Stripped Read online

  “Teaching isn’t gonna cut it for you. You’ll be bored within a week.”

  “I’d be alive though.”

  “I can’t believe I’m hearing this. You survived years of domestic violence. What’s happened to that strong woman who could face anything?”

  Lisa rubbed her hair. “She was shot and almost died.”

  “But, you didn’t.” Dee hopped off the counter and grabbed Lisa’s shoulders. “You’re still here and you’re stronger than ever.”

  “You act like you understand what I’ve been through, but have you ever had your life flash before your eyes?”

  “Lisa—”

  “No, you haven’t. You have no right to pass judgment on me. Being shot isn’t something you get over like it never happened.”

  “It’s a part of the job. You knew that when you signed up.”

  “Well, it’s no longer important to me. Want to know what is?” She hurried to the doorway, pointing out of it. “That man in that wheelchair is way more important than some job, Dee. I want a life with Jake, and I won’t threaten that for anything. I’ll never be a cop again. Okay? A paycheck is not worth dying for.”

  “Being a cop isn’t just a paycheck. It’s who we are.”

  “It’s easy to take an oath and say you’ll put your life on the line until something happens.” Lisa walked from the door. “I want to live my life without fear and I can’t do that as a cop.”

  “I know it’s selfish.” Dee sobbed. “But, I feel like I’m losing everyone. Everyone.”

  “You’re never losing me, girl.” Lisa hugged her. “We might not see each other every day but I’ll always be here for you.”

  “I’m just so lost right now.” Dee wiped her eyes on her palms. “So empty and confused.”

  “I’ve been there. How about you talk to Dr. Guzman? If anyone can help you, it’s her.”

  “No way.” Dee walked around, shaking her head. “That therapy shit isn’t me. I work things out myself, Leece.”

  “Everyone needs help sometimes.”

  “Not that kind of help.” Dee pushed her hair behind her ears. “I need more of that caramelized banana cake out there but not therapy.”

  Lisa laughed.

  CHAPTER TEN

  “Come here, you.” Winston grabbed Dee as they entered her living room. “I’m still hungry.” He sucked her neck, the bulge from his crotch brushing her thigh. “But, not for food.” He lifted her dress, gripping her buttocks. “How about some real dessert, huh?”

  “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.” She pushed his hands from her ass.

  He swung his arms back and forth. “Did I do something wrong?”

  “Besides flirting with Lisa all night?” She hunched a shoulder, snatching off her earring. “Nope.”

  “Not this again.” He sat on the arm of the sofa, slouching. “Do we have to go through this every time we hang out with Jake and Lisa?”

  “You tell me. When you get around her, you act like no one else is in the room.”

  “Why are you so insecure about Lisa?”

  “You don’t give me reason not to be.” She threw her earrings on the table. “I saw how you were looking at her.”

  “It’s all in your head.” He walked by the floor plant and stopped next to the lavender, floral wall art. “I love you, Deidra. You’re the only woman for me or else I wouldn’t be here.”

  “But you wanted Lisa.” She crossed her arms. “It hasn’t been that long ago.”

  “That’s over now, woman.” He smacked his palm. “Jesus, this makes no sense. Are you jealous of her?”

  “Please.” She wiggled her neck. “Lisa’s my best friend and I love her, but I can’t ignore how it makes me feel when I see you two together sometimes. It’s like those old feelings are still there.”

  “That’s your problem, not ours.” He sat on the couch, propping his leg on the opposite thigh. “You have no right to question me, anyway.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “You’re the one with your ex in your face every time you turn around. Yet, you act like it shouldn’t bother me.”

  “You said you trusted me about Grayson.”

  “Do you trust me?” He jumped off the couch, seizing her. “I don’t want Lisa. I love you, woman. Never question that.”

  She exhaled, tugging on the collar of his white shirt. “I’m sorry.” She gave him a peck on the lips. “I’m scared of losing someone else.”

  “Look at me.” He caressed her cheeks. “I don’t want Lisa or any other woman but you.”

