Adjusting the Deal (The Vault Book 1) Read online

  “How are you, sweetie?” my mom asks.

  “Really good. Liam’s amazing. I love him.”

  I figure I might as well tell them this now so there are no surprises. My mom smiles and nods, while my dad gets up from the couch and paces the room. I’m sure this isn’t what he wants to hear.

  “Dad?”

  “I need a moment, honey.”

  “Okay.” I sit back down and tell my mom about New York City and our vacation to Italy in a few weeks.

  “You’re an adult now, Chelsea. If Liam is who you want, then I support you. All your father and I wish is for you to be happy.”

  “I am so happy, Mom. You don’t understand. It’s been a month, and sure, everything was kinda instant. But in my heart, I know Liam’s the one for me.”

  Dad spins around, his face pale. “What about Sadie?”

  “They’re divorced and she’s moved on. I have nothing to worry about.”

  “You don’t know,” he mutters, and I turn toward Mom, who’s shaking her head and leaning against the couch.

  “Can someone please fill me the hell in?”

  “Sadie is his wife,” Dad says without hesitation. “And she’s back.”

  What the hell is going on?

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chelsea

  As soon as I walk inside, I rush to Liam’s office and storm in, only to immediately stop when I hear my voice through the monitor.

  “Liam?” I whisper.

  “Chelsea!” He quickly turns off the monitor and adjusts himself. Then he rushes around his desk and approaches me. “Listen to me, please.”

  “I just found out about Sadie. When were you going to tell me that she’s here in town? I mean my goodness, Liam, why is she here?”

  He sighs and hangs his head. “Today.”

  I take a few steps back and plop down on the cool, leather chair. “And what were you watching?”

  “A video of you. I have cameras all over our house, and I recorded you when you were in your room, touching yourself, calling out my name.”

  I remember that day, and my cheeks heat from embarrassment. But then it disappears, and I look back at Liam, waiting for him to tell me more.

  “I can delete all the videos I have of you.”

  I nod, acknowledging what he’s saying. “We’re together now. You don’t need any videos of me. I can’t believe you did that.”

  “I’m sorry, sweetheart. It was an error of judgment on my part.”

  I quickly get up from the chair, crossing my arms over my chest, and the anger sweeps through my body. My cheeks flare with heat and I’m not sure if him apologizing will make this okay. “This isn’t okay, Liam. What you did, after pushing for trust, is truly hurtful. And now Sadie’s back and you didn’t think to tell me?”

  “With the Sadie situation…” He’s facing me and keeping his distance. I don’t need him coming close to me, trying to invade my thoughts and make me forgive him. I need to be mad. I need to be upset. “She’s in need of my help. The man she thought she loved has been manipulating her, and took control of her properties and money. She’s hiding from him until I can get her out of country and somewhere else where she’ll be safe. We may have ended on bad terms, but she’s still someone I care about.”

  “I need a breather. Please.” I tell him and walk out of his office and to my own bedroom, not the bedroom we share.

  Once I’m in bed, lying on my bed, staring at the ceiling, thoughts of going back home or going away for a little bit makes me a feel a little better.

  But, even if I go away, my feelings and love for Liam will still be in my heart. I’ll still feel him. I’ll still want him.

  Night falls and I’m still in my bedroom. When I finally get up after a few hours, I open the door, and walk out, taking the stairs one at a time, and finding Liam in the living room, holding a glass of dark amber liquid. There’s silence surrounding him.

  When I sit down next to him, still keeping my distance, he leans over to set down his glass and turns his body so we’re facing one another.

  Liam’s sad eyes slide over to mine. “I don’t want you to be upset with me. I don’t want you to leave. I want this to work out between us.”

  The pain in his voice is evident and the sudden urge to bring him in my arms to ease his pain burns inside me. Despite the video and him keeping the news of Sadie from me, I’d like to think he’s in my life for a reason.

  “Does Sadie want you back?”

  “No. We’re completely over. It’s you that I love and you I want in my life.”

  “Okay,” I say and think about what else I want to know. Thousands of questions float around and I can’t pick any to ask. “Why did she come to you?” I finally ask.

  “Because I have the means and connections to handle this type of situation and she knows that.”

  “What does that mean? Means and connections?”

  I hear him sigh and run his hand over his face. “My father was a federal agent, and when he died, his team told me whatever I needed to let them know. They handle witness protection.”

  “Wow. Okay. What about her husband? Won’t be come after us? And her?”

  “He’s living on her dime and in her home so I don’t think he’ll be an issue, but we’re protected and guarded. I promise you.”

  “Are you sure she’s alone?”

  “Yes. She’s alone and, most of the time, she walks along the lakeshore or stays inside the house. I’m not worried anymore. Only I can be trusted to help her so that’s why she comes to me.”

  “Okay. I trust you, and I know you won’t do anything that’ll put my life or yours in jeopardy.”

  “I’d never do that.”

