All I Want Is You (Kimani Romance) (15 page)

JD lifted a questioning brow. “May I?”

Monica nodded, and as he fastened the clasp around her neck, Nikki sent her sister a look and mouthed “Where did he get that?” Monica shook her head in a plea for her to leave it alone.

“There,” JD said with a satisfied smile. “Now you’re perfect.”

“It’s exquisite,” Nikki said. “Where did you get it?”

“My girlfriend made it. She makes one-of-a-kind jewelry. She’s already designed pieces for the actress Lana Davis, her royal highness Princess Denya and Julia Conrad, the new wife of multibillionaire David RH Conrad. Her popularity is quickly growing.” He handed Nikki a card.

Nikki glanced down at it. “The Silver Stone?”

Monica could only stare at him. Here he was at an exclusive party surrounded by important people, and he was selling her jewelry? Then it hit her. This was how Anton had found her—through her jewelry. JD must have shown her designs to several important people and led Anton right to her.

“Did I say something wrong?” JD said, concerned. “You have a strange look on your face.”

Monica quickly gathered her thoughts. “No. I’m just amazed by your girlfriend’s skill.”

“Yes, she’s a magician. What she does will shock you.”

Nikki sniffed. “You have no idea.”

Monica nudged her.

JD licked his lip, taking her back to the first day he’d done that. She remembered the first time she’d been mesmerized by his full bottom lip, and now she knew what it tasted like. Her heart cried out to tell him the truth, but her mouth stayed stubbornly silent. “You once modeled my mother’s creations,” JD said, “and I was wondering if you would be interested in doing the same for The Silver Stone. I promise to make it worth your while. I contacted your agent, but she said you weren’t accepting any new projects right now.” He leaned closer and lowered his voice to a silky tone. “I’m hoping I can do something to convince you to change your mind.”

“You’ve done well so far. I’ll call you.”

“Great. Now I’ll leave you two.” JD offered a brief smile then left.

“What’s going on?” Nikki demanded in a low voice.

“I don’t—” Monica’s cell phone rang. She swore and quickly turned it off before JD heard the distinctive sound. She’d been carrying it with her, just in case he called, to assure him that things were okay at the farmhouse. She knew that he would come if he thought anything was wrong, but she’d forgotten to put it on vibrate.

JD came back toward them, puzzled. “Did you hear that?”

“Hear what?” Monica said.

“I could have sworn I heard…” He shook his head. “Nothing.” He glanced away. “I guess I’m missing her more than I thought,” he said to no one in particular.

Nikki glanced at Monica then said, “Is something wrong?”

“I’ve been trying to reach my girlfriend all day and I just get a busy tone. I hope she’s all right.”

Monica plastered on a smile. “I’m sure she is.”

“She lives alone in the country. Anything can happen.”

“It’s late. She’s probably in bed.”

“Yes.” He took a deep breath. “It’s just that every time I’m happy, something—”

“I’m sure she’s fine and she’ll be happy to know you’ve been thinking about her.”

“Right.”

“Will you excuse me for a moment?” Monica asked.

“Of course.”

Monica hurried into the bathroom. Nikki followed close behind. “Okay, things are getting really weird. Who is that guy?”

“JD—”

“I know his name. I mean, who is he to you? Why does he have your jewelry, and what’s this about a girlfriend in the country?”

“It’s complicated.”

Nikki pounded her hand on the sink. “Then make it simple or I’m going to go and ask him.”

“Can’t you just trust me?”

“No. Now tell me what’s going on. You nearly fainted when you saw him. Does he have anything to do with Anton?”

“No,” she said quickly. “But he’s not supposed to be here.”

“Okay, so who is he and why does he have a necklace that looks just like one of your designs?”

Monica glanced up at the ceiling. “I’ve been seeing him.”

“What?”

“As Monica Dulane. He thinks I’m a small-town jewelry maker. I’ve been wearing a disguise.”

“Must have been one helluva disguise.”

“It was. I could have fooled you.”

“Well, he obviously loves you…uh…Monica Delaney.”

“Dulane.”

Nikki brushed away her correction. “Like it matters. You have to tell him the truth.”

“That I’ve lied to him all these months?”

“He’ll understand. God, look at you. If he doesn’t understand, some other man will. You’re Venus, remember?”

“I don’t want another man.”

“Then go out there and let him help you. He has the money to protect you.”

“But who will protect him?”

