Sapphire Seduction - The Family Jewels Collection Book Three

By Mara Reitsma

Damn Hayden was persistent. Even after all this time, knowing she was forbidden, unattainable. Married! He still just had to see her. What was it that kept him coming back? Sure she had had admirers, but nothing like him. Laurence on the other hand seemed distant, consumed with his company, always with the business trips.
So when the secrets start piling up, and a close friend turns up missing, Fallyn finds herself having to put on her big girl panties and dive right in. With a vow renewal in one hand, and a mystery to which her husband may be linked in the other, she has no choice but to play her role.
Can Fallyn handle riding with the big boys long enough to find out the truth? Or will it land her in even more trouble than ever before?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Mar 30, 2015
• ISBN: 9781329028401

Book preview

Sapphire Seduction - The Family Jewels Collection Book Three

SAPPHIRE SEDUCTION

BOOK THREE OF THE FAMILY

JEWELS COLLECTION.

MARA REITSMA

Copyright:

© 2015 Mara Reitsma. All Rights Reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-329-02840-1

For you Always....

This ones for my awesome editing savior,

who also happens to be my husband.

I Love You!

Prologue.

Alloryn!... Alloryn wake up! Fallyn called into the spare room, where her friend was napping.

Noooooooo.... She heard her friend reply, followed by the rustling of sheets, as she peeled herself out from under them.

Come on!...The guys said they would stay away while we got ready!...We have the whole cabin to ourselves for now!...Let’s pamper… Fallyn added, as she reappeared in the doorway and threw a cushion towards the bed.

Is nap time over already? Alloryn whined as she slumped her way towards the bathroom, I was enjoying that dream! She added.

Don’t talk to me about dreams...Mine are all crazy and seductive!...I don’t get any rest while I sleep... Fallyn giggled, remembering the tingling sensation that accompanied her dreams.

From what I’ve heard those are the best! Alloryn replied, as she shut the door and the water was turned on.

Tonight was the resort’s huge Christmas celebration and despite the fact that Fallyn had wanted to plan her own party, in her own home with all of her friends, they had been having far too much fun. The event itself was the biggest social extravaganza of the year and had many flocking  through  the main doors for the annual feast and dance that followed.

The girls had each chosen their gowns online and had them delivered to one of the stores in the little shopping village below. Neither had wanted to venture far from the safety of their private cabins, after the scenario that had unfolded in the weeks prior, no one was sure who could be trusted.

Fallyn sat back in her chair, remembering it all. How elegant they had all looked, her in her classic white  virgin queen of the un-dead ensemble, as her friend had called it, and Alloryn looking the part of the Peacock Madame. She giggled as she thought of the music and the dancing, but then just as it had played out that night, it began again. 

Stephan had been there; all dressed up as a pirate, and had made every attempt to ruin her night. But why? She thought to herself over and over, as she shook the memory from her mind. He was gone now… Again! And hopefully he would stay far away from her, forever. He had caused chaos and havoc in her life once before, crashed her car and killed somebody, then disappeared without a trace.

Fallyn tried hard to forget, knowing that Laurence’s men were working on it as she sat there primping herself, but still the fear lingered in the back of her mind. He was out there somewhere, just like before. It was only a matter of time before he reared his ugly face again.

Fallyn?…Could you hand me a towel? Alloryn called out, but Fallyn was lost in her own little world, as she stared a herself in the mirror.

FALLYN!!!!.... She yelled louder.

Huh?...What? Fallyn replied, as she shook the fog and images from her thoughts.

Can you hand me a towel?...Please? Alloryn asked again, as she stood hidden behind the door.

Fallyn hurried to the closet where the towels were kept and scolded herself for letting him get to her again. The flashbacks were not as bad as they had been when she had first arrived with her husband and their friends, but they were ruthless just the same. Even her dreams caused anxiety, though not all contained the ability to scare her. Some had the opposite effect and that alone gave her issues.

