A Secret in Salem (17 page)

M
ARLENA WAS QUIET AS
B
LAKE ESCORTED HER TO HER SUITE
. Shawn, Belle, and Claire were on the boat, and she wished she’d asked them to say. It wasn’t that she was weak or needed an excuse. It just would have made life easier.

“I’m going to have to process this,” Marlena said. “I’m still not sure.”

“Understandable.” Blake nodded as Marlena inserted her key into the digital lock.

Marlena waited for the green light to open the door. It didn’t appear. She reinserted the plastic card again. Red.

“Is Mercury in retrograde?” she asked wryly. “Nothing goes right when the planets aren’t aligned.”

“No, not until September,” Blake answered.

Marlena couldn’t help but laugh sardonically. Blake would know that. Seems he knew everything.

Blake took the card and tried it several times. Fast. Slow. Very fast. Excruciatingly slow, and then in and out, in and out, in and out.

The red light appeared every time.

“We can get another key from the front desk,” Blake said. “Do you want me to do that?”

“I don’t want to stand around here,” Marlena answered and headed for the elevator.

A beautiful cream silk negligee was draped across the king-size bed. White lilacs with a cream ribbon lay across it.

John was in a tux.

Simple.

Elegant.

Handsome.

Masculine.

“How’s my tie?” he asked.

“A bit wonky,” Tara answered. She straightened it, smiling into his big, blue eyes.

“I wouldn’t be here without you.” He smiled. The deep affection between them was palpable. “Music?”

“Cool jazz?” she offered.

“Perfect,” John answered.

The night was beautiful as John drank in the warm air filtering in through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the suite.

“I’m finally ready,” he said and twirled a laughing Tara around the room.

“I am so sorry, Madame,” the concierge told Marlena. “There was a flood in your lavatory, and we’ve had to change your room.”

“How long should that take?” Marlena asked, unhappy with this turn of events. She was deeply confused and just wanted to climb into bed and crawl under the covers.

“Thirty minutes,” the concierge told her. “If you’d like a drink at the bar, we’ll call you when it’s ready.”

Marlena didn’t want a drink. She wanted to be alone. Fate wasn’t allowing that, however, so she nodded. “You know where to find me.”

“One Campari and soda, and I’ll go,” Blake told her.

Marlena and Blake headed into Bar Américain. Elegant, with low-key ambience, soft lighting, and tables looking out to the sea, they settled into leather armchairs.

Doctor Gabs’s fingers flitted across the ivories as he played a quiet collection of jazz accompanied by bass and drums.

“Campari and soda for me,” Blake told the waiter.

“And for the lady?”

“Perrier with lime,” Marlena said.

“Lillet on the rocks with orange,” Blake told the waiter, changing Marlena’s order. “With a splash of soda.”

“A big splash,” Marlena said. She hated to let him order for her, but maybe she did need a bit of alcohol after all.

The waiter left to get the drinks, and Blake took her hand.

“I owe you an apology,” Blake said.

“That news about John was a bit of a shock,” Marlena offered.

“Not about that,” Blake said. “About my coming on to you.”

Marlena was thrown. Her suspicions were confirmed; Blake had been coming on to her. While she was flattered, she knew both of them were married, and it was wrong.

“Evelyne’s ill,” he admitted. “She has a serious melanoma, and things don’t look good.”

“So you came on to me?” Marlena said with a tone that could only be perceived as disappointed.

“She’s pulled away from me for months,” he admitted. “I’ve felt less than a man, and I made a terrible mistake. I was using you to bolster my ego.”

The seasoned waiter set down the drinks in front of them.

“I’m not that kind of guy,” Blake said. “I hope you can forgive me.”

Marlena’s mind was whirling. She’d just been told that her husband had been lying to her, and the man who was flirting shamelessly with her was merely using her.

“Forgiven,” she said with a half smile as she raised her glass to him. “We both know if things were different, things would be different.”

Blake raised his glass to hers, and they toasted.

“To a long and beautiful friendship,” he said.

They each took long sips from their fine crystal glasses as the concierge approached.

“Docteur Evans, we’ve found you a new room,” he said. “Whenever you’re ready?”

“I am exhausted,” she said to Blake.

“Enough said,” he countered.

“You’re in the Churchill Suite, Madame,” the concierge offered. “It’s all that was available.”

Marlena could only smile. This was ridiculous. She was going to be in the most exquisite suite in all of Monte Carlo, at least for
the night. She’d have to invite Belle and Shawn over in the morning before they moved her.

“Charge these to my room,” Blake told the concierge.

