria into his arms and kissed her.

“In case you forgot.”

She licked her lips. “As if I ever could”

He could relate. Whenever she was near, he burned inside, an open flame that never went out. Wes couldn’t help the feeling that erupted inside of him. Maybe one day it might die out, but he wouldn’t count on it. For now, he planned on enjoying the ride wherever it led him.

“I’ll see you at the wedding.”

“Not if I see you first.” Vitoria winked at him, a grin spreading across her face.

He spun around and pushed the down button on the elevator. Wes strolled inside and turned, watching her as the doors closed in front of him. The night hadn’t gone as planned. Maybe it was a good thing. If they had a little distance between them, this thing—the remorseless need—might start to make sense.

Wes went back to the hotel room he shared with Dallas. His brother was still passed out in the bed he’d plopped on when Wes dragged him inside. It didn’t look like he would be up anytime soon.

Wes’s mind crawled with questions, ones concerning Vitoria and his growing feelings for her. He still burned with need. Maybe a cold shower would cool him off enough so he could get some sleep. If not, both Wes and Dallas would be miserable the day before the wedding. Wes sighed and walked into the bathroom. Not an optimal way to end the evening’s activities, but it would have to do.

The bride looked radiant as she walked down the aisle to meet her groom. Ginnifer’s happiness shown through every one of her features, from the tilt of her lips to the glow of her rosy cheeks. Dallas never once took his eyes off her. If anyone doubted they loved each other, it was put to rest as they watched them exchange their vows.

For Vitoria the day had a surreal quality to it she couldn’t explain. Her best friend married the man of her dreams and all she could pay attention to was the best man, Wes. Sometimes it boggled her mind the direction her life had taken. Wes and she, at one point, couldn’t be in the same room together without launching into a heated brawl.

These days they had an entirely different viewpoint toward each other. Their relationship had taken on an extraordinary demeanor. Instead of arguing about anything and everything, they fought to keep their hands off each other.

Dallas and Ginnifer exchanged vows and promised to love each other forever. Vitoria managed to focus on the wedding long enough to witness it, even through side glances at Wes. Once the ceremony ended they proceeded with the reception in the hotel ballroom. So far, everything had gone off without a hitch. Vitoria was glad nothing happened to ruin her best friend’s wedding.

“It’s now time for the bride and groom to have their first dance together.”

Vitoria glanced up at the band’s singer, his mic up to his mouth as he spoke. Where had the time gone? It seemed like they were just in front of the minister watching Dallas and Ginnifer get married. Now Dallas was leading Ginnifer out to the dance floor. Their love for each other reflected from their eyes with each sway of their bodies to the music the band played. As the last notes of the song ended, Dallas leaned down and kissed Ginnifer. The whole room clapped at the romantic sight.

“Do you want to dance?”

Vitoria glanced over and saw Wes standing next to her, watching Dallas and Ginnifer.

“No, I’d rather avoid the questions everyone will have.”

“They won’t.”

Vitoria raised her eyebrows. “Why not?”

“Because the whole wedding party gets to join the bride and groom for the next dance. Surely you were aware of that?”

Ginnifer made a point of asking her if she minded. At the time, Wes and Vitoria had had an especially brutal argument, and she’d wanted to strangle him. Not wanting to disappoint her friend, she’d played it down as nothing. Vitoria would have done anything, put up with anyone, to make her friend happy. So she’d readily agreed to sacrifice herself in a dance with Wes.

Now she was more afraid what people would see when they danced. Would they know something had changed between them? Would the change in their feelings for each other be as evident as Dallas and Ginnifer’s were? Vitoria hoped not, only because she didn’t want to explain something she herself didn’t fully understand.

“I did know that we would have to dance together. I’d forgotten. I’ve had a lot on my mind lately.”

Wes leaned down close to her ear and whispered. “Me, I hope.”

Vitoria turned and glared at him. “I do my upmost to never think about you.”

“No need to be mean, sweetheart.”

No matter how many times she asked, Wes refused to quit calling her sweetheart. At first she’d been irritated by it because he said it with such derision in his voice. As their relationship changed so did the way he said it. It’d turned into an endearment. Whenever Wes called her sweetheart, little tingles spread through her belly and traveled up to her heart. She wanted to believe he truly meant it.

