Bound by Steel (22 page)

“I wish I had all the answers to your questions, Mr. Steel. Unfortunately, I do not. If you give me some more time, I’ll try to get them for you. Under one condition.”

Ah, I should have known she’d want it on her terms. “And what might that be, Mrs. Harper?”

I watch her stand, smooth over her skirt and saunter over. We’re now standing a foot apart and I automatically brace myself for a slap that never comes. “I will only help you if you let Lyra go on believing she’s my daughter.”

What? She has got to be out of her fucking mind! I take a quick step forward and I’m impressed when she doesn’t cower. I thought I was quite intimidating, but apparently not. Well, I’m sure she’s seen enough violence as a reporter to last her a lifetime. “That’s not acceptable! No deal. I don’t need you to find the answers, Vega. I’m more than capable of finding them myself. I was just hoping that maybe, just maybe, you could shed some light on this precarious situation. That’s all.”

“I’ve no doubt in due time you’ll find the answers, Mr. Steel. But remember, I have access to the media. There are certain facts that I could get much faster than you. What might take you months to find, I could easily acquire in hours.”

Dammit, she’s right... I don’t want to play cat and mouse, but I don’t see any other way. “You have my word that I will let her believe you’re her mother, Vega. But if for some reason she starts to remember the life we had together, then all bets are off.”

“I don’t foresee that happening, Mr. Steel. After all, she didn’t remember you back at the cabin. Suffice it to say you’re not very memorable.” Ouch, that really stings. But I will not tell her that Lyra already remembers me. To some degree. A good poker player never shows his hand.

I don’t have time to respond as Bella crashes through the front door. It’s evident by the way she’s glaring at us that she wants to know what’s been taking so long. So, I say the first thing that comes to mind. “Your mother and I have been having a wonderful chat.” Vega’s eyes widen in horror at the thought of me coming clean. Of course, I wouldn’t do that. “I’ve just informed her that Ryker Steel is Jonathan Day.”

Lyra

I can’t, for the life of me, understand why he would reveal this to my mother. Of all people! She makes a living on piecing little tidbits of information like this as a headline for The New York Times. Is he crazy?

My mother speaks before I can respond. “Lyra, close your mouth. I promise his secret’s safe with me. Now, how about that cup of coffee.”

My mother would never be this blasé about such big news. It’s huge! “Ryker, don’t you see what you’ve done? You’ve played right into her hands. She will use this against you sometime in the future.”

He shortens the distance between us and when his hands land on my cheeks, I try not to melt into his touch. How much did he tell her? “I wanted your mother to know that I’m not the monster everyone made me out to be. Did I fulfill my promise, precious? Did I reunite you with the ones you love?”

“You did, Ryker. And I will be forever grateful.” When his thumb gently strokes my bottom lip, I know he wants to kiss me. Unfortunately, it will have to wait. My mother’s a more pressing problem at the moment. I have to force myself to look away from his mesmerizing stare. He’s just so damn sexy. Quickly, I turn and focus on my mother. “C’mon, Mother. I’ll brew you a fresh cup and then you can catch a later flight. We don’t want Dad to be jealous that you had a visit and he didn’t.” With a smug smile, I grab her by the arm and whisk her far, far away. The last thing I want her to see is the chemistry between Ryker and me. I’m not ready to confess my true feelings for this man. Not until I’ve spoken with Gage. It just wouldn’t be right.

Mother and I don’t bother speaking until we’ve stepped inside the house. “So, how late is Gage working?” And there it is. The subject that I’ve been avoiding at all costs. I try to avoid her stare as she sits down at the kitchen table. I busy myself by grabbing the cream and sugar before brewing her a fresh cup. “Sweetie, did you hear me?”

Once I’ve placed everything on the table, I can’t stall any longer. “Mom. Gage is living in Toronto. He was offered a six-month position and he accepted it.” I feel the crackle of tension the moment our eyes meet.

“Doing what, Lyra? What could possibly be more important than his father’s business? When did all of this come about?”

“Please, I can only answer one question at a time. Gage had an architectural opportunity of a lifetime and he grabbed it with both hands. With his parents’ blessing, I might add. It’s only for six months but if they like what they see, it could be a permanent position.”

“I can’t believe this. Didn’t Gage offer to take you with him? Don’t give me that look, Lyra. Did he?”

