Dirty Little Secrets (15 page)

Chapter Twenty-Eight

“Dominic, we need to call the police. We need to do something.”

“Ava, you know why we can’t involve the police.”

Another tear slipped down Ava’s cheek as they drove. Finding her child gone had rendered Ava so hysterical, she’d been ready to tear the world apart. Dominic had held her as she’d cried and raged about finding her child missing. Then he’d carefully rearranged the room and checked them out of the hotel. With Maia and Mrs. Valdez missing, there was no telling if the person that had taken them was still watching the hotel or not. They needed to be elsewhere. Somewhere safe. But to Ava no place was safe.

“I don’t care what they think of me, Dominic. If they can help find my baby, I’m willing to grovel before anybody. I just want my little girl home,” Ava said.

“Baby, I know you’re scared. I’m scared too, but we need to put this in perspective. If someone had wanted to hurt Mrs. Valdez and Maia, they could’ve done it right there in the hotel. There was no need to take them away.”

Ava looked at her lover. “What are you saying?”

“That whoever took Maia isn’t going to hurt her. This was done to send a message.”

“And what message would that be? We’re sick creeps who kidnap children?”

“No. Whoever is behind this wants you to know that they can get to you one way or another.”

“And what am I supposed to do now? Just sit around and wait? I can’t do that, Dominic. My child is missing.”

“You aren’t going to have to wait for anything.”

Dominic pulled into the parking lot of the new hotel they were moving to.

“How can you say that?”

“Because things have escalated. Whoever’s behind this wants you to know who they are. They’re going to call and soon.” He killed the ignition and climbed from the Hummer.

What Dominic said made sense. There was a reason her child had been taken. Everything was coming to a head and Ava feared what might happen next. Dominic opened her door. He had gathered their luggage from the trunk. She allowed him to help her down from the vehicle. Ava looked up at the hotel.

“The Four Seasons?”

“Yes. You’ve been in an accident today. You need to be somewhere nice to relax and recuperate before we have our showdown with who’s behind this. Please don’t argue with me, Ava.”

Ava raised her hands. “Fine. You win this round, but if someone has not called me about Maia before tomorrow evening, I’m going to the police.”

“Okay.”

Dominic offered her his arm. She took it leaning on him as they entered the foyer of the hotel. There was a small mill of activity around them. Walking up to the front desk, Dominic pulled out a wad of cash.

“I’d like a suite, preferably one with a Jacuzzi tub.”

The man at the front desk quickly went about taking Dominic’s information and payment and giving him the key to their room.

Soon they were on the elevator heading up. Ava leaned against the wall.

“Baby, you look beat.”

“I am.”

“Don’t worry. I’m going to take care of you tonight.”

The elevator doors opened and they walked down the hallway to their room. Dominic put the keycard in and as soon as the door opened, Ava was inside. She barely noticed the living room and kitchen. Instead she marched straight to the bedroom and fell across the bed. She was so tired. The adrenaline she’d been running on had finally been depleted. Dominic sat their bags down and came over to her.

“I’m going to run you a bubble bath. You look like you could use a nice, long soak.”

Ava nodded as he kissed her brow. She didn’t know where she’d be without him. Watching him leave to run her bath, another tear slipped down her cheek. He knew that she was hysterical her child was gone. So hysterical that she was likely to get herself killed as she rushed headfirst into danger. But he hadn’t let her. Instead he’d patiently talked her down from her hysteria, all the while promising to rain down death and destruction on whomever had dared to hurt her in the first place. She loved him for it. She really did.

A man who’d blazed into her life a few odd weeks ago and completely turned it upside down.

“Ava.”

She turned. Dominic stood in the doorway, wearing only his boxers. Her breath caught in the back of her throat.

“Yes.”

“Your bath is ready.”

Slowly she rose to her feet. The aches she’d suffered from the accident were really setting in now. A long, soak in the tub sounded like absolute heaven right about now. Removing her shoes, Ava walked into the bathroom. The tub was huge. Round. A beige color that reminded you of marble. Easily big enough for two people to sit comfortably. She removed her clothes as fast as she could. She winced a little as she bent to remove her underwear. Naked finally, she turned to face Dominic. His eyes were so dark they were almost black. A muscle in his jaw moved as he looked at her.

Ava walked past Dominic and looked at herself in the mirror. There was a dark bruise trailing from her neck to just under her right breast. Her right shoulder was bruised as well.

“I look like crap.”

Dominic’s arms slid around her. She could feel the evidence of his arousal, pressing against her through his boxers.

