Infidelity, page 15
Luke slowed the rhythm and slightly released the pressure of his thumb as Melanie floated back to earth. If he kept this up, she might die of heart failure. Time to even the playing field, so to speak.
Executing a move any soldier would be proud of, she turned the tables and had Luke on his back as she hovered over him, slowly drawing her body up his. Hips against hips, chest against chest, she nibbled the base of his ear and ground her pelvis against his, earning her a deep groan.
“Oh, you don’t play fair, do you?” Luke murmured.
“Turn about is fair play. I want to make you squirm beneath me.” She playfully bit his shoulder, then soothed the sting with her tongue.
Inching his shirt up his chest, she followed with her mouth until she drew it over his head and sealed her mouth over his. She teased him with a deep kiss, then worked her way down his body with a trail of soft baby kisses.
Melanie reached his sweats and carefully dragged them down his hips, discarding them on the floor as his erection sprang free.
“Going commando these days, soldier?” she teased as she took him in her hand and firmly caressed his manhood from stem-to-stern.
Luke hissed, his entire body stiffening beneath her. When she took him in her mouth, he groaned her name, to her pleasure .
His legs relaxed under her ministrations and soon his hips were moving ever so slightly. She drew her tongue over the scars left behind from a hideous event in his past, and poured out every ounce of her love for him in an effort to give him back the pleasure that was stolen from him.
“Lainie, I need to be inside you, now,” Luke uttered as he grasped her shoulder. He drew her up to him and flipped her on her back, driving into her with one powerful thrust. He drove into her in a frenzied pace, quickly bringing her to the edge once again. Breathless and boneless, she clung to him, urging him on harder and faster until they exploded together.
“Oh, God, Lainie. Holy shit, what the hell was that?” Luke grunted, breathless as he brushed her damp hair out of her face.
She smiled widely at him. “That, my love, was heaven.”
Luke laughed and collapsed against her, bringing them both to their sides. “Oh, yeah. It was that.”
His bright eyes turned serious as he focused on her. “I love you, Lainie, more than I could ever express. I feel like you’ve patched me up and put me back together. I’m still struggling with all the baggage I’m carrying around, but with you by my side, I think I just might be able to conquer some of these demons. I’ll thank God every day for giving me a second chance. Now I know why I survived hell in Iraq.”
Luke kissed her tears away, but she couldn’t stop more from falling. Her throat constricted and her heart filled to bursting with love for this man.
He pulled her close against him in the cradle of his arm, stroking her hair and drawing circles on her bare back. She felt cherished. Safe.
She heard him whisper “I love you” as she fell into a sated sleep.
Melanie woke a couple hours later, firm in the last decision she’d made. She lifted her head to look at Luke and spoke softly to wake him.
“Luke?”
“Hmmm,” he replied with a smile on his face.
“After the service for Dylan next week, I want us to set up Joey. I want to use myself as bait.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Luke’s eyes snapped open and his smile disappeared in a flash. She did not just say that. Impossible, he was surely hearing things. Propping himself up on his elbow, he fixed her with a glare.
“Would you mind repeating that?”
She had the good grace to look a little nervous. Her throat bobbed in a swallow.
“Just hear me out before you go all Neanderthal on me.”
Luke sat up straight in the bed. Had she gone mad?
“Neanderthal? Neanderthal? Honey, when I drag you up the stairs by the hair and lock you in your bedroom, put plywood over the windows, and yank the phone out of the wall, then you can call me a Neanderthal. Which, right about now, seems like a really pretty good idea. Over my dead body are we going to use you as bait. Not in this lifetime.”
Melanie sat up and leaned against the headboard. “It’s the only option as far as I can see. He’s getting too close and we haven’t been able to pin him down. If you and Sarge hadn’t shown up when you did, I’d be dead. Every time he attacks, he gets away.”
She put her hand up when he would have spoken. “That is not your fault by the way. Both times you were protecting me, but there has to be a way we can draw him in. Arrange it so he can’t get away next time.”
