Ariel's Song (In Bed with the Enemy) (10 page)

“You’re an idiot
!” Julianne’s voice reached Colin’s ears.

His back stiffened at his sister’s shriek.
Ah. There they are.

“You’re so stubborn
. If you’d listened to me, your ass wouldn’t have ended up in a puddle of mud,” Gérard said from behind Colin.

Ariel brought her hand to her mouth to cover the laugh Colin
swore she tried to swallow. He turned around to meet a muddied Julianne. “What the hell happened to you?” He couldn’t help the grin forming on his face.

“Ugh. For fuck’s sake, Colin. Why are you here so early?” Julianne
asked.

“Julianne
, please,” their mom said.

Julianne
looked at their mother, a crease between her brows. “Mom, you know I’m no saint.” She turned to Ariel. “Sorry.” She shrugged.

“Why are you two always fighting?” Colin asked.

His sister glanced at Gérard, her eyes full of warning
.
While he found it humorous, Colin also knew Gérard’s ways and this was Jules, his little sister.

“We always fight
. It’s nothing you don’t already know.” Julianne rolled her eyes.

“Why are you
always together of late?” Colin folded his arms.

Gérard stepped forward. “
Do you want me to answer that, Jules?”

“
Sure. Go on. I’d love to hear what you have to say.” Julianne gripped her riding crop.

Gérard
took two steps forward until he towered over her. “No. You wouldn’t.” He stared her down.

“
Think what you will.” Julianne whirled around. Gérard struck her ass with his riding crop then spun on his heel.

Julianne flinch
ed. “You-you— You idiot man.” She flung her crop at his back.

“
My patience is running thin, Jules,” Gérard said over his shoulder, walking the opposite way.

Ariel tugged Colin’s hand. “Why don’t you show me around?” She raised her brow.

Colin exchanged a silent look with his mother. He’d catch up with her later to learn more about his sister’s dealings with Gérard. He guided Ariel through another set of double doors onto the back of the house. He laced his fingers with hers and led her through a paved terrace overlooking the landscaped gardens.

“Is this where you grew up?”

“Yes.” He raised her hand to his mouth, his lips sweeping over her knuckles.

“
Nice. When did you come here last?” she asked.

His jaw tightened
. “It’s been a while.”

T
he last time he’d been there, his mom had surgery, and he’d visited for a few days. He’d come alone because Valerie stayed behind doing a photo shoot for her magazine. How were they supposed to know it’d be the last month of their lives together? Valerie never came. Something or other came up every time, making it impossible for her to go with him whenever he visited. To think of it, Colin never pressed her to try harder.

“Julianne and I used to have a blast here with Gérard and Logan when we were kids.” He
escorted her through a path beyond the garden. “We used to hide from her, but Jules knew all our hiding spots.” He chuckled at the memory.

“Let me guess, she wanted you guys to play dolls with her.”

He laughed.

“What’s so funny?”

“She didn’t play dolls. Jules could be another one of the boys if we let her. She loved spending time at the pond playing stone skipping. None of us wanted to play because she always won.” Colin put his hand in his pocket.

“Wait
. You have a pond here?”

He
turned to look at her. “Yes.”

“How big is it?” she asked, interest in her eyes.

“Big.” Colin hoped she wasn’t thinking of skinny dipping because she’d be in for a rude awakening.

“Um, can you swim in it?”

Ah, yes, she was. “You can try.”

“Where is it?”
Excitement filled her voice.

“It’s up
there.” He pointed past an old orchard.

“I’ll
beat you there.” She let go of his hand, running down the path he’d pointed.

C
olin laughed, running after her. “Wait, Ariel.”

She
ran faster, discarding her clothes as she went.

“
Ariel, listen to me, stop. You don’t want to go skinny dipping in this pond.” He slowed down his chase and picked up her clothes without taking his eyes off her.

Ariel ran into the water
, stopping half way in. “Fuck, Colin, my ass froze.” She turned and crossed her arms over her breasts, walking out of the pond.

