Risky Obsession (Wolf Security #3)

17. Kane

CHAPTER 17

Kane

A fter we’d eaten a meal at a café of Tory’s choosing, we drove around town, but while trying to find a hotel that had a vacancy sign, she was doing a damn good job of giving me the silent treatment.

I had never had to pursue a woman before, but that was mostly because I hadn’t found a woman who fascinated me enough to care. Tory did. Every other woman I’d been with, I’d known almost from the moment we met, that we were not destined to be together.

Tory was tickling that fancy for me, and it was both thrilling and frustrating. She was making getting to know her damn hard, yet her secretiveness only intrigued me more.

After we had exhausted all potential accommodation options in town, I pulled over to the side of the road.

Tory blinked at me like I’d snapped her from a spell. Or a nightmare. “What’s wrong?”

“You tell me. You’ve barely said three words since we finished our lunch.”

Her shoulders sagged, and she glided her good hand over her jeans like she was contemplating an appropriate reply. “I’m just tired. That’s all.”

“Okay. When we find a hotel, you can rest for the afternoon, while I shop for everything else we need. ”

“No. No. I’ll be fine.”

I pressed my hand over the back of hers. “Tory, please. Will you just let me look after you?”

She tugged her bottom lip into her mouth and nodded.

“Good. Now, I doubt we’re going to find any accommodation near this antique fair. Let’s see where the gala is tonight. Maybe we can find accommodation near there.” I pulled the flyer that we’d taken from the jewelry store woman out of my pocket and unfolded it.

“Schloss Abendd?mmerung,” I said, attempting to read the name of the venue on the flyer. “Looks impressive.” I handed the flyer to Tory and opened Google on my phone. “Let’s see where it is.”

After checking the spelling three times, I found the castle on Google. “Wow, that’s not just any castle.”

“It’s huge.”

“I’ll say. Schloss Abendd?mmerung dates back to the twelfth century and was originally built by Friedrich von Abendd?mmerung, a knight known for his courage and cunning. Gotta love how they write these things.” I grinned at her.

She seemed to collect herself as she leaned toward me.

I swept my finger across the screen, showing her several images of the sprawling stone fortress.

“Wow. That wall and moat are going to make it hard to sneak in.”

“Who said anything about sneaking in?” I asked. “We’ll walk in just like all the other guests.”

She huffed. “I hope you’re right.”

“Trust me.”

A little bit of panic crossed her eyes, but she swept it away just as quickly.

“What else does it say?” She indicated to the phone. “Anything about the construction? Or secret back entrances?”

“Ha. Very funny. In the sixteenth century, the last Abendd?mmerung heir, a young woman named Elise, vanished without a trace. The mystery behind her disappearance led to the family’s decline and the castle was abandoned for two hundred years.” I whistled. “It’s hard to imagine a building like that being abandoned for so long. Wouldn’t it be amazing to be the first to go into it after all that time?”

“Absolutely.” Her smile lit up her incredible eyes .

I turned my attention back to my phone.

“After that, it says the castle was a military outpost and a hunting lodge . . .” I skimmed the page. “Okay, here we go. In the late twentieth century, a wealthy industrialist named Wilhelm Schmidt purchased the castle and restored it. He started his annual charity gala twenty-three years ago and it gets bigger every year.”

“Any pictures of the entrance to the castle? It would be good to know the terrain.”

“The terrain?”

She waggled her head. “Yeah, you know. Barbed wire. Security guards. Snarling dogs.”

I laughed. “Wow, you have a great imagination.”

After scanning dozens of photos that focused more on the high-society guests and their statement-piece attires, I gave up.

“Let’s head in that direction and see if we can find a vacancy somewhere.” I keyed the castle name into Google Maps and hit go. “Forty minutes away. You can lie back and have a rest if you wish.”

“I’m fine.”

I put the car into gear and pulled back out onto the road. “What shall we talk about then?”

She moaned like I’d asked her to pull her fingernails out, but then she shifted in her seat so she could see me better. “Why doesn’t Aria trust you?”

“What?” I blurted.

“She told me I shouldn’t trust you.”

Her comment was a kick to my gut. “I thought we were together because we both had clues to the same mystery.”

“Yes, but she warned me not to trust you.”

I rammed the car into top gear and stomped on the gas. I’d thought Tory’s wariness about me was because Aria had already told her what I’d done to Indiana. As much as I didn’t want to drag up that stupid theft, it was bound to come out anyway.

