Hotel of Secrets: Upland Village, #2

By Alice J Miller

How do you stop a past that haunts you rising up to threaten your future happiness?

 

Handsome, charming and confirmed bachelor Christopher Devereaux is on the run. Lucina, an ex-girlfriend, claims he got her pregnant. He knows she's lying. She knows she's lying, but her two brothers are more concerned with teaching him a lesson than discovering the truth. He needs to disappear until Lucina's scans reveal the true timing of her pregnancy, and let him off the hook.

 

Sorting out Chris's problems is a part of Laura Champion's job, but his frantic call to help him evade Lucina's brothers surprises her. She's his go-to-girl at the office, but this is the first time she's been involved so deeply in his personal life. A life she dare not get too close to for fear she'll fall for him even more than she already has, and become one of his conquests.

 

Laura is heading home to help out at her parents' hotel while her father is in hospital. It's the perfect escape plan for Chris, and he offers his services as an unpaid helper. Laura knows he's also happy to share her bed too, but she played that game before with dire consequences. Pushed together in such close proximity Laura's defences crumble, and Chris discovers a side of her he can't resist. But, should he even contemplate a serious relationship, when he knows what he's hiding from the world will mar Laura's future happiness forever? 

 

For Laura happiness is finally on the horizon, but can her relationship with Chris survive when the secret she's tried so hard to bury begins to surface, threatening her life and happiness for a second time?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Buz Publishing
• Release date: Jul 23, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201287900

Alice J Miller

Alice J Miller hails originally from London but now lives in Kent. She’s wanted to write since the age of twelve, but never took the idea seriously until a few years ago, when she decided it was time to test the theory it’s never too late to follow the dream.  Wife, mother and grandmother, she writes from the heart and loves indulging her imagination, following wherever it leads until the characters in her head become as familiar to her as family.  A romantic at heart, she makes her characters struggle in love, but always ensures they eventually get their happy ever after. 

Book preview

Hotel of Secrets

Upland Village Series, Book 2

Alice J Miller

This book is the work of the author’s imagination and is completely fictitious. All and any character names, places, events, organisations or incidents bear no intentional resemblance to any persons living or dead and are completely coincidental.

Hotel of Secrets

COPYRIGHT @ 2021 by Alice J Miller

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form whatsoever without the author’s express permission, unless intended for use in critical articles or reviews

Dedication

For Barry – always in my heart – never forgotten

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cover

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

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

About the author

Before you go

CHAPTER 1

Laura Champion stopped her Toyota in the middle lane three vehicles away from the busy roundabout, her breath easing out slowly at the colourful jumble of cars filling her rear view mirror. Caught in a traffic jam, she’d come to a standstill.

She’d left early enough to miss the busy build up and should be almost home by now, but returning back to town for a timely intervention to rescue her boss, Chris from a beating put her journey behind a good hour, which meant getting jammed in the early morning rush to work. 

She’d seen Dad just twice since his operation, but now well on the road to recovery she wanted to get back home and spend quality time with him and Mum. First though she had to apply all of her driving skills to keeping her passenger safe. She shot him a sideways glance.

Are you okay? 

Christopher Austin Devereaux, her cool, handsome, composed unflustered boss carried an unusual air of worry.

Can’t you go any faster? Clean shaven and blessed with movie star looks, he lifted his palms outward as if in apology, but he’d been rattled big time and it showed. I’m grateful you saved me today, but I’m just saying I can run quicker than this heap.

A one legged man could, but where did he get off trashing her car, especially when she’d made the detour to keep him safe? It may have seen better days but my Toyota still works fine. Anyway, in case you’ve not noticed, no-one is going anywhere until this jam clears.

Around them impatient car horns sounded an uncoordinated cacophony, whilst despite their closed windows exhaust fumes from nearby idling cars seeped in and caught in the back of her throat. Chris twisted in his seat to scan the vehicles surrounding them, his tall frame stirring the air and filling her already stimulated senses with hints of his expensive aftershave. Not that they needed heightening. If anything they required urgent distance and detachment to restore their carefully controlled equilibrium.

