Lost & Broken (LIttlemoon Investigations Book 2) Read online

  He wanted to start creating sonnets for her. There weren’t words to describe how he was feeling at that moment. The closest he could get was… lost.

  His heart was gone.

  His soul was hers.

  Everything was up for grabs at this point.

  Christina could have all of him if she only asked.

  She loved the way he felt when they made love. It was like some crazed animal fighting against its instincts. She enjoyed the way his muscles rippled beneath her fingers, and how he quivered between her legs.

  Kane was fighting hard, and it made her crazy with love and lust. What she wouldn’t give to be his wife, since she loved him that damn much.

  Her well of emotions were boundless and just waiting to flow all over the man, if he would just meet her halfway.

  At the altar.

  “Oh, Chrissy,” he moaned, as her body began tightening down on his. With each stroke, the impending eruption was that much closer.

  He was like a barrel of TNT with a lit fuse.

  Kane could only fight it for so long. When he stared into her face, only to watch her chew on her bottom lip in concentration, he was lost.

  It was that one little action that did him in.

  She unraveled him from the inside out, untying the strings that bound his heart for so many years. He was now free to love and feel, all because of her.

  “So close,” she whispered.

  Kane was having a hard time concentrating, and when she shook again in his arms, he refused to wait. Instead, he grabbed her by the hips and slammed her down on his erection, as he reveled in the feel of her falling over the edge. With each tug of her body, he moved closer to falling, until he stopped fighting it and leapt headlong into the most amazing feeling in the word.

  Together, they floated in the swirling array of colors. He could feel her leaning against him, and there was no place he would rather her be, than right there with Christina. Case or not, she was his safe harbor.

  God!

  Love filled and damaged him all at the same time.

  Silence filled the room, as the only sounds were their combined breathing and the talking out in the halls.

  Lifting her head from his shoulder, she wrapped her arms around his neck and took a minute to cling to him.

  Kane could feel her fear, and it worried him.

  “I love you, big guy. I hope that you know that.”

  He clung to her words.

  Now, he needed to find a way to believe that love would be enough.

  And that if it wasn’t, his heart would survive.

  Chapter Four

  Monday

  Early Evening

  For most of the afternoon, Tori and Julian wandered the estate, trying to get their bearings. There were quite a few people milling around, but most of them were trainers and jockeys, waiting to get some ride time in with their horses before the big day.

  Julian loved how peaceful Tori looked as they toured the barn. She always found an inner calm when she was around these majestic animals. They had that in common. One of the reasons Julian had horses was because they spoke to his soul and offered peace. There was nothing like a long ride in the still morning, as the sun was breaking over the horizon.

  It was more than cathartic.

  It was heaven.

  Julian noticed when Tori honed in on the one animal she wanted to ride. He called to her spirit, and it was love at first sight. Before his wife, in one of the stalls, stood the blackest and most amazing stallion they had ever seen. Apparently, the infatuation was mutual, because at her approach, he seemed to fall equally in love with her. When the horse nuzzled her, and she ran her hands over his coat, even Julian was enthralled. He made a mental note to talk to Jamie. He wanted their first ride to involve that horse.

  He would make it happen for the love of his life.

  The entire time they wandered around, taking in the place, they didn't once cross paths with Kane or Christina. He imagined that the man was off romancing his woman, and if he wasn’t, he was an idiot.

  Yes, he promised to not mention the baby, but the second he managed to get Kane alone, they were going to have a man to man talk. He needed to jump in and do right by his woman. The least he could do, to keep the sanctity of his team, was to push the man down the aisle to the altar.

  Back in their room, they studied the itinerary which Jamie had given them, memorizing the map. It appeared that they had a formal meet and greet that evening in the main dining room. That would be perfect, because he wanted to meet the family and snoop around downstairs a little. It was easy to explore the grounds, but the inside of the house was going to be much harder. During the day, people were going to be suspicious, especially if he started tapping on walls and fireplaces.