“Everyone knows JD Rozan can take care of himself. His last girlfriend, Stacy Neil, even admitted in a magazine exposé to stabbing him because he helped put her father in prison. She even got a book deal out of it,
but that’s another story. The point is that he’s a strong man. Tell him about Anton.”

Monica wanted to. She knew that once JD got over the deception, he would help her. Then she thought about the fight in the alley. How he loved to win. He wouldn’t just find Anton. He’d want to destroy him and in the process might be destroyed. “No, I have to handle Anton myself.”

“Why?”

“Because Anton will stop at nothing.”

“How do you know?”

“He killed my husband.”

N
ikki stared at her sister, dumbfounded. “You think Delong was murdered?”

“I know he was. There’s no proof, and to others it appeared that his death was an accident or suicide. His cancer was in remission and some speculated that his cancer had come back and he couldn’t face it. But that wasn’t it. He was in good health and looking forward to the future. He wouldn’t have left me like that, and he didn’t have accidents. He was very careful. Anton orchestrated it. I overheard him talking to one of the guardians, I mean my captors, that he’d offered Delong over two million dollars just to spend some time alone with me. Delong refused and Anton felt insulted, as if Delong didn’t think he was good enough for me, so he took him out of the picture. He knew I had few ties and that I traveled so frequently that no one would suspect anything when I disappeared.”

“You’re right. Initially people wondered where you were, but we all assumed you went into seclusion, and soon everyone lost interest.”

“He counted on that. Nikki, he’s a dangerous man.”

“So what are you going to do about JD?”

He was a complication. She had to reassure him that things were all right. “I have an idea.” She opened her cell phone and dialed.

“What are you doing?”

“You’ll see,” she said then lightened her voice when JD picked up the line. “Hello, darling.”

“Monica? I’ve been trying to reach you.”

She wanted to rush out of the bathroom and into his arms and tell him everything, but she had to be strong. For his sake. “I know. I’ve been busy.”

“What are you doing right now?”

She glanced around, searching for an idea. “I just finished taking a bath.”

“One day that’s going to be something we do together.”

Monica glanced at her sister and blushed. She decided to change the subject. “You sound like you’re at a party.”

“Yes, I am, and I have some good news for you.”

“What?”

“Venus is wearing one of your necklaces.”

“Venus, the top model? I thought she’d gone into seclusion.”

“She’s not anymore.”

“Is she beautiful?”

“She’s gorgeous. How would you like a trip to the city?”

“I don’t—”

“Darling, I know you’re shy, but you can’t miss this opportunity.”

“JD, stop thinking business and just enjoy the party.”

“I’ll try.” He hesitated. “Are things okay with you? I got a strange call from Treena.”

Monica cringed. She didn’t need Treena worrying about her, too. “I was just telling her that I thought I’d seen evidence of another dogfight. But I was wrong.”

“I can stop by in a day or two if there’s any trouble.”

Her heart began to race. That was the last thing she needed. “No, I’m fine. Really.”

“How about I come just to cause some trouble?” he said in a sexy, playful tone.

“Another time. Oh, I have to take something out of the oven.”

“I guess I’ll let you go.”

“Yes, good night.”

“Good night.”

Monica put the cell phone back in her purse and Nikki shook her head. “You’re never going to get away with this.”

“I need it to work, just for tonight.”

The two women left the bathroom.

“There you are!” Lavinia said, grabbing Nikki by the arm. “I have to get your opinion on my new chaise longue.” She dragged Nikki away, leaving Monica alone to mingle with the rest of the crowd. After an hour she slipped into the hallway for some space away from the stares and questions. That’s when she saw him. He was at the far end of the hallway. She could see
how the light glinted off his glasses. He moved toward her and the light illuminated his features.

“Hello, Venus,” Anton said.

Monica froze.

“Don’t look so surprised. You knew I’d come. I’m surprised you didn’t notice me sooner. I’ve been watching you all evening. Watching you with different people, especially Rozan. Funny how he talks about his little jewelry maker Monica all the time.”

“What do you want?”

Anton’s gaze traveled the length of her. “You know what I want.”

You’re not going to get it.
“I won’t tell anyone.”

“No, I’m not worried about that.” He turned and stared at the elegantly lit crowd inside the ballroom.

Monica saw his gaze focus on JD. “You leave him alone.”

Anton grinned. “Is that some kind of threat?”

“It’s a warning.”

“Nothing will happen, if you behave yourself.”

“I have nothing to offer you. You have everything a man could hope for.”

Anton shook his head. “No, not everything. I don’t have a wife.”