Her typical daily routine in the office kept their desks a room apart, which meant she handled the Devereaux magnetic presence and charm easier. Now, confined to the restrictions of a small car she floundered in unknown territory. This might be most women’s bedtime fantasy, but his killer body and come-to-bed-eyes yanked her miles outside of her comfort zone. Yet, being his first call when he found himself in trouble she found odd, surprising, and strangely heartening. 

If the Corleone brothers get their hands on me there is a real possibility I’ll be speaking in a high voice for the rest of my life.

His comment broke the tense silence, shaking her out of her reverie. Is that who is chasing you?

His blue eyes focused on her, clearly trying to decide if she’d truly never heard the name before. Humour. One aspect of a laugh or cry situation. Not fair on Chris though to play dumb given his anxiety, but he’d interrupted her time off so he deserved some teasing. 

I’m being funny in the face of danger. Don Vito Corleone is the Godfather.

She lifted her eyebrows in an attempt to mimic innocence. Their Godfather?

He hesitated, confused she didn’t get the universal connection to a movie all males seemed to bond over. Are you telling me you’ve never seen the film?

She hadn’t, but she’d not the heart to let him suffer any longer either. Ah, I have it. The Godfather, with Marlon Brando.

Finally!

His expression suggested she’d been living on the moon. For the first time since he threw himself into the car he relaxed. The smile she knew so well reappeared, warming his eyes and sending heat racing through her body the way it always did. Such a pity to waste good pheromones. The physical attraction that persistently made her wonder what if couldn’t be denied, but Chris as a person...well that was another story. 

No sign of them so far, so I guess we made it.

What are their real names?

Silvano and Franco Moretti. A little rough around the edges, and way too keen on family traditions for my liking. They say I’m responsible for getting their sister pregnant.

Did you?

No.

But you dated her?

Sure. You remember Lucina? She started hovering by bridal shops so I slipped the leash pretty quickly after that.

Ah yes. She’s the amethyst bracelet.

Do you have to remember all my ex-girlfriends by their end of relationship presents?

Did his wistful tone mean he regretted the many women he’d ditched, or the fortune he’d spent keeping them happy when he severed ties? Your goodbye gifts are both legendry and generous. If you don’t want me to remember, why make it my job to find something suitable every time you split with a woman? Although, now the list is endless so the earlier ones are fading in my mind.

Funny woman. How long to Upland?

Home. Rolling hills, green fields and Mum and Dad. She’d not been back enough since leaving the small closeness of Upland Village and opting for total obscurity in London. Not long. About an hour, give or take the traffic. Where am I dropping you?

I’ve not yet decided.

Okay, make sure to give me enough notice to stop.

Behind a flurry of horns started up again, followed by angry raised voices that drew her attention.

Chris, what colour and make do your Italian’s drive?

They chased me in a blue Alfa Romeo. Why?

Because there’s one behind us causing a rumpus trying to get further ahead.

He straightened, his body stiffening as the tension crept back in. 

By how they’re trying to barge through I’m guessing they’ve already seen you, so too late to slide down in your seat.

If they catch us and I get out, I want you to lock the doors and stay put.

Why?

Because talk won’t be on their agenda and I don’t want you getting hurt.

Okay. Are you sure you’re not trying to avoid the indignity of me seeing two men beat the living crap out of you? Her light, easy tone disguised how her mouth dried at the prospect of seeing him get hurt. 

Yeah, you’ve guessed it, but don’t put yourself in harm’s way. Understood?

Dread lined the pit of her stomach, but she had no intention of letting him stand alone. I get it, but if I can force my way out and switch lanes they should find it hard to follow.

Hope lit up his blue eyes. Do it if you can. As I said, Don Vito’s boys are not looking for a cosy chat.