  She kissed him, embracing the familiar ripples of his lips. “It scares me how much I need you.”

  “Don’t be scared.” He pressed his forehead against hers. “It’s true love.”

  They locked lips, holding each other in a sturdy embrace.

  “Mm.” Dee melted as Winston pushed his sticky tongue inside her mouth, her shaking knees threatening her balance.

  “Well,” Winston spoke with his mouth hooked to hers. “Still have that effect on you, I see.”

  “Oh yeah.” She kissed him, teasing that buildup in the base of her soul. “What are you gonna do about it?”

  He moaned, swaying her with his eyes closed. “I can think of something.”

  “I like that.” Just as Dee pulled him into another kiss, her cell rang from her purse. “Sorry, I got to get it.”

  Winston nodded, sighing.

  Dee got the phone, shuddering when she saw Jonathan’s name.

  “Something wrong?” Winston got the TV remote and sat on the couch.

  “No.” Dee let loose a clumsy giggle and answered, “Hello?”

  “Hello, Deidra.” Jonathan’s sultry voice brought the quiver back to her knees. “Am I interrupting you?”

  “Um.” She glanced at Winston who flipped channels. “Hold on.” She ran to the hallway and stood out of eavesdropping range. “What are you doing calling me?”

  “You gave me your number, remember?”

  “You’re only supposed to call me if it has something to do with the case.” She peeked into the living room and Winston’s attention remained on the TV.

  “How can you tell this isn’t about the case? Maybe you’re hoping it’s about something else.”

  “Stop it.” She laid her hand flat against the peach flowers on the white wallpaper. “We’re not doing this, Jonathan.”

  “I want to do all I can to help you find who killed Autumn. I want you to meet the women of The Circle.”

  “You mean I can question them?”

  “Sure. How about you come by tomorrow? I’ve invited the WABC to a luncheon in the courtyard.”

  “Isn’t that Women Against Breast Cancer?”

  “Yes. They’re one of many charities I work with. I’ll be presenting them with one hundred thousand dollars during the event.”

  “That’s wonderful.” She touched the pearl pendant of her necklace.

  “It wouldn’t be right to have all this money and not share it with those who need it. I hate hearing of people sick. My father worked hard to create cures and discover new medicines. What I’m doing pales in comparison.”

  “That’s commendable.”

  “Dee?” Winston called for her. “Are you almost done?”

  “Just a minute,” she shouted back. “I have to go, Jonathan.”

  “Are you with Winston?”

  “That’s none of your business. I haven’t forgotten what you pulled the other night in your lab.”

  “You mean when you thought I’d kiss you?” He snickered. “You got the wrong idea.”

  “Yeah, right. Make sure I have no reason to get the wrong idea again. Are we clear?”

  “Crystal. The luncheon will be tomorrow at noon. Are you coming?”

  “Connie and I will be there.”

  “I look forward to it.”

  Dee pushed the button on her phone, ending the call.

  “Dee?” Winston shouted.

  “I’m coming. I’m comi
ng.”

  ****

  “We can’t thank you enough, Mr. Wild.” ReNita Venable, leader of the WABC bit into the chicken and goat cheese roll the next day. “It’s gracious contributors like you who make our organization a success.”

  Jonathan smiled, moving his fingers from his lips. “Just promise me my money will be of good use.”

  “In ways you can’t imagine.” The 65-year-old ReNita blushed, patting the curls of her graying red hair that framed her powerful jawline.

  At her age, she put many of the younger women at the luncheon to shame, proving she set men’s hearts on fire in her day.

  But, even the charming, mature, beauty couldn’t take Jonathan’s mind off the gorgeous black cop who dipped in and out of the crowd, asking the guests questions.

  “We’d love it if you’d attend,” ReNita said.

  “Huh?” Jonathan broke his gaze from Dee as Shauna reached from the chair next to him and tapped his hand.

  “Are you all right?” Shauna studied him with her eyebrows raised.

