Book II Lovers, Players, The Seducer ~ The Revenge!

By J. A. Jackson

Last time, in J. A. Jackson’s steamy, romantic thriller Lovers, Players, and The Seducer, the storm came...and went.
Back then, Nicholas La Cour played a very dangerous game of cat and mouse; one in which he involved his childhood friends, Kienan Egan and Quinn Rolandis. Even worse, he put his own sister, Lacey La Cour, right in the middle of that storm.
Everyone got swept away in the torrent of greed, lust and ruthless ambition. All except two ratchet lovers...
Discover as one ratchet lover determined to put the past behind her, believes she’s found true love only to be catapulted into an intriguing world that threatens her life and may shatter her heart.

Another storm is coming, but will the two ratchet lovers survive it?

• Language: English
• Publisher: J. A. Jackson
• Release date: Oct 11, 2019
• ISBN: 9781370619368

J. A. Jackson

J. A. Jackson, a romantic at heart, drew from her many experiences dating in the San Francisco Bay Area to come up with a series with lively plot ideas with a surreal twist which captures the fabulous crowd of loveable geeks as they encounter jealousy, betrayal, outrageous behavior, heartbreak, and romance. She lives in an enchanted little house she calls home outside of Oakland, California, with her husband and Big Sally, an American scent hound. She comes from a family rich in story tellers. She spent over ten years working in the non-profit sector where she wrote grants, press releases and contributed many stories to their newsletter. She was their Newsletter editor for over ten years. She loves growing roses, a good pot of hot tea, chocolate, magical stories, suspense stories, ghost stories, and reading Jane Austen again and again in her past time.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Chapter Separator

Refuge, Utopia, Healing Waters of Central Mexico…

Wriggling and squirming, Quinn lowered his body deeper into the warm waters. He felt the muscles in his body relax as the healing waters worked their magic on him. He had long ago gotten used to the rotten egg smell that dominated the air.

Quinn Darnell Rosolado Rolandis was brought home to the land of his grandmother’s birth after he almost died at a hospital just outside of San Francisco.

His grandmother Ina Rosolado believed that the waters of the Agua Hedionda could heal. In Spanish Agua Hedionda meant foul smelling water.

Suddenly the plump young woman who brought around the towels walked over.

"Towel senor?" she asked, in a heavy Spanish accent.

Sweet Jesus, he murmured, feeling his penis becoming aroused. He was glad the water hid him from the young woman’s view. Normally that type of girl wasn’t his type. He realized then that his body must be healed.

A twinkle shimmered in his eyes as he gave her a mischievous grin. Look, just drop the towel. I’ll get it.

She did as she was told. "Yes senor," the young woman said, walking away.

He watched her and waited a few minutes longer before getting out of the warm, soothing water and quickly wrapped the towel around himself. He started walking, taking the path up the majestic mountain trail that led to the house at the top.

The house was originally built by his grandmother’s brother Miguel Berrendo. Miguel died young before taking a wife and starting a family. He left the home to his only blood sister, Ina. Quinn’s grandmother.

Nestled high in the mountains of Central Mexico Quinn’s grandmother Ina called this place my "utopia paradise". Gazing around, he was surrounded by ancient trees and picturesque gardens that made him understand why his grandmother had brought him to this place to heal.

Quinn opened the gate leading into the courtyard. It was empty. It felt as empty to Quinn as his soul.

Ina Rosolado watched her grandson standing silently in the empty courtyard and knew something was wrong. She felt a tightening in her heart ready to do battle if someone had upset him. Then she studied his face and knew it was a matter of the heart. From the look on his face, she was glad she had invited their guest. Quinn had no idea about the surprise she had for him. She prayed the guest would liven up his spirits.

Ina walked hurriedly to the front door and opened it.

Quinn, you are late getting home from your bath. Is everything alright?

Yes…Yes, he tried to smile.

Quinn you’ve got to let go of your memories or they will consume you! his grandmother yelled in a deep accent.

I wasn’t thinking about the past, Quinn said, shaking his head and walking into the foyer.

His grandmother followed right behind him and touched his arm. She forced a smile when she looked at him. Then forget your sins Quinn you always did in the past.

The look on his grandmother’s face gave him a pang as he beheld the intense love, she had for him.

"Doesn’t she know? What I did? How much pain I caused others? How I feel so empty inside from all the pain I’ve caused myself," he thought as he stared at her too daze to speak.

Come on into the dining room Quinn I have a surprise for you.

Quinn pushed his glasses back on his nose as he let himself be pulled into the dining room.

A woman suddenly appeared as they entered.

Quinn.

The strain on his face evaporated when he looked into the eyes in front of him.

Quinn held his arms wide opened. Maëlle Mallard? Is it really you? Or am I dreaming?

Her voice choked. I’m afraid it’s old Maëlle. Gosh, how I’ve missed you Quinn.

His strong arms held her tight. Oh Maëlle…Maëlle, he cried. I thought this refuge was my prison, but God hasn’t forgotten about me. I do have a friend. I do have a friend!

Both old friends cried hard at the bittersweet moment.

Ina Rosolado choked back the tears in her throat at the sight of the happy tears flooding her grandson’s face before turning and heading for the door.