“Now could the best man and maid of honor please join the bride and groom on the dance floor,” the wedding singer said into the microphone.

Wes grabbed Vitoria’s hand and pulled her onto the dance floor. He pulled her into his arms and led with a shuffle of his feet. His hand rested on her hip, a hot brand leaving its mark on her. Vitoria glanced down when his eyes demanded everything from her, begged her to give into her deepest desires. If she didn’t break the hold he had on her, she’d fall apart, and everyone would know what he’d come to mean to her in a short time.

“Look at me, Tori.”

Vitoria glanced up, her eyelashes shielding her eyes as much as possible. “Why?”

“Can you explain to me why you fight me on everything?”

“I can’t help myself. It’s ingrained in me. I don’t know any other way to behave.”

“Clearly, but you don’t have to fight me.”

Vitoria shook her head, tried to clear her doubts away. “I’m not so sure. How can you be?”

“Some things just are. Yes, we had a rocky start. That was my fault, but we can have more if you’re willing.”

The last strands of the music began to fade. Vitoria used it as a way of escaping and pulled out of his arms. She didn’t look him in the eye as she walked away. If she did, she wouldn’t have been able to put some distance between them. Her breathing tapered down to shallow pants as she struggled to get air into her lungs.

“Vitoria, wait,” Wes called after her.

Ignoring him, Vitoria made a beeline for the door on the opposite side of the room, and she exited the ballroom. The hallway outside would give her some time to think, keep temptation at bay. If she allowed Wes any leeway, he’d have her cornered and forced into making a decision she wasn’t ready to make.

“Tori, thank goodness you came out here. I wasn’t looking forward to going into the reception to find you.”

Vitoria glanced to her side and saw her twin standing off to the side. Vivian chewed on her lip and pushed one a red-highlighted strand of hair behind her ear, mixing it fully with the caramel blonde.

“What are you doing here Viv?”

“You’re in danger. I had to warn you.”

What was she talking about? Vitoria wasn’t in any danger. The only thing she had to worry about was how to avoid Wes long enough to get her thought processes straightened out. Which reminded her, she looked back at the door she exited through and then back down the hallway, Wes could come after her at any moment. If Vivian wanted to talk, they would have to do in a different locale.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m perfectly safe here at the wedding. What game are you playing now?”

“No, this is no game. I promise you.” Vivian shook her head. “Didn’t you get my messages?”

“Messages?”

“Yes, I called your office. It was the only contact information I had for you.”

Vitoria remembered she had a pile of messages sitting in her home office. She’d been so busy she’d forgotten to look at them. Wes had brought them over—and well he took her mind off everything.

“Ah, I haven’t exactly returned any calls or looked at my messages…”

Vivian threw her hands up in frustration. “It’s amazing you’re still alive considering your lack of self-preservation.”

Tori’s mouth flew open in silent shock. She shook her head and glared at her sister. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“You should never have moved to Seattle.”

Tori rolled her eyes. “Moving to Seattle is not a detriment to my health.”

At least not in the way Vivian was referring to it. Wes sure did make her question her sanity, but he wouldn’t actually harm her.

“It is, you don’t know what you walked into.”

Tori folded her arms across her chest and studied Vivian. What was going on with her? Did it have something to do with her avoiding her at the gallery? How did Miguel Santiago play into it all? Her instincts screamed Vivian was hiding from him, but she didn’t know for certain.

“I tried talking to you at the gallery. All you wanted to do was shove me out as fast as you could.”

“I didn’t know you’d moved here,” she exclaimed. “If I had, I’d have made you leave sooner.”

“I’m not relocating because you don’t want me in Seattle, Viv.” Tori shook her head. “I have a life here.”

“Not for long if you don’t leave.”

“Quit being so cryptic, and tell me what’s going on.”

“Can we get out of here, so I can explain it all to you?”

Vitoria didn’t have any problem finding someplace else to have a conversation. If it allowed her to put some much needed space between her and Wes she was all in.

“Fine. Where do you want to go?”

“Here’s an idea,
querida
. How about you and your sister come with me?”

