“What’s the matter?” I ask. “Found anything new in my husband’s case?”

  “Yes, ma’am. As a matter of fact, we found out what poisoned him.” My heart sinks into my shoes. “We have to take you to the station.”

  “What?” I say, my breath hitching in my throat.

  “I’m sorry, but we have to take you in for questioning.”

  Before I can say anything, the police officer has already stepped into my house and grabbed my hand. “I’ll escort you to the car.”

  I nod slowly, but my body is going numb. As if I’m in a trance from which I can’t wake up.

  “I’ll watch the house for you, Mrs. Starr,” Pablo says.

  “Yes …” I murmur, as the officers escort me to the car.

  I’ve never sat in a police car. This will be my first time.

  And as a criminal, too.

  This is all his fault, fucking Phoenix Sullivan. He’s trying to pin it on me, but I won’t let him get away with it. One way or another, I’ll get out of this mess, and when I do, he’ll burn for this.

  ***

  Two hours later…

  “I already told you that I’m innocent.”

  “Yes, ma’am, you keep saying that, but all evidence points in your direction.”

  I sigh out loud. “Yes, I gave that glass to him, but I didn’t know it was filled with poison.”

  “It’s a little too much of a coincidence.”

  “What is?” I frown.

  “Well, considering your husband’s … affairs and the current state of your marriage, it’s not looking good from our perspective.”

  “You base your conclusions on the tabloids,” I say, leaning forward. “Shame on you. You should know better than that.”

  “Not entirely, Mrs. Starr. Our sources place your husband at a local strip club and multiple other venues where there are walkers on the streets.”

  “You mean hookers. Call it for what it is.” I make a face. I’m seriously not impressed with their efforts.

  “We understand your frustration, but we have substantial evidence against you.”

  “No, you don’t. All you have is some glass, which I supposedly gave him, and my supposed anger toward my husband for cheating. That’s not evidence, that’s circumstantial, at best. You’re just trying to pin it on me, just like the real killer.”

  “And who do you suppose this real killer is then?” they ask, as if they don’t know it’s not me.

  “Phoenix Sullivan. And he’s still out there on the streets right now, doing his business. He’s probably off killing someone else as we speak.”

  The police officer smiles at me. I know he doesn’t believe me, but they can’t keep me here forever, either.

  “So, is this conversation finished? Can I go home now?” I ask.

  “We still have a few questions …”

  “You don’t have anything against me, so you’re holding me against my will. If I’m not under arrest, I’m free to go. So let me out.” I look him in the eyes. “Now.”

  He sighs. “All right. If you’re not willing to help us.”

  “I am, but you’re not listening.”

  He grabs a pen and a notebook. “Tell us where he lives then. I will go and talk to him.”

  “Like talking will help,” I say. “He won’t tell you the truth, if that’s what you’re thinking.” I laugh. “Imagine that, a killer telling you that he murdered someone.” Now I can’t stop laughing.

  He clears his throat to interrupt me. “We will check it out. For now, you’re free to go. But that doesn’t mean you’re not still a suspect.”

  “I know. Don’t worry, I won’t run,” I say as I get up from my seat. “You think I’m a criminal, but you’re wrong, and I will prove it.”

  “Please don’t do anything against the law,” he says, also getting up as I walk to the door.

  I smile as I pass him, pausing for a second. “I’ll see you soon then.”

  Sooner than he thinks.

  CHAPTER 9

  VANESSA

  That night

  When I get home, I’m exhausted, and the rain pouring down on my head isn’t helping either. I feel miserable after today, totally defeated from the news that I’m really a suspect in my husband’s murder. Now, more than ever, I feel the loneliness creeping up inside me, and it makes me want to scream.

  But I don’t. Instead, I cling onto my phone and call Arthur’s number.

  “Hey,” I say when he picks up. “It’s me.”

  “Vanessa. Are you all right? You sound sick.”

  I sigh. “No, actually, not at all.”

  “What happened?”