The Alfa Romeo bullied its way between the traffic and drew closer, leaving behind a trail of hoots and furious yells as it narrowly missed ramming another car, and then two thickset men leapt from their vehicle and sprinted to where they sat.

The taller, better looking one with dark curly hair, banged an angry fist on the car roof. Chris let fall a soft curse and cracked open a window, allowing more exhaust fumes to seep inside the small gap. 

Chris took the initiative. Silvano, I’m not who you want. Ask Lucina. She’ll tell you we took precautions.

We did, and she says otherwise.

Your sister was pregnant before I arrived on the scene. She mentioned Alonzo, an ex-boyfriend. Does his name ring any bells, because for sure he’s a better fit than me?

Why don’t we discuss this in more detail? How about you and your pretty girlfriend pull over and we’ll talk face-to-face.

She’s not my girlfriend, so leave her out of this.

We trapped you in the Mall and she rushed to your rescue, but... Silvano’s shoulders raised in a slow deliberate shrug. ...Sure, if you say so, then of course we believe you.

Franco, a shorter stockier version of his brother, banged a steady rhythm against his opened palm with a tyre iron. Would they inflict punishment on her too for simply being with Chris? An icy tentacle pierced a hole straight through her courage and allowed fear access to tiptoe across her mind, dragging behind a shadowy remembrance of blond hair and cold grey eyes. Bile burnt the back of her throat, and she ran damp hands down her jeans. The urge to abandon the car and run almost overwhelmed her. The traffic rumbled forward, except for a small, white van alongside which stalled. 

I’m gunning it. Her murmur sounded more like a battle cry in the tense silence and she slammed her foot down hard on the accelerator. Wheels spun and the car leapt forward, bumping up the grass verge separating oncoming traffic and stopping a hairsbreadth away from the vehicle in front. Behind, the stalled van restarted and the queue closed up tight. The surrounding drivers, happy to sit and observe the drama playing out before them, lost no time yelling their annoyance at the hold up and demanded almost in unison the Italians move their vehicle. Unsure, Silvano and Franco glanced at each other, then cursed loudly as they raced back to re-join their car. Exasperated motorists hooted at Laura as she forced her vehicle even further ahead, but with no choice they had to let her through.

The car in front edged forward and she followed, swinging the Toyota into a tight manoeuvre to jump lanes and land beside a large Lorry. When the Lorry moved she did too, keeping the same pace until at the last moment she swung off at an exit.

I think the Lorry blocked their vision, she murmured, running on pure adrenalin and pushing down the fear still racing through her.

Wow. You did great. They’ll have no idea which of the three exits we took. Well done.

She drove for ten more minutes, the relief of no longer seeing an Alfa Romeo in her rear view mirror bringing her close to tears. When she turned into a side road, found a parking space and hit the brakes, Chris’s voice rose in complaint.

Hey, don’t stop now.

He gave her arm a gentle squeeze, sending a vibrant buzz speeding through her body to set every nerve at alert, or perhaps her adrenaline still worked on overtime? 

Keep going. We stand a good chance of losing them.

Her hands shook, and she clasped them together in her lap so he’d not see. Losing them? We should call the police. I’m only your assistant, but they threatened us both.

I’m sorry, I really am, but they’re serious about their sister’s predicament. We need to keep moving and put space between us.

Or, you could jump out here.

I could, but there’s a risk they’ll catch up and you’ll face them alone. How about I take your car and give you money for a taxi?

No, I need it for when I get back home. I’ll have a variety of running around to do, including cash and carry.

Okay, then we should go.

He had a point. If they did ambush her she’d have to face them by herself. Maybe dropping you further along is a better idea.

Sounds good. Let’s get going, or your Lewis Hamilton driving skills will be wasted.

She swung the car back onto the road.

I’m gunning it? he murmured, a chuckle in his tone as he twisted to check no one followed.

It sounded right for the occasion, and I consider my driving technique more Verstappen than Lewis.