“I know why Aria told you not to trust me, but if I tell you, you need to answer some questions for me.”

“What questions?” Her eyes simmered with mistrust.

“I don’t know yet.”

“Well, I can’t answer that question until I know what your other questions will be. ”

I checked that I was going in the right direction on the map, then frowned at her. “I’m not the bad guy, you know?”

“I don’t know who you are, Kane.”

“Really? At least I talk about things. You can’t even tell me your father’s name. Like it’s some kind of National Secret.”

“Okay, he’s David.”

I rolled my eyes. “Wow. Thanks for sharing.”

She shrugged. “That’s your question answered. And you’re trying to avoid why Aria told me not to trust you.”

“Okay, you’re right. I was avoiding it. But you win. I’ll tell you my rotten story, and you can be the judge of whether or not I’m to be trusted.”

She rubbed her hand along the leg of her jeans again as if her palms were sweating.

I stared at the road ahead and took my mind back to a time when I was pissed off at the world for taking the only person I loved from me. “I was twenty-three when I learned my pops was dying of prostate cancer, so I checked myself out of the Navy to look after him. Three months later he died.”

“I’m sorry about your pops. That must’ve been awful.”

“Yeah. It sucked. After his death, for nearly a full year, I fought with my parents and sister, both in and out of the courts, over Pops’ decision to leave his antique shop to me.”

“He didn’t leave them anything?”

“Oh, he did. His house, car, and bank accounts. But they’re greedy.” There were many more apt words to describe my fucking parents, but I bit my tongue.

“Okay. And . . .?”

“I was still grieving for Pops and figuring out what the hell to do with my life, when I met Indiana.”

“Indiana Smith, the marina salvage expert.” Surprise rang in her tone.

I tilted my head at her. “You know her?”

“Oh, just, um, she was on the news.”

“Yeah.” That was true, but I had a rotten feeling Tory knew Indiana more than she let on.

“What about Indiana?” she asked.

“We dated for six months.”

Shock registered in her eyes as she leveled her gaze at me, convincing me that she absolutely did know Indiana, but not well enough to know our connection.

“One day, while scuba diving, Indiana and I found an ancient urn on an old shipwreck. Two days later, I did a stupid fucking move that I have regretted ever since—I stole the urn from Indiana.”

Tory sucked air through her teeth. “I bet that didn’t go down well.”

“Nope. Because of my knowledge of antiques, I thought I knew better than her. I sold the urn for a lousy two hundred bucks. I lost a lot more than just Indiana when I stole that urn.” I clenched and unclenched my jaw. “I lost my integrity and my friends. I’ve been trying to make up for it ever since.”

I glanced at her, and she seemed to be studying me as if searching for more to my confession.

“So, there you go. My dirty fucking laundry has been aired. You make up your own mind whether I’m to be trusted after that stupid stunt I did a decade ago.”

My heart pounded with a mixture of emotions: guilt, regret, and a flicker of hope that she might see me for who I truly was despite my terrible mistake.

“Am I continuing on to this castle?” I asked. “Or do you want me to head back to Berlin so you can go home?”

“What? Don’t be so dramatic.” She rolled her eyes.

“Me! Dramatic. You’re the one who’s been giving me the silent treatment, only to shatter that with a fucked-up statement about not trusting me.”

“I didn’t say I didn’t trust you. I said Aria didn’t.”

“But you believe her.”

She heaved a massive sigh and did that thigh-rubbing thing again. “I’m sorry, but I’ve been so confused over Aria’s statement not to trust you because . . .”

“Because what?” I couldn’t hold the frustration from my voice.

“Because I couldn’t understand why she doesn’t trust you when I . . .” She seemed to inflate in the passenger seat.

“What?” I’d lost the fight in my tone.

“It’s stupid because I barely know you, but I feel like you’re one of the most honest people I’ve met.”

I let out a slow breath. “Why do I feel like it hurt you to say that? ”

She turned her gaze out the window and the hand on her leg curled into a fist.

“You can talk to me. I know someone hurt you, and?—”

“You don’t know anything.” Her voice wobbled.

“So tell me. We need to trust each other.”

“I do trust you, you dumbhead.”

“Dumbhead?” I chuckled.

“Yeah. Dumbhead. And why do you have to be so nice?” She wiped her cheek.

Shit. She’s crying.

