Dangerous Truths

By Miranda Streb

The easiest bargain Victoria Shephard had ever struck in her life was for her surgery, with six months of recuperating under the watchful eye and care of the Alexander family.

No longer feeling like damaged goods. The plan was to heal and relax, but with crazy girlfriends who are always up to no good as well as a rich, arrogant playboy who is suspicious of her every move and who has a little boy she can’t seem to say no to, her life suddenly gets a bit chaotic and complicated.

When Constantine comes back into her life and can’t seem to let go, she comes face to face with the truths of his betrayal, leaving her with a lot of burning, unresolved feelings. Finally letting her rage and fury take over, she finds herself falling into the arms of a man she shouldn’t. Before she knows it, she’s caught in the middle of two different worlds, and she’s unsure of what to do.

Will she be able to accept the hard truths and embrace her second chance, or will she be sucked back into a world of violence?

Dangerous Truths is the second novel of the Victoria/Constantine series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9798369406748

Miranda Streb

Miranda Streb has been passionately writing for over 10 years. When she's not working her fulltime job, she's either reading, writing, or researching something new to entertain her mind or to add to one her many series she is working on. The Victoria/Constantine series is an ongoing project, and she looks forward to the journey to come. In her down time you're most likely to find her hanging with family or friends or in the kitchen trying something new. She still manages to find time for a good movie or some crazy new series. Finally back in her hometown of Marysville, Ohio… for now.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Victoria followed the maid through Grace Alexander’s estate. She wasn’t nervous this time around given this time, she was here by invitation. After receiving a phone call from Grace requesting her presence, she finished her day to go see Grace.

Still wearing her usual work attire of black trouser pants and a white button-down short-sleeved blouse with a black vest over it. Her shoes were black-and-white pumps, so she knew she was more than presentable. They walked into the study to find Grace behind her desk, waiting for her arrival, and Tori saw a small boy hiding under the coffee table. The plan was to meet her grandson and her son-in-law. Tori did her research on the family before ever coming to Grace for her help. She knew most of what was public knowledge or what was in the press. The family was private and kept to themselves.

Mrs. Alexander, your guest has arrived. The maid called out.

Grace smiled and stood to walk around her desk to take Tori’s hand. Thank you for coming, my dear.

Tori smiled before shaking her hand. I came from work. I hope that’s okay.

Grace smiled at her kindly. You’re fine. I didn’t interrupt your day, did I? Grace led her to the couch to sit with her.

No, ma’am. I was finished for the day. Tori responded. Even if she had interrupted her day, she would never tell her so.

Grace took a moment to look over Tori and was a little amazed at seeing her attire. It’s a pleasant surprise to see someone your age dressed so modestly. Most people don’t dress appropriately.

Tori laughed a little because she understood her remark. My family raised me the proper way, ma’am. My mother and father worked in fields that required business attire.

Grace smiled at her, briefly nodding her head in understanding, before confirming Tori’s thoughts. The reason I asked you here was that I want you to meet my grandson and son-in-law. With your surgery right around the corner, I thought it would be best to introduce you to them sooner than later.

Grace started looking around the room for her grandson, and Tori tried not to giggle, but it didn’t work. She glanced at her, and Tori pointed down to the table.

Grace followed the direction where Tori pointed down to the table and shook her head.

Well, that explains a lot. Jackson, sweetheart, can you come out to meet someone?

Tori watched a small boy with green eyes peek out from under the table. He appeared to be about four or five years of age, and she fought not to laugh when he shook his head. Using her hand to hide her smile and could tell that Grace was not happy with the way her brow line pulled together in frustration.

Jackson, I want you to meet someone. She’s coming to stay with us, and I don’t want you to be scared.

He poked his head out to stick his tongue out at Grace and returned to hiding under the table. Tori quickly covered her snicker by pretending to sneeze. Grace was trying for patience when a tall lean man walked in, with stylish dark blonde hair, dressed in a navy-blue suit and pinstripe tie.

