"Furthermore, I award full, permanent custody of the afore mentioned child to her aunt, Laura Mae Stevenson, until the child reaches her majority of eighteen. I strongly suggest, Mrs. Patterson, that you not try to get custody of this child again. Court dismissed." he banged his gavel.
Laura sat in shock. She won. She had won. Randy was shaking her hand and grinning at her. Adrian was next to her immediately, hugging her tightly. Sophie sat fidgeting as Priscilla glared at her sister. Standing up she stalked from the courtroom, husband in tow.
"We won," Adrian murmured. "I mean you did. Trixie is yours."
Laura just smiled at him, at a loss for words. Adam would be home soon. Trixie was hers. Finally.
* * *
Dessa raised her glass of champagne.
"To the defeat of the Wicked Witch of the West."
"I'll second that," Adrian agreed. Laura laughed and nodded.
"Absolutely."
"So I get to stay with you?" Trixie asked. "Forever?"
"Forever, pumpkin," Laura lovingly tugged on her niece's curls. Trixie threw her arms around Laura.
"Good. 'Cause I love you."
"I love you too." Laura hugged the child tightly. A rush of anger surged through her towards Adam. Why the hell wasn't he here? She had called to tell him but had to leave a message on his cell phone. He should be here to celebrate with them.
* * *
"I'm still amazed you didn't go for that Shakespearean vase."
"I have enough vases. I'm currently into bedroom furniture."
"Really?" Marla raised one eyebrow. "There's a fabulous auction coming up in Rochester next month."
"Yes, I had planned to attend," He escorted her to her hotel door. His room was two floors above.
"Nightcap?" she purred.
"No, thank you. I need to get some rest before I head home tomorrow. I need to check my purchases in the morning."
"Oh Adam," she pouted. "Just one drink, for old times sake? You're going to be married soon and then I'll never see you."
Adam chuckled. He would indulge her.
"One drink. But I still haven't forgiven you for that stunt on Valentine's Day."
"Oh Adam," she sighed. "Engagement has made you so boring."
Inside the room she kicked off her heels and he noted for the thousandth time what nice legs she had. She wore a short, slim skirt that showed off her well-toned legs, a pale blue silk blouse cut low, and a black blazer. Removing her blazer she unpinned her hair. Adam was mildly amused to note she had undone the top button of her blouse. Same old Marla.
"When is your wedding?" she asked, as she poured his drink. Single malt scotch, double, neat. He had drunk the same thing for years. She noticed he had two at dinner already.
"September eighth," he replied, walking over to the balcony. Opening the doors, he stepped out and breathed in the New Orleans air. Laura would love this town. He would have to bring her soon.
Marla eyed him carefully as she slipped the powder into his drink. It dissolved instantly and completely. Glancing up towards the air conditioner grate, she smiled to herself. His jacket lay on the edge of the bed. She reached into the pocket and turned off his cell phone. No interruptions tonight.
"Here darling," she handed him the glass. He raised it to her as she raised her champagne glass. "We won't have too many of these nights once you're married."
"These nights?" he asked as he took a swallow.
"You know, just you me, a drink. Like the old days."
Adam chuckled, suddenly noticing how enticing she looked, her blond hair down wildly. He could tell the bra she wore was expensive, but it held her cleavage up in a rather seductive manner.
"No more old days," he murmured, taking another swallow of the scotch. He stepped closer. She ran her hand over his arm gently. He suddenly felt incredibly warm and turned on.
"Too bad," she purred. "In the old days you would have already pinned me on the bed."
"I- I-" Adam blinked. He couldn't think straight. God she was hot tonight.
"I think you should kiss me, Adam," she whispered.
"I can't," he murmured, stepping closer anyway.
"Yes, you can. You want to. You want me." she whispered. "You want to put your hands on my waist."
"Yes," he murmured, reaching for her. His fingers found the buttons on her blouse and he pulled her towards him roughly.