I’m impressed you’re aware of either of them.

And I’m surprised you’ve the time between women to watch any Formula One.

Touché, he said, his grin slipping back in place.

Thirty minutes on, and they’d put enough distance between the angry Italians to relax.

How much further should I drive before you get out? Laura asked.

Listen, I’m screwed. They were waiting for me this morning so they have my address, and a quick check on the internet will take them straight to the office.

Play with fire and you’ll get burnt.

"Yes, please do quote clichés at me, because it’s so much better than actual ...you know...help."

Come on, Chris, you date women, drop them when they start to get serious, and then act surprised when your actions return to bite you on the bum.

Not sure that’s the intended target, but you’re in the right area.

Are they really so old-fashioned?

They may talk straight out of North London, but their pedigree is pure Italian. Some traditions hold fast, and a pregnant, unmarried sister requires a husband, pronto.

Are you absolutely certain you’re not the father?

He met her quick gaze with a nod. One hundred percent.

Even for someone with your expertise precautions can occasionally fail.

Not this time. I’m convinced when we dated she was already pregnant, and when double trouble calm down enough to do the maths, they’ll see.

So, what are you going to do?

Well, how does an extra pair of hands for the next three weeks sound?

To work at my parents’ hotel? Help? Him?

It’s perfect. It gets me time away from the problem, and I can drive, wait tables and make coffee. Whatever you need I’m yours, unpaid, of course.

Did she want her boss on site? Bad enough worrying about her dad coping once he left hospital, without taking on Mr. Trouble dragging behind his own brand of crazy. Hadn’t she already piled enough concerns on her parents’ shoulders without adding Chris to their list? He waited, his eyes searching her face. It would keep him safe, but...

I’m not sure.

Aw, come on, Laura. Your dad is still in hospital and your Mum is shouldering the responsibility by herself.

Which is why I took my annual leave in one hit so I could go home and help.

So, why not bring with you an unpaid assistant. I won’t be a problem. I need a place to hide out, and you need the help. 

Until you get bored and frustrated because you can’t hit on any available female guests. Are you sure there’s nowhere abroad where you can disappear?

My passport is back at my place, and you can bet your conkers they’ll be an ugly someone built like a tank keeping an unfriendly lookout.

Another good point, but three weeks? Have you considered a cottage in the wilds somewhere?

November in the wilds living off my survivor skills? How long will it take before you discover my emaciated, mummified body? I want to hide, not disappear forever. I like my comforts. What if I pay you for the room?

And be a guest, you mean?

No. If you’re good enough to take me in, the least I can do is help. It’ll be fun. In my teens I travelled in France and paid my way by working in bars and cafés. You have one, right? Did I tell you I make terrific coffee?

That’s as maybe, but our place is open to non-guests too, which means people wander in from the street. Let me repeat. No womanising allowed. As if she’d trust him anywhere near it. It’s a business. My parents’ work hard, and they’ve built it up from virtually nothing. If I agree, then you must take it seriously. It’s not a game to them, or me. Unlike you, we’ve no rich daddy to rescue us if things go pear-shaped.

No rich daddy? Poor you.

He smiled, but his serious eyes didn’t match his tease. I’m trying to say we’re a hardworking, every penny counts kind of business. The overheads are large in the hotel trade. It’s not Disney or Vegas, only Upland. Most people are visitors wanting a few days away to enjoy the Fun Zone without spending a fortune.

I’ve never seen it, although I’ve read about it.

When Geoff Lawson stepped up to take full control of the Zone it grew in reputation and stature. It’s a fact the Zone doing so well has a knock on effect on the surrounding businesses too. Our hotel helped meet the increasing demand and stopped being such a financial struggle. Unfortunately Geoff died, so we’re all hoping his son Kyle, who married my friend Molly, will continue making it even bigger and better. It’s more an amusement park for families with smaller children, but you’ll be around for the Christmas Fete. They hold it every year for the locals, and we all have fun.

