Bed Of Lies Read online

  “Thanks, Rafe.” Ben was hailed from the other end of the bar. “Well, I gotta go, I’ll tell Peter to see you right away.”

  Rafe tossed back another mouthful, he swallowed hard. His thoughts turned what it must feel like to be Frank. Living by his own rules, caring for no one and nothing. Frank always said 'Live life while you’re young, screw the rest of it.' Rafe wanted to agree, and yet he couldn’t let go of sanity. For him it was cause and effect, effect always out weighed everything. He looked at his watch again, it was time to go, but he was reluctant to leave.

  Staring at the glossy mahogany bar top he became lost in thought. At thirty years old, he had everything. He and his twin, Francisco, always had. But with the passing of their father three years ago, Rafe had to step up. Frank would’ve never thought to do anything that would bite into his fun time. So, Rafe took control of the family’s fortunes and divided everything up. He and Frank split all the companies right down the middle.

  Not a day went by that he didn’t think of his father or feel the pain of that lost. Cancer was a hard thing to deal with, especially when it sneaks up on you like a thief in the night and takes a loved one.

  “Ms., you have to wear this.” The irritation in Ben’s slightly raised voice caught Rafe’s attention. He was holding out a mask to a woman.

  Rafe's brow creased in a curious frown, his gaze swung to the woman Ben spoke to. Instantly he recognized her. “Christ!” He whispered. “What the hell is she doing here?” He stared in disbelief; she looked as out of place as a nun in a whorehouse. His heart throbbed against his ribs. Not wanting her to recognize him, he reached up to make sure his mask was in place.

  She worked at the main office on the outskirts of Memorial drive. She was the youngest and newest member of his finance team at Montoya Enterprises. And he had just seen her hard at work not two days ago. He knew she was twenty-eight, he’d thought her too young to promote to that level, but his chairman, Wayne McCollum, had proved him wrong. Her work had shown them money they hadn’t realized they were missing. Promoting her was the only thing he could do, she knew her job well. But to find her here, sitting in this hellhole! It was a blow to his equilibrium. This was the last place he’d ever thought to find someone of her caliber.

  She was of medium height, and looked as timid as a mouse. She appeared self-absorbed, but her demeanor reeked of confidence, she had a sureness of herself that most people lacked. It was disconcerting. He had to admit she’d tickled his attention once, but black women weren’t usually to his taste. Still, she had beautifully formed lips, and right now she sounded quite put off.

  “Look, for the fourth time, I’m not wearing that…that thing!” She glared at Ben, contempt pouring from her. “I’m just waiting for a friend. When she finishes what she’s doing, we’ll leave.”

  “No, it’s not alright. You either put this on or you leave right now.” Ben was giving no quarters.

  The tortoise shell frame glasses she wore covered half her face. They reminded Rafe of something someone from the early sixties would’ve worn. They matched the stiff green woolen skirt that hung unflatteringly on her thin frame.

  His eyes narrowed. Why is she here? Who is her benefactor? His frown hardened as a new thought hit him. Maybe she isn't as innocent as she seems.

  His gut twisted uncomfortably. Someone paid to bring her here. Who? He cased a look around the room, for the most part people seem to ignore her. Sane people like her just didn’t come here by chance. He was surprised when she yanked off her glasses and put on the black domino. A vague sense of disappointment filled him. He eased back in his seat, waiting to see just what would happen next. Maybe still waters do indeed run deep...

  Nina adjusted the black mask until it felt comfortable. Sitting at the long bar, she felt alone. But that was hardly the case. She closed her weary eyes and was immediately relieved from the strain of watching the spectacle going on around her. Everyone was in some state of undress. Without her glasses she couldn’t see very far, and for that she was grateful. Lifting her soda, she took a deep swallow. The smooth, iciness cooled her heated skin. She was stuck, stranded. Her ride here was busy getting ridden! Fury boiled in her chest making it hard to breathe.