I take it Jackson is being impossibly stubborn today?

Tori watched him walk over to the sidebar to pour two drinks and walk over to hand one to Grace and keep the other. He was attractive, tall with a swimmers’ build. His face was softer with a five o’clock shadow, she tried not to stare and remembered she had done her research to know their faces and to have a basic knowledge of everyone in the house. The pictures she had seen didn’t do him justice, but then they didn’t catch the coldness of his eyes either.

When his icy blue eyes finally settled on her, he didn’t bother hiding his aggravation. I’d offer you a drink, but I’m going to assume by the SUV in the driveway, you won’t be staying long.

Wow. I haven’t even met him yet, and already, he’s being an ass. She thought to herself.

He was very curt, and she nodded in agreement when he unbuttoned his jacket before sitting on the chair across from them and crossing his legs.

Now what was so important that I came home early?

Tori caught Grace glaring at him before a smile spread across her face quickly to hide her distaste. I want you to meet Victoria Shepherd. Victoria, this is Marcus, my son-in-law.

Tori stood to hold out her hand to him, and he looked stunned before standing to shake her hand. He squeezed her hand a bit too tight for her liking, trying to show his masculinity. She squeezed tighter, letting him know she wasn’t impressed, nor would she be intimidated.

Nice, firm, and confident grip. I didn’t expect that.

She smiled kindly, even though every part of her wanted to tell him what an egotistical prick he was. Remembering where she was, she allowed her professional attitude to take over. A handshake is always the first impression of a person’s character.

He laughed as she took her hand back and watched as he relaxed a degree.

May I try? She asked.

His eyebrows shot up in confusion until she pointed down at the table. He wasn’t sure of her, but answered with a shrug. By all means.

Tori walked over to the desk to slip her shoes off and remove her glasses to sit them on the desk. They watched her with great interest as she got down on the floor to lay on her stomach. They gasped at her actions. She ignored them to get down on Jackson’s level to see him.

She rested her face on her hands, smiling at him. Tori could understand his shyness and reacted the same way her niece did when new people came around. Hi.

He scooted back a little while, watching her. Hi! He whispered.

Some progress. She continued to smile at him as she watched him. Are you hiding or playing?

He shrugged his little shoulders, and she continued to watch him.

My name is Victoria, but you can call me Tori or T for short. That’s what my niece and nephews call me.

He asked timidly. Are they my age?

She answered his question soothingly. My niece is. Her name is Chelsea. When I lived at home with her, we would play under the dining room table.

He giggled, and that let her know she had his attention when he scooted closer. Really?

Yes, all the time. She was trying to be soothing and not scare him, so she talked about her niece and nephews.

He came out from under the table, and she shifted to sit Indian style when he crawled out to sit in front of her.

Are you not afraid to mess up your clothes?

She glanced down to see that she was a little rumpled, but she didn’t care. No, I can always change later.

He laughed, and she looked up to see Marcus with his mouth hanging open in shock, and Grace smiling at them in wonder.

Grandma says you’re coming to live with us.

Tori shifted her attention back to him. Yes, for a little while.

He sat up, noticing something, and he reached toward her. When he couldn’t reach, he shifted into her lap. She readjusted to accommodate him as Grace and Marcus gasped in horror, and she ignored them as he reached out to brush her hair back to see her scar.

Does it hurt?

She tried not to flinch as he inspected her scar, not wanting to scare him. Sometimes, but it’s about to be fixed.

He continued to look at it and then he reached out to touch it. It feels funny, but you’re still pretty.

He smiled quickly, losing interest in her scar, to scramble out of her lap and return to hiding under the table.

Tori tried to hide her discomfort before covering her scar again with her hair and getting up off the floor. Replacing her raw emotions she knew they could see on her face, she let her inner peace spread over her and looked at them when Marcus’s phone rang.

He reached into his jacket pocket to pull out his phone to read the screen. Sorry, I’ve got to take this.