“No you don’t. I still want to make love to you.”

Ava smiled. “You do?”

“Yeah, but I won’t.”

She faced Dominic. “Why not?”

“You’re bruised. The last thing you need is me pawing all over you.”

Ava rose up on her tiptoes and stared into his eyes. “That might be exactly what I need.” She kissed him.

He tried to resist. Tried turning his head, but he eventually gave in to his desire for her. His tongue slid inside her mouth, tasting her. She moaned against his lips when one of his hands caressed her breasts. This was what she needed. To be with him. To try and block out the fear that nearly had her immobilized. She clung to his shoulders, but then he was gently pushing her away.

“That’s enough, Ava. You need to get in the tub before the water gets cold.” His tone was harsh.

She nodded, unable to meet his gaze. Walking around him, she eased her body into the warm sudsy water. He stood watching her as she leaned back against the tub. His shorts did nothing to hide his prominent arousal.

“Join me?”

“I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”

“Dominic, please. I need you. Even if you don’t want to make love at least get in and hold me.”

He nodded. She bit her lip as he removed his shorts and climbed in the tub next to her. He really was a magnificent specimen. All muscle.

“Satisfied?” he asked.

“No. Not yet.”

Before he could discern her intentions, she was sitting in his lap, her back resting against his chest. His manhood pressed into her bottom.

Dominic grunted. “Ava, please…”

“What am I doing?”

“You’re tempting me.”

“I’m not trying to.”

“Liar.”

Ava smiled. Okay. Maybe he was right. She gasped when she felt his hand between her legs. Already his skilled hand had lit her fire.

“Dominic.”

She eased herself more fully onto his hand. She squirmed as one more finger joined the first inside her. Gritting her teeth, she grinded against him as her orgasm hovered closer and closer. Dominic kissed the side of her neck as he fingered her. And then she felt his tongue in her ear. Ava cried out as the orgasm exploded between her thighs. Gasping she sagged wearily against Dominic. He kissed her cheek and removed his fingers from her body.

“Satisfied now?” he asked.

“Partly.”

“That’s going to have to be enough.”

“But what about you?” she asked.

“I’ll survive.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive. Now relax and stop trying to coerce me not to act like a gentleman.”

“Fine. You win.”

Ava lay back and closed her eyes. The warm water was wonderful on her skin. Already she could feel some of the soreness easing away. Dominic’s arms enfolded her and she relaxed. Sex could wait and now that she took a moment to think, it had never really been about sex in the first place. Sex was a mere distraction from the madness that was her life. Maia was missing and Ava was scared to death. Her little girl was the most important person in the entire world. Ava sniffed back a tear and a thought struck her as she opened her eyes.

“Do you think Gina’s murder has anything to do with someone taking my daughter?”

“I hadn’t thought of that, but what do you and Gina have in common besides your friendship?”

“She’s referred some clients to me, but that’s it. Maybe I’m barking up the wrong tree.”

“Maybe, maybe not. Either way, we’re going to get Maia back. You have my word on that, Ava.”

She nodded and closed her eyes again. They were going to bring Maia home. She had to believe that with her whole heart. Anything less was unthinkable.

“Ava, wake up.”

Ava opened her eyes. She was lying in bed. Dominic sat next to her. She eased up slowly.

“How did I get in here?”

“I carried you. Duh,” Dominic said, smiling.

“I’m sorry I fell asleep on you.”

“You don’t need to apologize. You’ve had a long day. I ordered room service.”

Ava sat up. She noticed that although Dominic had brought her to bed, he hadn’t dressed her. She sat up naked and leaned against the headboard. Dominic handed her a tray. She took off the cover and her mouth nearly watered. Shrimp scampi, one of her favorites. Ava eagerly dug into the food. Dominic settled on the bed beside her eating a rib eye. She eyed his plate. He caught her looking and smiled.

“Craving a little red meat?” he teased.

“I was but you decided not to give me any.”

Dominic stopped eating and just stared at her. It seemed she’d rendered him speechless. Putting her plate down, she carefully climbed over him and retrieved a bottle of water from the room service cart. Opening it, she drank half of it down before she took a breath. Dominic chewed on a piece of steak, trying his best not to look at her. She knew what had him so on edge. He was worried about Maia and probably wondering if he could get to her child in time.

The sound of a cell phone ringing nearly made Ava drop the bottle of water. It was her cell phone. She looked at Dominic, frantic.

“I’ll get it.”