  Despite all the vanilla scented candles burning everywhere, the thick musky smell of sex clung to the air, clogging her throat. The two scents didn’t compliment each other. Wrinkling her nose, she fanned the air with her hand, but the odor wouldn’t go away. This is crazy. Why am I here? She asked herself for the hundredth time. Already knowing the answer. I’m stupid! She berated herself. Just plain stupid. It was hard to admit to being a fool. She had allowed her need to belong to override her good judgment and now she was paying for it. Why did I let them do this to me?

  Her stomach muscles cramped in physical pain as memories of past mistakes washed over her. Her fists clenched, and she fought to keep them at bay. Now wasn’t the time for self pity! She needed to be strong and sure of herself in front of the witch who thought to bring her low. Nina lifted her chin, she speared her supposed friend with as cruel a look as she could muster. But no one was paying any attention. Nina sighed and turned back to her drink. She was probably the only one here drinking soda, maybe even the only one who thought this was wrong.

  She should’ve known it was a bad idea to go out with Cathy. But this was the first time anyone had asked her to join them for a night out, and Nina felt so ready. She was ashamed to admit, even to herself, how desperate she was for adult company.

  She had never been out with friends. Nina frowned tightly as she stirred her soda. Who am I trying to fool? She didn’t have any friends. Had never, in her entire life had friends. The word was as foreign as they come. Not that she needed any, her life was too full to bother with outsiders. Her children were all the company she needed. But when Cathy suggested they go out to celebrate Nina’s promotion, she’d jumped at the chance. It was wonderful to know someone was happy for her!

  In the beginning, guilt about taking the job ate her up, especially since others had been working there longer than she had. But, at the time, she considered their asking her out as a way of telling her they were fine with it. Otherwise, Cathy was the last person Nina ever thought would step forward and offer a hand in friendship. When the three others backed out at the last minute, it hadn’t occurred to Nina that something might be wrong.

  Cathy was proud of her deep green eyes, wispy platinum hair, and pouty red lips. The way she dressed had every male falling over themselves trying to be her friend. Yet she’d offered to help celebrate Nina’s promotion, and shocked by this, Nina stammered out a dazed acceptance. And this vulgar display of human nature is what she got for her ignorance. Nina shook her head, a small smirk of contempt touched her lips. She could leave, she knew the bartender would call her a cab, so why hesitate?

  Suddenly a voice from her childhood rang in her mind. You are a walking, incarnate of evil. You were sent to temp and taunt mankind. Nina closed her eyes and pushed the thought away. But the voice slid through her mind like a racing serpent. Repent! It cried, chilling her to the very core. Weakness of the flesh is in you, you must be punished... She lifted her head, frantically looking around, her eyes stretched wide. I have to get out of here! Wild laughter echoed through the room. She was sure they were laughing at her. Her heart whirled out of control, her breath was coming in short pants. Her skin crawled, but she couldn’t move, every muscle in her body was paralyzed. She clutched her tumbler with numb hands. For a moment dizzying fear clawed at her, she clenched her teeth, her slim nostrils flaring.

  Firmly collecting her wits, Nina assured herself that Sister Bethany-Ann was wrong. I'm not the sinning creature she said I was! But in the back of her mind, doubt remained. She tried hard to make her limbs move, she needed to get to the door, to get out of this horrible place. But to her dismay her body reminded her it had been too long since she had tasted the pleasures of the flesh, but without a husband that was impossible for her. Since leaving colle
ge she had taken a vow to wait until she was married, but being here was starting to weaken her resolve. She had to leave before anything happened that would make her hate herself for being weak. A sharp slap came from her right followed by a yelp! Her hand flew to her racing heart, Nina closed her eyes then opened them and hazard a glance in that direction, only to quickly shut them again. Will these people burn in hell? Is this what purgatory is like? She shook away the derogatory thoughts.

  Those people were demented, doing things she’d never dreamed possible, and it shook the foundation of her orderly world. Swallowing hard, she slowly opened her eyes. The fierce need to put her hands over her ears to shut out the moans of passion and shouts of ecstasy that whirled around her consumed her. She darted a quick glance from the corner of her eyes, at the couple to her left, and quickly shut them. But the image was burned in her mind. Each breath came in sharp bursts, her treacherous body defied her. It was time to go, ride or no ride she was leaving.