He rushed from the room, and Grace came to stand in front of her, shaking her head.

I’m so sorry. The men in my life have a habit of being rude.

Tori smiled as she slipped into her shoes and put her glasses back on. It’s fine. I don’t mind. Not everyone can be saints.

Grace took her arm, grateful that Victoria wasn’t offended by the boys in her life. Is there anything you need before you move in?

Tori looked sheepishly down before pulling away to face her. Just one thing. I couldn’t get anyone to take Jinx. Would it be okay if I brought him with me?

Grace’s face was scrunched up in confusion before she finally asked. What is Jinx?

Tori smiled sweetly. My cat.

Grace responded sharply. Is it declawed and fixed?

Tori laughed at Grace’s question and the look of distaste on her face until they heard a giggle from under the table. Yes, ma’am. I promise.

Grace pondered for a moment. Well, we have never had animals around, but I will make an exception. When should we expect you this weekend?

Tori quickly replied. Around 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. My friends are not much of a morning crowd on the weekends.

Grace smiled, taking her arm to walk her back through the house and toward the front door to her car. Well then, my dear, till Saturday then?

Tori reached out to hug her briefly, and Grace froze at the affection until she released her.

Till then. Tori smiled warmly and climbed into her Range Rover to leave.

CHAPTER 1

Constantine sat beside Eddie as he drove through Chicago, after being kicked out of every business he owned or managed, including his bakery. All his managers had thrown him out due to his nervous energy; anyone who came in contact with him complained about his mood. He knew he was a nervous wreck waiting for news to come back on Tori’s surgery. At first he was scared, but fear was a foreign thing for him, so instead he got pissed off at the situation. Fear he couldn’t handle, but anger was a whole other thing. Being at work wasn’t helping distract him, he finally let Eddie take him home.

He wanted to be there for her, but being around her wasn’t safe. If she had only told him, he would have found a way. Not being able to do anything was driving him insane, he had to find a way to calm his mind. Running a hand down his face he called out to Eddie. Take me to St. Johns.

Eddie glanced at him hesitantly. You sure boss?

Constantine didn’t hesitate. Yea. Right about now he didn’t know what else to do. He had been on the fence with his faith since his grandmother had been killed and his grandfather locked up, the only time he would go to mass was Easter and Christmas. But right now he needed a hail mary that everything would go well with Tori.

They pulled up and he got out to walk up the side of the church and walked in. He walked in the back of the church to take a seat. Things were quiet, but soothing, he took his rosary out of his pocket to hold, just needing a moment to breathe and reflect. A priest walked up to take a seat behind him. It’s been a very long time, Giovanni.

Only certain people could get away with using his given name and when he turned to glance at the man, he smirked. Father…yes it has been.

The priest smiled. So what brings you in, old friend? Confession maybe, I know Father Micheal would be more than happy to take your confession…

He hesitated for a moment, to answer him. No, just having a rough day. I needed somewhere to think and reflect.

The priest looked at him. What troubles you? I’m here to listen, maybe offer some advice.

Constantine looked at him and finally pulled out Tori’s letter and handed it to his old friend. The priest, who was once a friend, read it and then handed it back to him. I take it, you’re still in love with her and feeling conflicted with her choices?

The one thing that hadn’t changed was how much he loved her. I never thought I would meet someone that would complete me and challenge me all at once. You better than anyone know that in this world, things are never easy.

His old friend looked at him to see he was on edge. Tell me about her?

Constantine smiled and finally felt himself calm. Victoria is different from any woman I’ve met. Moved here from Ohio after an accident scared her and left her health not so good. The doctor she needed is based here, so she started over here. She’s a workaholic, but finds a balance with her health. She treats her mind, body and soul like a temple and has the patience of a saint. Has a temper, but you’d never know till you meet her killer right hook, that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting a few times.

