Diamond Disaster - The Family Jewels Collection Book Two

By Mara Reitsma

There were disadvantages to being the wife of wealthy jewelry store owner, Laurence Del Coure, and Fallyn was finding out the hard way. After being attacked in their own home during a robbery, Fallyn finds herself on vacation with friends, trying to escape all of the havoc.
But it doesn't stop there! She can't seem to find the solace she's been searching for, instead there's more of the chaos that loves to consume her. So when the time comes and Fallyn finds herself heading home to Ellinsport, she readies herself for another go-around.
With Laurence professing his new found love for her, and Hayden, the man she wished she could have, still after her affections, can Fallyn pull herself out of this slum, as another returns from the past?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Feb 7, 2015
• ISBN: 9781312901810

Book preview

Diamond Disaster - The Family Jewels Collection Book Two

DIAMOND DISASTER

Book Two of The Family Jewels Collection.

MARA REITSMA

©2015 Mara Reitsma.

All Rights Reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-312-90181-0

For you,

Thank you for being the inspiration for my creation.

Without you and our insane adventures, I don't think I would have been

able to write my books and  I love you.

BFFL!

PROLOGUE.

Alice was there!...At the manor when I got home...Waltzing around as if she owned the place!...I can't believe I let them talk me into it!...But when I found them in my room...that was the last straw. She told him, as they sat on the couches that over looked the dance floor, sipping at their drinks.

Fallyn remembered exactly how that whore had looked as she had walked into her bedroom. Short black hair, chalky brown eyes, and a tiny french maid ensemble. A little too small for her medium build, and she had the ugliest face Fallyn had ever seen.

And they were?..Fucking?...Making out?....What did he say? Hayden asked, finishing off his beer, that grin on his face once again. He was gorgeous, Fallyn thought, as she watched his facial expressions change with the words he spoke. His voice captured her, his piercing blue eyes kept her there, and his words could make her forget. She never wanted him to let her go.

Said that he found her in there!...That she was ‘snooping’ through my things...He said that he had walked in and busted her... Fallyn replied, wanting to forget about it all and find another drink. A stronger one this time.

Huh! He paused for a moment, And she said? He went on as he made his way towards the V.I.P bar at the back of the room.

That he had invited her up there!...To rekindle some passion or what not!...And then she called me a cunt.... Fallyn told him, a look of shock upon her face, as he sat back down beside her.

Note to self!....That’s a bad word....Never use it! He cut in sarcastically But really?...You can’t tell me you didn’t expected it! Hayden laughed.

You’re not helping the situation you know! Fallyn scolded him, glaring from the corners of her eyes.

Is it really such a surprise?...You said yourself he had fucked her...Twice if I recall correctly!... Probably a couple times before she became the maid... He mumbled as he took a swig of his beer. Fallyn almost hit him and all he could do was laugh. If she was that devious who’s to say she wasn’t lying?....Manipulating? He replied. But the ‘C’ word....Now that’s harsh!

My point exactly!...If she thinks she can parade around my house like that... Fallyn paused for a moment, taking even bigger sips of her drink, It’s my house...not hers!...I put up with his shit...not her... She went on.

Listen to you go!...I assume she got what she deserved then? Hayden asked, trying to hold in the gut wrenching laugh, yet failing miserably. Is she O.k?

I don’t know!...I hit first...ask questions later!...Way later!...Got her good though...right in the schnozz!...Not that it’s hard to miss... She added, as she rose to get herself another drink. She was pounding them back pretty fast, but she didn't care, she felt a minute presence of that thing called freedom, and wasn't giving it up just yet.

I’ll go!...Blue Hawaiian? He asked.

Something stronger this time. She replied and watched as he walked away, towards the door. Beer was the only thing kept in the coolers of the V.I.P bar, so for something stronger, he had to see the bartender downstairs. But Fallyn  had no problem watching him walk away. Not in those pants, she thought to herself.

He was gorgeous. Tall, muscular, and incredibly sexy. What she wouldn’t give to be under him, rolling about in a heated fit of pleasure, and she  shuddered. She was already caving. Having a conversation with the man was hard enough, if she drank anymore she could find herself stooping to Laurence’s level, and she shuddered again,  but for a very different reason.

