Remote Resort: Book Four : Remorse

By Roselynn Randerod

A strange turn of events drives yet another wedge between Lila and Hudson, and even has Rena doubting her instincts.
Could this be the end of the Xanadu Resort as they know it?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Roselynn Randerod
• Release date: Aug 29, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370730957

Roselynn Randerod

Roselynn Randerod writes character-driven erotic romance. Happily married to her lucky husband, her hobbies include wine-tasting, psychology, tribology, and mixology. "All I really have going for me is sarcasm, a great rack, good eyebrows, and a serious case of Resting Bitch Face." Roselynn Randerod Warning! Book series contains: MF, FF, MM, FMF, MFM, ???, ??, non-con, dubious con, ex-con, comi-con, you name it.

Book preview

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REMOTE RESORT

Book Four

REMORSE

~

ROSELYNN RANDEROD

Copyright © 2017 by Roselynn Randerod

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions of it.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Chapter One

REAL

~

Hudson opened his eyes to find Lila’s head resting on the pillow next to his own, and a strange array of emotions passed over his rugged features. He listened to her slow and steady breathing, admired the delicate bone structure of her face, and marveled at the way her full lips curved in the tiniest hint of a sweet smile.

He had an overpowering urge to claim those lips in a good morning kiss, but after the exhausting night they’d just shared he decided to let her rest. For once he could stare his fill without the distraction of her penetrating grey eyes, and the sight gave Hudson an almost unbearably sweet and curiously painful ache in his chest.

Now that the dust had settled Hudson was ashamed of the way he’d overreacted at losing control of the resort to her. He’d lashed out when she took Lexi’s side against him, and allowed his foolish pride and a long-held family grudge to drive a wedge between him and Lila.

Hudson knew that he’d behaved like a world-class idiot, stupidly thinking that he could drink a woman like Lila off his mind. Before she’d wandered into his life he was fully in control of his emotions, but he’d been completely miserable in the weeks he spent apart from her. She’d caused him more trouble than all of his previous lovers combined, but the more he saw her the more he wanted her, and he knew that he was a goner.

It wasn’t just her outrageous beauty; Lila was intelligent, educated and level headed—everything a man could possibly want in a woman. To top it all off she was playfully sexy, with an unschooled touch that drove him crazy with desire. She could make him rock hard with just a look, and each time they made love was better than the last.

That had to mean something, didn’t it?

Insecurity was a foreign feeling to Hudson, but he found himself worried about how Lila felt about him. He didn’t like to admit how much he wanted her, and how rapidly that want had become a need. Never in a million years had he expected cupid’s arrow to pierce his hardened heart.

Hudson had seen so much cheating and deception between couples over the years that he would have sworn true love didn’t exist. He finally realized was that Lila was the one woman he could stay true to forever, and the thought was both exhilarating and frightening as hell. He reached up to brush a stray hair from her face, unable to resist leaning over to feather a kiss on her velvety cheek. Her breath caught and her eyes fluttered open to meet his ardent gaze.

I love waking up next to you, he ventured.

Lila smiled, stretching out a body sore in all the right places. I’m glad that everything’s out in the open with the rest of the staff. I don’t like sneaking around.

Hudson’s eyes met hers earnestly as he groped for the words that he’d never spoken before. What I mean is, you’re the only one I’ve ever wanted to spend the whole night with.

As opposed to part of the night? she teased him.

Hudson stumbled on awkwardly, "No, I was trying to say … it’s just that … what I mean is, you’re the only woman I’ve ever wanted to have sleep over."

That’s good, because you’re the only man I’ve ever slept with.

Her words ignited his passion and he pulled back the sheets to cup one of her breasts possessively, working her soft pink nipple to a hard point between his fingers. She gasped, curling her body away from him and then giggling as an iron arm snaked around her waist and pulled her snug against his hard torso.

They fit together perfectly, her long frame spanning the length of him, the bottoms of her feet resting on the tops of his. Her spine curved into his abdomen, and Hudson lowered his head to run his lips from her neck to her shoulder, making her snuggle into his groin with a little wiggle. She could feel his erection nestle between her buttocks as his hands smoothed down her front, stroking her belly gently before dipping lower.