They both chuckled at his words, before he continued. Everyone who knows her, loves her. Her outer beauty matches her inner beauty. Truth be told she doesn’t even realize how beautiful she is. Fiercely loyal and will protect those she loves.

He couldn’t stop smiling as his old friend finally asked the most important questions. Sounds like an amazing woman. So this surgery she’s having, what does that mean for her and how does it affect you?

Constantine swallowed hard before answering him. It doesn’t affect me. I’ve never had someone in my life that was so strong, and fearless. The scar on her face would be repaired and hopefully they will figure out what’s causing her migraines.

The priest’s brow furrowed but he finally said what he was thinking. So she would no longer need to stay here? She could go back to her old life and live normally without you. And most importantly, does she know all of your secrets? We both know Giovanni, that your life is full of secrets and that you can never give her a full life of love and happiness.

Constantine didn’t want to admit to himself the truth before, but having his old friend remind him that his life was full of secrets. I know my life is complicated, I have shared as much with her as I can, but ultimately you’re right. She would be free and healthy to leave here and live her life. I just wish so much that things were different.

They sat in silence for a moment, when his friend finally had something to say. Sometimes, people come into our life for a reason and make us second guess everything we know, but at the end of the day, we both know that the choices you’ve made for the family, you will never be allowed to have her and that’s not fair to her. You’ve never been a selfish man Giovanni, don’t start being selfish now. Have a little faith my old friend, that everything will work itself out. He stood to leave and patted Contstantine’s shoulder before walking away.

Constantine knew his old friend was right. Didn’t make things any easier for him, but if things went well. She would be free and safe to live a normal life and not hidden in the shadows, life some dirty secret. Victoria was stronger than anyone he had ever met. God couldn’t take such a beautiful soul yet, she still had so much life to live. He walked up to the front altar and lit a candle for her before he kneeled and silently prayed for her. Once he was done she stayed silent till his phone vibrated in his pocket and he’d pulled it out to see he had a text from Eddie.

She’s out of surgery and in recovery.

He stood to put his phone away and thanked whoever was listening. He walked out of the church more relaxed than before, his faith had been challenged long ago, but knowing she was ok, lifted a heavy weight off his shoulders. Climbing back into the escalade with Eddie, they headed to his home. Now he just had to find a way to be patient and see what would happen.

CHAPTER 2

Making the agreement to live with Grace Elizabeth Alexander and her family while she was healing from the surgery was the best decision she could have made.

When she first agreed to live with Grace, she had let Tori know that her son-in-law, Marcus, and his son, Jackson, lived with her. Jackson was Grace’s grandson; her daughter Elizabeth was his mother. She had died in a car accident when he was two; he didn’t have any memories of her, from what Grace had explained.

Tori stayed a few days a week, leading up to her surgery, so that he would be used to her. Tori thought she was the first woman other than Grace and the staff to ever be in the house since her daughter’s death. When she moved in early, he was a very shy, sheltered little boy, but that didn’t last too long. He spent a lot of his time following her around and watching from a distance until she walked in one day carrying the cat’s crate.

Constantine had given her a Blue Russian kitten the previous Christmas, and she brought him with her the week of the surgery. Grace hadn’t been thrilled with the ball of fur because she was not an animal person, but when Tori let him out of the crate, Jackson came out of his hiding place to check him out. She quickly changed her opinion. Every once in a while, they would find Jinx laying in Grace’s lap as she would sit in the study, having her nightcap.

Staying over had been the right decision. He wasn’t uncomfortable having her around, and when she came home bandaged up like a mummy, he wasn’t afraid. She spent most of her days in her room because she wasn’t trying to scare a five-year-old Jackson.

We’re almost there momma. You still with me? Michelle said to Tori as she got ready to turn down their drive. Tori was hardly awake, but still tried to answer her. Still here. She mumbled.

Michelle was trying not to laugh at Tori’s mumbles, they had covered her head with her hood and sunglasses to hide her sensitive eyes, but when Michelle received a call from her husband, she shook her head and finally had to answer it. Yes baby?

