Sweet Tooth Read online

  “You’re right. But how do I trust her?”

  “Listen with your heart. It’s the only way you’ll learn the truth.”

  “Hey, thanks.”

  “I know what it’s like to regret not listening to someone. Don’t want you to make the same mistake.”

  Isandro remembered the way Metcalf’s wife begged him to get help when he was suffering from PTSD. He wouldn’t do it. Couldn’t until he’d destroyed their marriage. Then it was too late.

  He wanted to ask if he’d heard from Jenny, but didn’t think he wanted the answer. He wouldn’t still regret his refusal of help so much if that had been the case.

  Metcalf smiled sadly. “Good luck.” He climbed out of the truck, and Isandro started home.

  He found Arianna curled up on the porch chair, asleep. His anger broke, his heart cracking further.

  She’d waited for him, and he’d been an ass.

  Scrubbing a hand over his face, he unlocked the door. Then he scooped her into his arms and carried her to the couch.

  Her face was red and puffy, no doubt from crying. Once he had her settled under a blanket, he went to the kitchen to start dinner.

  No more assumptions. They were going to talk. Then he could figure out what he needed to do. Probably grovel at her feet for being an asshole.

  Chapter 15

  Arianna woke with a start and looked around. Then she relaxed as tears started to fall. She’d been so sure Isandro had given up on her already, but she was wrapped in his blanket, on his couch, in his living room, while he cooked.

  She could smell the spices, onion and bell peppers sizzling. Her stomach rumbled. She hadn’t eaten at all, too worried she’d screwed up big time, and stressing over all the frustration for her fucked up situation.

  As quietly as she could manage, she tiptoed into the kitchen to find Isandro still in his uniform, making dinner.

  “Hey, about last night.”

  “Tell me he didn’t stay with you,” Isandro stated, without turning to look at her.

  “No. I walked home from the hospital. Emotionally drained. I didn’t call, thinking you’d be asleep. I didn’t know he was parked out front until I went to my car this morning. I had it towed.” She sucked in a breath and let it out. “I know he thinks I’ll take him back, but I won’t. I’m not a cheater, and the last thing I would do is let him in my home.”

  He spun and closed the distance so fast she gulped when he pulled her into his arms. “I thought—shit…I was sure he’d been there. That you caved to your mother and chose what she wanted.”

  She shook her head. “You were right. I shouldn’t have gone. She didn’t deserve my sympathy. Especially when she was faking.”

  “I’m sorry,” he whispered, then crushed his mouth over hers, pushing her up against the wall and taking her face in his hands. “I’m sorry I didn’t trust you.”

  She pushed him back. “The way things played out, I don’t even blame you. I think my mother set up the accident, the break-in, Derrick parking out front.”

  He didn’t understand. “Why would she do that?”

  She let out a bitter laugh. “Sure you want to know? I’m not sure it’s true, but she said some messed up shit, which would explain why she hates you so damned much.”

  Isandro caressed her face, such pain in his eyes. He clearly realized his mistake and now he wanted to fix it. So much better than Derrick could ever be.

  He stepped back. “Let me get dinner on the table, then we can talk. Okay?”

  “Yeah.”

  She was still nervous. If her mother’s history with his father tore them apart, she was going to move far the fuck away from this town and everyone in it.

  * * * *

  Isandro brought the container of warmed tortillas, the platter of steak and veggies, and the plate piled with cheese, beans, salsa, and guacamole. He always thought building your own meal with another person opened you up to deeper conversation. At least it worked in his family.

  Right now, he needed to understand what happened and where everything nearly went wrong so they could avoid that in the future. He brought a bottle of cabernet sauvignon to the table and opened it.

  “You don’t hate me?” she asked with watery eyes.

  Shit, the kiss wasn’t enough to portray how sorry he was? Didn’t matter if he had enough reasons to doubt, he shouldn’t have. Fuck.

  He sat down across from her and took her hands. “You should hate me. I thought the worst.”

  “Because someone designed the situation for you to see the worst. I would have thought the same.”

  He leaned forward, searching her eyes, holding her attention. “So here’s what we need to do. If one of us questions what the other is doing, or thinking, we need to ask. Especially me, because this isn’t the first time I jumped ahead.”

  She blinked and sighed. “I should have called you last night. I was so upset I couldn’t even think. I wanted to go to bed, then I lay there, wishing I were in your arms.”

  “I was awake, worrying about you,” he admitted.

  “See, I should have called.”

  “Stop. We both made mistakes. We learn from them and move forward. And maybe, for now at least, you should stay with me. If this asshole who hit my car is the one who broke in, it’s safer with me.”

  “You should know what she said.”

  He nodded. “Probably. How worried should I be?”

  She snorted. “She says she was in love with your father. That he wasn’t only fucking her at the time, but she got pregnant. Her parents didn’t approve. She went for the next best thing, my father. She tricked him into believing he got her pregnant. When Mario found out, he beat her until she lost their baby. After that she married my father, but kept up the affair with Mario.” She rubbed at her head. “I don’t get it. I mean, I believe it, but I don’t get why she stayed if he hurt her that bad.”