When he returned to his place on the couch, after handing her the drink, he pointed to the bar behind them, where he had placed a pitcher of her favorite blue liquor.

Fuck! She thought to herself, she would have to be extra careful with it.

Did I mention you look amazing tonight? Hayden asked as they sat together on the leather couch, looking out over the dance floor below.

Just now you did. She teased, taking a sip from her glass. Whoa! It was so strong, she almost gasped for air.

What is this? She asked, wiping a droplet from her chin.

Can’t pronounce the name...but my dad used to drink it back home...This is as close as it gets up here. He replied laughing. You asked for something stronger!

Wow!...And who is gonna carry me home? She giggled, knowing as soon as she had said it, she shouldn’t have.

I will! Hayden said, taking a swig from his own glass, letting the liquid burn down his throat to his belly, or at least Fallyn had imagined it had.

Oh that would be a sight!...But Laurence would go mad...especially after what happened earlier... Fallyn started, scenarios running through her mind, Maybe I could just take a cab...

It was a joke Fallyn! He assured her, Why not walk home with all of us then?...He can’t get mad at that! Hayden explained, as he got up to get himself, yet another beer. Drink?...Maybe another African Sensation? He asked, laughing.

No!...But hey have you noticed that every time someone leaves...the door man stares at me... She asked him, It's kinda creepy...

I don't blame him...I'd stare at you too. He grinned, standing in front of her. So the drink?

African Sensation?...Really? She giggled.

Well it’s from Africa...or it's supposed to be!...I could have called it ‘panty remover’ or ‘fuck me juice’... He teased.

No no! ...African Sensation is just fine! Fallyn replied, trying to hide her devilish grin.

It was no use though, the D.J came over the speaker and the lights slowly turned on. It was closing time. Nothing could hide the flush in her cheeks now, she thought, he was sure to see it. Where had the time gone?

Is it really two already? She asked, trying to shield her eyes from the bright lighting.

Apparently! He replied, finishing his last swig of beer.  Hadn't he just opened that?

Interested in a trip to the coffee shop before heading to my place for a movie? He asked. It’s the usual?

Uh, a Movie? She thought. Ummm, No! Not a good idea.  Coffee yes...But I should probably get home after and deal with... But she didn’t want to say his name.

Ok!...To the coffee bar!!...Hey Bridgette?...Ready to open up shop? He called to her.

Bridgette spun herself around, her shoulder length red hair, bobbing at her shoulders, and Fallyn swore she could see a sparkle in her friends, happy looking, amber eyes.

Most definitely! Bridgette replied laughing, as she rose from Davyn’s lap. I’ll grab the coats! She giggled, and Davyn stood up to help her, towering over her small figure. They suited each other, Fallyn told herself, they really were quite cute together.

I don’t have one... Fallyn told her, bringing her hands up to her bare shoulders.

You can use mine... Hayden replied, handing it to her.

Thank you ...Again! She said, pulling it around her, as she tried to walk towards the door.

They followed Bridgette and Davyn through the doors and past one of the bouncers who stood at the top of the stairs. His radio muffled something as they walked on, but he simply smiled at her as she descended the stairs.

Across the dance floor they walked side by side, Fallyn drunk off too many drinks, and swaying back and forth. They were almost to the revolving doors, when another of the bouncers approached them, causing Hayden to stand forward as if protecting her.

Mrs. Del Coure? The big, tanned man called out. He was massive! Fallyn thought.

Uhhhh...Yes! She replied, clearing her throat.

Your driver is waiting for you out front...Your husband asked us to make sure you got out safely. The man told her.

Did he now?...Well I was going to walk home with my friends. She replied, and made to walk past him.

My orders where to get you to the car Ma’am. He cut in, stepping in front of her, and she knew this would not end well if she resisted.

She looked first to Hayden and his brilliant blue eyes, and then to Bridgette, her spunky red headed friend, and mouthed ‘I’m sorry’ to them both, before allowing the man to escort her outside.

She was so embarrassed, and then she remembered the jacket she wore. It was Hayden's brown bomber jacket, so comfortable and warm, and smelling of him. What was that scent? It drove her wild, and she didn't want to part with it, but Laurence would not approve.

Hayden?...Here's your jacket. She called back, removing it from her shoulders.