“Mom, it’s complicated. I’d rather not talk about it. Besides, that’s not the reason why you came here today. We need to figure out why I’m having these hallucinations. Hell, I feel like I’m going backwards instead of forwards. I haven’t had them in years and all of a sudden they’re back. What’s wrong with me?”

“Do you remember when they started? Perhaps that’s what triggered them.”

Crap! I can’t tell her it happened when I read that note inside of Cody’s collar. Then she would want to know what it said, who it was from. Ugh, my head is spinning out of control just thinking about it. I hate lying to her but I see no other way. “Mom, I really don’t remember. Look, I’m fine now so there’s no reason for you to stay. I’m sorry I panicked. Why don’t you call the airline and see if you can get another flight out tonight.”

She studies me for a beat. I can see her wheels spinning and my heart begins to race. She’s on to me, I just know it. “This wouldn’t have anything to do with your ‘precious’ abductor living next door, now would it?”

Damn! She heard him call me precious.

One Mississippi, two Mississippi, three…

“Of course not, Mother. I had no idea he was next door. I was having a spell and he helped me find Cody. That’s all.”

“Don’t you think it’s a bit odd that he’s living next door to you now that Gage is gone? I don’t like it, Lyra. I don’t like it one bit. I think you should come home with me.”

“I have a job, Mother. I can’t just take off any time you want me to. Look, I know you’re worried about me and I really appreciate your concern. But I’m fine. Really. If you want to stay the night, I understand. But I need to get up early to go to work.”

“I’d feel a whole lot better leaving you if you made an appointment with Dr. Banks. Can you do that for me, Lyra? Please.”

Dr. Banks was the therapist who was treating me for my amnesia. “Fine. Under one condition.” When she nods, I continue. “Can we stop talking about this and go out for a nice dinner instead?”

“If that’s what my girl wants, then that’s what she’ll get.”

After everything that happened earlier, I spend a copious amount of time showering and getting dressed. Once I feel human again, we go out and have a wonderful dinner. Together. And it feels just like old times. All the while, making sure to keep the conversation pointed in her direction. By the time we get home, I’m utterly exhausted. So I excuse myself, crawl into bed and dream of a beautiful man with piercing blue eyes.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

July

Ryker

It’s been over a week since my run in with Mrs. Harper. I have no idea what she’s told Bella, but she’s been keeping her distance. It infuriates me! So every morning, I watch her leave for work. Then the first thing she does when she comes home is let Cody out. I would offer to do it for her but I don’t want to interfere. It’s obvious she’s trying like hell to stay away from me. I, on the other hand, ache for her. I desperately want her to remember me and the life we had. Fuck! And to make matters worse, I haven’t heard a damn thing from her mother. Fortunately, I’ve started my own investigation and I have a few things I need to follow up on. So I’ll be leaving for New York in a matter of hours. Which reminds me, I still need to pack.

This will be the first time in years that I’m staying at my apartment. In fact, I haven’t been there since the day I walked away from my old life. I thought it was about time for me to man the fuck up. As painful as it’s going to be, I need to get it over with. Maybe then, I’ll be able to decide whether I want to hang on to the place or get rid of it. It belongs to Bella and me. That’s why I’ve been hesitant about selling it. Especially now that I know she’s alive. Would she even recognize it if I took her there? Fuck, that’s it! What a great idea. Once she comes home, I’m going to tell her we’re going on a road trip this weekend. And that I won’t take no for an answer.

I’m antsy as I sit on my front steps, waiting for her to come home. Normally, she’s right on time. Just watch, today of all days she’ll have made plans to go somewhere. God, I hope not. I’ve been planning what I’m going to say for the last hour. Over and over again until I have it memorized. She’ll use Cody as an excuse not to come, but I plan on taking her with us. All she’ll have to do is pack a few things and we’ll head out. I’ve already called ahead to let them know I’ll be arriving in the early evening. I thought it best to prepare them since they haven’t seen me in years. The last thing I want is to cause a scene once I get there. It’s bad enough that I’ll be walking in with a woman who they thought was dead. I’ll make sure to introduce her as Lyra Harper so there won’t be any mistakes.

My nerves are just about shot by the time I see her little black Honda driving down the road. Well, here goes nothing. I’m half way there by the time she’s rolling down the driveway. I can sense she’s trying to ignore me but it’s impossible when I open her car door. “Lyra, pack your bags. You’re coming to New York with me this weekend.” Wow! That is so not the way I’ve been practicing it in my head.