"Devour me," she whispered, setting her glass down as he lifted her in his arms and carried her to the bed.
* * *
After Adrian had walked Dessa to her car and tucked Luke in, he returned to the house. Adam hadn't been answering his cell phone all night. He had left several messages for his brother.
Laura was stepping out of Trixie's room when he came back in. Her cheeks were flushed from too much champagne.
"Slow down there slugger," he caught her as she stumbled.
"I shouldn't have drunk so much," she giggled. Adrian chucked.
"Well, it was a special occasion."
"True." She rested her head against his chest and Adrian cursed silently. How could she not know how he felt about her? How he longed to hold her at night. How he dreamt of waking up to see those big gray eyes staring at him adoringly.
"You should go to bed," he croaked. She looked up at him, her gray eyes clear and bright.
"I don't want to go to bed alone," she said clearly. Adrian almost choked.
"Laura, I need to go."
"Yes. To bed with me," her heart was racing.
"Stop this," he whispered. "You’re killing me."
"I can't. I want you," she looked at him, gray eyes clear with her decision. "I know you want me."
Adrian groaned as she pressed her lips against his.
"This is wrong."
"No it isn't. You want it too," she whispered as she kissed him. Their passion ignited and Adrian knew he was lost. "You were right. We do belong together."
* * *
Adam woke slowly, groggy. Sitting up gingerly he wondered what the hell he had done last night to get such a bad hangover. He remembered eating dinner with Marla, then meeting her in her room for a nightcap. Everything after that was shrouded in fog.
Looking around the room his blood turned cold. A small pile of black lace was on the pillow next to him. The blankets were tangled as if. . .a flash of Marla, from last night, digging her nails into his back as she cried out in ecstacy. No. Another flash, they were on the floor, he was tearing her clothes animalistically.
"I didn't," Adam whispered, looking around wildly. His clothes were flung around the room and he dimly remembered Marla pulling them off of him. No, no, no. He didn't. He couldn't have.
There was no sign of her other than the black lace on the pillow. It was her panties. Now he remembered removing them last night, kissing her firm thighs.
Feeling sick to his stomach Adam quickly got out of bed. Head swimming he fell back on it. Never in all his days of drinking had he had a headache like this.
Groaning he found his clothes and dressed, slipped his shoes on and headed for his own room to cleanup.
While he showered, the memories of the night before hit him like a brick wall. He and Marla had repeatedly had sex. It was all coming back to him now. He would never refer to it as love; for he loved Laura. Laura. Oh God. What had he done?
* * *
Laura woke to sun shining on her face. Opening her eyes she blinked sleepily, then realized who she was laying with.
"Adrian," she murmured, sitting up. He was already awake, just staring at her happily, smiling.
Laura ran her hand through her hair, remembering their passion from the night before. Adam was a superb lover, yet Adrian had made her feel more alive than she ever had. Her soul had taken flight in his arms, and at some point she had whispered he was her soul mate, to which he readily agreed. She had never been with someone like him. Confessing she loved him several times and he reaffirmed his love for her. They made love until dawn, when they finally fell asleep in each other's arms.
"I've dreamed of this so many times," he said softly, brushing her hair back.
She touched his face lightly. She had had the dream again last night. But this time, it ended with her looking up into Adrian's deep eyes as her husband. It all made sense now.
Now she had to tell Adam she was truly in love with his brother.
* * *
"I'm sorry I had to be gone," Adam held her closely, cursing Marla and her manipulations. He should have been home last night, making love to Laura to celebrate the victory. Laura had changed perfumes, he noticed. It was oddly familiar. Heavier.
"It's ok. We won. Priscilla can never try to take Trixie away again."
Laura could feel Adrian's eyes burning into her. He wanted her to tell Adam that night. Laura didn't know what to do. How could she do this without hurting Adam, who meant so much to her? Adrian was her true love, she knew, but Adam was none the less important.
"Come on kiddo. Let's go see that new Disney movie," Adrian scooped a giggling Trixie up. Adam raised one eyebrow, but was grateful for the opportunity to be alone with Laura.
