Silent Deception: A BWWM Romance Read online

  God, she had curves in all the right spots.

  He ached to take her in his arms. He knew without a doubt she’d fit perfectly against him. His cock stirred, and he bit back a curse.

  Now was not the time to get a hard-on.

  The scenery changed as they turned out onto the road. Country calculated it would take them thirty minutes before they’d arrive at the church.

  “If you ever want to talk, I’m here for you Jazzy,” he offered.

  She shifted and smiled.

  This time, a genuine one.

  It calmed his racing heart, bringing it back to a slow, even pace.

  “Thanks, Charlie.”

  Her smile faltered, and the alarms in the back of his mind went off again.

  “What is it, Jazzy?” he prodded.

  “I was going through some of Denton’s papers in his office and I came across some emails he’d printed off that have me worried.” Her hand shook as it rose, and she tucked her dark hair behind her ear.

  “About what?” he asked softly. He didn’t want to let on how she affected him. At the moment he detected fear in her eyes.

  “I think whoever killed my husband may come after me and Aden.”

  At the mention of her son, tears filled her eyes. Jazz was a wonderful mother. She loved her son more than life itself.

  The sight of her tears just about broke him.

  “No one will touch either of you. I give my word, Jazzy.”

  And his word was just as good as law.

  Her fear brought out the beast in him. It made him do things that a woman like her would never need to know about.

  She belonged to him.

  She just didn’t know it yet.

  Day in and day out, he’d been her shadow, watching her every move. He knew Jazzy better than she knew herself. She filled his every waking moment.

  It would always be Jazzy.

  Country flexed his hands with a few fleeting thoughts of what he’d already had to do to ensure she and Aden had remained safe.

  If she knew, he would never be rewarded with her smile again.

  Chapter Three

  Jazzy couldn’t take her eyes off Aden’s plump little cheeks. Her innocent angel was fast asleep having had a busy day. He could barely keep his eyes open after his bath. She tucked him into the big boy bed she had just purchased for him. It had only taken her seeing him crawl over his crib railings once before she decided to just transition him to a toddler one.

  His room was next to hers, and he had already learned how to come crawl in her bed in the morning.

  She sat on the floor and ran her fingers along his face. Jazz was still in awe that she and Denton had created something so perfect.

  Denton’s death was a gift and a curse.

  Her young African-American boy growing up in the world without a father was a curse, but then it was a blessing that he would never know the type of man Denton Tyson had truly been.

  She blew out a breath, and her eyes fluttered shut. The memories of the last time Denton was home. It was a few days before his death, and they’d just returned from a charity event.

  “I wonder if Aden is asleep,” she murmured, stepping through the door. She tossed her purse on the counter and glanced at the clock on the stove.

  “As late as it is, he better be,” Denton muttered, stumbling into the kitchen behind her.

  Jazz turned around at the slam of the door. Denton walked toward her, pulling his tie off. He scowled, brushing past her.

  The alcohol was taking over him.

  At the hotel, she hadn’t seen him drink that much, but then again, in the car, he’d pulled out a flask from his jacket to celebrate how much money had been raised. The foundation she had started had earned a few hundred grand for juvenile diabetes research.

  Choosing to remain silent, she followed him down the hallway toward the living room. She didn’t want to risk setting him off. They’d had a few good weeks between them.

  The house was silent, and she knew Sara would probably be in the family room watching television until they arrived home.

  “I’ll go send Sara home.” The sounds of her heels echoed through the air.

  Denton grunted and walked in the direction of his study. She shook off the uneasy feeling in her gut and continued to the family room.

  Denton would go into the study and work until the wee hours of the morning as he normally did many nights. A few drinks never kept him from running his lucrative deals. He did business with corporations all over the world, which meant some days he stayed up late to be able to speak with people who were clear across the pond.

  She arrived at the entrance and smiled. This was one of the favorite rooms guests loved to be in when visiting. It had vaulted ceilings, two massive couches, a bar, and even a pool table. The large floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the backyard. She found the babysitter exactly where she knew she would be. Sara, a petite woman, was engrossed in the reality television show currently on the screen.

  “Reality TV will rot your brain cells, Sara,” she said.

  Sara jumped at the sound of her voice and spun in her direction. “Mrs. Tyson, I didn’t hear you come in.”

  “That’s okay.” Jazz waved a hand and stepped down into the room.

  Sara stood from her seat and turned off the television.

  “How was he?”

  “An angel as usual. Aden is such a happy little boy.” Sara didn’t live far away and was to be available around the clock. “I didn’t realize how late it was. I was trying to catch up on some of my shows.”

  “I don’t know how you watch that mess.” Jazz shook her head with a laugh.

  “It’s entertainment. That’s what our world has come to.” Sara shrugged and moved toward the door. “I’m beat. I’ll see you later.”

  “Find Charlie—Country. He’ll have your birthday bonus for you.”

  “Aww…that’s so sweet of you! How’d you know my birthday was tomorrow?” Sara’s face brightened as she hopped in place.

  “It’s the same day as last year, right?” Jazz cocked her head to the side.