  “Yes.” He straightened himself in the velvet chair behind the extended table. “I’m sorry. What were you saying, Mrs. Venable?”

  “We’re having a huge event in November the week before Thanksgiving.” She sipped her mint and ginger splash. “The WABC would love it if you attended. Almost every charity in Baltimore will be there and we’re confirming guests as early as possible.”

  “That sounds great.” He smiled at her while sneaking his gaze toward Dee and Connie who spoke to yet another woman from The Circle. “Get with Shauna and she’ll make the arrangements.”

  Shauna smiled, taking ReNita’s hand from across the table. “It’ll be our pleasure to attend.”

  “Great.” ReNita set her glass on the silken placemat. “This is so lovely.”

  People gathered on the decorative courtyard, mingling and eating while Tran and the members from The Circle tended to anything they needed.

  “Your place is amazing,” ReNita said. “You have so much to occupy your time.”

  “Yet, I’m never busy enough,” Jonathan said.

  “Jonathan’s always so hard on himself.” Shauna curled her arm inside his. “He’s always doing so much for everyone but it’s never enough.”

  “I can always do more.” He squinted as Dee received an orange drink from a Circle member. “I’ve been thinking about expanding my organization, Mrs. Venable. I’m having a home built in Wales and it’s almost done. As you know my father was from there.”

  “I’ve always wanted to go to the UK.” ReNita gasped, touching her chest. “I bet it’s lovely.”

  “It is.” Jonathan sighed, tapping the table. “I want to move there.”

  Shauna cut her eyes to him.

  “Wales is a magical place full of castles, old buildings, and valleys. My father used to take me all the time when I was a kid. I loved it and doubt I belong here anymore.”

  “You don’t mean that.” ReNita smiled. “Look at all the good you’ve done here.” She set her napkin on the table. “Excuse me. I forgot I was supposed to return a phone call but didn’t wanna be rude.”

  “Go ahead,” Jonathan instructed.

  ReNita smiled and left the table.

  “What is it?” Shauna dug her fingernails into Jonathan’s hand. “Something’s on your mind.” She sipped her drink, the flowing sleeve of her white dress sweeping the table. “The old bat’s gone so you can level with me.”

  He moved his hand from underneath hers.

  “Hm.” She crossed her legs. “Would that officer be the reason you’re so distant? Why would you invite her here?”

  “Because it could help with the case.”

  “Why do you care?” She stroked her hair. “Autumn didn’t care enough about you to join The Circle. She wasn’t a part of us.”

  “She’s dead, Shauna.” He glared at her. “You didn’t like her but at least pretend you care.”

  She stretched out her long fingernails. “What I don’t like is how you’ve been obsessing over that nosy cop since she first came here. You’re not thinking, Jonathan.” She watched Dee the same way he did. “She can’t be trusted.”

  He moved away from her. “What are you talking about?”

  “You want her to become a part of The Circle, don’t you?”

  “Maybe. What business is that of yours?”

  “I’m the Head Mistress, the one who cares about you above all else.” She grabbed his arm, forcing his attention on her. “I was the first one who joined The Circle, remember? I’ve been loyal even when others came and went. Even when others double-crossed and betrayed you.”

  “And?”

  “And.” She closed her eyes, exhaling. “I’m looking out for you. Deidra Quarter is dangerous.”

  “Dangerous?” He pushed away his plate of pork kebabs and pineapple rice. “How so?”

  “You’re already hooked. I’m telling you, Jonathan.” She pointed at the guests. “Dee Quarter will ruin everything you’ve worked for. You can’t let her get too close.”

  Dee said something to Connie and left the courtyard.

  “How about you worry about yourself, Shauna?” Jonathan rose from the chair. “And, I’ll handle Deidra Quarter.”

  She scoffed, grabbing her glass. “Her handling you will be more like it.”

  He scowled as he exited the table.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Jonathan’s artificial waterfall stood at around four or five feet, mounted by thick, stone rocks and surrounded by small shrubs and unkempt trees for a natural appearance.