  I sniff. “They questioned me. They think I killed Phillip.”

  “Oh, no …” I can hear him take a deep breath. “That’s not good news at all, especially not after … well, you know.”

  “I know; it’s just a little too much right now.”

  “Are you all by yourself?” he asks.

  “Yes, but …”

  “Come to my house then. We can talk about it.” There’s not an ounce of doubt in his voice, which makes me feel like he really does care about me.

  “Okay …”

  “Just come over,” he says.

  I swallow. “I’ll have to think about it.”

  “Don’t think for too long,” he says, chuckling.

  “Thank you for… Well, you know,” I say, clearing my throat. “Bye.”

  I end the call before he can say anything else. I know what he wants. By inviting me to his home, he doesn’t just want to talk. I know him too well for that. He’s always been there for me the moment I need it the most. He gives me what I need—love, which is exactly what I crave right now.

  I feel so bad for wanting it, but my entire body is shaking with need. Today has been such a bad day, and nothing will make it better except to be with the only person who cares about me. Urges overwhelm me, so I do what any sane person would do. I turn around and go back to my car, switching my brain off. I don’t think about what I’m going to do, I just act on my feelings. After all, everyone needs to feel loved.

  ***

  Thirty minutes later …

  As I stand in front of Arthur’s door, I bite my lip, contemplating on whether or not to ring the bell. The guilt has wormed its way back into my heart, telling me it isn’t right, that I shouldn’t even be considering this, but what else am I supposed to do? I can’t keep wallowing in self-pity. I can’t stay alone forever. And just because he is Phillip’s brother doesn’t make it bad … Phillip isn’t here anymore, there is no more connection. Nothing separates Arthur and me. Nothing stands in our way.

  The decision is made for me as the door opens anyway. Arthur’s standing in the doorway with a half undone shirt, and from what I can tell by peeking, he’s packing quite a few muscles. For his age, he looks damn fine. I guess he does like to work out once in a while.

  “Vanessa, you’re here,” he says, frowning.

  “Surprised?” I say, patting my hair, which is soaked.

  “Yeah, a little. Come in, come in,” he says, ushering me inside.

  I walk inside, and he closes the door behind us. His house looks quite cozy, not big like mine, but comfortable. The lights have a nice red glow to them, and the temperature inside the house is just right. Warm enough for me to stop shivering and finally dry my hair.

  Arthur walks to the kitchen. “You must be cold. Let me make some tea.”

  “Oh, that would be great,” I say. “It’s such bad weather outside.”

  “I’m surprised you came through this storm,” he says, chuckling. “I wasn’t expecting it, but it’s a nice surprise.”

  “Hmm … Well, I did question if I should for a second.”

  “I could’ve come to your house too, but I didn’t want to overstep. I mean, it’s still fresh and everything.” He comes back with tea as I sit down on the couch. “I wasn’t sure if it was appropriate.”

  “Oh, I get you,” I say. “It’s okay. Thanks.”

  He puts down the tea and sits down beside me. I grab my cup and take a sip, which instantly warms up my body.

  “Are you cold? I can grab a blanket,” he says, unsure whether I’ll allow him to sit next to me or not.

  “No, I’m fine,” I say, smiling.

  There’s an uncomfortable vibe between us that I just can’t seem to shake. Every time I look at him, he gazes back with this comforting smile that makes me shiver. I want to say something, but I have no clue what and I guess he doesn’t either, looking at his parted lips. We laugh a little and I take another sip of my tea to break the weird mood.

  “So … What did the police ask you?” Arthur says.

  I swallow away the lump in my throat. “They accused me of killing him.”

  He frowns. “Why?”

  “Because he was poisoned.” I look at him, my eyes getting watery again. “They think I gave it to him on purpose.”

  “Oh, no …” he says, putting his hand in front of his mouth. “So you’re the prime suspect now?”