  “It is! Thanks again!” Sara bolted from the room, leaving Jazz laughing at her.

  Shaking her head, she walked over to the windows and paused. The lights around the yard highlighted their property.

  The quietness of the house ensued around her. She observed a fat skunk trot through their backyard. Sending up a prayer, she asked the man above for the stinky animal to keep going and not spray anything in her yard. There was nothing like having a house smelling like a skunk.

  Her body tensed at the sound of a cough behind her. She took in the sight of Denton’s reflection in the window. He leaned against the doorjamb with a scowl.

  “Is everything okay?” she asked. Her heart rate increased as she watched him step into the room. She spun around and immediately wanted to run.

  “You always have to test me,” he began. His deep voice was low, and his eyes were narrowed on her.

  “What are you talking about?” she asked.

  She kept her voice calm. She prayed that he would turn around and leave her be. He ambled closer to her, and she knew that wasn’t the case. He’d taken off his jacket and tie. The top few buttons of his stark white shirt were unbuttoned.

  “Look at you. Look at how you’re dressed.” He pressed close to her, trapping her in between him and the window.

  The chilled glass pressed against her bare shoulders.

  Her black strapless dress had been made by a popular designer. It flowed around her knees and had earned her multiple compliments all night. Her diamond necklace and bracelet were the only accessories she had worn with it. Her outfit matched his black tuxedo. He had offered no complaints before they had left earlier.

  “There’s nothing special about this dress,” she whispered, staring at his chin. She dared not look into his eyes.

  His hand came up and gripped her chin. He forced her face up, and she had no choice but t
o meet his glare.

  “It’s not the dress. It’s you. All the men had their eyes on you the entire evening,” he growled, tightening his grip on her.

  “I can’t help that. I was with you. Always with you,” she whimpered. She’d barely left his side except for when called for, and when she was, she was either taking pictures with important donors or on stage.

  He leaned down and pressed a hard kiss to her lips. The smell of liquor was strong. She squeezed her eyes shut, not sure how this night was going to unfold.

  “Is that so?” he mumbled, brushing his lips against hers.

  His hand slid down to her throat and made its way to her breast. Her body grew still while he roughly felt her up. He trailed hard kisses along her jaw and headed toward her neckline.

  “Show me what’s mine,” he growled on her neck.

  He gripped her dress and yanked it up. She released a cry as he pushed her panties down and fumbled with his pant buttons.

  “Not like this, Denton!” she cried. Tears welled up in her eyes. Her body shook at the sound of him unzipping his pants. She slid her hands between them and tried to push him away. “Please, Denton. You’re drunk.”

  A dark storm rolled onto his face. She immediately braced herself. Quicker than he should have been able to move in his drunken state, he swung his hand backwards. Pain exploded on her cheek. She flew to the floor.

  “You are not going to deny me,” Denton snarled.

  She turned over and began crawling over to the couch so she could pull herself up.

  “I’m your husband.”

  A scream escaped her lips at the feel of him grabbing her by her legs.

  “Denton! No!” she yelled. Her face felt as if it were on fire.

  He flipped her over and straddled her.

  “Where the hell do you think you’re going?” he snapped. His hands came to rest on her throat, pressing hard.

  “Don’t do this,” she croaked.

  Tears escaped as he squeezed harder. Her body bucked, but he was too heavy for her. Images of their child flashed before her.

  Sweet Aden.

  His chubby little cheeks.

  His laughter that was infectious.

  Panic set in.

  She couldn’t breathe.

  “You dress like a fucking slut for them but deny me the pussy that belongs to me?”

  She tore at his hands with her fingers, trying to break free. Her lungs were burning for air. She kicked her legs as she tried to escape from his clutches.

  This was it.

  This was how she’d die.

  At the hands of her husband.

  Dark spots floated in her vision.

  “This is your fault! You made me do this!” he screamed, pressing down harder on her neck.

  Rage had overtaken his once-handsome face. Spittle flew out of his mouth and landed on her cheek. Her arms felt heavy, and her legs grew weak.

  She couldn’t fight him anymore.

  Her mouth moved, but no words could escape.

  He’d won.

  Suddenly, he was gone.

  A crash sounded off in the distance.

  She rolled over on her side, taking big gulps of air. Her vision was blurred from the tears. She took agonizing breaths, trying to fill her protesting lungs.

  Her body racked with sobs. The skin on her face and neck were raw.

  Gentle hands gripped her shoulders. She released a cry and jerked away. She opened her eyes and blinked several times before she was able to focus on who stood next to her.

  Charlie.

  Jazz shuddered. She opened her eyes and found herself still sitting next to Aden’s small bed. Not wanting to disturb him, she silently stood and made her way from his room. She shut the door and ambled down the stairs.

  There was a baby monitor system she’d had installed in Aden’s room that provided her with a monitor in the kitchen and one for her bedroom. She’d left the portable handheld in the kitchen earlier. In their mansion, she wanted to be able to ensure she could hear him if he cried.

  The house was eerily quiet with Denton gone.

  A shiver ran down her spine, and she pulled the ties of her silk robe tighter.