  I remember his promises about taking care of me and protecting me and it’s those words that instantly calm me down. I know Liam will do everything he can to protect us. My gut screams to trust him. And I do. I decide to stop over-thinking. It’s not going to solve any of the problems, and I don’t want to make him worry. The creases in his forehead tell me he’s not completely convinced. As strong and commanding as he is, right now, at this moment, he’s vulnerable.

  I place my hand on his and lean in closer. “Don’t worry. I’m not going anywhere. I told you I love you, and I do. I mean it.” An idea comes to me, so I stand up and take his hand in mine. “Why don’t you meet me upstairs in the bedroom and I’ll make you feel better?”

  His only response is to follow me out of the office. We head upstairs and, for a few hours, it’s just us.

  The next few days pass and as we’re preparing for our trip to New York City, Roberta enters the bedroom I occupied when I first moved into the house.

  “Hello, dear.”

  “Hi.”

  “I have instructions to move everything from here to Mr. Donovan’s room. Is there anything specific you’d like me to do?”

  “No. Thank you so much for doing this. Is there anything I can help you with?”

  “Not at all, dear. Go ahead and relax. Mr. Donovan isn’t back yet.”

  Liam had to leave to attend some meetings in the city. He’s been gone about three hours, and Allison’s busy, as well. I give Roberta a smile and head downstairs then decide to go to the gardens with my Kindle and go back to reading.

  I settle underneath a tree in the shade, turn on my Kindle, and find the book I’ve been reading. It’s a friends-to-lovers novel, and I’m lost in the words and their story. She’s insecure about how she looks and who she is because her best friend and the man she loves is this powerful athlete. She doesn’t think she’s good enough, even though he tells her all the time she’s beautiful. I swoon each and every time he talks.

  I spend the day in the gardens with my Kindle and book world. Chef Michaels brings me lunch and sits with me for a little while, and then he goes back inside to prepare dinner. I check my phone; there’s nothing from Liam, and Jack’s been gone all day, as well.

  After finishing the book, I head toward the pool and h
ot tub, strip out of my dress, and climb into the warm water. Instantly, my muscles relax and the soreness from our lovemaking slowly fades away. I lean my head back, close my eyes, and slowly breathe in and out. My mind drifts to Liam and I hope everything is okay. I don’t want to seem clingy and bombard him with text messages. Honestly, the time alone is actually pretty rewarding. As much as I love spending time with Liam, being alone gives me the chance to reflect and put my feelings and thoughts in order.

  “Hello there, beautiful.”

  I look up and see Blake stripping out of his shirt and laying down next to me in the pool lounger.

  “Hey,” I respond. “What’s up?”

  “Just wanted to stop by, visit Liam and you, see what you two are doing.”

  “He’s been gone for a while. I guess he had some meetings, but he hasn’t texted or called me,” I explain and notice Blake sitting up and turning to me.

  “I thought he’d be home by now. Interesting?”

  “Interesting?” I repeat.

  “Nothing to worry about.” He smiles and lies back down. “Tell me more about yourself, Chelsea.”

  Blake sticks around for a little bit before going home. He gives me his number and tells me to call him if I don’t hear from Liam by this evening.

  As night slowly falls, I’m dressed in leggings and a long purple tee. I walk into the kitchen to see Chef Michaels and Roberta around the counter. They’re talking, but in hushed voices.

  “Is everything okay?”

  They both look up at me, then at each other, then at me again. “Have you spoken to Mr. Donovan, dear?”

  I shake my head. “Not recently. Is something wrong?”

  Roberta sighs and instant worry consumes me. “Jack called and Liam’s with Sadie.”

  I grip the counter and lower myself down to sit. There shouldn’t be any secrets between us, and I wish he didn’t keep me in the dark when it comes to her and what she’s doing. My thoughts race in all directions, and I’m thinking of everything I possibly can that’ll make some sort of sense.

  Before my mind can run into the dark, I hear the door open and rush to the foyer. Liam walks in with his tie in his hand and an exhausted expression on his face.

  “What’s going on? Are you okay?” I dash up to him and wrap my arms around his waist.

  “Yeah. Everything’s fine. It took a little longer than I expected to get her out of here and on a plane.” He presses his lips to my forehead, takes my hand, and leads me upstairs to our bedroom. I watch him strip out of his clothes and throw on a pair of sweatpants. My heart hurts seeing him tired and quiet. I wonder what he’s thinking.

  I approach Liam and kiss his bare back. “Do you want to talk?”

  “Not really,” he mutters. “I’m sorry. All I want to do right now is hold you.”

  “Okay,” I whisper, and entice him to the bed where we go under the covers and I press my back to his chest. He holds me tight and, within seconds, his breathing slows to a steady rhythm.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Liam

  It’s the night before we leave for New York City. Three days have passed since the situation with Sadie, but Chelsea hasn’t asked me what’s going on.

  “Are you okay?” I quietly ask her as she finishes packing. All of her belongings are in our bedroom, and I love seeing our things together.

  “I have my period.” She frowns. “Cramps suck, and honestly, all I want is a nice cup of tea and a heating pad.”