Luke was shaking his head. He left the bed and started pacing the room, unmindful of his state of undress. It was true, Giordano had gotten too close this time, but he wasn’t untouchable.
Once Dan got back, they could sit down and brainstorm, but nothing they came up with was going to involve Melanie. On that, he would stake his life. Right now, he had a bomb to defuse.
“Look, Lainie, I know you’re tired of feeling like a target, but please just leave this to Dan and me. He’ll be back in the morning and we’ll work out something. Right now, let’s get some sleep so we can think with clear heads. I don’t want to argue with you. Not when I can hold you in my arms.”
He slid back into bed and under the covers. Melanie just stared at him with her mouth slightly open as if she had more to say on the subject. Well, he could fix that.
Drawing her into his arms, he covered her mouth with his, and her body melted against him. Good Lord, he could spend eternity in bed with her, just like this, so warm and soft against him. She belonged there.
Joey hiked the five miles through the woods, back to where his car was parked. With it being so damn dark, it had taken three times as long as it did going in.
Not only was the darkness slowing him down, but also the torn muscle in his calf and arm. Fucking dog, he hoped his knife had killed the damn animal.
He’d screwed up again, dammit. He should have just killed the bitch instead of playing with her. But no, he’d tried to have fun and the damn dog and boyfriend came running to the rescue.
Next time the boyfriend would be first. Then, as he was dying, Mr. No-Longer-Macho could watch as he had his fun with Miss Melanie. Then he’d finally kill her too.
As he started the car, his cell phone rang. Oh shit, here we go.
“Yeah?”
“Just what the fuck is going on there? You’ve screwed up royally this time. You do realize they have a positive ID on you now. Any plans we had of blaming the brother have just been ruined. Christ, you could fuck up a wet dream. If your brother were alive, he wouldn’t be having this problem.”
Joey shifted uncomfortably in the seat. Damn, his leg and arm were killing him, more so now that he wasn’t moving anymore.
“Well, my brother isn’t alive. Oh, and why is that you ask? Because the stupid bitch beat him at his own game and killed him first. So don’t go spouting off about the almighty Tony Giordano. It doesn’t fly anymore.”
“Next time you speak of your brother like that, I will personally rip your head off and feed it to that dog that got the better of you. It’s time for you to lay low for a while and let the cops think you’ve left the state. I’ll call you when it’s time. And next time, don’t fuck up, or it will be your last.”
The phone died in his ear. Shit! Shit! Shit! Fine, he’d lay low for a little while; give himself a chance to heal. But he had plans for the bitch, and he’d be damned if anyone was going to tell him otherwise.
Chapter Twenty-Five
The kitchen door slammed and Melanie heard Dan’s voice bellow out a hello. Beside her Luke jumped, “Damn, I didn’t want him to catch us like this.”
She looked over at him. “Are you ashamed to be with me?”
“What? No of course not. I just…I don’t know…I didn’t want to put you in the position of having to explain yourself.”
Melanie smiled. He really was a sweet man, even if he didn’t know it.
“I don’t have to explain myself. I think it’s fairly obvious. Besides, Dan has never judged me like that, and he loves you. He’ll be happy for us.”
Luke didn’t look convinced. One eyebrow raised and his mouth flattened.
“We’ll be down in a minute, Danny,” Melanie yelled out to her brother.
She shoved at Luke’s shoulder. “Come on, let’s get dressed and bring him up-to-date.”
Luke nuzzled his face in her neck, bringing the covers up over their heads. “I kinda thought we could stay here all day and play under the covers,” he mumbled into her shoulder.
Melanie laughed and swatted his bare butt. “Get up, coward.”
Prying herself away from him, she got up and threw on her sleep shorts and t-shirt, then her flannel robe. She was anxious to see Danny, anxious to start some kind of plan for ridding themselves of the Giordanos, once and for all.