“Hey, don’t you give me that look. I tried to warn you but you wouldn’t listen.” He suppressed a laugh and pulled a shivering Ariel into his arms. “Come here, you.”
Colin covered her back with her sweater. “I’m afraid your underwear will have to come off.” His hands slid on her back to her drenched panties and pulled them down.

He knelt and helped
her step out of her thong. Colin couldn’t resist the sight of her pussy and leaned forward, licking it with the tip of his tongue. Her cold skin clashed with the warmth of his lips. He parted her folds. His tongue traced her entrance then lapped at her clit.

“Colin
.” She threaded her fingers in his hair, rocking her hips against his mouth. He thrust two fingers in and his teeth grazed her clit. He gripped her hip with his other hand, holding her in place. A soft moan left her lips, her body shuddering, her hands tugging at his hair. He sucked her clit into his mouth, his fingers driving into her, until she stopped trembling.

Colin
rose to his feet. He tangled his hand in her hair and gripped her nape, bringing her mouth to his. He kissed her long and hard. A promise of what was to come. Colin broke the kiss and slapped her ass.

“Let’s get you dressed before you catch a cold.” He dropped another kiss to her forehead and helped her get back in
her clothes, less her panties.

Chapter
Thirteen

“Ouch.” Ariel rubbed her arm at the sting she’d caused pinching herself. She wasn’t living in a dream, though it seemed like one. Everything changed for her since she’d set foot in Bibury. Things changed even more when she crossed paths with Colin, his friends, his family, and even further in the past week.

A few days ago she’d
made a decision based on her list of pros and cons. Not only did she come to realize she loved Colin, but he’d overturned her decision when he introduced her as his girlfriend to his mom, shaking her to her core.

Ariel
stood in shaky ground, she knew it. What else did she have left to lose? She’d already lost her parents, her inheritance, her brother, her so-called friends, and her heart. Yes, she’d lost her heart to Colin.

This bliss
with Colin could last anywhere between one more day, a week, a month, a few months to a year—unless he steered them in a different direction. It’d be dumb of her to put much thought into it and imagine things. However long they were meant to last, Ariel hoped to find Tanner soon.

For now, she’d enjoy
spending time with Colin this weekend. Ariel looked at her reflection in the standing mirror. She smoothed down a lose strand of hair, pinning it into place at the crown, leaving the ends free. She angled her head and patted the fall of curls clinging to her nape.

“You look stunning,”
Colin said, stepping into their bedroom.

Ariel met his eyes on the mirror and a slow smile formed on her lips. “You look striking yourself.”
He wore his hair back in a ponytail and sported a dark gray suit, which matched her floor-length silver one-shoulder gown to perfection.

Colin
sauntered over until he stood behind her. “Are you ready?” He swept his lips along the curve of her neck. His hands slid down her bare arms, the caress causing an electric wave of desire to spread throughout her body.

Ariel
breathed in. “Yes.”

Colin stepped
back. He reached for her hand and led her out the door.

****

Elegant high recessed chandeliers illuminated mahogany moldings with silver accents, creating an intimate atmosphere.

“This is beautiful.” Ariel followed
him to the adjoining balcony overlooking the lit gardens.

“Colin,
” an old man said as he approached him.

“Uncle Raphael.”
He allowed the older man to hug him.

“You’ve been hiding from us, lad.” Uncle Raphael smiled affectionately.

Colin turned to Ariel. As it’d happened before, family members and close friends surrounded him. She shrugged and offered him a smile in return.

“Ariel, it’s great to see you here.” Logan stood next to
her, catching her attention.

“Hi, Logan.” She glanced at
him then at Colin. “Is this what Stefanie calls a small affair?”

Logan
nodded. “According to Stefanie, yes, it is.”

Ariel
looked around the room, estimating there were twenty people assembled between family members and close friends. Colin stayed away for so long he’d become some kind of a mystery to many of them. Though everyone appeared delighted to see him and interested in finding more about his future career plans. Good. Perhaps he’d pay attention to someone’s advice in this room. He needed to take back the reins and continue his successful career as a violin virtuoso.

Logan t
ouched her arm. “Would you like a drink?”