  “I’ll never hurt you, Arianna. I will never raise a hand to you in anger. That is not me.”

  “I know. I told her the same. I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you.”

  Isandro kissed her palm. “I get why she hates me. My father was an asshole who was capable of that and more. He was anything but faithful to my mother.”

  “She didn’t want to listen when I told her you aren’t like your father.”

  “If you were her, would you care about that? Or would you see the potential for someone to hurt her baby?”

  She huffed, her eyes narrowed. “That’s not why. She’s a bitter old bitch who doesn’t love anyone, so she wants everyone else to be as miserable as she is.”

  He shook his head, his eyes wide. “I’ll admit, it crossed my mind, but I never expected you to say it.”

  “If she ever does have a real heart attack I won’t be there for her. I’m done. Just like I’m done with Derrick. I’m sorry I didn’t call.”

  “Stop. No more apologies.” He managed a smile. “Hungry?”

  She nodded. “This smells amazing.”

  “Thank you. This was always my favorite way to get my sister or brothers to open up. Start with a nice meal, discuss what’s on our minds. Sometimes food breaks the ice.” He winked and pulled a tortilla from the dish and started assembling his first fajita.

  “You thought this out,” she murmured.

  He laughed. “Same thing you’d order in a restaurant, minus the sizzling dish. And I’m no chef, but this is easy.”

  Licking her lips, she leaned forward to take a tortilla. “I still wish we hadn’t gone to the party.”

  He shook his head. “I wish you had let me come to the hospital. The party was fine.”

  “Your car!” she said, nearly dropping the tortilla she slathered with guacamole.

  He shrugged. “Could have happened anywhere. I enjoyed meeting Cherise and Bentley. Gives me hope that you have at least one person in your family who doesn’t treat you like shit.”

  She sighed. “I miss my father. He was the one who held Mom back when she got t
oo bitchy. Cherise is sweet, but she doesn’t know when to shut her mouth.”

  “Yeah, but that’s family. Hell, it’s friends too. Thing is, you have someone who doesn’t make you feel small most of the time. And if she does, it’s not on purpose.”

  “I guess.” She finished assembling her fajita and mumbled, “Ohmygod, so good.”

  He shifted in his seat. “Watching you enjoy something I made is downright sexy.”

  A blush colored her cheeks as she took another bite. Her eyes sparkled as she watched him.

  The door opened and he groaned. Last thing he needed was his sister barging in when he was ready to push the food aside and reconnect with Arianna in the most vital way.

  “Hey, look, I know, bad timing,” Marissa rambled, heading into the kitchen. “Talbot Squire is out on bail. His father picked him up. And now he’s gone.”

  “Gone?” Arianna squawked.

  “Yup. His father called in two hours later to report a stolen car. He suspected his son of stealing it.”

  “And he has something to do with my mother?”

  Marissa nodded. “He’s also tied to Derrick and Antoinette.”

  “My sister?”

  She nodded. “Talbot currently works for your mother’s company. He interned under Antoinette last year. He’s been seen hanging out with Derrick, mostly at his apartment.”

  Isandro’s head cocked to the side. “What the hell is going on?”

  “Won’t know until we find him.” Marissa grinned at Isandro and nodded at Arianna. “I’m glad I was wrong.”

  “Me too.” He pointed to the food. “There’s enough if you’re hungry.”

  “You’re sure?”

  Arianna motioned at a chair with a mouthful of food.

  “All right.” Marissa sat down and joined in.

  And once more, all was right in his world. At least the important stuff.

  * * * *

  Marissa’s presence helped her feel more at home. Isandro seemed to pull her more into his environment. She wanted to live in his world and forget the one she came from.

  As much as she appreciated the new friendship, she wanted Isandro alone. There was so much to say.

  Marissa squeezed Arianna’s shoulder. “Sorry last night was rough. I’m glad you chose Isandro.” She started for the door. “Have a good night.”

  “Thank you, Marissa. For staying on top of the break-in and Isandro’s car.”

  “We’ll find out what happened.”

  “Thanks.”

  Isandro stood and started gathering dishes. They’d managed to finish everything off. Once again, she had to smile. She joined him, helping clear the table. While he gathered the last few dishes, she turned the faucet on and started rinsing.

  Isandro caged her in from behind. He pushed her hair to the side and kissed her neck. “I missed you last night.”

  “Me too,” she whispered.

  “Your mother…I don’t have words. She hurt you for no good reason.”

  “I should have listened to you. Should have gone home with you instead of to the hospital.”

  He nipped her ear. “I wanted to support your choices. I was ready to sit in the waiting room until you needed a shoulder to lean on.”

  “Which is why I should have told you to come in. I walked home, crying my eyes out because my mother is a hateful cunt who doesn’t know the meaning of love.”

  He shut off the water and turned her toward them. “The dishes can wait. You can’t. I want to show you how deep this runs between us.”

  “What?” she whispered, looking up through her lashes.

  He bit his lip and drew a slow breath. “Something stronger than anything I’ve felt before. I want you, only you.”

  “I love you,” she whispered, afraid he didn’t feel the same.