She stood at the top of the stairway, watching Luke step into his sweats and pull on his shirt. She knew very well he didn’t want her participating in any plan they came up with.
If they could come up with a plausible course of action that didn’t include her, fine. After all, she didn’t have a death wish, she just couldn’t think of anything else that would work.
They found Dan in the kitchen making a pot of coffee. His clothes were wrinkled and his eyes should have had toothpicks to keep them open. He looked like hell.
Melanie ran up to him and gave him a huge hug. “Are you okay? You look like crap!”
He huffed out a laugh, but held her tight for a moment, then pushed her away, still grasping her shoulders. “I’m so sorry, Mel. I should have been here for you. I’ve failed you so many damn times, I wouldn’t blame you if you’ve lost all your faith in me.”
Melanie brought her hands up to encompass his face. “I could never lose faith in you. You’re my big brother. I love you. You had no idea what would happen this weekend. Besides, I had Luke. He saved my life, Danny, and I’m fine.”
He hugged her tight again then let go of her and walked over to Luke, who was leaning against the sink. Dan offered his hand to Luke, who took it. “Thanks, man, I owe you.”
Luke shook his head. “You don’t owe me anything. Listen, Dan, I want you to know that Melanie and I are together now. I also want you to know that I will love her and treat her with respect until the day I die. I’m hoping you won’t have a problem with that.”
Dan was silent for a moment, then burst out laughing. When he could talk again he told Luke just what he thought. “Man, you look so damn serious, it’s hilarious. You’re my best friend. Christ, we’re business partners. With a few exceptions, I know you as well as I know myself. My sister couldn’t ask for a better man, and I sincerely mean that. I’m very happy for the both of you.”
Melanie saw Luke expel a long breath. She wiped the tears from her eyes and cleared her throat. Both men looked at her and by the raised eyebrows and slightly opened mouths, she figured they’d forgotten she was in the room.
Men—she’d never understand them or their bonding rituals. “How about some French toast? Then we can get down to business.”
The men exchanged glances, and then Luke spoke. “Sounds great, Lainie. I’m going to go grab a shower and get dressed. Be right back.”
He kissed her on the cheek and left the room. Dan walked over to her and grabbed her hand. “I meant what I said. Luke is one of the best guys I know. I have every confidence he will work through his issues and be a very positive part of your life.”
Melanie nodded. “I know he will, even with all that’s gone on and Joey’s attack, I’m the happiest I’ve been in a very long time.” She studied Dan’s eyes. “What’s wrong, Danny, you look like you haven’t slept in days. Is something going on I should know about?”
Dan smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “It’s just been a long weekend. And after talking to Luke last night, I didn’t get much sleep. I really should have been here, and I feel like a jackass that I was off getting laid while you were being attacked.”
She was surprised by his bluntness, but couldn’t help smiling. “We all deserve a life, Danny. You’ve nothing to feel guilty about. Where is this woman of yours anyway?”
“I dropped her off at home. She’s leaving today for a two week business trip.”
“Ah, I see, no wonder you got no sleep this weekend. You were about to go on a two week drought.” She laughed and opened the fridge to look for eggs.
“You really are a brat.” But he was laughing as he said it. “Do you mind if I use your bathroom for a shower? I’d like to take one before breakfast.”
“Help yourself. Breakfast will be ready in about fifteen minutes.”
“I’ll be here,” he promised and kissed the back of her head on his way out of the room.
Breakfast consisted of French toast, sausage, home fries and orange juice. Dan told them about the business he’d picked up in Killington. Mostly condos at the ski area that wanted updated security systems.
The season was over for skiing, but people still came for the summer. They’d have to work out a schedule with the owners. It was imperative the work be done before the next skiing season.
Melanie would work out the schedules with the owner and order the equipment needed. They had two jobs in Dorset and one in Manchester before they could even think about going to Killington.