Open your legs for me, he whispered in her ear, taking matters into his own hands by lifting one of her thighs to place it over his own and press it down firmly, draping his arm over her silken skin. Don’t move.

His fingertips lightly combed through the short patch of her newly regrown pubic hair while he nuzzled her neck. His long middle finger drifted lower to saw back and forth, parting her lips until it found the hard little bud that made her whole body go rigid.

Oh— she gasped with a sharp intake of breath.

Hudson lightly stroked her clit, holding her tense thighs in a firm grip. Her breath quickened and grew irregular as her orgasm loomed. His lips curled into a smile against her skin as he listened to the little involuntary sounds she made. Lila rarely spoke during sex, but her unselfconscious whimpers excited him more than all of the dirty talk in the world.

With a dip of his hips he positioned the head of his cock at her entrance, thrusting into her warm wetness with a low grunt of pleasure. He withdrew just enough to make the next thrust all the more exquisite, his fingers thrumming away in time with his strokes until she started thrashing, her muscles contracting all around him as she climaxed.

Hudson withdrew his hand to hold her hips firmly in place, seating himself inside of her as far as he could go before rocking his pelvis into hers. He didn’t last very long, pulsing his own pleasure deep into the core of her, grunting with the primal satisfaction of leaving his mark in her body, claiming it all for himself.

Lila let out a soft moan as the last tiny vaginal ripple faded away, and Hudson held her close, his face in her hair. The two of them basked in warm contentment, their breathing and heartbeats slowing and synchronizing. In that perfect moment Hudson finally found the courage to tell her how he felt.

Lila …

Mmm?

The bedside phone rang, disturbing the peace and forcing them back to reality. Hudson disengaged from Lila’s warm body to roll away from her with a groan, swinging his legs over the side of the bed before sitting up to reach for the receiver.

Yes? He listened to the person on the other line, his sleepy eyes coming fully awake in an instant. Lila could see his body tense with alarm. Yes it is. Yes, they were here. What is this concerning?

He turned to meet Lila’s eyes with puzzlement, shock, and then concern. Oh my God. Are you sure? He was quiet for a moment. Yes… yes. We can meet with you at nine o’clock. The front desk clerk will show you to my office.

Hudson hung up the phone and turned to Lila, his face grave.

What is it? she asked.

There’s been an accident.

~

Rena was in the kitchen, cleaning up after her breakfast when she got the bad news. She clicked off her telephone mechanically, filled a teakettle and set it on the stove before sitting down woodenly at the kitchen table.

She shook her head sadly, heaving a heavy breath. Oh dear. That poor girl.

An urgent rapping on her door snapped her out of her shock, and Rena stood up to smooth her sleek black bob before opening her door. The sadness in her eyes changed to surprise when she saw Debbie standing before her.

What are you doing here?

There’s been an accident, Debbie said.

I know, Rena’s voice softened. Chantal.

Debbie’s emerald eyes blazed with a curious desperation that Rena had never seen in them before. We need to speak … it’s important.

Rena frowned. Can it wait? Now is not a good time. I’m about to meet with the police, and—

Debbie’s voice raised an octave, and she looked over her shoulder. The police?

Hudson got a call. They’re on their way to the resort to interview us for their report. Apparently Chantal was driving Lila’s car.

I know. Listen, Rena, I wouldn’t be troubling you, but I really need your help.

Puzzled, Rena opened the door wider, surprised to see a little girl peeking around Debbie’s legs, clinging to a large stuffed giraffe. Well, well … who do we have here? she asked.

This is my daughter, Charlotte.

We’re going on vacation, the little girl said solemnly, her big brown eyes growing even huger as she took in the imposing woman who looked down upon her.

Rena glanced back up at Debbie’s tight face and took a step back. Come in.

Debbie ushered Charlotte inside and closed the door behind her, taking a quick look around Rena’s bungalow. She’d halfway expected it to look like the dungeon, full of whips and chains and black leather, but to her surprise she’d just entered a cozy but elegant English home, tastefully decorated with floral chintz upholstery, needlepoint pillows and crocheted afghans. A silver tea service was reflected in a gilt framed mirror over a fine carved sideboard in the dining room.

Cozy was the last adjective that came to mind when Debbie thought of Rena.

Have a seat, Rena said, gesturing to an overstuffed sofa. Would you care for a cup of tea?