I quickly take a step back when she swings her legs out without warning. “I don’t think so, Ryker. But thanks for asking.” Oh, she’s a feisty one today. Well, let’s see if I remember how to calm her the fuck down.

Instantly, I invade her personal space. To the point where I now have her pinned between my chest and the car door. Which she just recently slammed like a petulant child. My hands itch to reach out and touch her. So I let them. Lyra closes her eyes when I wrap my hand around the base of her neck and pull her in closer. Then I allow my other hand to caress the curve of her hip before grabbing her ass. I want her to feel how aroused I am whenever she’s near. I lean down just close enough to whisper in her ear. “It’s not up for discussion, precious. Pack your things now or you’ll be running around naked all weekend. Come to think of it, never mind. We’ll just grab Cody and go.” My precious girl shivers when she feels how fucking hard I am for her.

She’s breathless when she responds, “I can’t, Ryker. It wouldn’t be fair to Gage if I slept with you again. Last time, I never thought I’d see him again. It’s different now.”

I’m so angry that I can feel the bile burning a hole in the back of my throat. Just the thought of her rejecting me to be with him makes me livid. “I’ll understand if you want the white picket fence with the two-point-three kids, Lyra. But please don’t sacrifice yourself because you think it’s the noble thing to do.”

When she shakes her head, I get this sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. “I want you, Ry. God help me, I do.” Aw, hell. That name drives me fucking insane! I want to scream, “That’s right, Bella. It’s me. Your husband.” But I can’t! So I do the only thing I can. I crush my mouth against hers and breathe her air. Taste her lips. And stoke the fire that’s been raging inside of me for far too long. I bite her bottom lip and slide my tongue over the sensitive pink flesh, while her hands slide beneath my T-shirt and worship my heated skin. I’m on fucking fire and the only woman who can put it out is consuming me. “I’ll go with you,” she whispers against my lips. “Only if we sleep separately. I can’t control myself when you’re near me.” I can’t help chuckling at her honesty.

I’m mesmerized when I pull away and gaze into her half-hooded eyes. She’s so beautiful when she’s aroused. Flushed and needy. My cock’s about to burst at the thought of being inside of her again. “I can’t make any promises, Lyra. Since you’re the only woman I’ve been able to think about since the moment we met.” Sonia can attest to that statement.

“Well, how can I refuse a weekend getaway when you’re being so sweet? Unless, of course, it’s just a ploy to get inside my pants.”

“Ah, you caught me.” My hands automatically frame her face, so I can place a tender kiss on her swollen lips. “I’ll try to be on my best behavior but I’m not going to make any promises I won’t be able to keep. Now go pack a bag and let’s get the hell out of here.” I give her a little slap on her ass as she saunters off. With her hips swaying and her blonde hair blowing in the breeze. And once she disappears inside, I try letting go of all the tension I’d been trying to rein in. I’m not a religious man by any means. But right now I’m sending up a silent prayer. I’m hoping once she sees where I live, it will trigger some kind of memory. We were so happy there. All I can do is keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best. The rest is up to her.

Lyra

Before we headed out, I had to give Cody a few minutes alone with Ryker because she was so happy to see him. Her master’s back. It brought tears to my eyes. It was the first time she’d actually seen him since the day I had my spell. Unfortunately for her, all his time and attention had been focused on me that day. Leaving her out in the cold. But he more than made up for it today. She was so glad to see him that we had a hard time getting her in the back seat of his SUV.

Now we’re on our way to his apartment. And I’d be lying through my teeth if I didn’t say I was a bit nervous. What am I doing? My subconscious is screaming at me, “You let him whisk you away hoping for a romantic weekend, Lyra.” Ugh, I know I shouldn’t feel guilty. Wasn’t it Gage who let me go so I could decide what I wanted? Yes, it was. But clearly, I haven’t been able to do the same.

When I suddenly realize where we are, I start fidgeting. Shit! I’m in New York. God forbid any of my mother’s friends see me. If they find out I was in the city and didn’t stop by, I’d get the silent treatment. Which reminds me, I’ve yet to make an appointment with Dr. Banks. That’s the first thing my mom will ask me next time we speak. I know I should see her for my own peace of mind, but now that I’m feeling better I don’t see the point. Who wants to go back in time?