“Do you want me to pull over? I can give you a hug.”

“Oh my god. Will you just . . . just give me a minute.”

I would give her an hour. Hell, I was prepared to give her whatever time she needed. The barrier she had created around her was so strong, I didn’t expect to break through it with one discussion. And revealing to her my ugly truth could have gone either way.

Her turmoil gave me the impression that it had gone the right way, though.

The sun broke through a patch of dark clouds. Maybe it was a sign that I may have pierced some of Tory’s resolve.

At the top of a rise, a sprawling stone fence lined the right-hand side of the road. Beyond the fence, past a field of pristine lawn, was a magnificent-looking villa nestled amongst centuries-old trees. Large pillars marked the entrance, and above the arch was a sign naming the property, Villa Rosenheim, and an additional sign, Zimmer frei Exklusive Unterkunft .

I slammed on the brakes.

“Jesus!” Tory braced her hand on the dashboard. “What are you doing?”

“Looks like they have a vacancy.” As I turned into the lavish entrance, towering oak trees flanked the driveway, creating a green canopy overhead. Around a bend in the driveway, the true grandeur of the villa came into full view. The sprawling, three-story structure was constructed of weathered gray stone, with intricate arched windows and ornate, carved details adorning the facade.

“Kane, this is too expensive.”

“Let me worry about that.”

“No, I’m serious. I’m happy to stay in the car if we have to. ”

“Do you plan to get dressed into your ball gown in the car, too?”

She groaned.

“Will you stop worrying about money?”

“Normal people worry about money.”

“Yeah, well, as you pointed out, I’m not normal.”

“I never said that.”

I drove onto a large circular drive with an enormous fountain centered in the middle.

“Wow, this looks amazing. Like something out of a Gothic movie,” she said, slipping forward on her seat.

“Looks about three hundred years old.” I pulled to a stop and turned off the engine. “Come on, let’s check it out.”

“Kane . . . are you?—?”

I climbed out of the driver’s seat and as I shut the door, a man dressed in black slacks and a red blazer trimmed with gold raced down the steps to greet me.

“ Guten Tag. Good afternoon, sir!” The man’s voice carried a hint of a British accent.

“Good afternoon,” I said.

He bowed slightly. “Welcome to Villa Rosenheim. How may I assist you today?”

“We’re looking for accommodation.” I gestured toward Tory, who hadn’t moved. “Do you have a room available for tonight?”

The man glanced over both of us, lingering just a moment longer on Tory before he nodded. “We have one of our finest suites ready for guests tonight.”

“Great. We’ll take it.”

“Would you like more information on the room, sir?”

I read that to mean, ‘Did I need the price?’ Tory and I didn’t look like we could afford a room at a local pub, let alone a luxury villa. “That’s not necessary. We have traveled a long way, and we would like a bit of rest before we go to the gala at Schloss Abendd?mmerung.”

His eyes brightened, confirming I’d said the magic words. “Of course. Please, come his way.”

I raised a finger at him. “Just give me a minute.”

“Yes, sir. I shall wait up here. Do you have any luggage?”

I handed him the car keys. “In the trunk. ”

“I shall attend to them while you and your friend get settled.” He retreated up the stairs, like he wanted to give me room while I convinced Tory to exit the car.

I strolled around to the passenger side and opened Tory’s door. “We’re in luck. The luxury villa is available.”

She looked toward the entrance with horror on her features.

“Come on. Let’s get you to the room so you can have some sleep. We have a big night ahead.”

She took my hand, and I helped her out. As we walked up the stairs, she fiddled with her hair and tried to smooth the wrinkles out of her jacket.

A second man in the same red-colored coat waited for us beside large oak doors, studded with iron hardware. “This way please.” He guided me to the reception counter.

As I completed the copious paperwork, Tory stood back, and her gaze swept from the ornate chandeliers dangling from the high ceilings to the grand staircase lined with red carpet and gold trimmings.

Unfortunately, the security in this hotel was much more detailed than the last one, requiring me to present my passport, so I had no choice but to use my own name and credit card.

Hopefully, that won’t come back to haunt me.

With the paperwork done, the man in the red coat stepped forward. “This way, please.”

I nodded at Tory, and she seemed lost as she gave me an unconvincing smile. The concierge led us down a hallway lined with intricate tapestries and antique furniture, pointing out access points to the luxury spa, steam room, indoor heated pool, restaurant, and bar.