I’m sorry!…I…was…I’m just a mess… Fallyn started, as she tossed the towel into her best friend’s outstretched hand.

No worries dude…We all get a little spun up at times…You’ll get through it… She replied with a smile, and closed the door.

I hope so! Fallyn whispered to herself, as she sat back down on her chair and began to play with her hair once again. The platinum blonde locks curled in towards her chest and her eyes sparkled with the jeweled tipped lash extensions she had ordered with her dress. 

There wasn’t much time left to get ready, and when Alloryn exited the bathroom, her hair freshly dried and ready to be styled, Fallyn quickly got down to business. With curling iron in hand she began the process of spritzing with spray and winding Alloryn’s chocolate brown hair into bouncing waves, which cascaded down her back.

Alloryn was quite capable of applying her own make up, but the hair had always been Fallyn’s job. Even as little girls the two had played hair salon, and though Alloryn played with nail polish and lipstick, Fallyn was all about the hair dye and scissors.

And that should hold it! Fallyn said, pinning the last strand up, and away from Alloryn’s face. We should get you into your dress and then you can do your makeup.

Sounds good to me!…As long as this hair holds.  Alloryn teased, trying to get her bra straps positioned just right.

Fallyn went to the closet and opened the doors, searching for the gowns they had chosen. Alloryn’s was a vibrant red ensemble that hung down off one shoulder and flowed towards the ground, hugging every curve.  She had paired it with a red and black feathered hair piece and a pair of charcoal heels; it was sort of burlesque in style, but suited her perfectly.

She handed the red gown to her friend and helped to get it over her shoulders without damaging her hair. It fit like a glove, she thought, as Alloryn stood back and let Fallyn make a few tiny adjustments.

You look fantastic! She beamed, standing back to admire the view.

Why thank you!...Now let’s get you dressed! Alloryn giggled, as she handed Fallyn a long rectangular box that only contained one of Fallyn’s most prized pieces, the shoes.

They were gorgeous! Exactly what Fallyn had expected them to be, and as she slid them on, she could see the work that went in to every detail. They were black in color and made of a material that resembled suede. The pattern almost seemed to be crocheted around the top of her foot, hugging her slender ankle, and then up across her soft calves, tying just below the knee.

Oh wow! Alloryn let out, as Fallyn fiddled with the ties.

They feel amazing! Fallyn cut in, The material is not too hard…yet it holds it’s shape nicely… She added, as she pawed at the newest piece of her collection. I think these might be my new favorite….for a while Fallyn giggled, as she rose from her chair to take the dress from Alloryn.

Now this… Alloryn said handing it over, It crazy stunning…the lacework almost matches your boots…and the sheer bottom… It seemed to take her breath away.

Alloryn was right. The dress was beautiful. Long white tube topped dress, with a black lace overlay that ended just below her hips. The sheer dress continued on to the floor exposing her long legs and new black boots, yet enough to keep her tattoo hidden, on her upper thigh.

Once the dress was on and her hair set in place, she attached the little tiara right in the midst of her massive wave of curls. It added a hint of sparkle to her black and white ensemble.

Fallyn you look like a princess!…Not one of those stuck up snobby brats…but a real princess!..Classy and sophisticated… Alloryn blurted out.

And look at you… Fallyn started, You look like we plucked you out of a seductive movie…That dress makes your eyes pop…and your hips look amazing under that corset. Fallyn giggled, as she fixed a loose strand of her friend’s hair.

All I need is a beauty mark and I would be set…you know like Marilyn Monroe… Alloryn laughed. Do you think Don will like it? She asked.

He’d be insane if he didn’t!…I’d think there was something wrong with a guy who sees his woman looking like that and didn’t go gaga over her… Fallyn laughed as she picked up her phone to call Laurence.

There were a few missed messages flashing across the screen, and when she flicked to the messages, she was surprised to see that one was from Bridgette.

BRIDGETTE: I need to talk to you.

