Exposed Within, Mendocino Series: Book Six

By Donetta Marie

Chase Worthington is a wealthy and powerful billionaire from a long family lineage in the oil industry. After one incident of being used by another woman almost destroys a business deal, Chase vows to never stay with one woman long enough to develop any feelings—until he meets Marie Santoro. Is that even her real name?

There is something about Marie that he can’t resist. Their deep, passionate connection ignites his soul, which is something that money can’t buy. Marie has him craving things he never thought he would want—a woman to settle down with and a family of his own.

Marie Santoro Cavier uses only her mother’s maiden name to help protect her identity and for her own safety. The vast wealth and properties that are connected to her father’s surname came at a high price years ago. Trust is difficult ever since her sister was killed, but Chase slowly changes that for her. But will Chase stick around once he learns the truth about the blood on her hands ... all because she had trusted the wrong person years ago?

When Marie’s true identity is revealed, will their insatiable attraction and love for each other be enough to keep them together or will it force them apart? And when tragedy strikes, will it bring them closer? Or will Marie’s guilt over her sister’s murder keep an invisible wall between them that Chase can never break in reaching for the one thing he wants—her heart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Donetta Marie
• Release date: Jul 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005252007

Donetta Marie

Donetta Marie grew up in Paradise, a small town in Northern California, in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains. You may know it as the Campfire that destroyed 90% of the town from a wildfire caused by PG&Es faulty powerlines. She currently reside in Washington, DC. She graduated with Honors from Grand Canyon University with a Bachelors degree in Secondary Education in Social Studies. Her main passion of studies is anything related to Geography.When Donetta is not writing, she loves to read, watch movies, swim, shop at framers markets, and travel (including a book in one hand and rum drink in the other). And she enjoys good food, coffee, wine, conversation with close friends, and snuggling next to someone special by a warm fire.

Book preview

Exposed Within

Donetta Marie

Exposed Within: Mendocino Series, Book 6

Written by: Donetta Marie

Copyright 2021 © Donetta Marie

This book is a work of fiction. All characters, places, names, and events are either a product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any likeness to any events, locations, or persons, alive or otherwise, is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form.

This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only and remains the copyrighted property of the author. Please do not redistribute this book for either commercial or non-commercial use. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Trigger Warning: This book contains adult themes and situations that are intended for readers 18 and older. These themes and situations could include, but are not limited to, extreme violence, assault, vulgar language, and explicit sexual encounters.

Table of Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Epilogue

About the Author

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my brother Eric. When our eldest brother, Mark, tragically passed away, Eric immediately took action by bringing our family together. He is now the head of our family, a man who is strong in his convictions, loves his wife and children, and loves to snow ski. Eric gives snow ski lessons to children at Deer Valley and absolutely loves it, but most of all, Eric gives the best damn bear hugs—the kind where you almost can’t breathe! Love you, big brother!

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank Meghan Maslow and Carla Kaessinger Coupe for telling me straight out that this story needed more work and that the potential for Chase and Marie’s love story was there . . . it just required a little more organization and, dare I say, oomph!

What can I say that I haven’t already said to my fabulous critique partner, Anne? Your perceptive thoughts on Chase and Marie’s happily ever after are priceless to me. If it weren’t for our monthly meetings, pushing me to keep writing, I wouldn’t have finished writing this story. Thank you so much for what you do for me and for your friendship.

To my beta reader, Sharron, thank you for taking the time from your busy work schedule and from shopping for a new home to read through Exposed Within. Your constructive feedback was most helpful. Thank you so much!

Steve Novak, your book design expertise is something I’m in awe of. I couldn’t have put the final package of my book together without you. Thank you again for your patience with my crazy schedule.

Joyce Mochrie, my brilliant copy editor, proofreader, and dear friend, thank you doesn’t describe how much you mean to me. Your editing expertise is so helpful because it makes my stories shine. I wouldn’t be publishing book six without you! Until our next luncheon in Las Vegas and book editing . . . a big hug to you.