“On the house, sir,” the concierge answered and handed Marlena her new key card. “May I accompany you?” he added.

Marlena stared across the table at the handsome doctor from Montana. She was spending the night in a suite fit for royalty and would be alone.

“I’d appreciate it,” she told the concierge. “And thank you, Blake, for being so honest.”

Marlena gave him a peck on the cheek and headed out with the concierge.

Blake stirred his cocktail. He was alone but knew it was right.

“Oh my God,” Marlena said as she got off the private elevator to the top floor of the hotel. “This is unbelievable.”

“We hope you enjoy it, Dr. Evans,” the concierge said.

Marlena dug in her purse for a tip.

“No, please,” he said. “All’s been taken care of. Enjoy your night.” He smiled and winked.

Marlena had read that the suite had a round Jacuzzi tub, and that sounded like a wonderful way to spend time before climbing into bed.

She inserted her new key card. This one worked.

She entered the magnificent contemporary suite, which was nothing like the rich European decor of her other room.

Music was playing and candles were burning, which were lovely touches.

She placed her handbag on the glass-topped table. The living room was gorgeously decorated in creams and maroons, with contemporary art on the walls.

It was beautiful, serene, and lonely. She hesitated before moving into the bedroom, as she was sad at the thought of being there alone, but then steeled herself and entered.

Draped across the deep maroon silk bedspread was a cream silk negligee and lilacs with a cream ribbon. On the bedside table was a silver bowl with wild strawberries and crème fraîche.

“What took you so long, Doc?” she heard.

Standing next to the bed was John, in his tuxedo, holding two flutes of champagne.

“Do you know how much I love you?” he asked, cocking his eyebrow just that way.

“John, this is, I’m, uh”—she was in shock, thrilled, confused, delirious—“I knew something was happening, but this? What has been going on?”

“I had to be the man you need, Doc, the man you deserve,” he said, staring into her smiling eyes. “I needed to be whole for you, and I know I am now.”

“You always have been.” She smiled with happy tears forming.

“If I hurt you…” he started.

“Oh, shut up,” she cried and flew into his arms, knocking the champagne flutes to the floor.

The two melted into each other’s arms.

John drank in Marlena’s scent, then kissed the woman he loved so completely. It was a passionate, deep kiss that sent shock waves to her toes.

Marlena gasped, and John smiled. It was a gasp he knew well from all the delicious intimate times they’d shared.

Marlena studied his masculine, strong face, then reached for his tie and pulled it open.

The night had only begun.

“T
HANKS FOR STAYING WITH US TODAY
,” B
ELLE SAID AS SHE
leaned her head on Shawn’s shoulder. “It meant a lot.”

“You’re my wife.” Shawn smiled. “And you’re carrying my baby. This is where I belong.”

Claire had gone to sleep an hour ago, and Belle should have been relishing this time with Shawn. Instead, she was dreading it.

They sat on the prow of the boat, leaning against the window to the main cabin. They had done it many times since they had left Salem, and it was a place they both loved. Quiet. Calm. Removed.

Shawn tipped her chin and gave her a kiss.

“Boy or girl?” he asked.

“Healthy,” she answered.

“Good answer, but a cop-out.”

It was true. The general rule of thumb has always been that men want sons, and women want daughters. It’s not because of some macho need or girlie-girl selfishness but comfort zones.

“Shawn, we need to talk,” Belle said in a voice so serious that Shawn was thrown.

“You’re all right?” he asked.

She sighed heavily.

“There’s something you need to know,” she said drily. “And you’re kind of a captive audience.”

The boat was rocking gently. Shawn was getting scared.

“Remember when we were in Egypt, and you took Claire for the day?” she said.

“And you went to the spa at the Four Seasons,” he said.

“I did, yes,” Belle answered. She was beginning to sweat. “I looked at it, anyway.”

“What are you talking about?”

A 40-foot cruiser sailed passed them a bit too close. The residual crest rocked the
Fancy Face IV
harder.

“I ran into an old friend at the hotel,” she admitted. “We had drinks. It was Philip.”

Shawn’s back went up. “Kiriakis.”

Belle knew that any mention of her ex-boyfriend, ex-husband, and ex-friend was dangerous territory.

“It was nice to have a conversation with someone from home,” she told him.

“Someone,” he said flatly.

“We had a few drinks, and he had a business call. He was there for Titan Industries.”

“Yeah.”

“He said he wanted to check paperwork in his room,” she said.

“So you joined him?” Shawn asked.

“I figured out pretty soon that he didn’t need to get anything,” she admitted.

“But you’d had a few drinks, and what the charming Philip Kiriakis, war hero, ‘titan’ of industry, wanted in his room was you.”