  “I didn’t do it, Arthur.” I put down my cup. “Yes, I gave him the glass, but I didn’t know it had poison in it. They don’t believe me.” My voice is getting higher with every passing second, and I feel like I’m going to break. “They think I did it on purpose. Please, you have to believe me, Arthur. I’m not a murderer.”

  “Shhh …” He puts his arms around me and hugs me tight. “I believe you.”

  His hands are on my back, caressing me while I listen to his deep breaths. It calms me down to be in his vicinity. I just hope he believes me. I don’t want to lose anyone else.

  “Are you sure?” I ask. “I mean, they could come and question you, too.”

  He grabs my arms and pushes me back. “I believe only you, Vanessa. Always. I trust you.” His hand drifts to my cheek, his thumb stroking me tenderly. “How could I not believe you? I feel too much for you to ever be able to ignore your words.”

  My lips quiver as he leans forward and looks me in the eye. “I don’t know what to say … I feel …” I shudder, sucking a breath. “I don’t know what I should feel.”

  “Me neither, but I know it feels good.” He grabs my hand and places it on his chest. “I feel it in here, and always when I’m around you. I know you feel it, too. I can’t ignore it anymore.”

  “But I’m a married woman,” I say, leaning into his soft hand cupping my face, which feels so nice.

  “Were. And my brother wasn’t good to you. He didn’t deserve your love.” His hand moves to my chin to lift my head. “Let me comfort you.”

  He leans in further, and I let him. Before I realize it, his lips are on mine, kissing me softly. It feels so good … so normal … like it was always supposed to be this way. Arthur has always admired me, loved me, even from a distance, when he couldn’t come near me. But with his brother no longer here, we finally have the chance to try something new.

  His kisses are gentle and soothing, so good that I want more. I wrap my arms around his neck and invite him even closer. Our kiss becomes deeper the more seconds pass. I can’t get enough. It feels like all the floodgates have opened and all that I’ve been holding inside comes pouring out.

  His tongue dips out to probe the rim of my mouth and seduce me into giving in and opening up completely. I do what my gut tells me, turning my brain off, enjoying the moment. Desperate to get closer, I press my body to his. He slowly crawls on top of me, pushing me into the sofa with my back as he rests on top of me. His kisses become faster and his hands start roaming across my body. I squirm underneath him as he cups my ass and squeezes, a groan audible through all the kissing. I love the way it sounds, the rawness of his need, and wonder how long he has kept this hunger stored inside him.

  His hands find their way to the hem of my dress and slowly creep up underneath, dragging the fabric with them. A moan rolls over my lips as his hands slide up toward my breasts, and he covers my mouth with his. I can feel his hard-on poking me through his pants, and I immediately feel the urge to push his zipper down and take him right here, right now. I don’t care about the consequences of what we’re doing. I don’t care about anything, and that’s okay. We both need love, and we found it in each other.

  “I want you so badly,” he whispers as he drags his lips to my ear.

  “Me, too,” I say. “I want you, too.” My body arches to meet his as he cups my breast and massages it, giving ample attention to my nipple with his thumb.

  “Is it wrong?” he groans, pressing a kiss to my neck.

  “No …” I moan as he rubs his cock against me.

  “God, I feel so bad,” he says, hissing while biting his lip. “I just can’t stop myself.”

  “Don’t stop,” I whisper. “I need it. I need you.” He looks me in the eye as I say, “Let’s be bad together.”

  ***

  PHOENIX

  “How long are we going to be here?” my girlfriend asks, tugging on my arm.

  I jerk my arm and take my eyes off the binoculars. “As long as I want to.”

  “Why? You said you’d take me out,” she says.

  I frown. “Yes, and we’re outside. Your point?”

  She rolls her eyes. “You know that’s not what I meant.”

  “I don’t care. I have more important things on my mind right now.”

  She makes a face. “Oh, c’mon. What’s so fun about spying on a girl anyway when you got me?” She flaunts her body by pushing her tits in my face.

  I shove her back in her seat. “Sit down. I don’t have time for you now.”