Chapter 1

Chase snapped the little, blue box closed and slid it into his jacket pocket. It seemed as if it would burn a hole through his tuxedo. He stood next to a window, down the hallway from the ballroom doors, gazing but not seeing the San Francisco skyline from the midsection of the Fairmont Hotel.

His fingers ran through his hair, and he realized from the window’s reflection that he ruffled it from its brushed-back, sleek look. Dammit. He was never nervous.

Somehow, someway, Marie Santoro slipped past the shield that encased his heart for so long, and she hasn’t left since then. He’d never let a woman get too close. The last time he did, it almost ruined him—financially speaking, that is. He’d sworn to himself never again. Thank God he hadn’t loved Samantha . . . well, at least not like Marie.

Marie was different. She wasn’t like all the other money-hungry women who were only with him for his wealth or a quick fuck. He had no complaints about the quick fucks in his life, but sex with Marie was so much . . . more.

More satisfying.

More sharing of themselves.

More intimate.

Marie was irresistible. He couldn’t put his finger on what exactly made her so alluring, but he was willing to spend a lifetime exploring and discovering all her facets, secrets, likes, and dislikes. So, yeah, he had her investigated early on when they began dating. He didn’t like having to do it, but he had a duty to protect the family legacy, including his siblings. Chase couldn’t take chances as he had with Samantha many years ago.

Thank God everything checked out with Marie’s background. No police record, not even a speeding ticket. She was a good, honest, hardworking woman, trying to build a career by helping other women. It was commendable what Marie wanted to accomplish tonight at the gala event—single mothers in need of free childcare as they entered the workforce until they could financially stand strong on their own two feet.

But was he ready now to pop the most important question of his life? Should he ask Marie tonight or wait a little longer? Chase meant to ask her to be his wife when he gifted her with a diamond-studded necklace specially fashioned at Tiffany’s. It matched the engagement ring he hadn’t had the courage to give her. That had been two months ago on their weekend holiday in Napa Valley, but he choked then, and ever since, he’d tried to come up with a plan to ask Marie to marry him.

Something romantic.

Something memorable that Marie would like.

But it never seemed to be the right time or place.

Chase scanned the hotel’s hallway again. Still no sign of Marie. What was taking her so long? If any of his friends knew what pathetic straits he was in concerning a specific, beautiful woman, they’d most likely laugh at him.

It was time for him to introduce Marie to his family. She had already met his younger brother, Tyler. He’d been careful—very careful—to keep their relationship under wraps so that the media wouldn’t scare Marie off. He didn’t want the paparazzi influencing her decision not to give him or them a chance at something special. The last thing he wanted was his past sexual exploits to hurt Marie, and some of them had been plastered all over the tabloids.

He mumbled, Where are you, Marie?

Chase flicked his gaze at his wristwatch. It was almost showtime. Marie should be here already. It wasn’t like she had to travel across town. He’d insisted they stay here at the Fairmont Hotel for the past couple of nights so Marie wouldn’t wear herself out, running back and forth.

Chase walked toward the ballroom doors and greeted a guest. Thank you for coming. Enjoy your evening. The ballroom doors opened, and the guests were led inside.

More guests filed into the Pavilion Room. He’d give her five more minutes, and then he’d have to go get her, ready or not. Marie had a fundraiser to run. Maybe she was nervous. After all, it was her first event. He’d helped her plan the event, while his assistant, Dillon, aided with organizing it and sending out invitations. He should check on her.

The elevator doors swished open. Tyler stepped out and joined him. Sorry I’m late. Traffic was a bitch.

Don’t worry about it. The fundraiser hasn’t started yet.

Good, I’ll head inside. Tyler adjusted his tie and donned his famous Worthington smile.

Chase shook his head at his brother’s shamelessness. Don’t expect to get lucky tonight. This charity event is about mothers and their children. Got it?

Oh, don’t worry. I have my sights on only one woman.

Oh, really? Do tell.

Marie’s friend Kristen. She is one feisty, hot woman I’d like to have in my bed for a twenty-four-hour period.