"Adrian, thank you for being here, with Laura," Adam said quietly. Adrian nodded.
"No problem."
He and Trixie had departed within moments. Laura and Adam sat on the couch. Laura felt like throwing up. There was such love in his eyes when he looked at her.
Adam watched her adoringly. He loved her desperately but he knew now he wasn't ready to be married, and maybe he wouldn't ever be. Sarah had left him skittish of marriage and Marla's shenanigans had left him aware that his days as a player weren't over. How else could he have given into temptation with her?
"What's on your mind?" she asked softly. He traced her jawline and leaned over to kiss her gently.
"You."
"I missed you too." She stuck her tongue out at her jokingly. He smiled sadly.
"Adam what's wrong?"
"I've been thinking," he said softly. Laura felt a strange tug at her heart. Surely not. . .
"Me too," she blurted out.
"I must make a confession," he took her hands.
"Me too." she repeated. "But let me say something first."
Adam couldn't believe it. He knew, knew she was about to call it off with him. In a way this was good. It would lessen the pain for her than him breaking it off. He could gracefully bow out, with her not feeling rejected or dumped, and she need not know about his indiscretion.
The words stuck in her throat. She pulled the sparkling ring off her finger and held it out to him.
"I can't marry you," she whispered, shaking her head slightly.
Adam closed his fingers around the ring, then looked up to see her gray eyes full of tears.
"Is it Adrian?"
She nodded. He sighed. So that was the new scent on her and why it was familiar. It was his brother's cologne.
"I shouldn't be surprised. I've seen the way he looks at you. I didn't know you felt the same," Adam said quietly.
"It's not been a long time thing, Adam. I never lied about my feelings for you. I do love you. But I'm in love with Adrian. Trixie and Dessa both pointed it out to me a while back but I laughed it off. But it's true," she said quietly, tears sliding down her cheeks. His pain was reflected in those sharp green eyes of his, the tightening of his jaw.
"I never meant to hurt you. I’m so sorry," she touched his face lightly. He caught her hand and held it to his lips.
"I know. I've always known you would end up with him, somehow. I just couldn't let the most wonderful woman in the world slip away without trying my hardest to win her hand."
He was so poetic. . .chivalrous to the very end.
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be," he smiled at her. "I was wondering this morning if I was really ready to be married again."
"I can't thank you enough for all the wonderful things you've done for me and Trixie," she wiped her eyes.
"She's always preferred Adrian, regardless."
"Adrian said he'll take care of the wedding and pay you back for everything-"
"No," Adam cut her off. "Allow me to pay for everything. It will be a wedding gift. What better gift than to give the two people I love most in the world?" he asked sadly. Tears streamed down Laura's cheeks.
"Adam," she squeezed his hand, "please believe I want you in our lives. I know you'll probably avoid me for a while but I want you to know that you're very important. And I do care so much for you."
"And I you." He leaned over and kissed her gently. "I'll be around if you need anything. Always." He slipped her ring into his pocket. Laura hugged him fiercely.
Laura watched him leave, and leaned against the doorway after he left. Crying, she curled up on the couch.
* * *
By the time Adrian and Trixie returned, it was time for Trixie to go to bed. Laura tucked her in, Adrian waiting in the living room.
"Trixie, I need to talk with you."
"Ok," the big gray eyes looked up at her expectantly.
"I'm not going to marry Adam."
"I know," Trixie didn't bat an eye.
"How? "
"Because you're going to marry Adrin. I knew from the start," Trixie beamed, pleased with herself. "I told you that before."
"Really?" Laura teased, her heart still aching for Adam. Only a gentleman could have hidden such pain. Only his eyes revealed a glimpse of it and he controlled that too.
"Yep. Adam is nice but he's not Daddy material. Adrin is."
"I see." Laura said slowly. She and Adrian hadn't talked marriage. They had certainly talked about the future some last night, but no one said the M word.