  Or, they would think he was out of his mind.

  That meant that he was on night duty.

  As soon as he could, Julian was going to be wandering around in the kitchen. Once done, he could mark it off his list of possible places to hide a Bible.

  There was the distinct possibility that the family stories were right, and Bethany Duvaul did steal the book to destroy it. Granted, he couldn’t explain the disappearance or the ghost, but he would see if the pieces all began falling into place.

  As he dressed, his wife called to him from their private bathroom.

  “Jules, what’s our game plan?” she asked.

  “I want to meet the family and look around tonight. You want to play lookout or sidekick?” he asked teasingly.

  She peeked her head out. “You know I’m going to be right by your side. You tend to get in trouble everywhere you go. Plus, I’m not letting Jamie Montgomery sink her teeth into that sexy Native behind of yours.”

  He found that funny since every time there was danger, she was smack ass dab in the center of it. “I’ve noticed, honey, that as long as there are no fires, you should be fine.” He alluded to all the cases where she was in danger, and there was generally a blaze or three alarm fire happening. The comment about their client wasn’t even worth replying to, since the woman had nothing on his wife.

  She laughed. “It’s ironic that people keep trying to take me out with fire, when that was my specialty in the FBI.”

  “I call it more terrifying than ironic, Victoria. Do we need to discuss the definition of that word?”

  There was laughter from the other room.

  “Do you need help with your tie?” she asked, as she put the finishing touches on her makeup.

  Julian stood in front of the antique dresser mirror and handled the knot perfectly. “I have it, honey. How are you doing?” he asked. “It generally doesn’t take you this long to get yourself pulled together.”

  “I’m not used to the fancy-schmancy duds, but since you asked, I do need help with my necklace and bracelet. Other than that, I’m just about done,” she replied, applying some lipstick.

  Tori didn't do the girl thing often and for good reason. It made her feel weird. After years of toting a ruck sack and being in combat boots, heels and makeup felt foreign. It was like she was trying to pretend to be someone she wasn’t.

  Yet, whenever she did dress up, she was well aware that it caught Julian way off guard.

  That alone was worth it every time.

  “How do I look?” she asked, walking out of the bathroom.

  When he turned, he couldn’t speak at first. “Tori,” he murmured, his gaze shifting from her heels to her coifed hair. Yeah, his wife was pretty damn spectacular. Why she was even remotely worried about their client was beyond him. His feisty babe was incredible. “You clean up nice, Army,” he finally answered.

  She laughed, turning in a circle. When she was packing, Jamie told her that she needed the essentials and the LBD. For the life of her, she didn't have a freaking clue what that even meant. So, when in doubt, she called her best friend and got the whole thing situated. Elizabeth Blackhawk gave her all the packing advice that she would need, including what to put under
the simple little black dress. “Did I do okay?” she asked, hoping that no one would doubt that she was into fashion. Now, she had to pray that they didn't ask her questions.

  “Victoria, you’re gorgeous,” he stated, crossing to his wife. He especially enjoyed the low cut vee in the front of her dress and how it clung to her body, accentuating the curves. It reminded him of the one she wore to her FBI Christmas party. He still had erotic dreams about that night.

  Running his hands across her hips and derrière, he appreciatively inspected her choice in clothing. “The black dress makes your hair stand out. It’s more vibrant and even more fiery than usual. It reminds me of a living, breathing flame. I know when I touch it, I always get burned.”

  That touched her. “You’re pretty slick, Jules,” she murmured, as his hands slid across the dress.

  “Oh, I try.” And he did. One of his goals was to get his babe naked as much as possible.

  She leaned against his body. “You look pretty spectacular too, Mr. Wilshire. Who knew Native men could rock out the all black suit quite like this?”

  Kissing him, Tori enjoyed the feel of Julian beneath her hands. When she pulled away, Tori tucked the silky brown strands of hair behind his ears. “I think Mr. Wilshire is nice, but Julian Littlemoon still makes me all hot and bothered.”