Seriously?

Oh, I am, big brother. Wish me luck.

No, I won’t. I don’t want trouble from you tonight. I mean it, Tyler.

His brother’s eyes gleamed with mischief. I promise to behave . . . a little.

Tyler opened the doors to the Pavilion Room, ready to enter, but stopped and said over his shoulder, Oh, I almost forgot. Marie should be here soon. I saw her outside getting out of a Bentley. Boy, when you want to seduce a woman, you sure know how to spend the money. I would’ve gone with an Audi or a BMW. Tyler then entered the ballroom.

Tyler left him standing there, speechless and confused. What the hell was his brother talking about, Marie getting out of a Bentley? He hadn’t bought or rented one for her. From the midsection of the hotel, a few floors farther up, was their penthouse room where Marie was getting ready for the event. At least, that’s what Chase thought when he left hours ago. He had returned to his home to get ready and, in so doing, gave Marie plenty of space and privacy.

How the hell could Marie afford to rent a Bentley, let alone buy one? There was nothing in the background check that indicated she owned a luxury car or had millions in her bank account. It didn’t make any sense. Tyler must be mistaken.

The elevator dinged its next arrival. Chase glanced over at the elevator, his breath caught in his throat, and all confused thoughts of Marie and a Bentley evaporated. Marie stood, looking down, fiddling with her red cocktail dress. Her lengthy, dark tresses were swept up and pinned upon her head, exposing her long neckline with a few curls cascading down. She wore the diamond-studded necklace he gave her.

She was fucking gorgeous . . . and she was his. Chase’s chest swelled at that acknowledgement.

Chase paid no attention to Marie’s personal assistant, Sanders, as he strode toward her. Sanders was a constant shadow who only had eyes for Marie. She hadn’t looked his way yet, still glancing down at her dress, fidgeting. He reached out and laced his fingers with hers, garnering her attention. Her chocolate-colored eyes, which always made him melt, held a bit of apprehension.

Her succulent lips quirked up at the corners. Looking at him, she said, Sanders, we’ll be a moment.

Sanders quickly scanned the hallway, nodded, and then entered the Pavilion Room. Marie brushed the tips of her fingers through Chase’s hair, fixing the tresses he’d displaced moments ago. Is everything okay? You look worried, Chase.

I’m fine. I was starting to think you weren’t coming, and. . . . A long burst of air rushed past his lips, and with a deep sigh, Chase continued. I don’t like wearing a monkey suit. I’ve attended so many of these events, you’d think I’d be used to wearing one. Now you know.

Marie’s smile grew, sucker-punching him in the gut. It happened every damn time she looked at him like that. Would it help any if I told you I feel the same way about dressing in a ballgown or a cocktail dress?

Huh? How is that possible? I thought this was your first fancy event like this and you would be thrilled to get all gussied up. Well, except maybe your high school prom, at least.

A deep sadness flickered in Marie’s eyes, and in a blink, it was gone. She glanced away. I didn’t attend my high school prom.

There was something that she wasn’t telling him. It was in the tone of her voice and the haunted shadow of sorrow he glimpsed every so often when it crossed Marie’s face. And it was there now. He was about to ask, but more guests arrived. After a few minutes of chatting, the guests entered the ballroom. A stream of guests kept arriving. He’d have to wait. This wasn’t the time or place to press Marie for answers.

But Marie’s comments about her prom and attending events like the charity she worked so hard on made him question what occurred in her past to produce such sadness. And why wouldn’t she tell him? There was nothing in her background that indicated anything wrong happened. He was pretty sure of that. There were other things he learned about Marie that he loved about her.

One, she loved a variety of international cuisine, as he did.

Two, she had an eclectic taste in music, which had been a pleasant surprise because he, too, loved a variety of music.

Three, she loved sleeping late, no matter what day of the week it was.

Four, Marie entrusted him to teach her how to swim after a scary incident of accidently being bumped into, resulted in her falling overboard from the sailboat in the Pacific Ocean at a friend’s weekend gathering. It was the weekend they had met.