She spoke as if she participated regularly, but a sighting of Tommy two years ago sent her scurrying to London to relocate, but her heart never left Upland.

So, I’m coming?

Had his suggestion really been in doubt? How would she live with herself if he got hurt? Blue sparkling eyes, even white teeth and thick brown hair showed off his features to perfection. A guaranteed certainty to turn unsuspecting females weak at the knees and happy to agree to anything.

Fortunately she wasn’t one of those who found him irresistible, before flinging off their clothes and diving naked, Lemming style, into his bed. She had reservations about him so his magic didn’t work quite the same on her. Not that she could claim complete immunity to the Devereaux charm. Her job meant she cleaned up his messes and intercepted the pleading messages from the women he no longer wanted in his life. As she told him constantly, she was more his entertainments manager than assistant, but caring for him went hand in hand with wanting him safe. 

Her eyes fixed on the road, she summoned her poker face to back up her words. If you can’t go anywhere else, then for your security I guess you’d better come. But, our personal situations will be different.

If possible his smile grew even brighter, lifting her heart with the same endearing warmth as an unexpected burst of sunlight on a cold winter’s day. Inside her tummy jumped with excitement at the thought of Chris coming home with her, sending butterflies scurrying in all directions. But along with the excitement came a sense of dismay too. How would she cope with Chris in the confines of the Upland Hotel?

Thanks. I owe you. So, tell me, in what way will our personal situations differ?

"You’re not coming as my boss and assume I’m there to do your bidding. You’ll have a guest bedroom and your meals free, but it ends there. If you come to Upland, then you work for me."

Agreed.

Agreed? Just like that?

What can I say? I’m a desperate man.

His slow, seductive smile reinforced why women found him hard to resist. Why she struggled too at times, before reality gave a hefty kick and rebooted her senses. 

Laura, consider me yours to do with as you please.

Innuendo. Always a temptation to laugh, but she tried to ignore it in his presence and giggle when alone. Yes, you are, and I’m telling you to behave yourself while you’re working for my family. Scandal will not help the business or be tolerated.

Really! Did she have to sound like an overbearing killjoy? No matter her criticisms he was always good to her. Would it kill her to lighten up for once?

His alluring smile gone, genuine amusement filled his face. Yes, Ma’am.

I mean it. Can you handle a woman being over you? The words were out before she could stop them.

Over me? Now that is an interesting concept.

His seductive grin reappeared, charming its way through her thick skin and lighting a small fire in a vulnerable spot deep within. A fire she consistently extinguished for fear it would catch and take hold. For her, a safe, steady life worked perfectly, whereas his spontaneous unpredictability scared her silly. They were too far apart to ever get close let alone connect, despite an occasional bat crazy lapse when her imagination contemplated how special that might be.

Let’s just say I’m adaptable, if not amenable to most situations, he continued, his naughty expression raising the temperature inside the car again.

Chris. Her rebuke smothered the laugh threatening to show how much she enjoyed his banter. She made sure he caught her eye roll before settling her concentration on the road ahead, and away from his beguiling smile.

Okay, I promise you’ll be the boss and they’ll not even be a whiff of a scandal. Anyway, what would someone as wholesome as you understand about those kind of things?

If only that were true. And that’s how it stays. One question. Who will run the business while you’re with me?

It’s okay. Riley wants to buy me out, so he can play at being boss for a few weeks.

Kevin Riley wants to buy you out?

Ah...I guess I should have...um...

Told me?

Sorry. I meant to fill you in.

Sure, when you gave me my P45, thanked me for my gift buying abilities and waved me goodbye.

Wrong. I planned to ask you to work with me on whatever venture I tackle next.

His voice held sincerity and she risked a glance his way. He met her gaze and held it. Really?

Yes. We’re good together. You’re full of sweetness and light, which makes the black shadow I cast brighter.

She switched her concentration back on the road. Much safer than his smile.