Secret Paradise (Kimani Romance) (11 page)

“No,” Lucian said in a brusque voice. He walked past Basilio and said over his shoulder, “What is it?”

Basilio glanced at Nikki and she saw the silent question in his eyes: Did she tell Lucian anything?

She shook her head, and he nodded, then followed his brother.

Once they were gone, Nikki looked around the stark room, and everything came into focus. She clearly saw what the room needed. How it should feel, what it should look like. Not just this room, but the others as well. She knew what Lucian needed, what Callia needed. They needed a
home
. Presently the mansion was dead, haunted by painful memories, but she would help it come alive again. Return it to a time when they were both happy. She also knew how she would shatter the walls Lucian had built around his heart and teach him to trust love again. Her love would save him.

Love?
Nikki paused at the word. Did she love him?
Yes
. She didn’t expect to, but somehow she did. It seemed right. The thought didn’t scare her; instead it settled in her heart. Yes, her mind told her, it was impulsive and reckless, but her heart didn’t care. The redesigned room would be her love letter to Lucian.

Chapter 12

R
enewed, Nikki decided to go to her room and relax. She halted when she saw Iona standing by her bed.

“What are you doing?”

“Changing your sheets.”

“I didn’t ask for them to be changed.”

“I changed them, anyway,” Iona said, lifting the old sheets from off the floor.

Determined not to be intimidated, Nikki walked past her and sat in front of her vanity. She removed her earrings.

“You can’t compete, you know,” Iona said.

Nikki paused. “Compete?”

“Alana was more than you could ever be. She filled every corner of his heart. She will not be easily erased.”

“You need to get your story straight. If he loved her so much, why did he kill her?”

Iona laughed. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

“I bet you don’t.”

“He couldn’t have her, that’s why.”

“Lucian doesn’t strike me as a jealous man.”

“Then you know nothing.”

Nikki met Iona’s cool gaze in the mirror. “Goodbye.”

Iona shrugged. “Just trying to save you from heartbreak.”

“It’s not
my
heartbreak you should worry about.”

Iona’s arrogant stance wavered. “What do you mean?”

Nikki turned. “Who will Basilio ultimately choose? You or his brother?”

Iona’s face turned red.

“I won’t say a word, as long as you behave.” Nikki pointed to a tossed pillowcase on the floor. “Don’t forget that.”

Iona sent her one last glare, snatched up the pillowcase, then stormed out.

Nikki stared at her bed, no longer feeling comfortable in her room. She didn’t trust Iona and didn’t like her presence. She knew she wouldn’t be able to sleep, so she returned to her drafting table downstairs and started to work on her new ideas. She worked all through the night and into the morning. Nikki woke when she heard the clatter of dishes. She opened her eyes and saw Dante setting down a tray. She sat up and stretched. His handsome face was a pleasant sight to see in the morning, and she could understand why poor Callia had a crush on him.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“That’s okay.” She glanced at her watch. “It’s about time, anyway.” She looked at the tray. “Hmm, that smells delicious.”

He glanced at the table. “Is everything coming along?”

Nikki grinned and covered her sketches, suddenly getting an idea. “Yes. Wait right here. Don’t peek.”

When he nodded, she ran to her bedroom, freshened up and changed, then returned to Dante, who remained quietly sitting at her drafting table.

“Did you peek?”

He looked offended. “You told me not to.”

She uncovered the images. “What do you think?”

He sent a look to her tray. “Your food’s getting cold. Do you want me to get you another dish?”

“Don’t worry about that,” she said with impatience. “Just look and tell me what you think.”

He hesitated. “It’s not my place to give opinions.”

“I’m asking you because I trust you. Please.”

Dante sighed, then looked impressed. “It’s amazing. You think you can do this?”

“With the right help. I was thinking that I would surprise Lucian, instead of showing him. Do you think I should?”

“Yes.”

Nikki bit her lip. “You don’t think he’ll be angry?”

“I’ll deal with that.”

“We’ll need carpenters and painters and—”

“I can provide you with whatever you need.”

“It’s short notice.”

“That won’t be a problem.”

“Thanks.” Nikki smiled and hugged him, then drew back. “I’m sorry. I know I’m not supposed to do that.”

He flashed a quick grin. “I won’t tell anyone.”

“How come you’re not married?” Nikki asked, surprised by how even a small smile lit up his face.

“How come you’re not?”

“Too focused on my career.”

“Me too.”

“And you leave the women around the world weeping.”

He laughed, then said, “I have an idea.” He picked up a pencil. “May I?”

“Yes.”

He altered a sketch, then waited.

“That’s perfect,” Nikki said, surprised by his skill.

“Callia likes windows.”

Nikki thought of mentioning Callia’s feelings for him but knew that would be unfair. In a few months she’d grow out of it. “She’ll love this.”