No...You can keep it!... He smiled at her, I guess we know why we had all the special treatment now?....It’s a good thing I played the gentleman tonight! He paused a moment, Your old man has connections. He finished, eyeing the bouncer who waited for her by the door.

Well he’ll be hearing about his 'connections' in a few minutes...Trust me! She replied, rolling her eyes.

I do! Hayden said, as she turned and followed the man out the doors to Roger, who waited in the car.

Hi.... Roger started to say, but the look on her face told him to stop.

She felt bad though, the man looked as if he had been sleeping in the car while he waited. His eyes, normally  sky blue like her husbands, were dark and had bags under them, and his dark brown hair was completely messed up. He must have gotten an earful from Laurence, just as he woke up, but Fallyn was furious, and wasn't letting go of her anger just yet.

Not a word Roger... Not a fucking word! Fallyn said, as she entered the backseat. She was furious alright. No! That was an understatement.

CHAPTER ONE.

The air was humid when Fallyn stepped off the plane on to the runway, but the landscape was breathtaking. No wonder Alloryn and Don had chosen this place for their latest photo shoot! She thought to herself.

The sun was high in the sky, beating down on her as she walked across the tarmac. It had been cool and windy when she left Ellinsport and had dressed appropriately, snuggled up in the jacket Hayden had given her. Now she wished for her suitcase and a change of clothes, before she died in the heat.

The small landing strip was nothing compared to the large airports she was used to. A few one story buildings lay scattered about the area, and the people passed her by, hurrying off to wherever they were going without saying a word.

Where was Alloryn? She asked herself, looking for her friend's long auburn hair. She was supposed to meet her here!

Alloryn was short at five foot, two inches. No matter how you put it, she was a small woman, and she hated it when anyone pointed it out.  But where was she?

They were supposed to meet here, and then drive back to the camp, but Fallyn couldn't see her anywhere. She must still be in camp! Fallyn hadn't camped out in years, not since she and Alloryn were teenagers, and was rather looking forwards to it, but where the hell was Alloryn? Had she forgotten about her?

Fallyn made her way to a small shop that looked to serve as a cafe, and took a seat to wait for someone to come over. She had her phone in hand, yet the service here was terrible, not even a full bar at times. Fallyn finally understood why Alloryn took so long to respond.

Where is she? Fallyn asked under her breath, nervous to be alone in such a strange place.

A tall, heavy woman with dark hair appeared beside her, paper pad in one hand, and a pot of what looked like coffee in the other. I take order? She asked in a heavy accent.

A bottle of water please. Fallyn replied, and watched as the woman just stared at her, with a puzzled look on her face.

Bottle Water?...No!...There is fountain outside!...You want coffee?...Juice?...Tea?... Food?... Yes!...But no water for money here. The woman told her, the best she could.

I see...Green tea then please...

No green...or red...Just black tea! The woman cut in.

Fine...black tea!...No sugar or creme though. Fallyn replied, holding her phone up and looking for service. Still nothing...What the hell? She said out loud, as she tried to find service.

Are ya lost? Came a guy’s voice from behind her.

Excuse me? She replied as she turned to face what looked like a brute, smiling at her. He was big! Tall and built like a house. He had short, reddish blonde hair, and peach fuzz that covered half of his chubby face.

Are ya lost? He asked again, a smile on his face.

No!...I’m waiting for a friend. She replied, digging through her purse for some money.

You won’t need that ma’am! He grinned at her, Shahnnyn? The man asked, looking at the woman, She is my friend. And the woman simply smiled and nodded her head as she turned away again.

Why did you do that?  Fallyn asked, more than  a little alarmed.

The man was huge. Maybe six foot, way taller than she was at five foot two. But what caught her off guard were the eyes. Fuck! They looked like HIS eyes, she thought to herself. His arms were big and bulky, as was his chest and legs. He looked almost like a barbarian.

Your friend?...Her name wouldn’t happen to be Alloryn would it? He asked.

Fallyn wasn't sure how to respond to that. She didn't even know the guy, but he seemed to know Alloryn. Perhaps they were friends?

Yes!....She was supposed to meet me here..Why? Do you know where she is? Fallyn asked hesitantly, hoping to get out of the little cafe sooner, rather than later.

