Insidious (31 page)

“Don’t do that,” Stewart reprimanded. “You don’t ever need to look at me with fear. I’m not going to put these back on, not today.” He sucked each nipple. “I’ll admit, once I realized the clamps hadn’t been removed, I wanted to see your eyes as he took them off. I wanted to know exactly what you were feeling. I miss that with your eyes covered. I miss seeing your thoughts.”

If he only fucking knew my thoughts.

Though he tenderly caressed my breasts, the soreness of my nipples rippled through me. I clenched my teeth to keep from crying out.

“That must feel invigorating, as the blood rushes back and your nipples fill.”

Invigorating? It hurt like hell.
That was why my mascara was smeared. I could stop the tears from the humiliation—I’d learned to do that. However, sometimes stopping the tears from physical pain wasn’t possible.

The bed shifted as Stewart stood. “I’m so proud of you, baby. This was an important friend and he wants to visit again. You don’t know how happy that makes me. We want to keep our friends happy, don’t we?”

Was this a time he wanted an answer? Because if he did, my answer was
fuck no!
His friends can find their fucking happy place somewhere else.

As Stewart removed his clothes, he said, “I’m over dressed for my gorgeous wife. I mean look at you. Your pussy is still hungry. I love watching you come. You’re going to do it again, and this time when you do, you’re going to scream my fucking name. Will you do that for me, Tori? Will you scream your husband’s name?”

I fucking hate you!
“Yes, Stewart, I’ll scream your name.”

He held his hard cock in both hands. Getting back on the bed, he kneeled near my face and ran one hand up and down the length. “Oh, darling, I’m going to fuck that wet pussy until you do just that, until you scream my name, but I’m not coming inside of you, not this time. I’m going to fucking come on those sexy tits of yours. Then I’m going to watch as you rub my come around those nipples.” He leaned closer, nuzzling his nose against my neck. “See, baby, I promised I’d make them feel better. There’s nothing like some of your husband’s come to cure all your pain. Isn’t that right?” He smeared the glistening fluid from the head of his cock over my lips. “Lick your lips, Tori, let me see that tongue.”

I did as he said. His unique, salty flavor helped me forget the taste of his special friend. I hated this, yet I wanted more—more to take away the friend. Stewart had done this to me, made me this way. I hated him, but somehow needed him.

“Oh, fuck,” he continued, “now I can’t decide if I want to fuck your mouth or your pussy. So many choices.” Again, he teased my lips. “Open wide, I’m going to start with your pretty little lips. You did a good job with our friend. Every time you swallow, I get hard.”

He knelt over my face and reached above me on the headboard. I opened my mouth and moved my chin upward, to accommodate his length.

“So fucking good.” He moved in and out; his familiar scent loosened my muscles and involuntarily caused my body to react. Wanting this over, I sucked harder.

“Baby, not so greedy. You don’t want to make me come yet. That pussy of yours wants a turn.”

“Vik?”

I opened my eyes and turned toward my sister. “What?”

“I was talking and you were totally zoned out.”

“I’m sorry. I have a lot on my mind.”

No, I didn’t fucking feel bad that Stewart was dead or that he suffered. I didn’t give a damn what Travis said. Stewart deserved every minute of pain and agony. When the fucking door closes on this vault, I will secretly rejoice. And if there were people who thought they could get me back in that position, well, they didn’t know the real Victoria Harrington.

The real Victoria Harrington was not a whore. As I looked down at my black dress, black nylons, black shoes, and black purse, I straightened my shoulders and felt the weight of the large brimmed black hat. No, I was a fucking widow—a black widow—I wouldn’t go back without a fight.

Unconsciously, the corner of my lip rose. As it did, I caught Travis’ eyes in the rearview mirror.
Did he know?
He seemed to know so much.
Did he know I was a killer?

“Vik? Hello?”

I looked toward my sister and sighed. “Val, I’m fine, really.”