Monica’s mouth fell open. Of everything she’d expected, she hadn’t expected that. “What?”

“I’ve reached the age where I’m ready to settle down.” His voice deepened to huskiness and he lightly fingered her hair. “From the first moment I saw you, I knew I had to have you. No other woman has burned in my heart and mind. I need you. I want you. I love
you and I have to have you. Marry me and I’ll let all the others go. You’ll have anything your heart desires.”

“And if I don’t marry you?”

“People will get hurt.” He held out a piece of cloth. It was the hem of one of Lola’s signature West African dresses. The look of horror on Monica’s face made him smile. “It’s your choice.”

Monica took the cloth and traced her finger over the pattern. At least she was still alive, but for how long?

“You know where I’ll be. Meet me there in two hours.” He glanced at JD. “Don’t forget to say goodbye,” he said then left.

Monica continued to stare at the cloth. She held Lola’s life in her hand, and the other women were still trapped. He wanted to marry her and then they would be set free. If she didn’t…

She shoved the cloth into her purse then went and found her sister.

“I have to go.”

“You saw him?” Nikki guessed, reading her sister’s troubled face.

“Yes. I’ll take a taxi.”

“No, let me go with you.”

“I have to do this alone.” She wouldn’t let anyone risk their life for her again.

Nikki hugged her. “Be careful.”

“I will.” Monica dashed into the hallway, ordered a cab and got her coat. She exited the grand house and waited outside in the circular driveway where two valets were on a smoke break, waiting for the taxicab that had been summoned.

Her phone rang. JD—again. She took a deep breath then answered. “Hello?”

“Just as I thought,” a voice said behind her.

Monica spun around.

JD put his phone away, his expression unreadable. “My father told me he liked the catbird because it reminded him that things weren’t always what they seemed.” He stopped in front of her. “I knew you were beautiful, but never expected this.”

She stared at him. “You’re not mad?”

His mouth curved in a hint of a smile. “I won’t be if you’ll let me in on the joke.”

“Joke?”

“This game you’ve been playing all these months.”

“It’s not a game and I can explain it, but not right now. There’s no time.”

His good humor vanished. “Are you in trouble?”

The taxi drove up and Monica marched toward it. “I really have to go.”

“I’ll go with you.”

She held her hand out to keep him at a distance. “No.”

JD took her hand and brought her close. “Monica, tell me what’s going on.”

“I love you more than I’ve loved anyone, and if you love me too, you’ll let me go.”

JD sighed heavily. His voice cracked with misery. “God, don’t ask me to do that. Not if you’re in danger.”

“Please.”

He cupped her face in his hands, his dark eyes filled with anguish. “Somehow I knew it was all too good to be true.”

“No, it was all real. It is real. Every last bit of it.” Monica kissed him, determined to make him believe her. She didn’t want him to rebuild his wall against the world and she wanted to indulge in the sweetness of his lips one last time. She pulled away then repeated her plea. “Now let me go.”

He tightened his grip, his voice urgent. “Just tell me—”

“I can’t, Jasper Douglas.”

He clenched his jaw and narrowed his eyes. “I told you never to call me that.”

“I know. Are you mad enough to let me go?”

JD stared at her for a long moment then hung his head and released her. “Will you come back to me?”

“If I can, yes.”

His head shot up and he searched her face but didn’t ask her to explain.

Monica got into the taxi and closed the door. “Just drive,” she ordered. She didn’t look back as the taxi sped away.

I
t would end tonight. Monica rode the elevator to Anton’s hotel suite. He always stayed at the Madison on his visits to the city. She got to his room and knocked on the door. The door slowly swung open. She hesitated then stepped inside and removed the gun from her purse. She saw his jacket thrown over a chair. A book lay open on the dining table and the TV was on. That wasn’t like him. Anton liked to leave things in order. She saw a vase overturned and went toward it but stopped when she heard footsteps coming down the hall. She ran behind a curtain and waited.

The footsteps came through the front door then hesitated. Monica peeked through the curtains and saw JD.

“What are you doing?” she demanded, coming out from her hiding place.

“I followed you.”

“Why?”

He raised his brows. “Why do you think? Did you really think I’d let you go without a fight?”

Monica made a small sound of frustration. “You shouldn’t be here. This is not how I planned it.”

“Well, I am and you can’t change that. I thought you needed my help, and I was right.” He held out his hand. “Give me the gun. You killed for me once. I’ll do the same for you, if I have to.”

“You could go to prison.”

“Better me than you.” He snatched the gun from her. “What kind of trouble are you in?”

