Carnal Beginnings: A dark romantic suspense (Carnal Series Book 1) Read online

  “No, and he would never suspect, um, well, that I’d leave home.”

  Julien frowned and opened his mouth yet hesitated to speak.

  “Sounds creepy as hell if you ask me.” Maura glanced over at Adara. “Maybe you should report him as a stalker.”

  “Taken care of,” Julien replied. “How about we go run some errands, Adara?”

  “All right. But Graham is supposed to come around noon. Maybe I should call him—”

  “We’ll be just down the street and back in time.” He turned to Maura. “Listen, if her friend drops in early, can you ask him to wait and give us a call? We should be back before he arrives.”

  “Sure, he seems like a sweet guy. I’ll keep him busy ’til you get back.” Maura’s kindness made her a good friend.

  “Shall we go?” Julien swept his arm out, gesturing for her to proceed.

  Wobbly legs made for a less-than-graceful exit. “Thanks, Julien. I appreciate all you’re doing. I’m sorry about your car. I can pay—”

  “No, Adara, and remember what I said. None of this is your fault. Let’s head out to open an account in your name and go from there. Shall we?”

  His smile lent her the strength she needed to push forward.

  * * * *

  Bank proceedings elicited more smiles from Adara than Julien expected. Independence was a good look on his assistant. Extending that quality in every sense was a priority. She still moved awkwardly in his presence, but natural grace transcended tension with each step forward in her life.

  “Maura hasn’t called and Graham’s usually early. I hope he’s okay. He looked so dejected yesterday.” Her gaze slid to the storefronts sliding by in stroboscopic effect.

  It seemed doubtful her one male friend held malicious aspirations and supporting Graham would give Julien another angle of insight into Adara’s life. In the prior six months, she’d proven to have good instincts and judgment concerning clients. Friends would receive the same subconscious scrutiny. He prayed Graham was safe since losing moral support while vulnerable might affect her resolve. Sooner or later her uncle or cousin would confront her and cause a scene.

  “It’s not noon yet—give him some time.”

  As much as he enjoyed being alone in her company, Julien headed toward the office in hopes his brothers had uncovered definitive information about Simmie, Graham, and her family. Adara sagged against her seat when his car downshifted on the turn into the parking lot. She wasn’t ready yet to face family.

  When they headed inside, he hoped for once, Jackie would hold her tongue.

  “One down and one to go. After your appointment with the lawyer tomorrow, you’ll have financial freedom, be able to go wherever, whenever.” Another piece of the jigsaw puzzle that comprised her life would fall into place.

  “What about my stalker?”

  His brother’s warning concerning extra calcium in his coffee kept him from grinding his teeth when her palpable fear kept him in a steady state of low boil.

  “Let me worry about that, Adara. You should be concentrating on your future.” Perhaps a little distraction would help. “Tell me, when all is said and done, have you thought about going back to school?” Still young, she could easily go back and earn a degree. As long as she doesn’t accumulate another psychopathic admirer.

  The fact all three brothers closed ranks in times of trouble gave him confidence. Stalkers could be difficult to track down, not to mention dangerous, and the current thug proved himself well connected, judging by the equipment employed. Locating him might prove difficult and time consuming.

  “Actually, I have…I’d love to study horticulture.” Again, she fingered the locket at her neck.

  The fact it gave her comfort made it priceless. “Although, I don’t want to give up work.” Her words trailed off when she ducked her head, the fall of hair covering her blush.

  Despite difficult circumstances, strength infused her metaphysical presence. She might not know how to navigate the obstacles life threw at her, but she had goals. It was unfortunate that experience taught her to protect her personal space the way she guarded her heart. On occasion he could peek through the hidden blockade to see the jewel within, renewing his resolve to help.

  Her life’s road had taken a devastating turn with the death of her parents, forcing the erection of an invisible barrier to shield her against the world. Achievements would prove meaningless if her path equaled robotic steps with no one to keep her warm at night, rejoice in her successes, and hold her through inevitable trials.