  The steady, powerful stream cascaded into a manmade pond, flowers and plants growing around it.

  Dee stuck her hand underneath the cool water and it soothed her from the afternoon heat. She dabbed some on her face and as she walked back, slipped on a rock.

  “Shit.” She caught herself before falling in the pond, landing in an awkward squat.

  “Are you okay?” Jonathan bolted from behind thick greenery and leapt onto the rocks, grabbing her hand. “Did you hurt yourself?”

  “No.” She cursed herself, more embarrassed than anything else. “I’m fine.”

  “You gotta be careful.” He helped her onto the grass. “The rocks get very slippery. I’ll take care of that.” He tightened his grip on her hand. “The last thing I need is a lawsuit.”

  She faked a smile, wincing.

  “You’re not embarrassed are you?” He lifted her chin. “I can’t tell you how many times Tran and I have fallen in the damn thing.”

  She laughed.

  “Anyway, being embarrassed only makes you more beautiful.” His gentle breath caressed her face. “If that were possible.”

  She realized he still held her hand. “Let go please.”

  He released her fingers. “Your hands are so soft. Are they naturally like that or do you use something—”

  “What’s your problem?” She sat on the railing that separated the waterfall and pond from the lawn. “Why can’t you respect that I have a job to do and it’s serious?”

  “I respect your job but I’m a forward person.” He rubbed his knuckles. “And, I don’t apologize for it.”

  “What is this?” She crossed her legs, touching her knee. “Are you trying to seduce me?”

  “Funny.” He bit his lip. “I thought it was the other way around.”

  “In your dreams.” She shook her head, chuckling.

  “Are you enjoying yourself? Did you like the food?”

  “I didn’t come here to have fun.”

  He sat beside her, smirking. “Did you find out anything to help your case?”

  “Your women were of no help.” Her nose twitched. “Why am I not surprised?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Like you’d let them say anything that would point a finger to any of you.”

  “I didn’t coach them if that’s what you mean.”

  “It’s too much of a coincidence that Prisha disappears and Autu
mn is murdered.” She gripped the railing on both sides of her. “My instinct’s telling me something’s there.”

  “I have to say your instinct is wrong if it’s telling you I killed anyone. I’ve spent years studying life so why would I wanna take someone’s away?”

  Dee wiggled her foot. “I’d like to know more about you.”

  “Hm.” He leaned forward, clasping his hands. “What do you want to know?”

  “About your father.”

  “My father?” He rubbed his thigh. “You could Google him in a second and find decades of information on him and his work.”

  “Yes, he was a brilliant scientist who invented a variety of herbal medicines but how was your relationship?”

  “I loved my father. He was all I had my entire life.” He widened his legs. “My mother died when I was six of bone cancer. She didn’t believe in modern medicine. If she couldn’t cure something with herbal alternatives or by prayer, then she figured it wasn’t meant to be cured.”

  “So she refused to take medicine when she was sick?”

  He swallowed, eyes turning red. “It would’ve brought her more time but it was her decision.”

  “I bet that was hard for your father.” Dee switched her posture. “All wrapped up in his work then having to take care of a young son alone.”

  “We had family from Wales that came to help but my dad loved challenges. That’s why he was so brilliant. He never let anything get the best of him.”

  “He was eighteen when he moved to America, wasn’t he?”

  “Yes, he loved the UK, but it wasn’t growing in technology and medicine the way America was. There wasn’t a day he didn’t miss Wales though.”

  Dee smiled.

  “I loved it when we’d go to visit. I’m having a home built there.”

  “You’re moving there?”

  “Maybe.” His brow furrowed. “At first I wanted the home for a vacation spot but living there would be amazing.”

  “I was born and raised in Baltimore and I love it.” She lifted her fist. “Go Ravens.”

  He grinned. “Not so sure about that one.”

  “You’re not a Ravens’ fan?” She wiggled her butt on the railing. “Them’s fighting words.”