He put down his plate and walked to where her purse was on the table. Quickly he dug inside and pulled out her phone. He looked at it before handing it to her. With shaking hands, Ava answered the call.

“Hello?”

“Nice to hear your voice again. Seems you made it out of your little mishap okay.”

It was him.

“When I’m done with you I’ll be the last woman you terrorize.”

“That’s pretty tough talk. I’d tone it down if you ever want to see your daughter again.”

Ava swallowed. “Where’s Maia? What have you done to her?”

“Nothing yet. The rest depends on you.”

“What do you want?”

“To end this. It’s time you finally paid for your transgressions.”

“I just want to see my daughter.”

“Eight a.m. The old Woolworth warehouse on Twenty-Third. The back door will be unlocked. Come alone. If I smell any cops, you’ll never see the girl again.”

The caller hung up. Ava stared at her phone.

“Ava, what did he say?”

She repeated what the caller said to her as tears formed in her eyes.

“It’s all going to be okay. Tomorrow morning we’re going to end this once and for all. I promise you. We are going to get Maia back safe and I will die before I let anything happen to her, or you. Trust me, Ava.”

As Dominic took her into his embrace, Ava sent up a silent prayer to the heavens. She was going to need an angel to get her through what was to come.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Ava clutched her hands in her lap. Sleep had been all but impossible after the phone call she’d received. Drifting in and out of consciousness, her dreams had been ones that she’d rather forget. She still shivered at the memory of them. But she couldn’t let dreams affect her. Not today of all days. She had to be on her guard. The enemy who’d stalked her, who’d dared to take her child would be revealed and Ava had no idea what to expect next. Today could be the last day of her life.

No. You can’t let that happen. You have a child to protect.

Not only Maia, but the man she loved as well. She glanced over at Dominic as he drove. His face betrayed no emotion and that scared her more than anything. She knew that look. She’d seen it on Joseph’s face many times and it could only mean one thing: death was coming and she was staring at its wielder. Reaching over, she touched his hand. He never took his eyes off the road, but he softly squeezed her hand. He was still in there somewhere. The man she loved hadn’t completely been claimed by his killer instincts. Ava tried to remove her hand but he held on to it tight.

“I told you not to worry. I’m going to protect you,” Dominic said.

“I can’t help but worry. We both know that there’s a strong chance we’re walking into an ambush.”

“Yes.”

“Then how can you be so calm?” Ava asked.

“Because I’m prepared for whatever happens.”

“What does that mean? The way you said it…it sounds like what a man resigned to die says.”

Dominic laughed. “Ava, you should know me better than that. Do you really think I’d let myself get killed and leave you alone?”

“No, but neither one of us knows what we’re about to face.”

“Yes we do. A man so cowardly he had to kidnap an innocent little girl to coerce you into meeting with him. He’s going to pay for this, Ava. I swear to you.”

“Of course he is. If you don’t get him I will.”

Her free hand touched the purse on her lap. She wasn’t going into this defenseless. Her pearl-handled pistol lay comfortably inside her purse. Ava was ready to use it at a moment’s notice.

Dominic cracked a smile. “I know you will. That’s one of the reasons I love you so much.”

Ava blinked back a tear. “Please don’t get emotional on me now. I’m barely holding it together as it is.”

“It’s time to keep holding it, Ava. We’re here.”

Ava looked around. They were parked in the alley behind the old Woolworth building. The empty store loomed in front of them, menacing and terrible. She swallowed. The moment had finally arrived.

“Let’s do this,” Ava said. She made a move to open the door.

“Ava, wait.”

She looked at Dominic. “Yes?”

“Remember the plan. You go in and I’ll be right behind you. Whoever this man turns out to be, you keep him talking long enough to find out where Maia is and for me to get a shot at him. Then it will be all over. Can you do that?”

“I’ll do whatever is necessary to bring Maia home.”

Dominic leaned across and kissed her. Their lips met in a hungry kiss as both conveyed through passion what they were afraid to say out loud.

“I’ll see you inside,” she said.

With shaking hands, she opened the vehicle door and climbed down. Shutting it behind her with a final slam, she walked towards the back door of the building. Ava clutched her purse as she looked at her surroundings. She didn’t see or hear anything but she wasn’t dumb enough to believe that she was alone. There was someone out there aware that she had arrived. As she reached the back door, she glanced back. Dominic was waiting for her to enter. A black Beretta rested easily in his hand. He nodded at her.