Belle stared directly at the man she truly adored.

“Yes,” she admitted. “I realized that when he kissed me.”

“And you kissed him back,” Shawn said and bolted to his feet. He hung on to the mast as though it was his savior.

“I did,” she said guiltily. “Then I slapped the hell out of him.”

Shawn took it in.

“You what?”

“When he kissed me, I was so caught off guard, that I was in shock. Then I slapped him so hard his teeth rattled. He’s probably still bruised by now,” she said. “I really clocked him.”

“You what?” he repeated.

“I think I loosened two of his caps,” Belle added.

“Really?” Shawn said, amused.

“Really.” She smiled ruefully.

“So you didn’t sleep with him?” Shawn said, beginning to chuckle.

“I didn’t,” she said, chuckling with him.

“So that’s not his baby you’re carrying?” Shawn was now starting to laugh.

“No! It’s yours,” she said, laughing even harder. “I just felt terribly guilty that I didn’t tell you about Philip. It’s been eating me alive.”

“You loosened his teeth!” Shawn was hysterical now, and it was contagious.

“I did! Oh, I was afraid you’d hate me!” She laughed.

“I adore you!” Shawn howled as he pulled her up to face him.

“If I could, I’d sweep you up in my arms right now.”

“We’d go overboard.” She guffawed.

“You could follow me,” he offered, still laughing as he headed toward the pilot wheel and jumped into the cockpit.

Belle did exactly that. On more solid footing, Shawn gave her a deep, thorough kiss through their laughter.

“I love you, Shawn Brady.” She smiled with relief. “I really do.”

“I know,” Shawn assured her.

“Can I show you how much?” she asked.

Shawn drew her to him again and hugged her tightly. It was a long and meaningful hug.

He took her hand and guided her down into the boat and into their cabin.

Their lovemaking was just that. Pure love.

It was also the best sex they’d had since the baby growing inside her was conceived.

Shawn rested his hand on Belle’s stomach, and she wrapped him in her arms. Content. Happy.

“Should I put that on?” Marlena hummed as she indicated the luscious La Perla negligee laid out on the bed.

“Maybe take this off,” John said as he slowly pulled the belt off her Diane von Furstenberg black wrap dress, which she’d bought that afternoon for the funeral.

One by one, Marlena unbuttoned the stubs on John’s pleated white tux shirt, exposing his well-defined chest.

She kissed the base of his neck softly, and he responded by inserting his hands into her dress and slipping it to the floor.

Under the dress, Marlena wore a black lace bra and high-cut lace panties that sculpted her body perfectly.

The moon filtered in through the massive windows overlooking the harbor sending glints of highlights through her already flaxen hair.

Copying John’s moves, Marlena put her hands under his jacket and removed it, letting it slip to the floor behind him. His Brioni shirt followed.

Marlena bent over to help take off his dress slippers. John traced the curve in her back with his fingers.

She shuddered.

Rising, there were no words as she unhooked his pants and unzipped his fly. The fine fabric trousers dropped to the floor, and he was totally naked.

John pulled back the plush comforter, which had been turned down for the night and took in the sight of his wife in black lingerie and high heels.

He sat on the edge of the bed and unhooked her bra, then slid her silk panties down her long, beautiful legs.

Marlena stepped out of them and then slipped off her heels.

Cupping her familiar flesh gently from behind, John drew Marlena onto his lap and rested his head between her breasts. This was territory they hadn’t explored for more than two years, and they were savoring every moment.

Their bodies were trembling, responding to the touch, scent, and feel of each other’s flesh.

John lifted her with his powerful arms and gracefully placed her in bed; her head sank into the down pillows. He kissed her neck, her breasts, and moved his tongue slowly down her taut stomach.

Marlena groaned.

She wrapped her arms around his back and drew him to her for a long and passionate kiss.

Spreading her legs gently, lovingly, hungrily, John guided himself inside her.

For what seemed like an eternity, their bodies moved in a rhythm they knew so very, very well. Two parts of one, both flushed with lust and love until they exploded simultaneously.

Marlena wept silent tears of joy.

John kissed them away.

They lay in each other’s arms, drinking in the enormity of their reunion. They had been torn apart many times since they’d fallen madly, deeply in love, but this separation had been the most excruciating of them all.

“I love you, John,” Marlena whispered.

“I love you, Doc,” John answered.

“Don’t ever go away again,” she said, resting her head on his shoulder. “Emotionally, physically, spiritually,” she continued.

His answer was a deep and thorough kiss. Marlena gasped.

It was a kiss that led to another.

And another.