She stopped abruptly turned and looked back at the two of them. The guest she had invited was exactly what her grandson Quinn had needed. She cleared her throat loudly. Quinn, remember today is the day I told you I would accompany my housekeeper, Rosita, to check on her sister? We will be gone for the rest of the day, she hesitated, and glanced at the housekeeper Rosita as she approached her.

Ina repeated. Quinn, we may be gone…

Rosita interrupted. Don’t bother talking Ina, those two can’t hear you, she said. They are lost in their own world.

Three hours later, Quinn and Maëlle sat comfortably at the dining room table. Their conversation had been a long saga of catch up.

Maëlle looked around the room admiring the high beamed ceilings. She smiled. This old hacienda has all the comforts of home Quinn. Here, she said, thrusting a photo in front of him. I promised your grandmother; I’d bring a photo of the baby.

Quinn stared straight ahead into the fireplace. Would you like another glass of wine Maëlle? he asked without looking at the photo.

What is the matter with you Quinn? I can’t believe you don’t want to look at a picture of your child.

His face held no expression. That baby is not mine. She belongs too Lacey and Kienan, he took a sip of wine. And for that matter Maëlle why haven’t you and Nicholas started a family yet? He let out a low uneasy breath. Ain’t nothing like getting a fish on the hook to make you a monthly child support payment.

Don’t you mean get a baby daddy on the hook and not a fish? Besides eighteen years of child support still doesn’t guarantee your baby’s going to have a relationship with his daddy.

Now you’re talking like a true head shrink Maëlle. A kid needs to have a loving relationship with both his parents.

She saw the melancholy shadow that flashed over his eyes.

I can tell you’re thinking about old man Louis.

Sometimes life isn’t fair, Quinn said as he reflected back over the years. Louis La Cour was my father. I accept that now. When I remember back, I can now understand why I was included in the La Cour family gatherings. His voice cracked with emotion. I wish… He let out a frustrated sigh. Well, it was just too bad that old man Louis never got around to telling me that the real reason he kept me around, was because I was his son. Maëlle saw the sadness welling into his eyes, she felt sorry for him. Yeah Louis always included you, and I remember him always seeming to make it a point to spend some alone time with you. It showed that he cared.

He chuckled. Yeah, sure he did. I think the biggest factor was I was always getting into trouble.

The thought suddenly struck her. Maybe you kept getting into trouble on purpose to get Louis’ attention?

Quinn rubbed his brow with a confused look on his face. Maybe you’re right. I don’t want to talk about Louis anymore, his voice cracked with emotion.

Maëlle’s heart ached for him. She reached out and touched his chin. Hey big daddy you haven’t forgotten the reason why I’m here. Where’s that passion I love to see in your eyes?

He gave her his most charming smile. That’s why I’m so glad you’re here Maëlle. You always know how to rescue me from my sad thoughts.

She wrinkled her nose. Yes, lover and I’m forever a sucker for a warm fireplace, some great tasting wine and a man who always has the passion in his eyes for me.

Passion is a very powerful thing, he said with a knowing eye.

Yes, it is, Maëlle said, standing and walking over to stare at the fire.

You know Quinn it is said that a strong passion will make a woman alter the course of her life.

For the first time Quinn noticed the red silk dress that she wore and the way it clung to the curves of her body.

He hesitated for a moment got up and walked over to where she stood. I hadn’t noticed that you dressed up for me Maëlle. By the way you look nice.

Thanks.

He grinned knowingly back at her. So why did you really come here Maëlle? Just to show me the photo of a kid I can never claim as being my own?

Quinn moved closer to her. He could smell the perfume. It was the one he loved. The one she knew to wear when they played the revenge game. It was just like old times. He gave her his most seductive smile and thought. "I never thought you were a stupid woman."

You know why I came here Quinn! You know it was to show you the picture of your daughter and….

Instantly his fingers caressed the side of her face.

Maëlle swallowed hard. Oh, Quinn…. The real reason why I came here today is to prove to myself….

Shhhhh, he interrupted her. All that matters is that this feels good, real good, like old times, he said, grasping her by the shoulders and kissing her, with a pent up urgency.

It feels good like old times, she moaned out, repeating his words.

Quinn grinned wide giving her an angelic smile. Yes, all that is missing is you forgot to bring me a slice of chocolate cake.

Maëlle pulled slowly pulled out of his embrace, a devilish grin shown on her face, as she nodded understanding the unique meaning of the slice of chocolate cake. Quinn, I’m amazed you still remember. Yes, I always brought you a slice of chocolate cake, when I met you for our little rendezvous.

He couldn’t deny it. The slice of chocolate cake was an oddity of their love connection. A glint of amusement was in his eyes when he said. Sweetness, how could I ever forget your precious love gift that I felt was our little piece of heaven on earth. I’ve always considered your bringing me a slice of chocolate cake, the heart of our sweet connection.

His gaze fell to her mouth as his arms found their way around her waist and pulled her close. His muscles rippled with tension. He wanted her. Maëlle, he rasped, running his hands down her taut body. "I never forget your sweet kisses, tasted way better than a slice of chocolate cake,