"Adrian and I love each other Trix, but let's not jump the gun here."
"He told me he wants to marry you and be my Daddy."
"When?"
"Long time ago," Trixie yawned. "Said he wished I was his daughter and he wanted to marry you so we could all be together forever."
Laura was stunned. Adrian had told her the truth last night, professing to love her from the start.
"Well, Adrian and I haven't talked about that yet so don't get your hopes up."
"You will," Trixie yawned and snuggled under her Harry Potter blanket she had received as birthday gift. "And I get to wear flowers in my hair. As long as they're pink."
Laura smoothed the wild curls back as her niece tumbled into sleep. Turning the light off so only her nightlight glowed, Laura left the door open a few inches and tiptoed out. Adrian was sitting on the couch, waiting for her.
"How did he take it?"
Laura sank onto the couch next to him.
"Surprisingly well. If someone I loved had just dumped me I think I would have gone to pieces. He said he understood and that he loved me and he would always be here for me. That was about it," Laura said quietly. Adrian reached over and took her hand.
"I know last night was something neither of us expected, and we can take this as slow as you want." His lilting voice sent shivers up her spine. Laura wanted nothing more than to lead him to her bedroom and sink into her soft bed in his arms so he could set her on fire again. "I'm not going to rush you into anything, and I know Trixie may need some time to adjust to you being with me instead of Adam."
"Actually that little munchkin had been plotting to get us together I think. She claims she knew I wouldn't marry Adam; that I belonged with you. I think that's why she started acting up a couple weeks ago. To split me and Adam up."
"I agree," He gave her the lopsided smile that made her heart race.
"I don't know about the future Adrian. It may take me a while to figure everything out," she said quietly. He kissed her hand lightly.
"I don't care. Take ten years if you want, as long as you promise to come back to me. I'll wait however long I need to."
Laura touched his face lightly. "I don't think you'll have to wait that long. I know I want to be with you Adrian. I just need a few days to clear my head."
"Not a problem. I'll go, so you can think," he kissed her gently and rose to leave but she stopped him.
"I don't want you to go right now. I want you to stay with me," she said softly. One strong hand rested on her side.
"You sure?"
"Yes. Last night was the most wonderful night of my life and when I woke this morning I felt so incredibly secure, with your arms wrapped around me. I want that feeling every morning." She tilted her head to look at him as he drew her closer.
"I've wanted so long to hear you say that. That you want to wake up with me every morning. I've dreamed of falling asleep with you in my arms for months."
Laura kissed him lightly, brushing her lips against his.
"Well, I hope it becomes a regular thing," she smiled up a him. He brushed a lock of her hair back from her face.
"I want it to be a permanent thing," he said quietly. She looked at him, uncertain. Adrian knelt in front of her.
"If you can't give me an answer right now that's ok. But please, Laura, let's make it permanent. Wake up with me every morning. I want to see your face first thing every morning for the rest of my life. I want you to be my wife."
Laura couldn't answer for a moment.
"I have a ring. I bought it a long time ago. I had it designed for you, just in case, just hoping some day I could give it to you. I know you haven't ordered everything for the wedding and we can wait, but please, please, Laura consider becoming my wife." His soulful, dark eyes stared up at her beseechingly.
Laura pulled him to his feet, laughing.
"Adrian, I would love to be your wife," she said smiling.
"Really? You're sure?" he asked, his face lighting up.
"Yes."
"I mean, you said you needed time-" he was uncertain, hesitating.
"Not to know what's in my heart," she kissed him lightly and he pulled her tightly against his chest to kiss her more passionately.
"Then let me put this on you," Reaching into his coat he withdrew the ring box and opened it. Laura gasped. The center stone was a two carat white diamond, marquis cut. But the resemblance to Adam's ring ended there. Flanking the diamond on each side were smaller marquis cut sapphires, the most brilliant color of blue she had ever seen. On the other sides of the sapphires were smaller diamonds. The band was fourteen carat gold instead of platinum.