“Anton Stevens is blackmailing me. He’ll kill people if I don’t marry him.”

“A romantic rival?”

“This is not a time for jokes.”

“I’m not trying to be funny,” JD said, surveying the room with a grim look. “This doesn’t feel right.”

“I know. I—”

He abruptly held up his hand for silence then pressed his fingers against his lips. She nodded in understanding.

He turned and walked toward the other room then a loud crash pierced the silence. Monica and JD ran toward the sound and halted in the doorway of the study. Anton lay facedown with blood seeping from his head. A woman stood over him with a gun and a silencer. She swung it around to them.

JD shoved Monica behind him. “We’re not here to hurt you,” he said in a gentle voice.

The gun wavered in her hand. “I had to do it.”

“I know,” Monica said.

The woman let the gun drop. “He killed my husband.”

“I’ll handle this,” JD said. “Monica, get out of here.”

“Why?”

“When the police come the media will soon follow. They’ll swarm this place and you won’t be able to leave.”

“I’m not going anywhere. I’m tired of running.” Monica walked over to the woman and put her arm around her. She looked dazed and in shock. “Come on and sit down.”

“He killed my husband.”

Monica led her to the other room. “Mine, too.”

The young woman looked up at her with shining eyes. “Really? Reginald was such a good man. I was worried about the distance and how far away he’d be, but he wanted to get the money so that we could start a family. He was only there a few months before he killed him. They sent me flowers and paid for everything, but it wasn’t enough. He couldn’t give me my husband back. So I tracked him down. I got the name of a man they said did that sort of thing and he led me here. Now I know my life is over.”

“We’ll get you one of the best lawyers around,” Monica said, certain that JD could find someone to help her.

Within minutes the police arrived and Alice Bower, Reginald Bower’s widow, was put in handcuffs and led away. JD and Monica were also taken to the police station to give their statements. Afterward they had to duck the paparazzi, which had gotten wind of the story, by sneaking out into the alley dressed as bums. They
both knew that sex, murder and revenge would sell, especially with three high-profile figures involved. Once they’d gotten to the end of the street they jumped into a waiting car that JD’s associate, Cliff, had hired for them.

Gerald Hicks watched from the shadows as the car disappeared into the New York night. He’d have to get into a new line of work, but it had been worth it. He’d gotten paid and had enough money until he came up with a new situation. He couldn’t let Stevens have Venus. A woman like her deserved to be free.

And Alice Bower deserved her revenge. When his cousin had asked him to find Stevens for her, he’d resisted at first until he heard the price and the reason. Stevens had made the guardians angry by disposing of one of their own so callously. They had been used to him getting rid of the girls, but when it came to one of their own, Stevens had made an error. They were like a family, and family mattered. He hoped that Alice enjoyed pulling the trigger. The guy had a lot of enemies who’d thank her for what she did.

Gerald turned from the street and thought of calling Anika to keep his bed warm, but he changed his mind. Instead, he began looking for a place to get a drink. He deserved it. He’d set a goddess free.

“When did you first suspect I was Venus?” Monica asked as Cliff drove them to a private location where the paparazzi wouldn’t find them for a while.

“The moment I touched your neck,” JD said, letting
his finger make a sensuous trail down it. “When I put that necklace around you, I knew.”

“And you didn’t say anything?” she asked in disbelief.

“I wanted to know what you were up to.”

“I can’t believe I didn’t see it.”

He sent her a sly look. “I’m also good at hiding things.”

“You’re sure you’re not angry?”

“I was at first,” JD admitted after a pause. “I couldn’t believe you didn’t trust me.”

Monica grabbed his hand and pressed it against her chest. “I do trust you.” She kissed the back of it. “I did then, too, but I was frightened. I’d seen what Anton could do, and I couldn’t stand the thought of losing you.”

JD’s gaze roamed over her face, as if he still couldn’t believe she was real. “The moment you came into my life, I was a new man. It took me a while to recognize it, but I know it now. You taught me that happiness is a choice and that I have to fight to keep it. Letting it go is the easy way out, and I finally understood what my father and grandmother wanted for me. But I want you to learn something from me. I want you to know that you never have to be afraid again. You’re always safe with me. To me you’re a treasure worth dying for, and I’d give my life for you without hesitation.”

His ardent words shook Monica to her core and frightened her a little. It was too much of a sacrifice. “And I’ll die for you.”

JD shook his head. “No, I want you to do something my father asked of me.”

“What?”

He gathered her close. “Live for me.”