No thank you. I’d like to have a word with you … in private. Debbie nearly jumped out of her skin when the teapot in the kitchen shrieked.

Excuse me, Rena said.

Debbie looked down at her daughter and reached into her handbag. Do you want to play a game on mommy’s phone? she asked with forced cheerfulness as she settled Charlotte down on the couch. She followed Rena into the kitchen and out of earshot from the child.

Rena took the kettle from the burner, looking up at Debbie. What is it?

Debbie wasted no time. LT killed Chantal.

What?! Rena gasped.

Debbie glanced nervously in Charlotte’s direction, lowering her voice, Technically, he had someone else do it.

Why on earth would he do such a thing?

To protect me.

Rena’s ice blue eyes bored into Debbie’s green ones, narrowing with disbelief. From Chantal?

Debbie rushed to explain, No! From her date last night—DeShawn Hill.

The football player? Rena asked in puzzlement. Why?

Debbie cringed as she whispered, "He is—was—Charlotte’s father."

I see. Rena nodded slowly. But why on earth would LT Richmond want to kill him?

Because I was afraid. Debbie started pacing and twisting her hands together. I ran into him at the party and I was afraid he would find out about Charlotte.

He didn’t know about her?

He knew I was pregnant, but that was the last he heard from me.

And you think LT killed him for you?

"Had him killed for me," Debbie said.

Why?

I … I’ve been seeing LT outside of work. Debbie looked down guiltily. He thinks he’s in love with me. I think he did it as some kind of sick gesture.

I see. Rena nodded slowly as comprehension dawned in her eyes. That explains the trouble you had with the client the other day.

Debbie’s own eyes filled with tears as she struggled to explain. LT tracked me down after Paris. He found out about Charlotte and he’s been trying to weasel his way into my life ever since ... I’m afraid that I let my guard down and now … now ... Oh my God it’s all my fault—

What makes you think he had anything to do with the accident?

I was freaking out after I ran into DeShawn at the party. LT was angry—he said that he’d make sure that DeShawn never got anywhere near Charlotte. He made a phone call …

To whom?

I don’t know. He sent me inside my apartment first. Then he came in and told me not to worry—that he’d take care of everything.

Idle threats don’t make for a murder.

He said that he wanted to kill him.

I find that hard to believe.

Debbie’s voice was low and grave, I told him that DeShawn raped me.

Rena’s already pale face blanched. Bloody hell.

So you see, LT’s a murderer, and he didn’t even care who got in the way! Who knows what else he’s capable of?

Come with me to Hudson’s office. You need to tell all of this to the police.

Debbie shook her head vehemently. No! No police! No way! I have no proof of anything.

Surely if you tell the whole story—

Don’t you see? I’m LT’s alibi! He spent the entire night with me—and his car was parked outside of my place the whole time.

Rena pressed her lips together, contemplating.

I’m not stupid, Debbie continued. It would be my word against his. He’s a rich and powerful man and I’m just some whore.

Rena’s back stiffened. You’re a sex worker. There’s nothing wrong with your chosen profession.

Cut the crap, Rena. You know what I mean. Debbie’s eyes flashed with determination. I just want to go away with my daughter and start over somewhere else, but I need some cash to do it. All my money is tied up in investments.

Where will you go?

Anywhere! I can’t let him be around my daughter, and he’ll never leave me alone now. I need to get away from here before he starts looking.

Rena sucked in a breath through her teeth. How much money do you need?

I have over two-hundred thousand dollars equity in two Monterey apartment buildings. I can transfer the titles of my property over to you in exchange for cash.

Rena winced at the amount, and Debbie’s eyes glimmered with fear. Will you be able to help me?

I don’t have that kind of money on hand, but I certainly know someone who does.

Chapter Two

REALITY

~

Hudson stood to greet the police detectives when they arrived at his office.

You’re the general manager? a tall thin man asked, introducing himself and his stout partner with a nod.

Yes, Hudson replied, and this is my business partner, Lila Von Frederick.

The man turned his attention to the beautiful woman who rose from her chair with a face as grim as death. Ah, Miss Von Frederick. We have you listed as the registered owner of the Bentley that was involved in the accident.

She shook the hand he offered robotically. Yes.

"Can you confirm that one Chantal Lewis was driving DeShawn Hill