His Marriage Trap (17 page)

The next morning Gabby was discharged and Nik took her home and tucked her up in bed. He couldn’t put in to words how terrified he had been when he had seen her laid on the floor and had thought she’d been shot. He never wanted to experience anything like that again. Instead he planned to spend the rest of his life proving to Gabby how much he loved her.

“Morning.”

Gabby smiled contentedly as her husband came up behind her and slipped his arms around her ever extending belly. They both stood on the balcony and gazed out at the pure white sand and blue ocean.

Gabby had been surprised when Nik had whisked her back to the Island of Kostos and revealed that he had bought their lodge. They had spent a lot of time on the Island since. It was where they had first found their love together. When Gabby had run away to the Island she had planned her home there and now she and Nik had done exactly that.

After what had happened Nik hadn’t wanted to stay in the city any more. Especially when the doctors had revealed the pregnancy and he had realised that all he wanted was for his family to be happy. Nik was able to work from the Island and he flew back when there were situations that he couldn’t handle. Gabby had turned her hand to online sessions where she could help people from all walks of life. She still got to do her charity work that meant so much but she also got to spend time with her family. She even managed to help those from Ramona Grove and was glad to have several success stories from there. The most successful to her of course was Fiona who now had a happy and healthy two year old son, a thriving child-minding business that she had been asked to take over, and had just sent them an invitation to her wedding.

Gabby had given birth to their first child on the island and Nik had made sure she had all the professionals she needed. After a long labour filled with some very colourful language aimed at Nik their daughter was born. She was simply perfect and after much discussion they had called her Claire after Gabby’s sister.

Claire had been a handful by herself and yet a year later she had been joined by her younger brother Carlos.

They had decided that two children were more than enough but then Gabby had discovered that she was pregnant with this little one and now their family was complete. Pablo had decided that he wanted to be closer to his grandchildren and he had moved to Island with his new lady friend, Isabella. Together they often had the children overnight which gave Nik and Gabby some quality time together.

Gabby didn’t think that she could be any happier. She just wished that she hadn’t been so stubborn at the beginning of her marriage. If she hadn’t listened to everyone else and had instead discussed everything with her husband then maybe she could have had so many more years of this. She couldn’t even imagine how she could have hated her husband so much because now he was everything to her. She didn’t think that life could get any better than this.

“I love you so much,” she told him as she placed her hand over his and they both smiled as the baby kicked.

“I love you more than you will ever know,” Nik told her.

And Gabby believed every word because she loved him and their children with all her heart and she would do everything in her power to keep them safe and happy.

THE END

CHAPTER ONE

It all started with a wedding!

Blaize still couldn't believe that a man like Carlos Morello had fallen in love with her. She knew that she wasn't the plainest girl but neither was she beautiful. Men had been chasing her all her life but only because of who her father was.

Having a famous mob boss for a father meant that several men had wanted to use her to weasel their way in to her father's good graces. But Carlos had not been like that. He hadn't even known who her father was when they had met and had loved her for her. It had been strange to realise that someone could actually love her and when he had proposed she had been excited to accept.

Even her father had agreed that he was a man worthy of being her husband and he had bought him in to the family business, something which she was not entirely happy with. But today was her wedding day and she only had to get through the next few hours before she would finally be free of her father.

"You look beautiful," her father said and Blaize grinned at him as she surveyed her reflection. The full length ivory gown skimmed her slender curves and made her waist look smaller than it was while her matching heels added to her height. The beaded bodice clung to her creamy breasts seeming to enhance her cleavage and with her minimal make-up and twisted up-do of her dark hair she looked every inch the blushing bride.

"Thank you," she offered him as she took a deep steadying breath willing herself not to cry.

"You make me so proud," he offered and tears sprung to her eyes as she hugged him knowing that though her father may not be the most law abiding citizen he would always be her father and she would always love him.

"I love you daddy," she said and he squeezed her tighter before his phone rang and spoilt the moment.

"I have to take this," he informed her as he reluctantly let her go.

Blaize was used to her father putting business first but fury danced in her gaze as she listened discreetly and realised he was planning a deal to take place at her very own wedding.