  His fingers threaded into her hair as he looked deep into her. “Love you too. Worried it was too soon.”

  “Not if it’s real.”

  He caressed down her body, gripping her thighs, urging her to wrap her legs around him. Then he carried her to the bedroom.

  “Dishes?” she squeaked.

  “I’ll worry about them in the morning. Right now, I need you.”

  Her mouth closed over his as he opened his bedroom door and set her down before the bed.

  He pulled his shirt over his head, and she stood to open his pants. She traced the Bulldog on his chest and smiled. “What did I do to deserve you?”

  “Shit, after what your mother said about my father…” He rubbed a hand over his face.

  “I don’t care about him. Don’t care about her. Just you.”

  He kissed her while unbuttoning her blouse. “Need to make love to you,” he whispered against her lips. “Going to wash away bad memories and replace them with good.”

  “Already are. Every touch, every kiss, every word.” She got rid of her pants while he removed his. Then he walked her a few steps back and laid her down, crawling over her.

  “Stay with me. At least until we know what’s going on with whoever broke into your place.”

  “What about when you’re working?”

  “You can stay here. I have a security system. I’ll have to remember to turn it on, but I want you safe.”

  She rolled him to his back and climbed over him. His fingers threaded through hers and she leaned down to kiss his full lips. “Tell me what you need.”

  “Show me how much you love me,” he said in a deep rumble that made her toes curl. She rose up and guided his crown to her gate before sliding down over him.

  A moan escaped as she bit her lip, taking him in. “Love the way you feel inside me.”

  “My favorite place to be,” he whispered, sitting up to wrap his arms around her. “Fuck, I’m never getting enough of you, Ari.”

  She giggled. “Good thing I’m not letting you go then.”

  His hands caressed down her back to grip her ass, urging her faster as he thrust up, into her. Pleasure built until she thought she couldn’t take it.

  He dipped his head and caught her nipple between his teeth.

  She shot over the edge, coming harder than anything she’d ever experienced. He filled her, following her as he kissed up her throat to whisper in her ear. “Stay here, Ari.”

  “Nowhere else I’d rather be,” she murmured.

  Chapter 16

  A ringing phone woke her up. It was coming from the other room. Arianna made her way to the living room and found her phone in her purse.

  “Hey, this is Arianna.”

  “Sorry to wake you. This is Mary, from the Lakeridge Condos. Someone broke into your home. The police are here.”

  “What’s going on?” Isandro asked, standing in the hall, naked as the day he was born. Her mouth watered at the sight, but she had to close her eyes and hold up a hand.

  “Tell them I’ll be there in ten minutes.”

  “Of course. I’m glad you weren’t home. There’s glass everywhere.”

  Dropping her head, she pinched the bridge of her nose. “Me too. Thank you for calling.” She hung up before Mary could reply.

  “What happened?” he asked again.

  “Someone broke into my home.”

  “Please stay here. At least until this is over.”

  She nodded and walked past him to get dressed.

  “Let me come with you.” His tone was hard, commanding, but it was still a question.

  “Yeah. I don’t want to do this on my own.”

  They were dressed and on their way in a moment.

  He threaded his fingers through hers. “Never have to do anything alone. I’ll be there for you, whatever you need.”

  She leaned over, placing her head on his shoulder while he drove to her home.

  He murmured, “If they don’t hold everything for evidence, you should pack some clothes and whatever else you need in the near future.”

  “My mother is wrong about you.”

  “God, I hope so. I’ll never be like my father.�
�

  “You aren’t. No one has ever cared about what I wanted or needed. You do. I can’t tell you how amazing you make me feel.”

  “Even with break-ins and accidents?”

  She smiled in amusement. “And my mother trying to tear us apart.”

  He met her gaze. “We won’t let her.”

  One corner of her mouth quirked. “Nope. I told her to go to hell right before I walked out of her life for good.”

  “If you change your mind, I’ll still be here.”

  “Because you’re an amazing man. Regardless of what she thinks.”

  “I don’t need her approval,” he replied. “Only yours.”

  “You have my heart.”

  He pulled her hand to his mouth and pressed a kiss. “You ready for this?”

  “No. I don’t want to believe my mother could have anything to do with sabotaging my home or business. Who else would it be?”

  “I don’t know.” He pulled into the parking lot, and she pointed to her extra parking space. “Park there. Please. Promise not to have you towed.”

  He laughed. “Hope not.”

  The flashing police lights pulsed into a headache as he shut off the engine and came around to open her door. He took her hand and pulled her to her feet.

  Steeling her courage, she climbed the stairs. Isandro followed on her heels, keeping a tight hold on her hand. She glanced back to find him watching her with care.

  Inside she found officers going through her place. She recognized their faces but didn’t know them by name.

  A woman walked over with a clipboard. “Are you Arianna Nelson?”

  “I am.”

  “Isandro. Are you two friends?”

  He smiled. “I’m the boyfriend. She was at my place.”

  Her head dipped slowly. Arianna didn’t miss the hint of jealousy in the woman’s dark eyes.

  Isandro added. “Arianna, this is Officer Bridges.”