  He grinned wickedly. “Really? Because I have to admit that I’m really going to enjoy having sex with Mrs. Wilshire. She’s a babe.”

  It earned him a punch to the gut.

  Her eyes filled with laughter.

  “You’re mean and vicious,” he said laughing. He was well aware that she didn't even hit him hard at all. She could have taken him to his knees, if she so desired.

  “Shall we join everyone at dinner?” Tori asked, lifting her hair as he helped her with her necklace. It was the one he gave her for protection that was once his father’s. Whenever she wore it, her husband would get all heated up.

  Sue her. They were going to utilize this little get away for some married couple nookie. After all, they deserved it. All work and no play made Julian Littlemoon a dull boy and his wife edgy as hell!

  After fastening the bracelet too, he leaned in and ran his lips across hers. “Behave tonight,” he warned, and only earned a snicker from her.

  “I’ll try, but this is way out of my scope,” she admitted. “I hope I don’t blow our cover the first time I open my mouth. I don’t exactly sound like a fashion designer. Maybe more like a truck driver or sailor.”

  He snorted, but still didn't doubt that Tori could handle it with ease. “Shall we, Mrs. Wilshire?” he asked, offering her his arm.

  Tori accepted, only after patting him on his ass. “We shall.”

  Once down the stairs, Bruce escorted them into the dining room. There were couples already seated and he made the introductions. “Mr. and Mrs. Julian Wilshire,” he stated, before bowing and leaving the room.

  Everyone glanced over.

  Julian couldn’t help but notice that there were quite a few speculative glances at his wife. The men were scoping her out, and he wasn’t bothered in the least.

  Yeah, or that’s what he kept saying in his head.

  “I believe your seats are right beside us,” stated an older man.

  When Tori and Julian sat, no one missed how he pulled the chair out for his wife, and then lovingly laid a kiss on the top of her head, before sitting beside her.

  “I’m Richard Curry and this is my wife, Bev. We’re from around here,” he said, offering Tori his hand in a friendly greeting.

  She smiled sweetly at him. “It’s very nice to meet you,” she replied. “I’m Victoria Wilshire, and this is my husband, Julian.”

  The older man shook his hand next. “I don’t know about you two,” he muttered, “but I hate these formal things.”

  Beverly leaned in next. “Hush up, Dickie. With the amount of money we dropped on this, I’m going to relish every single moment.”

  Tori immediately took in the younger woman. Then again, maybe she wasn’t. She was beginning to suspect the woman had quite a bit of plastic surgery. Her skin was tauter than a new born baby’s. In fact, the Native drums that Julian collected had more give to them. Tori couldn’t help but feel this wave of recognition, but that couldn’t be possible.

  If you’ve seen one rich couple, you’ve seen them all.

  “Yes, dear,” he said, rolling his eyes, and then winking at Tori.

  “We’re the Wests,” came a voice from directly across from them. A man stood, holding out his hand for Julian. “I’m Lawson, and this is my wife, Candy.”

  Tori stood and shook both of their hands warmly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you all. I look forward to our weeks together.”

  Candy West shrugged. “I don’t see the point in coming here. It’s just a bunch of horses and a waste of money in my opinion.”

  Her husband covered for her, but no one missed the disapproving glance. “My wife humors me. I love riding and horses. This is a special little treat for me this year. I know Candy only tolerates it, because I slip it in under the guise of anniversary present.”

  “We love horses too,” stated Julian. “We’re avid riders. In fact, we have two of our own at home.”

  The woman at the head of the table, who had remained silent until then, finally spoke, “I’m Lorelei,” she greeted them. “I’m in charge of Hesser House.”

  Tori noticed that the look she was giving Candy West wasn’t exactly a friendly one. Because she did her research, Tori knew that the woman wasn’t only in charge, but she was one of the remaining four members of the family. Other than her grandmother, father, and cousin, the family was without any more heirs, unless what Jamie said was true, and she was one of them. Only time, and the investigation, would tell.