  Rafe closed his eyes for a moment. A curious weight settled in his chest, an odd throbbing in his temples. Of all the people in the world why did she have to come here? He opened his eyes, only to be drawn back to Nina. She looked frightened out of her wits. Her eyes darted from one place to the next, with a trembling hand she reached for the top of her blouse closing the neck tight. Deep furrows wrinkled his dark brow, for an unknown reason, white hot anger whipped through him.

  His eyes narrowed as he followed her every movement. He spotted one more of his employees. This must be the friend she said she came with. His lips tightened in a thin line. That Cathy is a beauty, and she knows it. Perfection was the only word that fit. His cool gaze roamed over her alabaster nakedness as she sashayed around offering herself to all takers. It did nothing for him, he liked his women a lot less used.

  He knew who Cathy’s benefactor was, so he wasn’t surprised when a short, stout, balding man readily took her up on her offerings. He grabbed Cathy around her slim waist and pulled her with him to a table top near by. Rafe turned his attention back to the cringing Lily as he thought to dub Nina. Her eyes were locked on the couple, a deep dark stain covered her red-brown cheeks. She swallowed hard as if unable to look away. There was prettiness about her. Something in the way she held her head, or maybe the way she squeaked when someone touched her.

  When no one claimed this cringing Lily, a crocked smile eased unto his lips. What would Frank do in this situation? Maybe it was time he took a shot at being bad.

  Nina turned in her seat, beads of moister coated her skin. Her almond shaped eyes scanned the crowded room. She cleared her throat and opened the top button of her blouse, fanning herself. Her eyes landed on a couple on the table across from her. She couldn’t tell who it was from this distance, but she knew what they were doing. Her heart tripled its beat. She wiped between her breasts trying to get rid of the evidence of her body’s deception, but the wetness continued to plague her.

  She shut her eyes. It was disgusting! How can people take a private act of love and turn it into a freak show? She didn’t understand, nor did she want too. When she opened her eyes she found the grayest eyes she’d ever seen staring at her from behind a black domino similar to her own. She jumped back, her eyes wide.

  “Hello,” the rich deep tones vibrated through her.

  “I’m not interested,” she said quickly, and turned from him, her heart hammering. She held her breath, willing him to go away. Her skin tingled at his nearness and she couldn’t stop it.

  Rafe caught her barstool, and turned her to face him. “You’re here, I’d say you were interested.”

  He was close, so close that Nina could feel his warm breath on her cheek. “I’m here through no fault of my own.” She murmured, trying not to look at him. Finding no other safe place, she stared at his dimpled chin. “I was just leaving.”

  Rafe extended one finger towards her, and touched the protruding tip of one breast. It pressed against the fabric of her thin white cotton shirt where her jacket hung open. His gaze narrowed as it ran the length of her. She was taller than he’d thought, her head would reach his chin when she stood. She was pretty close up. He wanted to see her squirm, anything to shake that untouchable look from her, to bring that upturned nose of hers down just a bit. It bothered him greatly to think she was playing a game just like the rest of them. Maybe she is as wild underneath that get-up as Cathy. His scowl intensified, absently he wondered why he even cared. Other than the fact that she was an employee, and was supposed to be a trustworthy person, he shouldn’t care what she did in her spare time. But it angered him to see one of his staff members here. Ben said this was the first time he’d seen her here. A sharp sense of righteous anger at whoever brought her here rocked him. At least she hasn't been corrupted yet. Maybe, if he played his cards right he could scare her into not coming back.

  Nina jumped away from his electric touch, and slapped at his hand. “Don’t touch me!” She hissed, deathly afraid of the longing his nearness caused. She felt irresistibly drawn to him and the only way to fight it was to get away from him, but she was stuck between the barstool and his big lean body.

  “You’re here for a reason,” his lazy drawl infuriated her, it was like he knew something she didn’t. He lifted the other hand lightly caressing her rigid cheek, she shivered despite herself and her eyes closed. “The same reason I’m here, we all want to play the game.”