  She sighs out loud. “Fine.” She folds her arms and gazes outside the other window. Finally, she’s off my case. God, that woman can be annoying sometimes. Like now, I wonder why the fuck I ever agreed to live together … but then I remember it’s because she’s such a good sucker. She’s always ready, willing, and I can take what I want when I want. And I love me a good fuck every day. Why not take it from her if she offers it so willingly?

  Besides, it’s not like she’s useful for anything else. She gets on my nerves a lot, especially when I’m trying to do something like now.

  I return my attention to the view I had through the binoculars and look through the window. I can clearly see Vanessa talking with some dude who I presume is Phillip’s brother. I’m curious to see if she’s going to tell him anything about me. I’ve been keeping an eye on her the entire time, just to see if she would make a move. I assume she’s waiting for the right time or the right person … someone like his brother would make sense. Plus, she is the type of girl who would try and get the police on my tracks. It’s not a question of if, but when.

  My grip on the binoculars tightens as I spot him inching closer to her and touching her face. A jolt of anger rushes through me, something I’m not familiar with, as I rarely get jealous. But damn, the moment he puts his lips on hers, a raging fire boils inside me, bursting out through my mouth. I growl, almost breaking the binoculars in my hands. How dare he fucking touch her? She’s mine. I fucked her first. I don’t fucking care what happens next. I just want her to think about me, and only me.

  In a fit of rage, I throw the binoculars at the window, almost breaking the glass.

  “Hey! Be careful,” my girlfriend says.

  “Fuck off …” I mutter, rubbing my forehead. Why can’t I stop thinking about her? She means nothing to me. And yet, I can’t stop wondering if she’ll expose me as the killer, and as someone she fucked. I should be the only one on her mind right now, but I’m not, and it’s pissing me off.

  “No, what the hell is wrong with you?” my girlfriend yells.

  “Shut up,” I say, narrowing my eyes at her. “I don’t want to hear your yammering.”

  She frowns, pursing her lips. “Well, you’re in a great mood. I knew I shouldn’t have left the house with you. It was a mistake to even think you’d finally go out with me like normal couples do.”

  “I said shut the fuck up!” I scream at her face, which makes her back away.

  She swallows, and I lean back in my chair, grabbing the steering wheel like it’s my lifeline. “Don’t talk to me right now.”

  “Sorry,” she says softly.

  Blowing out a big breath, I turn on the engine and drive away.

  I don’t want to see, hear, or even think of anything that involves Vanessa Starr anymore. I can’t take that woman consuming my mind. I have to burn the image out of my memories quickly, and there’s only one way I know how to make that happen.

  Either she does what I want, which is not talking to anyone, or heads are going to roll.

  ***

  VANESSA

  Arthur smiles and then kisses me again, and I hungrily kiss him back while undoing the button of his jeans. They slide down as I cup his ass and bring him closer to me. His hands slip down between my legs to cup my pussy and circle around my clit. I breathe heavily into his mouth, warmth flowing through my body as he starts toying with my most sensitive spot. All I can think about is having him inside me, so I pull down his boxer shorts, letting his cock spring out.

  “Are you sure?” he murmurs, kissing my lips while still playing with my pussy.

  “Yes, I want you,” I moan. “Please …”

  I’m pathetic, begging him to fuck me, but the urge is consuming me. I need him to love me. I need love … I’ve been deprived of it for so long, and Arthur hands it to me on a silver platter. How can I not give in?

  From under his lashes, he looks at me and then hooks his fingers underneath my panties and pulls them down slowly, kissing me sensually on my collarbone. I lean up as he grabs a condom from his pants and rips it open. His cock is nicely shaped, thick but not too large, and I love the way it bounces when he sees me looking. I push the zipper on the back of my dress as far as I can and let it slide off my shoulders, just past my breasts. When my nipples peek out, the left side of his lip perks up. He rolls the condom over his dick and then lowers himself on top of me, covering my nipple with his mouth.