  “Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to come here, Ms. Hesser. Your horses are amazing. I had the chance to wander through your barn, and fell in love with Knight. He’s spectacular.”

  She smiled warmly. “He’s a charmer, but very hard to ride. He’s been known to throw quite a few experienced horsemen in his time. We only let the experts on him. He’s temperamental.”

  Tori didn't doubt that she could handle him. “I would love a shot at taking him out, if you would entertain my whim.”

  Julian was astounded by his wife. If she didn't think that she could compare to the people in the room, she was dead wrong. She was already fitting in perfectly. Then again, his wife was always about the job, so of course she’d slip in seamlessly.

  Lorelei thought about it. “I’m going out tomorrow morning. If you and your husband would like to join me, I would love to see your skills in action.”

  Tori took that as a challenge of sorts-- one that she couldn’t and wouldn’t pass up.

  “I would love to, Ms. Hesser.”

  Candy rolled her eyes and her husband must have caught it.

  “If you don’t mind, I would love to join you, too,” Lawson West admitted. He nudged his wife, but to no avail. She wasn’t having it.

  Lorelei nodded. “Be ready for seven. You’ll need equipment, so Bruce will direct you to Leroy White. He’s our stable manager and has all the spare gear.”

  Julian couldn’t wait to see his wife on Knight.

  At that moment, another couple entered, and they were both glad it was the other half of their team.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Kane Jefferson,” boomed Bruce.

  Julian glanced over and noticed that the place cards beside them were for his team. Somehow, he didn't buy that it was a coincidence. Way to go, Jamie, on keeping them together.

  “I think you’re here beside us,” he offered, pointing to the two chairs.

  Christina smiled demurely. She had to admit, this undercover thing was amazing. She loved being out in the field and couldn’t believe that she was getting to play the role. “Thank you,” she replied.

  When they sat, the introductions were made once more. Before they knew it, one more couple was escorted into th
e room.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Snyder,” Bruce announced.

  When they had taken their seats, again, everyone began talking.

  “I think that’s it for our guests,” stated their host. “I want to welcome you to Hesser Estates. Your donation is going to a worthy cause. We fund a stable for children who have lost their parents. We firmly believe that the equestrian therapy they receive is helping them overcome their loss.”

  Everyone listened to the woman do her speech. As she continued, the wait staff entered and began placing bowls of soup in front of them. Silently, everyone began eating as their hostess continued on.

  Before she could finish, there was loud talking from outside the room. In rushed a harried Bruce, following a young man. He was desperately trying to hush the man, but to no avail.

  “I’m sorry, ma’am. I asked him to wait until you were finished,” the butler apologized.

  “Don’t stress it, Bruce. It’s fine. Everyone, this is my cousin, Fredrick Hesser- Jameson. He’s going to be joining us these next few days as we enjoy all the fun of the derby.”

  He grinned wickedly as he took a seat not far from Tori and Julian. “I certainly aim to have plenty of fun,” he stated.

  Julian’s tensed as the man stared lecherously at his wife. Yeah, over his dead body was that kind of enjoyment even going to be a possibility.

  Lorelei continued on, “My father couldn’t be here tonight, since he’s working out in the stables with the jockeys. As you know, we have a horse running next week, and it’s getting close to the tourney. You’ll have to excuse his absence.”

  Fredrick snorted before chugging the champagne which was sitting in front of him.

  Julian pretty much knew who the family bad boy and closet drunk was going to be. Apparently, every overtly rich clan had one.

  When Lorelei sat, the conversation broke off as everyone began eating their dinner.

  “What do you do for a living, Victoria?” asked Candy West. “I mean, do you work? I don’t. Sometimes I think it might be fun to get out and have a career.”

  Tori mentally refocused on the information in the dossier which they had received from Jamie. “I’m a designer and very big into fashion.”