  Her eyes snapped open and she flushed deeply, her body was giving her away. “What game?” she whispered. Her eyes fell to his lush lips and the breath rushed from her. The bold fullness of them mesmerized her, everything else in the room disappeared. She licked her lips, her mouth watering at the fierce need to taste him. She didn’t know what was happening to her, she didn’t even like sex, and it’d been years since she had even thought about it, but at this moment it was all she could think about.

  Rafe’s whole body tensed with a raging need, taking him totally by surprise. The sight of her small pink tongue darting out to wet her lips fired his imagination. Her slim flaring nostrils and her soft panting breath on his skin made him think of things that were much more fun. Stepping closer, he ran the tip of his finger over her delicate ear lobe, and smiled as a shudder race through her. He wanted to laugh when she gave a little squeak and weakly tried to push him away. Just in case this wasn’t an act, he had to show her this was no place for the meek!

  Again, Nina slapped at his hard hand but it came back to travel the opening of her shirt. “I didn’t ask you to touch me,” she cried, her voice hoarse. “I said I was leaving.” She tried to move around him, but he stood directly in front of her. His hands on the bar on either side of her, she was trapped. She swallowed hard, chest to chest she had to lean back to get even a bare inch between them.

  “I know your type,” he breathed against her cheek. “I had you pegged the minute I saw you sitting here with your pretty little nose stuck in the air. That disgusted look turning those luscious lips down.” He lifted one hand to her hair. “I must say I like the look. It’s very authentic. Social worker, huh?” His eyes flickered over her clothes. “You went all out for this tonight. I won’t disappoint you.” He leaned closer his lips barely grazing hers. “Come on, I’ll play the game with you.” Suddenly he bent down and tossed her over his shoulder, then headed down a long dark hallway.

  Nina panicked. For a moment she'd been hypnotized by his smooth deep tones and the hunger in his fathomless silver eyes. “What wha…t are you saying? You knew what?” His nearness clouded her mind, but she couldn't let this happen. Kicking out, she beat at his broad back with tightly closed fists. “Let me go! I said I’m not here for this. My friend brought me by mistake. Please!” She clutched the back of his shirt in her hands, the heat of his hands on the backs of her legs had her quivering.

  Rafe gave a bark of laughter, holding her shapely legs tight against his chest. “I like that game too. Keep going. You’re making me hot.” He slapped her round bottom once for good measure. He almost be
lieved her. Her act was better than most he'd seen. Maybe she really is here by mistake. He marched down the hallway. I’ll scare the pants off of her and she'll never come back here again! Satisfied, he continued on his way.

  Nina stiffened, disbelief swarming her. The red carpet flew by her frantic eyes as he hurried down the dark hallway. The sister's words rang in her ears. Red, the color of sin. Something she knew intimately. He pushed open a door at the end of the hall and stepped inside.

  Seeing the door close, she made a desperate grab for it. But he swung her around too fast. She found herself flying through the air. A startled scream erupting from her throat! She landed on the soft thick mattress, the breath temporarily knocked from her. As soon as she hit, she was rolling away. Nina fell to the thick carpeted floor, flat on her back on the other side of the bed. Dazed for a split second, she heard his deep rich laughter. She scrambled to her feet, and turned to face him. She had to get away!

  “Look, this isn’t my thing. I don’t sleep around. I’m only here because I thought it was a night club.” His touch confused her, she found herself longing for what he offered but it wasn't right. The voice of sin reared its ugly head. Why not? No one would know but you. Look at him, when was the last time a man like that was interested in you? Nina bit her lower lip. Against her will, her eyes wandered over his lithe frame.

  He wasn't half-dressed like everyone else. She clasped her trembling hands together in a vain attempt to hold them still. He wasn't a bad looking man from what she could make out. An inky curl fell over the front of his mask, the rest of his hair lay peacefully on his dark head not quite reaching the collar of his white shirt. He stood at least a head taller than her five feet nine inches. His shoulders were broad, encased in a fine white linen shirt that buttoned down the front. Black slacks clung to his trim hips. He moved with an assured grace. It was almost hypnotizing the way his hips swayed, Nina swallowed hard. Letting the evil out had cost her before. She bit her lower lip. Am I willing to do it again?