Vitoria looked up and saw Miguel Santiago standing in front of her and Vivian. She had to wonder if she’d conjured him up by thinking about him. Her heart beat hard against her chest as she struggled to rein in the anxiety filling her. This night was fast turning into a night from hell. Could anything else go wrong?

“Miguel as nice as it is to see you—” Not really, but Vitoria was trying to be polite—and get away from him as fast as she could. “It really isn’t a good time. It’s my best friend’s wedding, and I should really be getting back to it.”

“I’m sorry, I cannot allow you to go back inside. You two will be coming with me.” Miguel pulled out a gun and pointed it at the two of them.

“Leave Tori out of this,” Vivian begged. “I’m the one you really want.”

Vitoria’s stomach twisted at her words. She’d wanted to be wrong. “What are you talking about Viv?”

“I told you, you were in danger. You didn’t want to believe me.” Vivian sighed. “I don’t blame you. I’ve never once given you any proof to believe you could depend on me.”

“Enough. You two start walking. We’re going to exit the hotel through a side entrance and get into a car I have waiting outside,” Miguel ordered.

“Don’t argue with him.” Vivian began to move closer to her. “Trust me this once.”

“I wasn’t—”

“Yes you were,” Vivian interrupted.

As they were starting to move down the hall Wes came barreling out the ballroom entrance. He paused when he saw Miguel holding a gun on Tori and Vivian.

“Just what I need, a hero determined to come to your rescue. I’m sorry I cannot allow you to interfere, Mr. Novak.”

Miguel gestured to someone behind him. A man with a stocky build and muscles up to his neck reached over and hit Wes over the head with the butt of his gun. After Wes crumpled to the floor, he joined Miguel, grabbing Vivian by the arm. Miguel grabbed Tori, and they each dragged their hostage toward the side door and pushed them into the awaiting car.

“What is this all about,” Vitoria asked.

“Ask your sister.”

Vitoria turned to Vivian and raised her eyebrow. “You do know what he is talking about, don’t you? Is he the reason you tracked me down tonight?”

Vivian sighed. “Yes, but he’s really after me, not you.”

“I see. I guess it’s my lucky night. What did you get involved in?”

Vivian glanced over at Miguel and back to Vitoria. She paused, took a breath, and said, “I work for the FBI—or at least I did. I’ve taken a sabbatical of sorts. Something happened…”

“You lost Eric.”

Vivian turned to look at her sister. Her turn to be shocked at what Vitoria knew. “Yes. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised you know about him considering Wes was his best friend. I didn’t think he’d get around to talking about him with you.”

“He didn’t. The little I know I found online.”

“I gathered you didn’t know much when we went to dinner,” Miguel added. “At first I thought you were Vivian. After a few minutes of conversation, I realized you were somebody else. You had no clue who I was. In light of Wes Novak showing up at your room, I had to see for myself. I figured it would only be a matter of time before you had a wealth of information.

“I don’t get it. Why are you kidnapping us?” Vitoria turned to Miguel. “Eric is dead, he can’t testify against you.”

“Because,
querida
, Eric is not dead.”

“Of course he is,” Vivian shouted. “If anyone would know it’s me. Eric and I would be together if he was still alive.”

Miguel chuckled and pinned her with an amused stare. “How intriguing they’d keep you in the dark. I assure you, Eric Black is very much alive and in hiding. I have a theory though that he will make an appearance to rescue you. When he does show up I’ll make sure once and for all he’s dead for real this time.”

Vivian’s face became stark white. “You’re wrong.”

“Keep telling yourself that, and maybe you’ll believe it.”

“I’m so confused,” Vivian muttered. “How can he be alive, and why are you so sure?”

“Because I never ordered the hit that supposedly killed him, I ordered my own investigation into it, and no one could find any indication he died in that shootout. There is no body in his casket. They buried an empty coffin.”

“I don’t want to know how you know that,” Vitoria said.

“I’m sure you don’t,
querida
.”

“Will you quit calling me that,” Vitoria demanded. Vitoria didn’t like the endearment Miguel uttered. It left an oily dark feeling in the pit of her stomach.

Miguel laughed. “I will for now, but we are going to get to know each other quite well. There’s no telling how long it will take Mr. Black to come for the woman he loves.”