Instead of offering her another smile, Dante abruptly set the pencil down and straightened. “Basilio’s coming.”

“How do you know?”

“I can smell him,” he said, then quickly corrected himself. “I mean, his footsteps are distinctive.”

“Ah, that’s where you are,” Basilio said, strolling in with his hands in his pockets. “What are you two looking at?”

“My design for this room,” Nikki said.

He walked toward her. “Great. Let me see.”

She folded the papers over. “No, it’s a surprise.”

“But you showed him,” he said, gesturing to Dante.

“Because he knows how to keep secrets.”

“So do I.”

“And she needs my help,” Dante said.

“I can help. I’m the reason she’s here in the first place.”

“Congratulations,” Dante said in a dry tone. He looked at Nikki. “I’ll make some calls.”

She didn’t want to be left alone with Basilio yet. “Can it wait? I have a few more questions.”

“Okay.” Dante nodded.

She offered Basilio a smile of apology. “If you’ll excuse us.”

Basilio hesitated, then left.

Nikki sat behind her drafting table, trying to settle her nerves. She didn’t hear Dante move until he shifted her papers aside and placed the tray in front of her.

“Thank you,” she said absently.

“He makes you nervous.”

“It’s probably just nerves. I don’t want to disappoint him, either.”

“You won’t. Eat and you’ll feel better.”

She took a spoonful of the sweet and colorful fruit salad.

“I know you saw him with Iona on the beach,” Dante said.

Nikki looked at him. “You do?”

“Yes, I was there too.”

“I didn’t expect him to be so angry.”

Dante nodded, looking grim. “Basilio likes to hide his temper behind a smile. He fools a lot of people.”

“But not you.”

“When you work for people, you get to know them.”

“I know that Lucian depends on you for a lot more than house duties. He trusts you to maintain the villas and the safety of the island. Has the smuggling really stopped?”

“Yes. You are safe.”

Nikki wondered if he was telling her the truth or just saying what he thought she wanted to hear.

“That’s good to know. Basilio seemed to hint that there’s still activity.”

“Basilio likes to court trouble.”

Like Iona? Could he have been the one to let Alana in? It was only recently that the two brothers had reconnected. How close were they, really? And what was he up to? He could have so many women. Why one of the maids? His brother’s maid. A maid who thought Lucian had murdered his ex-fiancée.

“If Lucian were to die, who inherits?” she asked.

“Most of his money goes to Callia and then Basilio.”

“So with Callia out of the way, all of it would go to Basilio.”

“I know what you’re thinking.”

Nikki briefly closed her eyes. “It’s awful, isn’t it?”

“No, I’ve thought about it myself. Lucian would never think his brother would betray him. That leaves him vulnerable, but I look at all options.”

“But if Basilio meant to hurt him, why would he bring me here?”

“I haven’t figured that out yet.”

“A man has a right to have a bad temper when he’s trying to protect the woman he loves,” Nikki said, trying to be fair. “I can’t believe Basilio would—”

“Resort to murder?”

“Yes.”

Dante nodded. “Me neither. But I watch him all the same.” He rubbed his forehead. “Your presence here means a lot to all of us. Please believe that Lucian and I will do everything in our power to make sure you’re safe.”

“I know.”

He gave a curt nod, then left.

Nikki let out a sigh, feeling better that she had someone to confide in. She was safe. Dante would make sure of it. And she was sure Basilio was harmless. He was just a young man in love. It was ridiculous to be afraid of him.

Nikki finished her sketches, then went out on the terrace. She saw Basilio there and hesitated, unsure she wanted to talk to him, then moved forward, deciding to give him another chance. “Hello,” she said.

He stood and held out a chair. “I’m sorry about the other night. I didn’t mean to frighten you.”

“It’s okay.” She wanted to believe him, but his cordial manner seemed a bit practiced. Had Dante told him to apologize?

“Would you like to go out on the water again?”

“Not today. I really have a lot of work to do.”

“Maybe another time?”

“Yes, maybe,” she said, a little sad that the fun between them had died. He sensed it, too, and they sat together in silence.

“If you won’t go for her, I will,” Dante said, catching Lucian watching Nikki as she lazed on the terrace. They could see her from the study window.

“She’s cast a spell on you, too?” Lucian said with a laugh.

“Don’t sound surprised. I may be your butler, but I’m also a man.”

Lucian turned to him. “You know you’re a lot more than a butler.”

“Think she’ll have me?”

“You don’t have any money.”

“She doesn’t care about money.”

Lucian sighed and went to his desk. “I know.”

“Or station. Most American women don’t.”

“And what do you know about American women?” Lucian said, amused.

Dante gave a sly grin. “Enough.” He looked at Nikki. “Take the risk. She won’t be here for long, and I know it’s been a while for you.”