"Tell me you are not using my wedding as a front for your dodgy dealings," she pleaded and her father had the good sense to look guilty at the accusation.

"It's good business sense," he tried to explain and Blaize looked livid.

"Good business sense? This is my wedding!" she shouted and her father winced.

"Exactly. The wedding of my only daughter. Who would expect me to be doing anything illegal when my baby is getting married?" he asked and Blaize glared at him.

"Most fathers would be too busy actually watching their daughter get married to care about business," she informed him closer to tears than ever and her father gave a hard sigh as he pulled her back in to his arms.

"I'm sorry baby. I'll make it up to you, I promise," he vowed as he stroked his hand down her back in a smoothing motion like he had done when she was a child.

"I swear daddy. I had better not see anything of this deal," she told him firmly and he smiled as he released her.

"Trust me, Blaize. Your wedding will be perfect," he told her and she narrowed her eyes on him.

"Hmph!" she responded.

"Carlos understood the good sense of business," her father muttered and Blaize froze as she sent her father a mutinous glare.

"He knew about this?" she demanded furiously and her father winced.

"Forget I said that. Now don't be too long. The cars will be here soon," her father said as he backed from the room before she could say another word.

Good thing too. Blaize was furious and if it hadn't been her wedding day she would have made sure that Carlos knew it but today she was in a more forgiving mood. So, with a final look in the mirror she caught up her bouquet and swept from the room with a serene smile on her face.

It seemed barely any time at all before they were standing before their witnesses and proclaiming their love as they were pronounced man and wife. True to her father's word there had been no hint of any deals going down and the wedding was running smoothly. It certainly was the happiest day of her life.

"You may now kiss the bride," 

At these words Blaize smiled up at her new husband as his dark head descended and she gave herself up to the tiny thrills of desire that raced through her at his touch. His hand rested on her lower back pressing her closer and she went gladly. It sounded like fireworks going off in her head and she sighed against his warm mouth.

Until she realised that the fireworks weren't in her head and she jerked her mouth away in horror as she turned to find the church doors banging open and men in police uniforms swarming in.

"Daddy!" she cried as she tried to get to him only to be halted by Carlos as he wrapped a strong arm around her waist and pulled her firmly back against him.

"Be still," he whispered and Blaize struggled harder.

"Dammit, let me go!" she ordered furiously as she resorted to trying her best to kick him hoping for freedom.

"There's nothing you can do," Carlos informed her an instant before he swept her off her feet and in to his arms.

"The hell there isn't. Let me go," she shouted furiously while she watched helplessly as several of her guests were escorted out in handcuffs including her father. She was barely even aware of Carlos carrying her from the church until he lowered her gently back to her feet outside where police surrounded the area. Shouting filled the air and Blaize could only watch as the cars slowly began to disperse filled with many of her guests and her family.

"Nice work, Morello," said one of the officer as he strode past escorting one of her cousins and both he and Blaize froze at the comment before he was led away to the last of the cars.

"What did he mean?" she demanded of her new husband as she looked up in to his tense face suspiciously.

"Nothing," Carlos replied unconvincingly and Blaize's eyes narrowed on his handsome face as she realised for the first time that her husband was lying to her.

"You set this up," she said as realisation struck and her eyes widened in disbelief as he reached over to brush a stray tendril of hair behind her ear.

"You're just tired and upset about your father. You're not thinking clearly," he said and Blaize jerked away from his touch.

"You're lying. What did you do?" she demanded certain that he must have tipped someone off.

"Blaize..." he tried but was interrupted as one of the other officers approached with a grin on his face.

"Biggest take-down in history, Morello. You'll get a medal for this one. See you back at the station," he said as he clapped Carlos on the back before sauntering away and Blaize stared up at him in horror as she stumbled away from him.

"You're a cop?" she asked hoping she was wrong but the guilt on his face proved that she was right.

"Blaize, I can explain," he tried but before he could say more she turned and ran. 

How could this have happened? How could she not have realised that he was using her? That he had never loved her? 

"Blaize!!" 

She ignored his shouts and instead ran sobbing through the woods surrounding the church, not caring where she was heading as long as it was far away from Carlos Morello.

She ran until she could run no more and then she sank to the dirt in a heap as sobs began to wrack her body. 