Ariel nodded
, allowing him to lead her to the bar on the other side of the room. It’d be a while before she’d get to Colin with all those people around him. In the meantime, she’d take advantage of her time with Logan. Perhaps he’d have news for her.

“Have you heard from the private investigator?” S
he sat on one of the stools at the bar.

“Two cabernets,” Logan said to the bartender. “Sorry, I
didn’t ask you.”

Ariel
shook her head. “It’s okay. I like red wine.”

He
stood across from her and propped his arm on the bar. “We haven’t heard anything new.”

“We?”

Logan glanced in Colin’s direction. “Don’t tell me you didn’t think Colin would get involved after you told him about Tanner.”

She studied his face.
“I didn’t think he’d care much.” Why hadn’t Colin mentioned anything to her?

“He
does. Colin is pushing the P.I. and his team to their limit to find leads to your brother,” Logan said. “They’ve made progress in some things, but haven’t found new leads to Tanner.”

Ariel cast her gaze down
.
Tanner, where the hell are you?

“Hey, hey, Ariel.” Logan
clutched her hand. “Sweetheart—” He nodded a thank you to the bartender. “I promised to help you. Trust me. We’ll find your brother.”

She
blinked to stop the tears from rolling down her cheeks, and met Logan’s eyes. Ariel pursed her lips, swallowing back a sob. Maybe they’d hear from Tanner soon.

“What’s going on here?” Julianne asked standing next to
her, her eyes fixed on their hands.

“Hey, Logan.”
Gérard patted him on the back, stepping in between them and breaking Logan’s grasp on Ariel’s hand. Gérard reached for one of the glasses of wine the bartender left. “What are you two up to?” Gérard took a sip of wine.

Logan studied
their new visitors. “Nothing you’d be interested in.”

Gérard shoved a hand in his pocket
, holding the glass of wine with the other. “Humor me.” He smirked.

“Here are my favorite girls,”
Stefanie said, stepping into their circle. “Julianne, sweet pea, you look beautiful.” Stefanie turned to Ariel. “Oh, Ariel.” She grabbed her hands and pulled her to her feet. “You’re exquisite.”

Heat crept up Ariel’s neck to her cheeks.

Stefanie’s eyes danced between her and Julianne. “You two are the princesses of this party.”

“Why not queens?” Logan
asked.

“Why, there can only be one queen, and that is I,”
Stefanie said, evoking a laugh from everyone in their small group. “Here, there are some people I want you to meet.” She steered Ariel through the crowd, stopping here and there, introducing her to family members and friends.

By dinner, Ariel
knew everyone by name. She still hadn’t reconnected with Colin as he’d been immersed in conversation with his uncle Raphael and others. Stefanie’s birthday party turned into a welcome back Colin affair.

Ariel
sat between Logan and Gérard, and stole glances at Colin, meeting his eyes on and off.

“Sorry,”
he said from across the table, sitting between his uncle Raphael and aunt Myrna.

Ariel smiled. “It’s all right,” she
said back.

C
onversation and wine flowed through dinner. Not once did she feel out of place. Everyone made her feel part of their family.

Stefanie
stood at the front of the table and with her ring she rattled her wine glass, calling attention to her. “This wouldn’t be a true birthday without a toast, now, would it?”

Soft chuckles filled the room.

“This year’s celebration is special to me.” She held her wine glass with both hands and looked at Colin. “My son is back.” Her voice cracked. “I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday present.” She turned to her. “Thank you, Ariel, for bringing my son back.” Stefanie raised her wine glass. “To family, with love. Cheers!”

Ariel didn’t know what to make of
her toast. She didn’t think she’d been the one to bring Colin back. Perhaps she’d been the last straw and he’d given in so people left him alone at last. She toasted with everyone else, accepting
Thank Yous
she didn’t think she deserved.

****

Lost for words, Colin stood and hugged his mom, ready to leave. His mom’s spiel stirred something inside him. Perhaps guilt. He wasn’t sure. In his effort to hide from the world trying to heal his wounds at Valerie’s betrayal, he’d punished his family in the process. What a selfish ass he’d been. And now he had Ariel to consider.