And five, Marie was a connoisseur of wines. She could be very picky about what constituted an excellent wine versus a seven-dollar bottle at a convenience store. He’d always been a whiskey or cognac kind of guy, but he had come to appreciate an exceptional quality wine, all thanks to Marie.

Also, he knew every inch of her luscious body . . . that was for damn sure. Okay, so make that six things he knew about her.

If he were honest with himself, Marie had changed him for the better. She had, in some way, altered his outlook for a more promising future. He’d begun to wish for things he never thought or considered having in his life. That there’s more to life than just business and making a shitload of money, such as his own family.

Hello? Chase?

He refocused his attention on Marie. I’m sorry, what did you say?

You were far away there for a moment. Care to share?

Chase pulled Marie closer, leaning his forehead against hers. He had to tell her, or at least try to. He breathed in the soft, jasmine scent that always swamped his senses where he could think only of her. I know I’ve never said this before, but I want you to know now. You’re my sunrise. I didn’t know, until I met you, that my world was dark. It’s you, Marie, who has brought me out of the darkness and into your light. Do you understand what I’m saying?

Y-yes, I believe so. Chase, I. . . .

He placed the tip of his finger across her lips. Good.

But—

Not wanting to dwell more on the gushy, feely stuff, Chase changed the subject. With a light squeeze of his hand over hers, he murmured, Nervous?

"Not really. I’m just not into doing the pretty."

The what?

My mother always said to my father, before entering a room full of people at an event somewhat like this one—Marie gestured toward the closed ballroom doors and continued—"it’s time to do the pretty. She meant to put on your best smile, be nice, be charming, and remember why we are attending such an event for a good cause. But most of all, keep your guard up because there are likely to be sharks in the room looking for a vulnerability."

His gaze zeroed in on Marie. That’s a piece of info that didn’t jive with her background. Did she even realize what she just said? And she had never told him anything pertaining to her parents—until now. What is she hiding from him? Marie, this is the first time you’ve voluntarily shared something about your parents with me without my asking you, and you deflecting some of my questions. Do you plan to reveal more to me before the night is through, or is it just wishful thinking on my part?

Marie’s dainty hand caressed his jaw. Chase, do you trust me at all—at least a little?

Yes.

Then please believe that I have every intention of explaining everything soon. I promise.

For some reason, that didn’t reassure him. It was frustrating.

Before he could answer, Marie’s friend Kristen joined them. Hey, you two. The charity is about to begin without you. Let’s go. Oh, and Chase . . . tell Tyler to keep his hands to himself, or he may end up in the hospital.

The ballroom doors shut behind Kristen with a light snick.

Dammit. I told Tyler to behave.

Marie giggled. She reached up and adjusted his tie. Kristen doesn’t mean it. I know her well. She likes Tyler and his antics.

Humph. That’s news to me.

The corners of her eyes were crinkled. In a soft voice, she said, You look handsome in your monkey suit. As a matter of fact, sexy as sin. I’m hoping later you’ll take this tie, secure my wrists to the headboard, and have your wicked way with me.

And just like that, his libido kicked in, his cock standing straight up. Marie skipped away, laughing, as he tried to reach out to her and give her a quick kiss. No such luck. He liked it when she was playful with him. Dammit, Marie. You can’t say something like that before entering a large room full of people.

She opened the door, looked over her shoulder at his groin area, and watched while he quickly adjusted himself.

Her eyes glimmered with a bit of naughtiness as she wagged her eyebrows up and down. There was a hint of a laugh in her voice. At least you’re wearing a jacket, she said as she entered the Pavilion Room.

He tried, but he couldn’t help it. His lips twitched up. You’re so going to get it later.

Her sultry voice filtered back at him as he followed her, Oh, I hope so.