“You’re not fine. You’re overwrought. I’m coming home with you. I don’t have to be back to the hospital until tomorrow evening. I’m staying. I’m also getting you a script for Ambien, the kind that not only helps you fall asleep but stay asleep.”

I shook my head. I didn’t want that. I wanted to talk to Parker. I needed to know why he possibly thought I’d sign those papers. “I don’t need a babysitter,” I huffed and tilted my head toward the front of the car. “I already have one and don’t forget Lisa and Kristina. I think the position is well covered.” I reached for her hand and squeezed. “I’d love to spend time with you, but I just want to go home and get away from all of these people.” The car turned into the cemetery and toward the columbarium.

“Are you going to stay at the penthouse, or go out to the estate?” she asked.

“Honestly, I haven’t given it that much thought. For now, I’ll be at the apartment.”

She put her hand on my knee. “I know it’s hard to think about the room where he died. Usually they recommend that you don’t do anything to it for a while.”

I shook my head. “I’ve already had it cleaned out. It smelled. The furniture is gone. His clothes are gone.” Val’s eyes widened as I spoke. “I’ve had a few things boxed, but honestly, I think there are charities that can benefit.” The car stopped.

“That’s nice, but you shouldn’t—”

This time I patted her knee. “Sis, I love you. I know you know what
should
be done. I’m doing what I need to do. If I regret it later, you can tell me I told you so.”

The door opened and the sunshine streamed in. Reaching for my dark sunglasses and securing my purse, I scooted toward the door. “Stay with me, Val. Please run interference with Mom. I can’t deal with her right now.”

Val nodded as we both stood. Under my black hat and dark glasses, my gray eyes shimmered with delight. I wanted to watch the vault close once and for all.

Stoically, we stood, Val, myself, and Travis, Mother, Marcus, and Lyle behind us as well as a few special mourners who’d been invited to this private ceremony. The minister offered more words of praise for the life lost too young. I even caught his mention of the reward in heaven for Stewart’s devoted wife. He was wrong. I would never see heaven, and my reward was the sound of the small door closing.

I’d done it. The evidence was gone and so was Stewart.

Walking back to the car, Marilyn reached for my arm and whispered. “Please, Victoria. I need to speak with you. Tell that goon to take Valerie to the other car with the boys. I need to speak to you alone.”

“Mother…” Val said.

I looked at Marilyn’s hand on my arm and slowly brought my eyes to hers. Through clenched teeth, I whispered, “This is hardly the time or the place for—”

With more spirit than she’d had since Randall’s death, since she’d truly become dependent on Stewart and me, she retaliated. “This isn’t about money. I know Marcus’ tuition is paid.”

My eyes widened. Money was our only topic of conversation.
What the hell did she think I’d want to say to her?
She misinterpreted my change of expression.

“Thank you for that, for the money.”

Those words of appreciation were spoken for Stewart, not for me. After the first few times of his demanding gratitude from her, she too learned her place, at least with him. The fact she’d just offered it to me was rather comical.

Her complexion paled as she leaned closer. I saw Travis approaching as her next words registered.

“You need to know something. There are things I never told you.”

Travis began to speak, but she hurriedly continued, “Your father—your biological father—was at the funeral. I saw him.”

The world went black.

ALONE WITH TRAVIS, within the cool interior of the limousine, he spoke, “I assume that catching your ass before it hits the pavement is an acceptable exception to your earlier mandate?” His dark eyes glistened as he watched my every move.

Instead of answering, I pursed my lips together, smoothed my black dress over my trembling legs, and glared at him.

With Val and Marilyn still outside of the car, Travis leaned closer as his lips quirked into a lopsided smirk. “I believe the appropriate response would be ‘well, yes, Travis, thank you for saving my ass. You’re so right. This was an acceptable exception.’”

I narrowed my glare. “You seem to have an issue with who’s in charge here. It’s still me.”