  The police had yet to identify the person who was responsible for Denton’s death. Memories of his body lying on the cold slab in the coroner’s lab stuck with her. The police had escorted her to identify him.

  His face had almost been unrecognizable.

  Cause of death had been suffocation with a clear plastic bag that had been found at the scene of the crime.

  They were unsure what he had been beaten with.

  A blunt object was penciled in on the report.

  The casket at the funeral had to be closed. There wasn’t enough makeup in the world to make him resemble his former self.

  She shook her head, trying to force the images from her mind.

  Arriving at the kitchen, she paused in the doorway.

  Charlie sat at the table nursing a drink.

  She could never call him by his nickname. She loved his given name. It wasn’t Charles. Just Charlie.

  His dark, stormy eyes met hers, and her core clenched. His gaze moved along her body, and her heart raced. Her nipples hardened into tight little buds and pushed against her silkiness of her robe, vying for his attention.

  Charlie was a large man, and the size of him took her breath away. His broad shoulders and solid, muscular chest were currently hidden by his black shirt. The soft material molded to him, failing to hide the hard plains of his chest. His hair was mussed as if he’d run his fingers through it a few times before she’d arrived.

  She swallowed hard, gazing at his beard. She wondered how it would feel against the soft skin of her thighs.

  Jesus.

  A moan almost slipped from her lips with just the thought of his face buried between her legs.

  Whenever she stood close to him, her body reacted in a way that it certainly had never responded to her husband.

  She’d been with her husband since she was nineteen years old and she’d only had one other lover before Denton.

  She certainly knew when a man held desire in his eyes for her.

  It was currently burning bright in Charlie’s.

  If Charlie touched her right now, her body would detonate.

  “You all right?” His deep baritone voice broke through her thoughts.

  “I can’t sleep.” She sauntered over to the large marble island in the middle of the kitchen and turned on the portable baby monitor. She needed a distraction. Anything. Silence met her ears over the monitor, denoting Aden was still sound asleep. “I’ve just been restless.”

  Sitting the monitor back down, she ambled to the door that led to the garage.

  A chair scraping across the floor echoed behind her.

  She pushed the door open and stepped down into the garage. The lights automatically flickered on.

  In this room, her husband’s prized possessions were housed.

  His cars.

  Not caring that she was barefoot, she walked toward the first car nearest her.

  Without turning, she knew Charlie had followed her.

  She ran her hand along the hood of the plum-colored Porsche parked in the first stall. It was a collector’s item. She remembered the day the vehicle had been delivered to their home. Denton had been like a kid in a candy store.

  “He loved his cars more than he loved me,” she announced.

  Charlie remained quiet behind her. She strolled to the next vehicle, a baby-blue Bentley Phantom, and paused. Spinning on her heel, she faced Charlie. His gray eyes were locked on her.

  “Why am I numb on the inside? A wife should mourn her husband. I don’t feel anything. Nothing. What is wrong with me?”

  Chapter Four

  Country shouldn’t have had that second shot. He’d done a quick sweep around the house before snagging a drink from the bar. After the first one, he had decided on a second, thinking Jazzy would have been asleep by
then.

  His feet carried him across the room to her. He knew he should keep his hands to himself, but seeing Jazzy so vulnerable just tore him up inside.

  She was the most beautiful creature he’d ever seen. She was dressed in a silk robe with her long, dark hair flowing down her back in waves. Her tiny feet were bare, showing off her bright-pink toenail polish.

  “It’s not your fault,” he murmured, reaching for her. He pulled her close. He never was one who could deal with her sadness. If he could, he’d wipe it all away.

  She immediately pressed herself against him and wrapped her arms around his waist. She leaned her head on his chest and sniffled.

  “But why don’t I feel anything? My husband is dead. My child’s father will not see his son grow up.”

  Denton Tyson never deserved Jazz.

  He tipped her chin up and was drawn in by her deep, soulful eyes. He traced his finger along her chin and moved to her plump bottom lip. Both were so damn full and begged for a kiss.

  Country moved his gaze down to the faint traces of bruising on her neck and bit back a growl. The night he’d come into the main house after giving the babysitter her bonus had changed his life forever. The sound of Jazz’s scream had sent a chill down to his bones. If he paused and closed his eyes, he could still hear it echo through his mind.

  “He took everything from you. Denton may have been smart, but he certainly didn’t realize who was his most prized possession. He used you up. That’s why you don’t feel anything,” he said. He breathed in her scent, and his heart raced.

  Jazz leaned into his embrace. Her eyes fluttered closed before slowly opening.

  “Charlie,” she breathed. She slid her hand up along the ridges of his abdomen and let it rest on his chest.

  His cock, fully engorged, pushed against her. He couldn’t—no, he wouldn’t—hide how she affected him anymore.

  “What is it, Jazzy?” he asked.

  Her hand slid up to cup his that held her face.

  “Tell me what you want.”

  “Make me feel again, Charlie,” she whimpered, closing the gap between them.

  He slid his hand down to cup her round ass. It filled his large hand perfectly. Her silky robe did little to hide the fact she was naked beneath it.