As we took the elevator to the third floor which was also the top floor, Tory’s stony silence screamed volumes over how uncomfortable she was in this villa.

Finally, we reached our corner room. The concierge pushed open the ornate door, and Tory’s eyes widened even more.

The room was dominated by a grand, four-poster bed, with its plush mattress adorned with fancy linens and an abundance of throw pillows.

As Tory drifted to the bed, the concierge showed me around the room pointing out features . . . the crackling fire that someone must have started while we were contained at reception, the generously stocked bar that was at our full disposal, the ornately tiled bathroom with the massive spa bath that I pictured Tory and me getting naked in together. My cock liked that thought.

I followed the concierge back to the main room, and he tugged open the heavy velvet curtains to reveal the villa’s pristine gardens. Tory sat on the bed, running her fingers over the covers like she was patting a kitten.

Leaving her to her trance, I followed the concierge back to the entrance and paid him a tip. He left, closing the door behind him.

I strolled back toward Tory. “What do you think?”

She turned, taking in the rest of the suite. “It’s like something out of a fairy tale.”

I smiled. “Only the best for my treasure-hunting partner.”

She released a small huff. “Is this your way of sharing a bed with me again?”

“Well, we could sleep in the car again if you prefer?”

She strolled toward the windows. “Wow. So beautiful.”

Just like you.

She swept her gaze to me. “You need to be careful.”

Shit. Did I say that aloud?

“I could get used to this.” A glorious smile swept across her lips.

“Well, I’m happy to sleep on the sofa if you like. It looks comfy enough.”

She gave me a look like I was a fucking idiot, then nodded at the bed. “That’s the biggest bed I’ve ever seen. There’s enough room for both of us.”

“No touchy though, right?” I chuckled.

She returned to the bed, but she held herself stiff, with her knees together.

A tightness gripped my chest, and I was torn between striding to the bar to fix myself a shot of whisky and walking out the door. Anything to escape the palpable tension. I traded places with her spot in the window, hoping that she would tell me what the fuck I’d done wrong now.

“Thank you for sharing your story about Indiana with me.”

I bit back a sarcastic remark about wishing it was just a story. Outside the window stood a massive tree where a couple of small birds were dive-bombing a larger one in a frantic aerial display.

“You know what, Tory? People find it easier to latch onto the worst in someone rather than see the good that’s right in front of them. Mud sticks for a fucking long time. I just wish I knew how to wash it away.”

“Being truthful helps.” Her voice was tinged with sorrow.

“Does it?” The words came out harsher than I intended, and Tory flinched as if I’d struck her.

What the hell?

I let out a weary sigh. “If that stupid mistake makes it hard for you to trust me, Tory, then believe me, I get it. I’m not proud of what I did.”

I forced myself to keep going, to keep defending myself to this woman who I needed to believe me, to trust me. “When I was younger, I was accused of something I didn’t do, and it nearly destroyed me. I was desperate to prove my innocence, but no one would listen. I was powerless, and I felt so . . .” I paused as my throat thickened with the rotten memories, “betrayed.”

Her eyes shimmered with a vulnerability that clouded her expression. Yet she didn’t say anything.

“But what happened with Indiana was my greatest shame. I can’t change the past, no matter how much I wish I could. All I can do is be a better man.”

She traced soft circles on the back of her injured hand with her thumb, yet she remained silent.

“I have no idea what I can do to prove that I’m not that na?ve idiot anymore. To show you I’m not the man Aria warned you about.” I searched her expression for signs of acceptance, but she was rigid.

The silence stretched between us was suffocating.

I couldn’t say another word to help my cause.

Clenching my jaw, I strode to the door.

“Where are you going?” Tory’s voice rang out with a hint of panic.

I paused with my hand on the door handle. In any other situation, I would walk away completely. But no matter what she thought of me, I was not a man who left a woman stranded in another country without a phone and ID.

“Kane, where are you going?”

“To get my clothes for tonight.” I hated that my tone highlighted my hurt. I walked out of the room and let the door shut behind me.

I was sick of secrets.

And I’d had enough lies from my family to last ten lifetimes .

If she can’t understand that the bullshit of my past has shaped me into who I am today, then fuck her. I will not pretend to be anything less.

Pretending is for liars.

Maybe we should end this stupid quest before my fucking heart does something really stupid . . . like fall for a woman who clearly has her share of baggage.