“You’re a bad influence. You’re supposed to be warning me away.”

“Warn you away from making love to a beautiful, sexy woman?” Dante tapped his chest. “What kind of friend would I be?”

“I’m not sure.”

“So she can go ahead with the project?”

Lucian shrugged. “How can I refuse?”

Dante raised a sly eyebrow. “Exactly.”

Kay paced as she listened to the voice on the line. “I don’t think we should.” She gripped the phone, knowing the owner of the voice was watching her, but not knowing from where. “Nikki knows now.”

“There’s nothing she can do.”

“I saw her talking to Dante.”

“Dante only thinks he knows something. You leave him to me. You can’t back out now. You’re in too deep.”

“I can pay you the money back.”

“It would take you years. We’ve come too far.”

“You promise no one gets hurt?”

“That’s right. Just continue to watch the girl and report anything to me.”

Chapter 13

A
lmost overnight construction on the room began—carpenters, painters, sculptors were shipped in and started working. Nikki had also ordered furniture, which would be expedited and would arrive within days. She learned quickly that the mention of the Kontos name made things happen. But Nikki also knew that meant her time on the island would come to an end soon, and she needed to convince Lucian to let her stay.

You can’t compete.
Iona’s words haunted her, as did the memory of Alana, but she wouldn’t let either woman stop her. She might not win, but she would at least try. She would fight.

Nikki prepared herself for the battle as she walked down to a private spot on the beach where she knew Lucian liked to swim. It was evening and the pink rays of the sun, with its weakening light, touched the white sand, the blue water and the tops of trees. At first she saw nothing but an empty stretch of beach. Then she saw him: a silhouette in the distance, emerging out of the water.

She set her towel down, took off her robe and walked up to the water’s edge, ready to get in and surprise him, but he was too alert for that. He turned to her and for a moment didn’t move, as if he was trying to assess if she was real, and then he swam toward her.

She smiled. “I wasn’t sure Callia was telling me the truth, but it seems she was. Mind if I join you?” She took a step forward, then noticed his robe and trunks next to his cane off to the side. Obviously Callia hadn’t told her everything—such as her uncle’s preference for swimming in the nude. Nikki had to play it cool.

Lucian noticed her glance. “It seems you’re a bit overdressed.” He stood, taking care to remain where the water met his waist, but with just a few more steps he could give her a different view.

“Maybe you’re underdressed.”

He rested his hands on his hips. “I set the rules. It’s my island.”

Nikki set her robe aside but didn’t remove her bikini. She slowly descended into the water. “And what happens when someone breaks the rules?”

“They regret it.”

“Really?” she said in a coy voice. “Are your punishments severe?”

He lifted one shoulder. “That depends.”

She stopped a few feet away from him. “On what?”

“The rule breaker.”

“I’m not worried.”

Lucian folded his arms. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m here to turn you back into a man. You didn’t let me last time.”

“And you think now will be different?”

“Yes.”

His emerald gaze held her still. His voice calm and steady, he said, “You still haven’t told me your price, sorceress.”

“I told you there is no price.”

“And I don’t believe you.”

“You will.”

Lucian held out his arms to the side. “You think this beast you see before you can become a man again?”

“I believe he already is one, but I have to convince him of it.”

“Hmm. You’ll have to catch me first.” He took a step back, then disappeared under the water.

Nikki rushed forward but couldn’t see anything. “Lucian, that’s not fair.” She waited, but he didn’t reemerge. “What are you? A fish?” she grumbled, surprised by how long he could hold his breath. She took a gulp of air, ready to go under the water and search for him, when he popped up behind her.

He grinned. “You’re not even trying.”

She spun around and lunged for him, but he easily slipped out of her grasp. He dove under the water and within seconds emerged several feet away from her. He moved at lightning speed. On land he was slow and awkward, but in the water he had the power of Poseidon. She felt and sensed that he reveled in his power in the sea. That was why he enjoyed the water. He was the man he’d once been. No limp, no weakness, no limits.

“I will catch you,” she said, then dove into the water and swam in his direction, but when she came up for a breath, he was yards away in another direction.

“Take off your top,” Lucian said, “and I’ll make it easier for you.”

Her heart thundered in her chest. “And if I say no?”

Her question was met by silence. Then he suddenly popped up behind her, his breath warm on her skin. “And why would you say no?” He tugged on the back of her bikini top. “I noticed you’re no longer wearing Benjamin’s ring.”

“Yes.”

“Does he know that?”

“Yes, I gave him my answer.”

“What was it?”

“I told him that it would never work.”

“Why?”

“Because there’s someone else.”

“Hmm.” Lucian loosened the string of her top.

“Stop that,” she said when he began to remove it. “I can undress myself.”

“So what? I like doing this.”

“Even if I don’t want you to?”