  “Sounds like a plan to me.” When he reached over and gave an encouraging squeeze to her fingers, she returned it with a smile.

  Their lunch hour came and went with no sign of Graham. Julien hated doubting her long-time friend. Like his brothers, he left his office door open to keep a finger on the pulse of the main area.

  “Adara, has Graham ever stood you up?” Maura’s chair squeaked as she moved closer to her desk.

  “No. It is so unlike him. I’ll give him another call.”

  To obtain freedom at the cost of a friendship was untenable. Adara’s shoulders slumped when she shook her head and hung up the phone.

  Seconds later, Maura laid a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Voice mail?”

  “Yeah, again.”

  Though just above a whisper, Adara’s words as well as posture shot pain through Julien’s chest. Oh hell no.

  “Gee, if only we knew of someone who could find missing people…” Jackie’s sarcastic tone echoed through the room. Her smug nod to the other girls signaled two of the other assistants to approach, sly looks betraying nasty motives. The sneer Jackie directed at Adara boded ill.

  Jealousy and a vicious disposition dictated Jackie prey on any female in which Julien showed interest. Her blatant come-on with no strings attached had been crude and crass.

  Responsibility for a portion of the upcoming storm fell on his shoulders and as such, he would protect Adara from the circling vultures. It was an easy fix, not to mention enjoyable.

  Following a quick chat with Nate, Julien sent Conner a text. Time to mobilize. He no longer heard the assistants’ whispered conversation, but Adara’s grim smile attested to her need for a break.

  Conversation ceased when he approached and addressed the group. “Okay, gals and guys, today we’re having a late lunch meeting at Joe’s. Everybody up and out.”

  “Oooh, cool. This is great. They have the best steak salads around. Glad I didn’t eat much for lunch. Come on, Adara, this time you’re coming, too. You need this more than we do.” Maura cooed as she took Adara by the hand. She seemed the only assistant with genuine empathy.

  Julien grinned when he saw the girls’ interaction and Adara’s easy acceptance of the other woman. In weeks past, she would’ve hesitated, then stayed at her desk.

  “Great,” Julien said. “Adara and Maura, how about you ladies ride with me.” They simply smiled at each other. Jackie appeared to have sucked on a lemon. Her wrinkled nose and snort combined with her cold flat gaze let everyone know what she thought of the arrangements.

  With a lightened heart, Julien held the door open for all to file out, holding Adara back for a quiet moment. “Hey. You all right?” He peered into her face, not liking the worried frown which greeted him. He’d not seen her interact in this type of social setting and couldn’t imagine what warped through her mind.

  “Yes. I’m fine.” A tense smile didn’t hide the nervous fidgeting of her necklace.

  When he invaded her space, she looked up at him, a question mixed with wariness in her eyes. “Don’t let Jackie get to you. She’s playing mind games. She doesn’t have a fraction of your wit or character, not to mention your beauty.”

  An authentic smile crinkled the corners of her mouth and eyes. No wonder men spent hours with pen and paper, trying to configure just the right phrases to bring light to a woman’s face.

  “Thanks.” Her focus dropped to the pavement the moment she stepped out the door. />
  Chapter Twelve

  Joe’s café maintained a cozy and relaxed atmosphere from a bygone era. Large, sturdy, wooden tables occupied the center of the room while brightly colored cushions provided comfortable seating in the booths lining the sides. Angler’s nets and oars shared wall space with seascape paintings. The combination of old world nautical charm collided with great seaside fare to make the restaurant a favorite with the locals. After sliding two tables together and arranging the chairs, they all sat.

  Conner nodded and gave Julien a grim smile as he joined them. Years of working together allowed them to communicate well without speaking.

  Adara and Maura seated themselves between Julien and Nate. It was only a matter of time before the office bitch unsheathed her claws, especially with an attentive audience.

  “You all know what you want?” The waitress smiled at the group, taking out the pad from her apron.

  Joe, the proprietor, lumbered to the table and traded handshakes with each Crofton brother.