Melanie was done with shop talk. She wanted to get a plan in order to snare Joey. She wanted to get on with her life, yesterday.
“Okay, now can we talk about Joey. What we are going to do about him?”
Both men looked at each other and then back to her. Dan spoke first. “What do you mean we, Mel? You don’t really think you are going to be involved in this, do you?”
Melanie bristled. Her brother could be a condescending creep when he wanted to be. “This does involve me. It’s me he’s after. I have every right to be included in the plans to get rid of him, once and for all.”
“Melanie, this man wants to kill you, not play cards. This isn’t a game. Neither Luke nor I are going to risk your life any more than it already has been. You need to understand that.”
Dan moved to grasp her hand across the table. She snatched it back and stood. “No! You two need to understand. Tony took all control away from me. I couldn’t make a move without his say so. Now Joey is taking control away from me. I won’t have it. Not anymore. I’m done with the fear and I’m done with the men in my life making the decisions for me. No matter how much you tell yourselves it’s for my own good, you’re wrong. And if you don’t let me have a say in this, I’ll do it on my own. So think twice about your next move, boys, and let me know what it’s going to be.”
Melanie walked out of the dining room and took the stairs up to her room, yelling one last time down to them. “And clean the table and do the dishes.” She slammed the door behind her.
Damn men anyway. They’d see things her way, or she’d go it alone.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Detective Fuller showed up mid-morning and they all gathered in the living room to talk. The detective stood stiffly by the window, watching them intently, holding his pad and pen.
“Melanie, I’d like you to go over what happened up in the woods yesterday afternoon. I know what Luke told me last night, but I’d like to hear it from you, please.”
Melanie squirmed on the couch, although sitting between Luke and her brother gave her strength to fill in all the details for the detective.
“I’d turned the horse on the path back toward home. I wasn’t really paying attention to my surroundings; I had other things on my mind. One moment I was atop the horse, the next, something caught me mid-stomach and I went flying backward, landing on my back on the ground.”
She’d hated the helplessness of getting her breath knocked out of her. Remembering the panic to breathe, and the pain in her lungs, caused a shiver, until she felt Luke’s warm solid hand envelope hers. She didn’t have to panic or be scared now.
“I couldn’t catch my breath, and when I was finally able to draw in air, I was able to focus on who stood over me. There was no question it was Joseph Giordano,” she stated.
The detective stopped writing for a moment. “You’re absolutely sure it was him? Because, up to now, it’s been merely speculation.”
Melanie sat straighter and raised her jaw just slightly higher. “Yes, Detective Fuller, I am absolutely positive it was him. I was face-to-face with the creep. At that proximity, you can’t miss the details. I’m not likely to forget the hate and anger etched on his face, or the foul stench of his breath. It was him,” she answered with a bit of backbone and sarcasm.
Fuller went back to writing as he asked her more questions. Half an hour later, he appeared satisfied with the account of events.
“We weren’t able to get much done last night, since it was dark by the time I was notified of the attack.” He said this as he gave Luke a scornful stare.
“This morning my men tracked a blood trail through the woods to the North Road. The trail stopped where tire tracks were found. We’ve got plaster casts of the tracks and found a neighbor who saw a dark blue sedan parked there in the afternoon, although he couldn’t give us a make or model. If he’s on the road, we’ll find him. If he’s laying low it may take a while longer, but this is a small town. He can’t hide forever. We’ve also sent the blood samples to the state lab.”
Dan stood as he addressed the detective, his face red and hands clenched at his sides. Melanie could tell he wasn’t happy with the report.
“Detective Fuller, I realize it’s only been three days since his first attack, but as you say, this is a small town. How is it you are no closer to finding him now than you were the first damn day?”
Fuller’s jaw clenched. “Look, Dan, we’ve worked together. You know I’m doing everything I can to find this guy.”
“What I know is you dragged my sister down to headquarters and treated her like the criminal. You interrogated and humiliated her. How the hell is that doing everything you can to find him?”