It was much later when she finally gathered herself together and stumbled to her feet realising that in one day she had lost everything and everyone. She couldn't rely on her father to save her from this and she knew that she needed a plan so after wiping tears from her eyes she began making her way through the now dark woods to a main road. All she had to do was flag down a car and convince them to give her a ride to her old school friend's house. Although they had grown apart in recent years she was certain that Carmen would help her hide out until she could come up with a better plan.

Carlos let loose a weary sigh as he shrugged off his suit jacket and glared down at the paperwork before him. He'd only been doing his job and he knew it was the right thing to take down Eduardo Capone and his goons but he just wished that Blaize hadn't had to witness it.

He was jerked out of his thoughts by the sound of his phone and with a muttered growl he snatched it up.

"Morello," he answered gruffly and was greeted by a dark laugh.

"Bet you think you're clever," said a modified voice and Carlos frowned.

"Who is this?" he demanded and was greeted by another laugh.

"Will you be so clever when your wife lies dead in a ditch?" he was asked and Carlos straightened up at the threat.

"Who the hell is this?" he demanded again and again came that laugh.

"I may not be able to get to you Morello but she's fair game," said the voice and then a dial tone sounded in his ear.

"Shit!" Carlos swore as he threw the phone down.

Blaize was in trouble and he had no idea where the hell she had run off to. But there was no way in hell that he was letting his wife get killed because of him. She shouldn't have even been in the middle of this and now she was firmly his responsibility. So, with a sigh he picked the phone up again and began his attempts to discover his wife's whereabouts.

CHAPTER ONE

A low beeping emitted from the machine beside her and Lilly stared blankly at the monitor unable to summon the energy it took to view the still image upon it. She longed to reach her fingers out and stroke the image with the happiness that swelled in her the last time she had seen this image but she knew before they even said a word that it would be pointless for she would never feel that happiness again.

“I’m sorry, Mrs Wentworth but there’s nothing we can do,” the doctor said confirming her suspicions and Lilly didn’t even blink in his direction as she continued to stare at the monitor even long after they had turned off the perfect little image.

How could her day have ended like this? Especially considering how perfectly it had started out that morning.

She had awoken to the glorious smell of bacon and French toast, her two favourite foods. Her stomach had both grumbled at the idea and rebelled against the smell making her swallow the sick feeling as her husband appeared in the doorway holding a tray of food complete with a vase of lilies.

“We beat the odds,” he commented as he placed the tray carefully beside her before laying his well-built form next to her.

“A month,” she acknowledged almost laughing at his infectious smile as he leaned closer to place a gentle kiss upon her soft lips.

“And they thought we wouldn’t make it to your birthday but here we are. A month in to marriage with many more to come,” he boasted making her laugh aloud.

“I’m sorry sweetie, but I don’t think I can eat this,” Lilly said regretfully as the feeling of nausea strengthened making her wince.

“I got you these,” he offered instead and Lilly gave him a genuine smile as she accepted the saltine crackers and herbal tea.

“Where did you get these?” she asked suspiciously as she nibbled on the crackers, for she knew that their cupboards didn’t hold either of them.

“Mom said they were a godsend when she was pregnant with Jaz,” Connor said and Lilly glared at him as she finished the last cracker.

“You told your mother? I thought we agreed we weren’t telling anyone yet,” Lilly berated and Connor lowered his head in mock shame until she lightly punched his arm.

“I didn’t tell her, she guessed,” he explained and Lilly raised her brows at him.

“She guessed?”

“It’s not like we can keep it a secret for long Lil, You’re already three months and soon you’ll be showing. Do you really mind that mom knows?” he asked with his little boy pout and Lilly fought not to laugh.

Kaycee had practically been a mom to Lilly and she didn’t really mind that the older woman knew about her pregnancy but she had wanted it to remain just their secret for a little bit longer.

“I don’t mind,” she finally said with a sigh and burst out laughing when Connor moved the sheet back so he could bury his head against her still slim stomach.

“I’m sorry baby, but I promise that your grandmother will keep you secret. What’s that? You think mummy’s overreacting? I don’t think you should tell her that,” he said in hushed tones and Lilly couldn’t help the giggles as she lifted his head and placed a gentle kiss on his lips.