Chapter 2

Marie stepped back and slipped behind a fake tree, sparkling with lights, to catch her breath for a moment of peace. From her hiding spot, her gaze scanned the large crowd. She smiled. More than two hundred people were in attendance at the fundraiser. She was pleased to see that everyone was enjoying themselves. Sanders gingerly maneuvered toward her, keeping a watchful eye out for any unsuspecting guest who might want to hurt Marie. The likelihood of that was doubtful, considering she no longer lived on the East Coast. No one here in San Francisco, or the entire West Coast, knew who she really was, and she wanted to keep it that way for a few more days until she finally told Chase the full truth about her background and family. She planned to tell him soon on their upcoming trip to Monterey.

Sanders spoke in a low tone, You know you can’t hide behind that tree much longer, right? Chase is already looking for you. I swear that man can’t take his eyes off you for a second. The man has it bad for you.

Yeah, she had it bad for Chase, too. Where is he?

On the other side of the ballroom, heading this way.

Well, then, I guess I better get back to mingling.

Are you avoiding him for a reason?

Leave it to Sanders to figure out her odd behavior so quickly. There was no point in denying it, either. I slipped in a moment of not thinking clearly.

Sanders’ back faced her and tensed up. What did you say to Chase?

She sighed. A little tidbit about what Mom says about these kinds of events, and. . . .

And what? Sanders persisted.

That I never attended prom.

Oh. Well, that really isn’t giving anything away. I think you’re safe.

It really doesn’t matter anymore because I plan to tell Chase everything during our weekend away in Monterey.

Are you sure that’s wise?

"It’s time, Sanders. My relationship with Chase has progressed to a point where I can no longer keep this from him. I don’t want to keep it from him—not anymore." Her hand gently caressed her tummy. She couldn’t wait any longer.

I hope you’re right.

Me, too.

Well, if you’re going to do more mingling, I suggest you get a move on because Chase is halfway across the room now. He’ll be here any minute.

Marie slipped out of her hiding spot and proceeded in the other direction from Chase. She wasn’t ready yet for his probing questions into her family life. It was complicated.

Distracted by her thoughts of Chase and her family, she wasn’t paying attention when suddenly, a large but soft hand grabbed her upper arm. Well, well, well. If it isn’t Elizabeth Marie Santoro Cavier. I’m surprised to see you here. Isn’t this fundraiser beneath your nose?

She froze, recognizing the voice from her childhood days—her elementary school sweetheart. It couldn’t be, it just couldn’t. She turned and looked into the eyes of a man whose hard gaze held hers with hate and a boatload of pain, a pain that she recognized and felt every day. Ice ran down her skin . . . and fear, the kind of fear she hadn’t experienced since her sister Catherine. . . .

Marie sucked in a deep breath and slowly exhaled. From the corner of her eye, Sanders was moving quickly toward her, her hand reaching inside her jacket for her gun. She’d be fine. She was in a room full of people. What are you doing here, Jared? You know you are not supposed to come near me or my family.

I didn’t know you would be here. I’m in the city conducting business. A colleague invited me.

Marie kept her smile plastered on her face so no one would guess at her internal distress. So here you are.

Yes. Why are you here? I thought you’d be in Italy or out in the Hamptons locked up and safe at your parents’ estate.

Jared, what I do is none of your business. Now, remove your hand from my arm before you get yourself shot.

Marie watched Jared’s tanned skin upon his face turn a pasty white. He dropped his hand. Smart man, but let’s see if he’s smart enough. Jared, I suggest you leave before an unexplained accident happens—now or later.

His lips pressed into a hard line, and then in a low, gruff voice, he asked, Are you threatening me?

I don’t need to threaten you. Once my father hears of your being here—she shrugged her shoulders—who knows what will happen.

Jared pointed at her. You know damn well it was your sister’s fault that my brother, Andre, got killed.

It wasn’t Catherine’s fault. Your brother had a drug addiction. Think Jared, for heaven’s sake, and let the dead lie in peace.

So easy for you to say. I loved my brother.

And I loved my sister. Now, please go. Before there’s trouble.

Jared took a few steps away, keeping his eyes on her. Then he stopped, and a deep anguish passed over his face. In