  Early middle age treated Joe with kindness, incorporating extra weight in a jovial face and spare tire that added to his genial appeal. He was short with a grin that radiated warmth and affection. A moderate belly attested to his love of food. Kindness exuded from him in spite of the bedeviled twinkle in his eyes.

  Adara liked him at once.

  “Yeah, how about some common sense for Connor, and some charm for Nate.” Looking at Adara, Marc added, “Joe and I served in the same unit together, he’s family. When we came back, all he wanted was to open a restaurant. And I think he’s eating all his profits.”

  No one at the table could miss the special attention directed her way. A quick glance around revealed nothing but grins, except for Jackie’s sneer.

  Adara raised her chin and smiled.

  “Sorry, out of that till next week. Though I might have a bit of luck…if anybody’s interested.” Joe looked at Julien, then at Adara. Deadpan. “How’re you doing, young lady? Don’t believe we’ve met before.”

  Oh, crap. “Hi, I’m Adara. Nice to meet you, sir.” Her face heated when Julien’s brothers chuckled. Consistent with the rest of her life, she remained on the outside of a shared joke. The tension in her frame could withstand the strongest spring.

  Joe was a man who took a stranger’s measure in a matter of minutes. Her dad used to do that. Memories of how he had always encouraged her to try new things bolstered her confidence. Yet instead of easing into a new life, she’d jumped in with both feet—complete with stalker and absentee friends.

  “I’ll have—” The rest of Julien’s order was lost in the soft murmurs of surrounding conversation.

  Ever the gentleman, Julien eased her discomfiture with a reassuring smile when she realized they waited for her order. Anything she got would either stick in her teeth or end up in her lap. Clumsy and gauche had become her molds since becoming an orphan. Words jumbled in her mind, thoughts scrambled to the point she mumbled, “Uh, I’ll have the same, thank you.”

  Julien’s distracting her co-workers with a suggestive throat clearing helped clear the air. She caught the tail end of his scowl directed at Joe. Maybe she just ordered something awful, or enough to feed a person twice her size. Not that it mattered, nervous tension would keep her from eating.

  With the rest of the choices made, they settled down to boisterous small talk. Whenever the brothers got together, mischief and rowdiness followed. Joe helped carry their trays then pulled up a chair. Conversation didn’t skip a beat. Old times were relived with a fondness shared by family, giving her insight of their previous bi-weekly outings.

  Enthusiasm and excitement over inclusion came to a screeching halt with Jackie’s sharp tongue.

  “So, Adara. It’s unusual for you to attend these meetings. It’s nice to see you join the people on the north side of the grass. What’s new in your life?” Jackie smirked as she glanced at Julien and raised an eyebrow in challenge.

  All gazes zeroed in on Adara, waiting for her to shrivel. Huh…Not this time. Before a scathing retort came to mind, life’s roller coaster jerked her out of sync. Julien’s placement of his hand on the table beside her, palm up felt as right as the warmth in his gaze, each imparting courage.

  He wants me to stand my ground.

  They all knew of her questionable origins thanks to Jackie’s frequent references to her bastard status. Life in a state of tilt had become the norm.

  With mettle from a long-forgotten era, she placed her fingers in Julien’s larger hand. He gave a light squeeze and grinned, the warmth from both sources enveloping her. She smiled back, lost in the depth and heat surrounding her.

  “Yeah, sweetheart, tell Jackie what’s new.”

  The vibrations of Julien’s deep voice filled the voids in her soul.

  Several feminine gasps and wheezes from the men trying to stifle laughter didn’t dampen her surging spirit. “Thanks, hon. I think I will.”

  The twinkle in Julien’s eye magnified when she called him hon, his silent approval.

  “Let’s see. Lots of things are new, Jackie. After all, the only constant in the world is change, right?” She grinned at Julien. “I’ve found a new place to live. Beachside mansion.”

  Her smile widened as her gaze took in Jackie’s dropped jaw. Message delivered, bitch!

  “Oh, I thought office policy precluded fraternization.” Jackie’s sneer brought a round of surprised looks and sudden inhalations. All joviality aside, few would cross one of the brothers or their significant others.