You have any idea how much hell I’m catching for your actions? She smiled when she heard his rough, but very sexy voice. I’m very well aware of his temper tantrum, but this isn’t about him. This is about Tori and her taking back her life.

His gruff response turned into a gentle response she was used to. You know this and I know this, but he’s spooked. Had me drop him at St. Johns. How’s she doing?

Michelle was shocked, but humphed at him to reply. Uh-huh, Is the church still standing? Don’t answer that. She’s doing well, other than being groggy. I’m getting ready to pull up so let me call you back. Love you babe.

He quickly replied. Love you too, tell Tori she’s in my prayers.

She smiled to herself. Will do babe. They hung up just before she pulled around the fountains. Well Holy Shit momma, big money bags, family is all waiting for you.

Tori mumbled something incoherent. Michelle shook her head and wasn’t prepared for everyone to be waiting for them, especially Marcus. He stood just outside the entrance door with Grace and Jackson as they pulled up. Marcus opened the door once she parked and he carefully unhooked Tori to get ready to lift her from the car to carry upstairs. Please be gentle with her.

He smiled slightly at Michelle, but his focus was all on Victoria. Come on Victoria, It’s Marcus. I know you won’t remember this, but I got you.

She briefly woke up long enough to feel her arm being draped around his neck and him lifting her out of the truck and being settled in his arms and to hear Jackson ask. Is she going to be okay, Daddy?

Marcus was soft and quiet when he replied. She will be okay, son. She’s not as heavy as I expected.

Grace was quick to scold him. Marcus, the last thing she needs to hear if she wakes up is you making remarks about her weight. She’s gorgeous just the way she is.

I don’t disagree with you, but I’m just saying she’s lighter than I expected. Marcus grumbled when Michelle walked around, glaring daggers at him. She was over their bickering already.

Can I trust you to carry her in without help?

He went silent at her question to take Torir upstairs to her room, with Jackson behind him. Grace led the way and when they got into the room, Michelle went to the lush queen sized bed and pulled the covers back for him, to watch him carefully lay Tori in bed. Grace helped Michelle get Tori settled in while Jackson crawled under the bed to hide. Once things were calm and all the adults were cleared out Michelle finally called.

Constantine and Eddie walked into the house, spooking Teresa. What on earth are you boys doing back here so early?

Eddie tried to explain why they were home as Constantine went to his office. Eddie’s phone vibrated and he excused himself to the terrace to take the call. Teresa went in search of Constantine.

Constantine pulled at his tie to untie it and tossed it on his desk, releasing two buttons on his shirt to be able to breathe. He sat down at his desk to see his girls get up to walk over to him wanting affection. The one thing that always brought him comfort was his dogs. Teresa walked into his office to see him petting his dogs. Tell me how bad?

He sat back in his chair as the girls went back to their beds. Finally looking at her. Not sure of anything yet. Victoria went into surgery hours ago, no word from Michelle. Neither one gave me any details leading up to this.

Teresa walked over to sit on the edge of his desk to touch his chin. Mijo, I know you still care for her very much, but her going through with the surgery is her choice. She needed to do this for her. Have a little faith in our girl and the doctors.

Looking into her eyes, he felt like a boy all over again. Reaching for her hand he leaned into her open arms. Teresa held him close and ran her fingers through his hair. I’m scared something is going to happen to her.

Teresa understood his fear. She’s going to be ok. Give the doctors time to do their work. He sat up and looked at her. Thank you. I don’t know what I did to deserve you.

Teresa smiled. I’m going to figure out what to make you boys for lunch. He nodded his head at her and watched her leave his office. He knew Eddie was trying to get through to Michelle. He grabbed the girl’s ball and called for them. Come on girls, let’s go outside and play. They barked and followed him out the door.

He managed to calm his mind for a while, but still ended up pacing back and forth waiting for Michelle to call. Eddie finally