I miss you!

Fallyn was mid reply when another message beeped in.

HAYDEN: What’s up buttercup?

Been gone a long time.

We should go for coffee when you’re back!!

A sudden rush of tingling, coursed through her body as she read his message. She had not told anyone about their meeting in the village, not even Alloryn. But that was days ago, he thought to herself, he couldn’t still be here.

What’s up? Alloryn asked, noticing the look on Fallyn’s face.

Oh it’s Bridgette.. Fallyn started, flipping to her message and ignoring Hayden’s for now. She says she needs to talk…And she misses me…

She was furious with you the last time we spoke to her…Any idea what that was about? Alloryn asked, as she fiddled with her earrings.

Nope!…Not a clue and she wouldn’t return my phone calls…messages…emails…Nothing!... It was like she had just stopped wanting to be my friend!...But now… Fallyn replied, looking a bit confused. I’ll have to call her in the morning…She’s probably with Davyn now…it’s almost supper time and she sent that message hours ago…

Her phone beeped again, and this time it was Laurence. He and Don wanted to know if they were ready yet, since the feast was starting soon and they had to claim their seats.  I guess they’re ready to go… Fallyn said, as she hurried to reply, grabbing her black shall to cover her shoulders.

Ohhh I’m so excited! Alloryn giggled.

There was a knock at the door and Alloryn rushed to open it. On the other side stood both Don and Laurence looking as handsome as ever and both with a single red rose for each of them.

Shall we go? Laurence asked, offering Fallyn his arm and watching her smile as she accepted.

I am starving! She replied, as she followed him down the front steps and out to the horse drawn carriage that awaited at the end of their makeshift driveway. Oh my god!…Those horses are huge! Fallyn exclaimed, as she got even closer to them.

They’re magnificent aren’t they?... He chuckled, helping her into the carriage and then climbed in beside her. He knew of her want to own a horse and live on a farm in the wide open countryside, she had told him once upon a time.

CHAPTER ONE.

The plane ride home was quiet, as both Alloryn and Fallyn dabbled in a game of poker , while the men sat quietly attending to work they had missed while they were away. Don had a few photos that needed to be edited before they could be printed, and Laurence had some papers that Markos had emailed him, needing an official signature.

Oh I still remember the crystal ball spinning in the middle of the dance floor… Alloryn sighed, as her mind fluttered away from the game and back to their Christmas Eve celebration.

Well I’m sure if you ask Laurence nicely there may be a chance we can get one for New Years! Fallyn giggled, sipping at her orange juice.

That’s right!…Do you think Daniella would mind?...I know she usually likes to tend to the decorating and such. Alloryn asked.

Ugh!!... I didn’t want to hear that name again…But I don’t think it will be a problem…She seemed pretty docile on the phone when Laurence called her…She might just agree to it… Fallyn replied.

What will you wear? Alloryn asked.

Oh I don’t know!…There are tons of outfits in my closet that haven't been worn in quite some time…I’m pretty sure we can find something for both of us to wear in there… Fallyn replied, as she lay down her cards and claimed the pot in the middle.

Do you know where she has planned it this year? Alloryn asked. She wouldn’t…

Fuck that!...If she plans on holding the New Year’s Eve party at the Social Center…she can count me out of it!!…I’m hoping she’s not that stupid… Fallyn replied, the distaste resonating in her tone of voice.

I hope so too!…Maybe you should ask Laurence if he knows…He might have had a hand in the planning this year…he’d know better than to let her host it there…Wouldn't he?...After what happened? Alloryn added.

He looks really busy… Fallyn started, I don't want to bug him.

He’s been busy since Christmas morning…Working on whatever it is that keeps him attached to that tablet of his…Just ask him… Alloryn went on. Besides you need to be prepared either way.

Fallyn knew Alloryn was right. If Daniella had planned the party for the same place in which she had been attacked by Stephan, Fallyn would have to be ready and stand her ground about going. She’d have to find something else to do, but what?