  Silence.

  Adara looked at Julien, her newfound confidence wavering. His jaw hardened as did his gaze when he glared at Jackie. Fearful of what he’d say, she waited for the proverbial fire to come and scorch everything in its path.

  “Well, you have to learn the rules before you can break them. I’m afraid Julien’s always been a slow learner,” Nate quipped.

  A few nervous chuckles.

  “Actually,” Julien added. “Some rules are worth ignoring altogether.” The rasping edge of his tone made his meaning clear. “Don’t you agree, Nate?” His gaze never left Jackie’s face.

  No one missed the steel in Julien’s voice.

  “Personally, I think she has the morals of an alley cat. What could you possibly see in her, Julien? She’s like this overgrown fey creature who wears sacks for clothes.”

  “And yet…he chose me over you.” Adara’s smile held the conviction of her determination. “Which means there’s more to a person than pretty packaging.”

  Cold determination took over Jackie’s expression as she pushed back her chair and stood, her disdainful scrutiny destroying anything not made of iron. Malignant purpose echoed in each of her high-heeled strides around the table to face her prey head-on.

  Time seemed suspended except for Jackie, Julien, and Nate. Jackie reached out and picked up a glass of water while rounding the table, her intentions clear as she put a victorious swagger in her final steps. Julien and Nate stood immediately, followed by Marc and Connor.

  Water sloshed to the floor as Julien intercepted Jackie’s arm mid-swing. Vengeful fury deteriorated into fear when he gripped her hand holding the glass. The heavy thud as he forced it to the table resounded in the now-quiet room.

  Julien had never shown such anger, much less fury. Flared nostrils and bared teeth produced a whimper from his quarry.

  The clearing of Nate’s throat as he reached over and gripped Julien’s shoulder created the voice of silent reason. Small wonder the table and contents didn’t explode in spontaneous combustion.

  “Needless to say, you’re fired, Jackie. We’ll send you a check for two weeks’ severance pay.” Julien’s calm voice seethed in the silent room.

  Hatred twined with uncertainty blazed from the prima donna’s stiff frame. A brief pause held the room in thrall, waiting for a retaliatory response. Few diners were present to stare in open-mouthed wonder at the unfolding scene.

  “Fine, I don’t like to work around whores
anyway. This job sucked, never was my cup of tea.” With a last sneer at Adara, she turned to go, high heels clicking on the weathered, hardwood floor. Nate’s grip on Julien’s arm stopped him from following.

  “You’re just pissed because he turned your proposition down cold, bitch.” At last finding her tongue, Adara’s temper reared its head. Relief coursed through her veins.

  “Whoa, way to go, Adara,” Maura exclaimed. A round of congratulations and cheers sounded throughout the group, punctuated by the slamming restaurant door.

  Julien leaned down to whisper in Adara’s ear as he squeezed her hand. “Way to go, sweetheart. Proud of you.”

  Her whole body shivered when his warm breath caressed her ear. She gasped when he made a point of inhaling the scent of her shampoo.

  He chuckled when she shivered.

  Sooner or later, Newton’s law would bite her in the ass. Jackie’s humiliation would generate a monster.

  * * * *

  Julien’s pride in Adara grew with each passing hour. The fact she’d stood her ground didn’t overshadow her taking his offered hand in public and effectively shutting Jackie down on all fronts. Her returned endearment was icing on the cake.

  He’d underestimated the strong spirit emerging from his elfin wonder and prayed it had come out to stay. Time would tell. If this glimpse was the Adara existing prior to her adopted parents’ death, he couldn’t wait to see the full rendering.

  The rest of the day proceeded without a hitch. The general spirit in the office felt lighter, happier. All that remained was to see it carried forward.

  Realizing that Gary and Tony would soon surface, he decided to take Adara for an early dinner since she had eaten so little of the late lunch. A little more time before she faced the family skirmish would boost her confidence. So many changes in such a short time, she must have her share of confusion. A quiet little place down the coast would serve his needs.

  Chapter Thirteen