"Oh Adrian."
"If you don't like it, I can get you something else. If the sapphires remind you-"
"Adrian, it's perfect." Laura kissed him again.
* * *
Marla soaked luxuriously in her garden tub, the jets shooting warm bubbles all around her. The scent of her floral bubble bath filled the room. The tub was surrounded by mirrors on three sides, the fourth was a set of three steps leading up to the Jacuzzi style tub.
The bathroom was decorated in cool tones of lavender and purple, with thick carpeting and a pale lavender print on the walls. Like the rest of her Beverly Hills penthouse suite, it had been professionally decorated and she had the colors altered every season.
Her thoughts turned to Adam Wingfield and their night of passion. Downstairs, sitting on the entry table was a large envelope addressed to Laura Stevenson. There would be no wedding for Adam except to her. By tomorrow evening there would be no Adam and Laura. She had played the tape back and had it edited that morning. The conversation prior to their lovemaking had been wiped out and cleverly manipulated to Adam mumbling declarations of love. His shouting of her name was not enhanced. That really had happened. Her slipping the libido-enhancing drug into his scotch had been erased as well. The passion would speak for itself but when Laura saw the ecstacy on Adam's face as he made love to another woman, she would realize she could never compete with a woman like Marla. And it would only get better after they were married.
The shrill ringing of the phone brought her out of her reverie. Glancing at the caller id she smiled smugly. Adam.
"Marla here," she purred seductively.
"It's Adam."
"Hello darling. I wondered when you'd be calling." She wiggled her blood red toenails, her body still warm from his caresses.
"Laura and I broke up last night."
Marla sat up. This was even better than she thought.
Adam heard the splash and knew she was in the tub. He knew that tub rather well. They had many pleasurable nights of sex in that tub.
"Really? So she knows about us?"
"Laura and I agreed we're not meant to be together."
"So I'll expect you tonight." she murmured. His favorite sheets were the red satin. They were clean and ready to be put on the king-sized bed.
"No. We're through as well," his voice was frosty.
"What are you talking about?" she demanded.
"I don't know what you did to me the other day but you cost me my fiancee and for that, I will not forgive you."
"You didn't object when you made love to me. Repeatedly." she said angrily. "You begged me for more. You enjoyed every second!" How dare he!
"Maybe. Physical pleasure is always enjoyable. But I hate myself for it. And for letting you manipulate me. Laura and I are over Marla, but so are you and I," he said firmly.
"I don't think so, Adam," she replied smugly. So he wanted to play hardball. Fine. "I have a little gift that Laura will be receiving tomorrow. She'll never speak to you again after she sees it. And I don't think dear, sweet Adrian will be very happy with you either." Dump her, would he. She'd show him!
"What are you talking about, Marla?" he demanded. "Did you steal my credit card?"
"How about a dated videotape of the other night? With me on my knees and you begging for more? "she purred happily at the memory. "Or when you undressed me with your teeth? Or how about when you called my name in such desperation as you took me repeatedly? On the bed, the floor, the table - it's possible even the shower-"
"Stop." he snapped. That manipulative little whore.
"You may have lost Laura, Adam, but I'll make damn sure you never get her back. The tape is really something. You said all kinds of things to me. Especially when I-"
"That's enough." he interrupted her again. "What do you want?"
"What I've wanted all these years."
"Which is? This is getting tiresome."
"Why don't you come over for dinner tonight?" she suggested. "It'll be like old times. We can discuss the details then. In private."
"I don't have time to fly out there tonight. I have business here."
"Well I was going to hold off on sending the tape but if you can't be here tonight. . . " she let her voice trail off suggestively. Adam sighed and rubbed his temples.
"Fine. I'll be there by eight."