Ava licked her suddenly dry lips and then she opened the door. It came open with a loud creak.
No chance for the element of surprise now.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped inside the warehouse. She tried to be as quiet as possible as she walked across the concrete floor. Rotted wooden pallets lay on the ground to the right and left of her. Dimly lit bulbs hung from the ceiling casting an eerie glowing light throughout the warehouse as she walked. Ava could hear her heart beating wildly in her chest, but she had to ignore it. Fear was one emotion she could not afford to show today.

“Where are you, you son of a bitch? You wanted me. I’m here. Show yourself.”

Her voice rang out, echoing inside the building. She clutched her purse tighter. Taking a few more steps she stopped. The echo of footsteps was coming her way. It was time for a showdown. Reaching inside her purse, she gripped her pistol tight. Her mouth was dry as she waited. A shadowy figure appeared in the distance. At an unhurried pace, the figure came towards her. A hanging light cast a spotlight less than two feet in front of her. As the cloaked shape finally stepped into the light, Ava pulled her pistol from her purse and aimed.

“It was you? This whole time?”

Angelo Martelli stood in front of her. A vein throbbed in his neck. His face was flushed and a bead of sweat ran from his forehead. His eyes were wide and crazed.

“You drove me to this.”

Ava cocked the hammer of the gun. “I drove you to kidnap your own niece? I suggest you tell me where my daughter is.”

“You still don’t understand, do you?” Angelo asked.

“No I don’t and what I don’t have time for is mind games. Where is Maia?”

“I didn’t take her. That part of the plan was not my doing.”

“What do you mean not your doing? Tell me what is going on before I put a bullet in a place that will make you wish you were dead.”

Angelo raised his hands in the air. “All I wanted was for you to turn to me. For you to finally realize that with Joseph gone you and I should be together. That I could be everything to you that you missed with him, but you wouldn’t have it. You pushed me away at every turn. You turned to Joseph’s bastard instead of me.”

“So that was an excuse to stalk me, try to kill me and kidnap Maia, your own flesh and blood? You’re sick Angelo, sick.”

“You still aren’t listening. I didn’t do that. Any of that. All I did was create a situation where I knew you’d turn to me, but you didn’t, even then.”

“Angelo, what are you talking about?” Ava shouted.

“Gina.” He lowered his arms and stared at her. “Gina.”

“You mean how you showed up and stopped the police from taking me to jail?”

He shook his head slowly. “No.”

An icy chill went up Ava’s back. “Then what are you talking about?”

“I’m the one who had your friend killed.”

Ava nearly dropped her gun. Gina. The one friend who’d understood what it was like to be a woman in the business world run by men. The woman who’d had a zest for life. Gina. Angelo had taken her away. Steadying her gun, Ava aimed and fired. Angelo fell to one knee. He held his right leg. Blood bubbled where she’d shot him in the thigh.

“You bitch.”

“You just admitted you killed Gina. Why did you do it, Angelo? What did she ever do to you?”

He looked up at her, clutching his bleeding leg. “Nothing. She was just a means to an end. I had one of my guys kill her and point the police in your direction. The Sambarino kid was supposed to go down for her murder and you were supposed to turn to me, distraught over the loss of your friend and grateful to me for clearing things up with the police.

“I would’ve gotten Dominic out of your life once and for all and you would’ve been mine. Things would’ve been the way they were supposed to be.”

“You are well and truly out of your mind. Nothing on this earth could ever make me want to be yours. My skin crawls just being in the same room with you. You killed an innocent woman for nothing. I will never be yours, Angelo. Never.”

A tear slid down Angelo’s face. “I see that now. It was all a waste, but love will make you do crazy things.”

“You don’t know the first thing about love. Don’t you dare call your sick obsession with me love. Now tell me where Maia is before I put an end to your miserable existence.”

“I don’t think you’ll be doing that,” a voice called out from the darkness.

Goosebumps rose on Ava’s arms. That voice. She knew that voice. At least she thought she did.

“And why wouldn’t I put him out of his misery?” Ava asked out loud.

“Because for all his intentions he is still family.”

“Not mine,” Ava said.

“Yes. You were never too fond of him, were you?”

A figure stepped into the spotlight. Ava gasped, taking a step back. A man stared at her with black, dead eyes. His slicked-back hair was slightly peppered with grey. A crisp black suit fit his frame as if it had been made for him. Ava wanted to scream.

“Joseph?”

He laughed. The same menacing laugh she’d heard all those years ago as he ordered her father to be beaten to death. Her late husband had risen from the dead and from the look in his cold eyes, this reunion was not going to be a pleasant one.