She watched as Alloryn snuggled in next to Don and decided she should do the same, but the welcome she received was not like the one her friend had gotten. She had disturbed Laurence, she figured. He had been all into something, working hard, and she had disrupted his train of thought. The tension was almost too much, and she made to rise from beside him, when he pulled her back down.

Why must you always bother me with your feminine wiles? He murmured as his lips met her neck.

Whatever do you mean? She asked, slipping into her role, for the little game they played.

I was working ...and you came ...over here and... disturbed me… He went on between kisses.

I did nothing of the sort… She giggled, as he nipped at her ear lobe.

If we weren’t ten minutes from landing…you’d be in a hell of a lot of trouble… He grinned and bit down on her shoulder.

That’s not fair… Fallyn whined, as the captain came over the intercom and announced their arrival.

You’ll just have to wait till I get home later… He chuckled, as he slid her over and rose from his seat on the lounger.

Later?…Why not now? She asked, as she lay back, exposing a little skin.

I have some work to do at the office…and may not be home for dinner… He told her before disappearing into the cockpit, to talk to his pilot.

Fallyn sat back and watched as Alloryn and Don snuggled a few minutes more and then tended to their belongings. Oh they were home all right, and Laurence was right back to his old self, consumed with work and nothing else. Fallyn sighed as she herself rose from the lounger, and went to collect her bag. So much for a happy evening, she thought, as she followed her friends out of the plane and down the steps to the tarmac.

Roger stood beside the car, waiting to take them back to the manor, when Markos arrived and went straight to Laurence. He was not riding back with them, she realized, and handed Roger her bag.

Have a good trip? Roger asked, trying to cheer her up.

It was good… She sighed, as she climbed into the back seat and waited for Alloryn and Don to join her.

Once they were seated in the car and the hatch at the back was closed, Roger rolled down the security window and asked if there was anywhere special they wanted to go.

Just home for me please. Fallyn replied, looking out her window.

Oh come out for a burger with us! Don said, We can even stop by that coffee shop and visit Bridgette.

I don’t think I’m really that hungry…and I’m really tired!…But thanks for the offer. Fallyn replied and went back to looking out her window.

She didn’t want to do anything. Not now. She had practically been shunned by her husband even though she had only wanted to snuggle, and now he wasn’t even coming home with her.

Are you sure? Don asked again, and Fallyn could hear the empathy in his voice. He knew something was bothering her, and that something had to be Laurence, Again! He’ll probably be out all night…Why don’t you come out with us?

I think I’m just gonna stay around home tonight…But you can bring me something back if you want?…Alloryn knows what I like… She giggled.

Ok then! He replied, You know...I don’t know why guys act the way we do…some of us are just programmed to self destruct when we have something good going on…Just bear with it cause you  always get through the tough shit. Don replied, grinning. Just like us! He added, as he pulled Alloryn closer.

Well I don’t know how much more of his self destructive behavior I can handle….One minute I am his world and he wants to renew our vows…and the next I’m left feeling like he never cared and never  will. Fallyn exploded, immediately regretting it.

We get it. Don said, and for some reason, although Alloryn was her bestest friend in the whole wide world and she loved her dearly, it was when Don said something, that it just made sense. 

Don was a very wise individual. He always thought about what he was going to say, ,always offered sound advice either directly or through Alloryn, who told him everything because she too, valued his opinion.

I know you do Don…but I don’t!…I know I shouldn’t get so upset when he goes all ass backwards but he makes it so damn hard!...I mean come on…three days ago he was wining and dining me…red roses and all!…Breakfast in bed…You are the light of my life...My reason for being!…And yet now look at us…We’re back in the real world and his work comes first…it always has!…And I know this but I still fall apart every damn time. Fallyn sighed.

She couldn’t cry anymore, not about this, she felt helpless. What was she supposed to do now? Go home and sit at her house until Laurence decided to come home? Even then, he'd probably hide away in his office.