* * *
Adam knocked on the door impatiently. It opened a moment later and there stood Marla, in a low cut, scarlet red dress that clung to her slender hips. A filmy drape covered the scoop neck and trailed down behind her. The back cut extremely low, dipping just down past her waist. He could tell with a glance she wasn't wearing a bra. Her blond hair was swept back and a gold and ruby necklace glittered on her cleavage. Matching earrings glittered in the soft light. Adam recognized the set he had given her several years before on her birthday. They had vacationed in Carmel together and spent a most passionate week there.
"Hi there," she smiled seductively. Adam had worn an old pair of jeans and a pale, cable knit sweater on purpose. He wasn't aware it turned her on even more to see him so casual, out of his suits.
"I'm here. Let's talk," he stepped inside and shut the door. He could see into the dining room, the table was set for two with candles and chilling champagne.
"Oh I hate talking on an empty stomach," she pouted. "Let's eat first."
Adam withheld his tongue. Following her into the dining room he played it cool. Already his plan was into motion.
He poked at his food, not hungry in the least. Revenge was a dish best served cold.
"Not hungry?" Marla raised one perfectly waxed eyebrow. These were favorite dishes of his.
"Not really." He set his fork down.
"Mmmm. . .you want dessert already?" she purred with a seductive smile as she sipped her wine, leaning forward enough to show him a tempting display of cleavage.
"I want to know what the hell you want." he said coldly. "Did you drug my food tonight too?"
"I'm insulted you would think such a thing of me," she pouted. Not long ago he would have found it seductive and taken her right there. Now he wanted to throttle her.
"Tell you what," she rose and held out her hand. "Let's get comfortable first."
Gritting his teeth, Adam allowed her to lead him to the bedroom, where she stood close and ran her hands over his chest.
"Get to the point Marla. You drugged me last night. That's the only way I would ever have cheated on Laura. You put something in my drink or food, and seduced me."
"Adam, you wanted me. You've always wanted me. Like I want you," she whispered, her lips tickling his ear.
"What did you mean when you said you'd make sure Laura would never speak to me again?" he ignored her. "Cut to the chase. What do you want?"
"You." She smiled. "As my husband."
Adam choked on his wine. "Your what?"
"We're a perfect match Adam. I don't know how you can deny it. We're great together. In business and bed." She was pressing up against him, slipping her hands under his sweater to run them over his taut flesh.
"I don't want to marry you," he snapped.
"I can give you so much more than little Betty Crocker." She ran her hands over his collar but he pushed her back. Her ice blue eyes narrowed.
"You destroyed my relationship with Laura."
"It was weak to begin with. She's always wanted your brother. Everyone knows that."
Adam held his hand but she flinched when it moved. "
Don't you ever, ever insult her again. Or my brother. You are a vicious little slut of a harpy and all we had was sex. I have never loved you, nor will I ever. The other night was a fluke accident. You drugged me or did something because if I had been in my right mind, I wouldn't have touched you."
"You bastard." She set her glass down, icy blue eyes flashing. "I've been in love with you for years. I've stood by for years waiting, trying to get your attention. When we made love, it was like the world was on fire. You- "
"I never made love you to Marla. I made love to Laura. You were just sex." His green eyes were hard as emeralds. Marla slapped him but he smiled coldly.
"Truth hurt?"
"Not as much as you will tomorrow when your little cook receives the package I have for her."
"I believe you will find that package has conveniently disappeared," Adam said politely. Marla frowned at him, then her eyes widened. Running into the entry way she was aghast to see the package gone from the table and the door wide open.
"You think I didn't make copies?" she hissed.
"Yes, my men already paid a visit to one Barry Oliver. You have nothing Marla."
Marla felt her knees weaken and she reached out to steady herself.
"You can't do this to me."
"What? Leave you like the whore you are? You use your body to trap men Marla. I won't be trapped. When I marry someone it will be because I love her. Not because she made some tawdry sex video and blackmailed me. Good night."
Adam turned and walked out, leaving the door open behind him.
Tears ran down Marla's face. She'd find a way to get him. She would. Adam Wingfield would pay. Somehow, she would make him pay.