“Idiot,” she said teasingly and he smiled as he picked up a single Lilly and tucked it behind her ear.

“Happy birthday,” he offered quietly and she frowned as he handed her an expensive looking box.

“I thought I said no presents,” she admonished and his cheeky grin made her heart flip in her chest.

“So you did,” he acknowledged as he pushed the box closer and with a gracious sigh and a roll of her eyes Lilly opened the box only to gasp in delight at the contents.

“It’s beautiful,” she breathed in wonder as she ran her fingers gently over the gold locket that must have cost him a fortune. It even had an engraving round the outside reading live, love and laugh. Lilies comprised the centre of the locket and she ran her finger over it.

“Look inside,” he offered and she did then tried not to cry at the sight of her and Connor in one side taken from their first date nearly three years ago and on the other side was a picture of their first scan. She was closing the locket when she noticed another engraving on the back that made her want to weep at the thoughtful gift. It read “Lilly, my love, my wife, light of my life.”

She couldn’t believe that he had given her this amazing gift and she pulled him close to give him a proper thank you.

“It’s the most beautiful thing anyone has ever given me,” she told him with tears in her eyes and he smiled down at her as he placed a tender kiss on her temple.

“And you are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met,” he said in complete seriousness making her break in to a beaming smile that was so big it felt like it might actually split her face in two.

“And you are the most incredible man that I have ever met,” she said with a laugh.

“You should eat your breakfast before it goes cold,” Connor suggested and Lilly was amazed to realise that the crackers seemed to have worked for she was famished and the sickness had completely disappeared.

“It’s delicious,” she offered in thanks as she did justice to the spread before her and she gave a mock growl as he filched a piece of bacon and popped it in to his mouth laughing at her empty threats.

Their light-hearted banter became something more charged and Connor took the initiative. Moving the tray aside he showed her one of the benefits to being his wife and what a benefit it was! Afterwards she lay curled in to the crook of his arm as she ran her fingers lightly over his chest and reflected on the day they had met.

She had been just seventeen and trying to assert her independence by getting a job as a waitress, something her father deeply disapproved of despite it being one of the best restaurants in town. To him it was unthinkable that his daughter should demean herself in this way and worse was the thought that people they knew might see her.

Although he put across his opinion every time he saw her, he was also going through a messy divorce with her mother that was taking its toll on him.

Lilly hadn’t forgiven her mother for walking out on them so she could play happy families with another man and his children. It was one of the reasons that she needed the getaway the job provided. Better to lose herself in the job and deal with other people’s problems than focus on her own.

It was during one of her first shifts that she first met Connor. He had been dining with his mother and Lilly couldn’t help but overhear their conversation as she cleared a table nearby.

“This is ridiculous mother. I’ve had plenty of girlfriends,” Connor had said furiously and his mother had laughed.

“Is that what you call those Barbie dolls that barely last more than a few weeks? You haven’t had a single long-term girlfriend,” his mother accused and Connor gave a weary sigh.

“I’m only just twenty-two and not exactly ready to settle down,” he said but his mother shook her head.

“I’m not asking you to get married and have kids,” she denied though she looked hopeful at the thought of grandchildren.

“Then what exactly is it you’re asking?” he questioned as his mother became teary eyed.

“I just want you to find someone to love. Someone who loves you for who you are and not how much you have,” she explained making him feel guilty for she was right that the girls he tended to go for were more interested in his wallet than his personality.

“What if I told you I was seeing someone?” he asked wanting to make his mother happy and she frowned at him.

“Oh? And who would this mystery girl be? Another bimbo?” his mother asked in disbelief. Connor meanwhile fought not to show the guilt of his lie on his face as he surveyed the crowded restaurant trying to think of an answer until suddenly his eyes collided with Lilly’s and a slow smile spread across his face.

She was petite with jet black hair that was tied back in a plait but could not be contained and several tendrils had fallen down to frame her heart shaped face. She smiled at him with her adorable pouty lips that begged to be kissed and revealed a row of brilliantly white teeth. Her green eyes sparkled with amusement as he continued to survey her and he had visions of placing his hands either side of her tiny waist then moving them up to cup her…

“Connor!”