I drove them out to the site last week...Pop back and forth every now and then!...She asked if I’d bring you over... He replied, with another shit eating grin. My names Drake. He added, extending her a hand.

I....see. Fallyn answered nervously. Why did she not come herself?

Something about hanging from a tree....I think! The man replied, sitting down across from her. I wouldn’t drink that if I were you...Shahnnyn mixes everything into her tea!...You never know what you’re gonna get! He warned her, and she looked down at the eerie looking cup, her tea had been served in.

Thank you! Fallyn replied, pushing the cup out of the way. So when can we leave? She asked.

In a few moments...I wanted to finish my beer. He told her, grinning yet again.

It’s not wise to drink and drive. She said, as she packed her things back into her bag.

Maybe where you come from!...Here is another story!...There's nothing but open road and the occasional herd of sheep crossing it!...Besides... It’s my first one. He laughed, taking another long, drawn out swig.

O.k....Is there... um...Somewhere I could change perhaps?...When I left home it was chilly... and then raining when we left Australia!...And I slept on the short flight here so I never got a chance to change She told him, with a hint of embarrassment. God his eyes were amazing, just like...

NO! She stopped herself. She was on vacation! No Laurence, no Daniella and no Roger, and then especially no Hayden.

You can use my truck if you like. He replied, pointing to the green jimmy he had parked out front.

Is there anywhere else? She asked, not wanting to change in such a cramped, and clearly visible from all angles, space.

Shahnnyn has a room in the back!...Uses it for storage though it's not very tidy...might ruin your outfit! He chuckled. Among other things.

The truck will do. She replied, taking the keys from him and walking towards the big green beast. She could feel his eyes all over her, as she climbed into his truck. Hopefully he wasn’t watching, and she tried to scoot down and change her top.  Dammit Alloryn! She said to herself.

It didn’t take her long to go from jacket and jeans with a scarf, to shorts and a tank top,  and when she was finally ready, she went back in to collect the man who called himself Drake. She had to wonder though, what he would look like if he cleaned up a little? And maybe lost some of that ego he had going on... there's a chance he could be quite charming. She giggled to herself, watching him as he gathered his hat.

Thanks Shahnnyn. He called out, and the woman shouted something in return, something in another language, and he walked away laughing.

How long will it take to get there? Fallyn asked, a little, No! More than a little, she was extremely anxious to get away from this guy.

He reminded her of a friend she had back in Miami. Obnoxious and egotistical, yet when he put on that hat, and those eyes... Oh my god not again! She scolded herself.

Not long. Drake replied, and the sound in his voice was all she needed to return to reality. That loud bellowing voice that declared, ‘Here I am! Come and get me!' She thought to herself.

The sound of the engine was incredibly loud as he started her up, and it roared as they drove along what he had called a road, eventually turning into an annoying hum that resonated through her head. She forced herself to watch out the window, as boring as it was,  as he drove along. Any time she peered at him, she felt her face flush, and she remembered the way Drake’s eyes resembled Hayden’s. She didn't even have to see them now, they were just there in her mind, permanently.

How long have you known Alloryn? He asked her, breaking the silence.

My whole life practically. Fallyn replied, still staring off at the endless fields and clumps of trees that surrounded them.

She travels a lot doesn’t she? The man went on.

It’s part of her job. Fallyn answered, as she made herself more comfortable in her seat.

Doesn’t seem like you get out much!...Is this your first time out of civilization?...I mean like in the outdoors? The questions just kept coming.

No! She had to laugh, It’s been awhile though. She added, hoping he would let up with the interrogation.

You don’t talk much do you? Drake laughed, It’s all good!...My Momma says I scare people sometimes...Bein' big and all.

I’m just not used to strangers. Fallyn told him, while she fiddled her thumbs.

She said you might be like this when I picked you up...All nervous and quiet!...Actually she didn’t think you’d get in the truck! He chuckled, I’m considering myself lucky.

Well if it was in here with you....or back there with them and that tea...I’ll take my chances with you. She replied, trying to crack a smile.

In that case...I should bring you home for dinner!...Not sure what Mama’s makin...But I’m sure she’d love to meet you!....And the cousins too...well... actually ...the whole family would love you!...Would ya like to meet my Momma? He asked, grinning from ear to ear.