  “I’ll get that for you.” I rush out of our bedroom and into the kitchen. Roberta’s inside, and she preps the tea while I rummage through the drawers for a heating pad.

  “Can I say something, Mr. Donovan?”

  “Of course.”

  “Sir, you need to marry that girl. She’s amazing, and she has given the light back to you.”

  I stop searching, turn around, and prop myself against the counter. “She’s everything, and I plan on proposing while we’re in New York. Do you think it’s too soon?”

  Since the passing of my parents, Roberta has been my go-to for advice and my soundboard. My brother’s aren’t serious and are still in their playboy stage. Roberta’s been with my family for years. Since losing her husband of twenty years to cancer, she stays here in the guesthouse with her daughter, Connie, who is deaf. She’s a great girl and is full of life. I’m trying to get her to be comfortable around me, but whenever she’s near me, she blushes and hides behind Roberta.

  For the past year, Connie has been here, helping Roberta and giving Chef Michaels ideas for meals. She signs, and we’ve all taken ASL classes. I’m no expert, but I can sign the basics.

  “It’s not too soon whatsoever, sir.”

  Before I can respond, Connie walks in and sees me. She blushes and hides, but I wave to get her attention and ask her to come over to me so I can get her opinion. I watch her hesitate, and Roberta pulls her to get her attention and signs something. I’m not sure what. I only know the basics. When she’s done signing, Connie comes to me with a smile and waves.

  Slowly, I sign, Do you like Chelsea?

  She nods and signs, I like her. She’s nice and pretty.

  She’s very pretty. I’m going to ask her to marry me.

  Wow. You are?

  Yes.

  She’ll say yes. I know it.

  Thank you.

  When the teakettle whistles, Roberta pours a cup. I finally find an instant heating pad and thank them both before going back upstairs to find Chelsea in bed with her beloved Kindle.

  “Here, sweetheart.”

  She sits up and places the heating pad on her stomach. “Thank you.”

  “Is there anything else I can do for you?”

  “I really want to know more about Sadie. If that’s okay?”

  I’ve been fighting this moment. This is something I didn’t want to bring up, but I promised her honesty and communication.

  “She’s in Europe. I got her to London and she told me that once she landed, she’ll contact me when she’s ready. Part of me is worried for her, and the other part is letting her go. I apologize that she’s occupying my mind. I should be focusing on you.”

  “You should.” She smirks. “But, I also know she was a big part of your life and you should worry about her. Just don’t let it run you. I’m here too. Lean on me the way I lean on you.”

  “Thank you,” I mumble and pause. “You don’t know how much I appreciate that, sweetheart.”

  Chelsea’s hands curl into mine. “I’m always here for you.”

  “I know and I’m always here for you.”

  The trusting look is almost enough to bring me down to my knees and worship her. I’ve softened since Chelsea came along, and I don’t mind the new me. All I know is, in a few days, she’ll be my fiancée and then my wife. I don’t doubt she’ll say yes.

  Epilogue

  Liam

  We’re dancing under the moonlight and I’m looking at my wife. My best friend. She’s everything to me, and I’m going to keep my word and give her the world. Give her the stars, the moon, and everything she desires.

  “I’m completely yours.”

  I smile and kiss the tip of her nose. “You’re completely mine.”

  The music dies and we’re still in each other’s arms. My brothers are on the dance floor as well. Blake’s with Allison and Jared’s with Carly. When I spin Chelsea around, I notice something in the corner of my eye and turn her so she’s not facing Blake and Allison. They’re arguing, in a low whisper, and that’s when I see Allison push Blake and rush away. I don’t want to cause stress to Chelsea so I move her away from them on the dance floor and capture her lips with mine.

  She sighs when she pulls back and weaves her fingers in my hair. “This is perfect.”

  “You’re perfect,” I tell her.

  I make note to talk to Blake and find out what’s going on. For now, all of my focus is on my new wife. In a few hours, we’ll be leaving to go on our honeymoon to Italy. More adven
tures and more of life with her. This is everything I could want.

  “I can’t wait to get you to the hotel room.”

  “What are you waiting for, Mr. Donovan?”

  I growl and grip her body closer to mine. “Oh, Mrs. Donovan, I’ll take you right here if I want.”

  “Then do it.”

  A note to readers

  Thank you so much for checking out Adjusting the Deal, and all of The Vault stories. Words cannot express how grateful I am for your support and love. I hope you enjoyed Liam and Chelsea, and all the stories in this anthology.

  Hehe are you itching for more? Does Chelsea get pregnant? What’s going on with Blake? And Jared?

  I’m happy to announce that Sealing the Deal, Blake’s book, will be coming out in 2018! You’ll get more Chelsea and Liam, and see who catches Blake’s eyes. Also, you’ll see more of Jared.

  These Donovan men are sexy. Fierce. Protective. And love with their entire heart and soul. Get ready to swoon and fan yourself for more scandalous deals.

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  KISSES

  S. Moose

  XOXO

  About the author

  S. Moose is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of new adult romance. She writes emotional and romantic stories that will make you swoon, cry, yell, laugh, and love.