He was jerked out of his reverie by his mother who was scowling at him like it wasn’t the first time she had called his name.

“What?” he asked automatically and his mother shook her head at him.

“I raised you and your brother to be honourable men and yet when I ask you about your supposed girlfriend I don’t even get an answer but just a blank stare,” his mother complained and Connor fought the urge to roll his eyes. Despite his age his mother wouldn’t tolerate backchat and he was very careful to be on his best behaviour around her.

“That’s because I just saw her,” he offered as an explanation and his mother’s eyes narrowed as though sensing a lie.

“Well? Introduce me to the girl,” his mother demanded and Connor hesitated before he slid from his seat and followed the path the girl had taken until he tracked her down at the back of the restaurant.

“Hi,” he said and the girl looked startled at the sound of his voice.

“Hi,” she offered shyly and he grinned down at her making her knees go weak.

“I have a proposition for you,” he suggested and she frowned.

“A proposition?” she asked nervously and he gave her a dazzling smile that did strange things to her equilibrium.

“I need a girlfriend, well a pretend girlfriend to make my mother happy. I was wondering if you would do the honours,” he said and Lilly frowned at him as he named a huge sum of money that he would pay her for this little favour. She didn’t need the money but there were several people who did and she was a generous person.

“I don’t know. I mean I don’t even know you,” she said and that wolfish grin was back.

“My name is Connor. And you are?” he asked making her laugh.

“Lilly,” she told him and a twinkle appeared in his eyes.

“A pleasure Lilly,” he offered as he raised her hand to his lips and brushed a kiss against her knuckles.

“The pleasure will be all mine,” she told him with a smile and he beamed at her as he began to lead her back to the table before hesitating as something popped in to his mind.

“How old are you?” he asked suddenly as he realised that looks could be deceiving and for all he knew this pretty young thing could be fourteen.

“Eighteen,” she blurted out, her heart pounding at the lie for she was only seventeen.

“Eighteen,” he repeated with a relaxed smile. Only four years difference in age, that wasn’t too bad. Most of the women he bedded were in their twenties but he supposed an eighteen year old wasn’t too young.

Lilly winced inwardly as he led her towards his mother. She didn’t know why she had lied only that she really liked him and she didn’t want to change his mind and use some other girl. God knew there were any number who were prettier and smarter than her who would be only too happy to help him.

“Mother this is Lilly. Lilly, my mother,” he introduced and watched as his mother’s eyes travelled over Lilly silently judging whether she was good enough for her son.

“Pleasure to meet you,” Lilly said with a smile as she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and waited for the hammer to fall.

“The pleasure my dear is most definitely all mine. It makes me proud to see my son settling down for a change with a lovely young woman such as yourself. But if I may say so, you do look awfully young,” Kaycee offered and Lilly tried not to look guilty.

“She’s eighteen,” Connor said stiffly and his mother smiled at the girl as she stood to her feet.

“It was lovely meeting you Lilly. I hope you can join us for dinner sometime,” Kaycee suggested before she kissed her son’s cheek and left the restaurant with a smile on her face. She didn’t believe that the girl was eighteen though she did believe that she acted more grown up than most of the women who threw themselves at her son. She didn’t know why but she had the feeling that Lilly would change her son and she smiled to herself as visions of grandchildren danced in her head. Well in the future of course!

Lilly could remember it as if it were yesterday. His mother had swept out of the restaurant and as he had handed her the money he had promised he had looked her in the eye and said,

“What about it?”

“What about what?” she had asked in confusion.

“My mother wants you to come for dinner,” he reminded her and she stared at him unable to believe that he was asking what she thought he was asking.

“Only because she believes we’re dating,” Lilly pointed out and Connor laughed as he grasped her wrist.

“So, how about it? Would you like to go on a real date with me?”

There had been something boyishly charming about him and Lilly hadn’t been able to resist accepting. It had been several weeks before she had gathered up the courage to reveal her true age to him and she had been terrified that he wouldn’t want her anymore.

“You sweet fool,” he had murmured instead as he had dragged her closer and kissed her deeply although he waited until she really was eighteen before he had taken her in to his bed.