Was this guy for real? Fallyn wondered. Could she get out of the truck now?

I...uh...don’t know!...Where is your Momma’s place?...Is it on the way? She asked, hoping it would be out of the way somewhere and they wouldn’t have time.

Yes Ma’am it is!...I’ll show you! He replied, as they continued down the road and Fallyn sank back into her seat. What had she gotten herself into? How far was his Mama's place?

It was not that far at all she realized, as they pulled off what the locals called the ‘main road’ and made their way down an even smaller dirt path. The sun shone through the canopy and covered everything in a heavenly glow and she thought to herself, he was right about one thing, the place was amazing.

In a clearing up ahead she could see large tents scattered about, the tops of the trees towering above them, and far in the distance she could hear a waterfall rushing down the face of a cliff. Fallyn wondered if Alloryn had taken any shots of it already, or if she even knew it was there? But of course she knew it was there! Fallyn told herself, Alloryn would have heard it the minute they got there, just as she had. Her nerves were making her feel silly.

We’re here! Drake told her, pulling up into a makeshift driveway.

This... is your Momma’s house? Fallyn asked, as she peered out the window, I thought it would be more... But he was already out of the truck and walking up to the front door of what looked like the main house.

Thanks for waiting... She muttered, with attitude under her breath. She climbed out of the truck and slammed the old rusty door before making her way towards what she hoped, was the front door.

The place seemed huge compared to what she had pictured, and she hoped he had at least waited at the door for her. But she was disappointed, not that she was surprised, when she had to find her own way inside.

Hello? She called out, but no one answered her. Is anyone there? She called out again.

What the hell? Where did he go? She wondered, as she followed the hallway towards what, she assumed, would be the kitchen.

Hello! Came a woman’s voice, as she entered the room.

She had long, reddish blonde hair, tied and pinned back, and a heavy build to her, matching that of Drake.

Hi! Fallyn replied, shocked at how young the woman was. Maybe she was his sister? Or one of the cousins he had talked about?  She had the same hair, but her face wasn't at all 'chubby'. More pointed and narrow. Do you know where Drake is?...He was supposed to drive me somewhere!

He’s just in the washroom tidying up!...I’m Renah...but everyone calls me Momma cause of all the kids! The woman told her, pointing to the pictures on the wall.

Oh my!...They are all...yours? Fallyn asked hesitantly, counting as many as fifteen of them.

Sort of!...Some of them just happened along and I couldn’t turn them away!...And my Drake is a big help too...Teaches them all the manly things...So it's not a lot really. She laughed, as her hands worked furiously at a ball of dough.

So you raised Drake and all the rest...I don’t know how... Fallyn started.

Oh no no!...Drake is not my boy!...Drake is my husband. Renah corrected her.

Your...husband?...Well then...That makes a lot more sense!...Sort of... Fallyn replied with a giggle, I thought when he said he was taking me home to his Momma...That you were actually his mother!...I was kinda scared for a moment...He was supposed to take me to a friend...and then he wanted to come here... Fallyn explained, and the both of them laughed again.

Oh....right right right!...You must be Alloryn’s friend?...Fallyn right? Renah asked, as she hurried about the kitchen.

Yes!...You know Alloryn? She replied.

Yes yes of course!...Her and her man are staying right outside our back door!...Those are all their tents outside...though I don’t think they are back from the falls yet!...But it’s almost dinner time...So it won’t be long. The woman said, as she rolled the dough out into a circle and started piling fresh meats and cheeses inside, then folding it over, she started the next one.

Well is there anything I can do to...on second thought... Fallyn started, but her better judgment interceded. I’m not sure you'd want me in the kitchen...

Can you no cook? Renah asked, blowing a lock of her hair out of her face.

Ummm...No!...I'm not gonna lie! Fallyn laughed. When I was younger it was t.v dinners and fast food...My mother never had time to cook fancy things...She was always working!...And then I married my husband...and well he has another to do that for us!...So I never really...well once perhaps!...I cooked a birthday dinner...but you’d have to ask Alloryn how that turned out. She told Renah, laughing some more.

The women went on listening to each others stories, as Renah showed her how to make