Are you sure you don’t want to go for a burger? Don asked one last time, a grin slinking onto his face.

Yes…I want a burger. She huffed, giving him the stare down, and then giggled as she thought about how silly it all was.

Perfect!…Roger we need burgers!…Anywhere will do! Don chuckled and Roger nodded.

I can’t stay mad at him Alloryn… Fallyn blurted out.

Me neither… She laughed in reply. That’s why we’re still together…He’s too logical to argue with…so I don’t even try…

It’s a thing…always gotta stay one step ahead of the ladies! He teased, landing him a slap across the forearm from Alloryn.

As they piled inside a local diner, Don invited Roger to join them, and all four of them ordered their meals to go, so they could go sit outside. The weather wasn’t too bad, as it hadn’t snowed in a few weeks and the wind wasn’t chilled, which was odd for December. The bushes and grass still gleamed with patches of snow, as they sat under the giant heaters on the diner's patio, chatting away about the recent events that were happening around the city.

Roger had told them of a new sweet shop down by the library, and that Fallyn’s favorite shoe store was no longer there, but had moved across town down by the pier. It was part of some new development that had finally been given the go ahead, and the store owners had lined up to fill the spots available.

The city planned on tearing down the old theater, and there were a few break ins reported on the news, but other than that, Ellinsport seemed to be the same as usual. Fallyn and Alloryn took turns telling Roger all about their amazing getaway and how much fun they had had, and when they were done their burgers, all four had decided to walk to the ice cream shop just down the road, for Don.

It wasn’t summer, actually far from it, as New Year’s Eve lurked just around the corner, but the small ice cream parlor was as busy as ever, and they had to wait in line just to get to the door.

It was a small place, with enough room to seat ten people comfortably inside, but the ice cream was so smooth and rich, that no matter what the season the lineup was always crazy huge.

I want a double scoop of strawberry shortcake… Alloryn said as they reached the counter, and then looked towards her friend to see what she wanted.

Hot fudge sundae please. Fallyn replied, followed by pralines and cream for Don and a good old fashioned banana split for Roger.

They walked with their ice cream treats back towards the car, licking their spoons and smacking their lips in between moans and groans of pure satisfaction.

This is the best ice cream ever! Fallyn said, as she took another bite drizzled in fudge.

Heaven… Alloryn added, as she scooped a strawberry out of her cup.

This was a great idea Don!…Thank you for not letting me waste away back at the manor…I kind of dread going home…even with you all coming with me. Fallyn admitted.

How so? Alloryn asked, between mouthfuls.

I don’t know!…It’s just so much has happened… There have been all those robberies at the stores…and then Stephan showing up at the Fall Ball…It just doesn’t feel safe anymore!…And I know you are there Roger…but still you can’t be with me twenty four hours a day…

I can try… He said modestly, And Markos seems to be on top of the robberies… His voice trailed off, as he took a big bite of banana.

You can stay with us …there is another bed in there…it’s not like we’d have to share!…Well unless you wanted to of course… He teased, and then took another bite of his ice cream.

Ha ha ha… Alloryn replied, attempting to swat at him. You are more than welcome to stay with us…in the guest suite of your own house.

I guess it does sound funny when you say it like that…but there isn’t really much to be afraid of…I don’t know what’s bothering me…it’s like a feeling in my gut…and when I think about the manor... it gets worse.

You’re a weirdo… Alloryn teased as they arrived at the car, Let’s go home and maybe watch a movie then…Take your mind off things...It'll be fine!

CHAPTER TWO.

Fallyn awoke on the couch in the guest suite. Alloryn and Don had gone to bed it seemed, and when she looked at her phone, it flashed four fifteen back at her. She had missed a few more messages, but her eyes were too blurry to see them properly and she needed to find her own room.

She stumbled towards the door, trying so hard to be quiet, and made her way down the hallway towards the living room. All the lights were dimmed, and even the light