“You want me to, or you wouldn’t still be here.” He tossed her top away.

“Wait!” Nikki reached out, frantically trying to grab it. “It will float out into the ocean.” She lunged for it.

Lucian wrapped his arm around her waist and held her still. “What a wonderful souvenir for someone to find.”

“And what about me?” she said, covering her chest. “Now I have nothing. Why did you do that?”

His voice dropped to a husky whisper. “I’m a beast, remember?”

She slipped out of his grasp and swam to the shore.

He watched her. “You surrender?”

Nikki stepped out of the water and then took off her bikini bottoms and waved them in the air. “Does this look like surrender?”

“Come here.”

She dropped her bikini bottoms on the ground and slowly walked toward him, the silky water rising up to meet her. “Are you going to let me catch you?”

Lucian let her catch him and a lot more. His mouth met hers and soon his body was on top of hers, and she felt the cool, wet sand pressed against her back, the waves cascading over their bodies. She could smell the sea on him and his own earthy scent. And as his roaming hands embraced her, she felt intoxicated by her own need for him, her need to be with him.

“Let me do the other rooms,” Nikki breathed.

Lucian gave a hoarse laugh of surprise. “I knew there was a price.”

“You can afford it.” She slid her hand down his back, curving into him.

“Can I?”

“I want you to trust me. I have lots of ideas.”

His hand scaled down her chest. “Let me see what you do with the room first.”

“If you like it, will you concede?”

His eyes gleamed with humor. “I can lie.”

“You won’t.”

“You sound confident about that.”

“You’re an honest man. And I know you’re going to like it.”

“Fine. Now stop talking.” He silenced her with a deep, slow kiss.

“So you’ve forgiven me?” Nikki asked when he drew away.

“I don’t care what you think of me anymore,” Lucian said in a ragged whisper. “I want you too much. When I saw you standing there naked as the soft rays of the setting sun touched your skin, I knew nothing else mattered. I don’t care what anyone says or thinks. I know what I am and I know what I look like. I know it’s revolting, and you can scream in terror if you want to, but it won’t stop me tonight.”

“I won’t scream,” Nikki said, letting her fingers caress the raised flesh on his back. “The only sounds I’ll make will be of exquisite pleasure.” She spread her legs, making entrance easy. “Do I have to wait?”

His answer was eloquent enough for both of them. And together they were filled with a passionate completeness. They no longer felt like bodies, but entwined souls.

“Call me a greedy bastard,” Lucian said in an almost savage voice. “Because I want to feel every inch of you.”

“Only if you’ll let me do the same,” Nikki said, showering him with kisses. “Lucian, you are magnificent. In your arms I feel like a queen. No, don’t let go. Hold me tight.” She wrapped her legs around him. “Do you feel like a man now?”

“I need some more persuasion.”

“With pleasure.”

They made love until they were both exhausted and the sun had disappeared. Finally they pulled away, and Lucian stared up at the sky, feeling as if he could float up to the stars. “You should go to bed.”

“Would you like to join me?”

Yes, but he didn’t want to have her see him struggle into his trunks and limp his way back to the house. He wanted her to remember him as he was now: in the water, where he could carry her and hold her, where he seemed strong. On land all that was lost. “Another time.”

Nikki put on her robe, then bent down to kiss him. “Good night. Dream of me.”

He closed his eyes. “I already do,” he said, and he heard her laughter as she walked away.

She wouldn’t sleep that night. Nikki casually wandered up the stairs, heading toward her bedroom as if in a dream. That was when she heard it: the soft sound of a harp playing. Beautiful, haunting music. Where was it coming from? She tiptoed down the hall and heard it coming from Callia’s room, but saw no lights. She slowly opened the door.

“You hear it, too?” Callia said, wide awake in her bed, with her knees drawn to her chest. Pauline sat next to her.

Nikki turned on the lights. The music abruptly stopped.

“You heard it,” Callia said. “Please tell me you heard it.”

“Yes, I heard something.”

“So I’m not crazy.”

“I told you you’re not,” Nikki said, searching the room for where the sound could have come from.

Callia held her knees tighter. “It was her favorite tune.”

“I’m sure it’s just a recording someone was listening to and it drifted through the vents.”

Callia shook her head. “Everyone’s asleep and no one listens to that kind of music here.”

After looking around, Nikki gave up her search and sat on the bed. “Well, it’s gone now.”

Callia studied her for a moment, then began to smile. “Your hair’s wet. Did you go swimming with Uncle Lucian?”

That and more.
“Yes.”

“So he’ll let you stay longer?”

“A few more days and you’ll get to see the room, and then we’ll see what he says.”

“It looks like a big project.”

“It is.”

Callia slipped under the covers. “I hope he’ll like it.”

Nikki turned out the lights. “Me too.”