“I’m very well aware of that. If it were me, I’d throw your mother’s bony ass on the ground and back this fucking car over her. She’s a bigger pain in the ass than you.”

I couldn’t contain my laugh. “Why, Travis, I believe that’s the kindest thing you’ve ever said to me. Who knew that under that asshole exterior you had a personality?”

Pulling a bottle of water from the car’s small refrigerator, he handed it to me and asked, “What happened out there?”
Was I actually hearing a genuine hint of concern in his tone?

Taking the cool water, I shrugged and made myself drink.

“Tell me, Mrs. Harrington, will Dr. Conway or Mrs. Sound be riding with you? Or both? Or neither?”

I sat taller, feeling less shaky after having a couple of sips of water. “I want to hear what my mother has to say. She wants to speak to me privately. Ask Val to ride with the boys.” I smoothed my dress again, though it didn’t need it. I looked back to his dark, questioning eyes. “Tell the drivers to go directly to my mother’s house. I don’t want her or the boys coming back to the penthouse with me. After we drop them off, Val can ride with me. She said something about spending the night.” I sighed. “Honestly, I think I might want the medication she promised.”

Travis’ brow rose in question. “Please don’t tell me that we’re going to add prescription drug use to my list of activities to oversee.”

I still had a difficult time believing that my activities were that important to him. I shook my head. “Don’t worry about it. Do you think the good Dr. Conway would do anything illegal?”

He shrugged. “I’m less likely to suspect her than others.”
What the hell?
“Shall I get Mrs. Sound?” he asked again, giving me another chance to change my mind.

Exhaling, I nodded. “Yes, thank you.”

“My pleasure, Mrs. Harrington, although I doubt it will be yours.” The last part he added with a smirk.

Next, he opened the car door and stepped out, momentarily leaving me alone in the large space. As the warming October breeze blew through the open door, I listened to the voices. The first ones that came into range were Marcus and Lyle. Their camaraderie brought a smile to my lips. The boys were as close as Val and I. Although they’d been raised considerably differently than we, their closeness shone light on my dark heart. Apparently, having a bitch like Marilyn as a mother caused you to seek a confidant and a friend. Perhaps she had done one thing right in her parenting. She gave each of us that special sibling. I leaned my head out of the car. “Goodbye, Marcus and Lyle. Thank you for being here.”

They both smiled, reminding me of their father. They both had his brown hair and green eyes. The older they became, the more Randall I saw in them and the less Marilyn.

“You’re welcome, Vikki,” Marcus offered as he came near and reached down to offer me a hug. “Hope you feel better.”

I hugged him back. “I will. I need some rest.”

While continuing our hug, he whispered near my ear, “I know it’s you. Thanks.”

I pulled back, opened my eyes wide, and glanced toward our mother.

He shrugged. “She wants everyone to think that she’s the one paying for everything, but I’m not as young and stupid as I used to be.”

Grinning, I ruffled his hair. “Hey, no one ever said you were stupid. Stupid people don’t get accepted to the University of Miami.”

As he stood taller and smiled, I saw a man where there used to be a boy. “Val told me that you were accepted there too. I’m sorry you didn’t get to go. It’s really a great school. I haven’t been there that long, but I think I’m going to like it.”

At one time attending the University of Miami had been my greatest desire.
Was that me or was it someone else?
As Marcus spoke, Marilyn came near and put her arm around him. “Your father would be so proud of you.”

“Marcus,” I said, with a sad smile. “Keep me posted. Your old sister is proud too.”

“You’re not that old,” he quipped with a nod as he walked back to the second car.

“What did you tell him?” Marilyn asked as she joined me in the first limousine.

Before I could answer, Travis peered in, shook his head, and shut the door.

“Nothing, Mother. I didn’t tell him that I was paying his tuition, if that’s your concern. However, I suggest you try honesty with at least one or two of your children. It might work out better for you.”