When
he met her, it never occurred to him he’d change his mind and accept the Philharmonic’s invitation he’d already declined. Ariel played a big part in his decision for a stage comeback. Fuck. He’d even started opening up to love. Colin watched her across the table, smiling and toasting with his friends.

Until a short time ago
, he’d thought what he felt for Ariel was lust. He’d been wrong. Perhaps at the beginning it was, not anymore. Last night, when she fell asleep in his arms, Colin realized he’d made love to her. He’d been making love to her for some time now. Way before he introduced her to his mom as his girlfriend.

His family welcomed Ariel as if she’d always been one of them. Their
easy acceptance of her confirmed it all for him. He’d closed himself off from the world for far too long. Not everyone got a second chance at many things, but he’d been lucky. He’d fallen for sweet little Ariel, and the only thing standing between them was whether she trusted him or not. They shared a bed but he wanted more than that.

“Go
get her.” His mom kissed his cheek.

Colin left
his mom’s side and made his way around the table until reaching the back of Ariel’s chair. He leaned down and whispered at her ear, “Ready to go?”

She turned, glancing up at him. “We can’t leave.”

“Ssh … let’s go.”

Ariel
stood, looking in his mom’s direction and smiled when she waved her off. “Your mom…”

“Trust me
. She won’t even notice we’re gone.” Colin grabbed her hand.

“Ariel, where—” Logan
pressed his lips together and nodded at Colin.

Colin
led her out of the room. All night, he’d caught glimpses of her. It’d been impossible to keep her by his side. Uncle Raphael inquired about his future plans, and Aunt Myrna didn’t waste any time scolding him for neglecting his family so long. All the while, Logan claimed Ariel’s full attention. She’d looked happy, sad, and happy again. Logan probably shared there weren’t new news about Tanner. It bothered Colin to see her go through the emotions. He hoped to resolve the issue of her brother soon. But tonight, he’d love her and make her truly his.

“Where are we going?”
she asked, as she followed him out of the room.

Colin raised her hand and brushed his lips over
her knuckles, guiding her to the elegant double staircase in the entrance hall. “To our bedroom.” He placed his hand on the small of her back, helping her up the stairwell.

Ariel turned to him when she reached the top of the stairs.
“Colin—”

He covered her mouth with his and slid his hand up her back to her neck, curling his fingers on her nape.
Colin broke the kiss and touched the tip of his nose to hers. “I’m going to make love to you tonight.”

“
Ooh, you’re making love to me tonight.”

He tightened his hold on her nape. “
Yes. We’re going to make love.” He kissed her once more. Ariel slid her hands around his waist, molding her body to his.

“
I thought your patience was running thin.” Julianne’s voice drifted to them from below the stairs.

“
Will you ever let me explain, Jules?” Gérard asked.

Colin stiffened at hearing his sister’s argument. He let go of Ariel’s neck and took hold of her wrists
, casting a glance down to the reception hall. Julianne and Gérard stood in the middle of the room, too caught up in their argument to notice they weren’t alone. What the bloody hell was going on between those two? They’d been at each other’s throats since childhood, lately it’d gotten out of control.

“
No.” Julianne said.

“
You’re making a mistake.”

Julianne
gestured at Gérard. “I’m not. You did.”

Gérard approached
her. “Jules, listen to me.”

Colin stepped back from
Ariel, her hand closed around his arm. “Don’t,” Ariel said.

“
Didn’t you hear them? I want to know what the hell is going on,” he said.

“I don’t think tonight is the night for
you to find out. They’ll tell you when they’re ready.”

Colin
studied her and took another step back. He spun on his heel, placing his hand on the stair rail. “She’s my sister, Ariel.”

“I thought you were going to make love to me tonight.
Guess you’re all talk and no game. Good night, Colin.” Ariel turned around and walked down the hallway.

Hell.
He tightened his hold on the rail and cast his gaze down at his sister. The two argued in hushed tones, making it hard to make out what they said anymore. Colin hesitated taking the first step down the stairs, and looked back to the empty hallway. He’d put his life on hold for too long and this was his chance at taking it all back. He took another glance at Julianne and Gérard. He turned around and went in search of Ariel, resolved to take his life back.