Hushed Promises E-Book

Adeline Quinn

• Herausgeber: BookRix
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Beschreibung

HUSHED PROMISES, a novel filled with emotion, humor, romance, and heartache, this story is also about discovering things you didn't know about yourself, what's truly crucial in the grand scheme of things, and that in finding happiness, you are often faced with obstacles that can destroy your dreams. This story is about searching your heart, and discovering who you are, what you want and that despite your efforts, you will never be able to please everyone. But most of all, it's about discovering how strong a person can be, that wanting something with all your heart isn't a guarantee it will happen, and that simply believing in yourself, has more power than you realize.   I invite you to read Hushed Promises, and follow a skater's path as she discovers what she once believed was golden, suddenly tarnishes in the bright life of reality, and that in giving back you often receive more.

Leseprobe

Hushed Promises

By

Adeline Quinn

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Table of Contents

Copyright

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

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Epilogue

Copyright

All rights are reserved. All characters are fictitious in this story and no reference is intended to any person living or otherwise.

Copyright 2023 @ Adeline Quinn

Chapter 1

Some days were as predictable as rain. If the sky was gray, and filled with dark, threatening clouds, chances were pretty good, sooner or later; you were going to get wet, and then spend the day wondering why you'd even bothered to drag your tired butt out of bed!

Other days dawned with bright blue skies, the warmth of the sun on your face, a gentle breeze stirring your hair, the birds singing, and nobody giving you the finger as you drove in to work. Granted, these days were few and far between, but every now and again, you fell into one and it left you thinking the world wasn't such a bad place after all.

Today, wasn't one of those days!

Chaos reigned!

Hunter shook his head in disgust, and scowled at the jumbled mess which covered his cherry-wood desk. Not an inch of the warmly gleaming wood showed beneath the scattered papers and numerous folders he sifted through, as he searched for the illusive document he needed.

For nine long months he'd been playing by the rules of the law; dotting every 'i' and crossing every 't' to make sure that Andrew Manning was held responsible for the lives he'd nearly ruined, all in the name of madness. Too many times, people otherwise sane, had found ways to get away with their crimes by calling it a 'crime of passion' or pleading 'insanity'. Hunter intended to see that Andrew Manning paid his dues, and then some, if he had his way. He'd personally been witness to the havoc Andrew Manning had wrought, had seen the violence first hand; had watched as people close to him became personally involved in the madness and had nearly lost their lives because of it.

It had become a defining moment in Hunter's life; the moment it changed his beliefs and redirected he career. Granted, he was still an attorney, but he no longer took on the big name, big deal clients. He'd shifted his sights to those really needing his help; those in peril and pushed aside, those battling not only their situation, but the very society that found it easier to look the other way and pretend it wasn't happening. Without consciously thinking about it, he suddenly found himself fighting for battered and abused women and children, and senior citizens easy to manipulate and cheat. More often, than not, he found himself championing them - pro bono.

The phone rang twice before it was picked up, and answered by a cheery female voice. Hunter listened as his secretary/assistant chatted brightly with the person on the other end of the call. His lips curved into a smile as he realized who his secretary was speaking with when he heard her offer her congratulations to Danielle Rocmanov, America's brightest star and best hope for winning a Gold medal in the upcoming Winter Olympics for figure skating. Simply put, it was her latest victory on the ice. One more medal, this one silver, to add to her collection. Jamie chatted amiably for a moment longer, and then put her on hold. "Hunter, Danielle Rocmanov on line two." Jamie's cheery voice then announced over the intercom.

"Thanks, Jamie," Hunter's deep voice answered, his lips already curving into a smile as he answered the call, pushing the speaker button on the phone, allowing him to continue to search through the piles of papers on his desk. "Hey. Congrats on your newest acquisition. I hear this one's silver," His deep voice stated huskily.

Just hearing his voice made Dani's heartbeat bump up a notch, and she smiled to herself. "Hey, yourself. Thanks. Considering how bad my jumps were, I'm surprised I came away with anything at all. How are things on your side of the fence?"

Hunter cast a disgusted look at his desk. "I don't know why I bothered spending money on file cabinets; obviously every piece of paper I own is on top of my desk, except, of course. the one I'm looking for," Hunter growled.

Dani's cheerful laughter bubbled over the phone. "I thought organization was your forte?"

"It was, once upon a time. Somewhere along the line things got out of control and I haven't been able to find the time to get them back on track."

"I thought Jamie, being your assistant and all, would, well, assist you?" Dani asked with a light laugh.

"I created this mess - not Jamie - it's up to me to see it cleaned up. Jamie's here to make sure I know where I'm supposed to be, when I'm supposed to be there, and see that I'm out the door in time to get there," Hunter offered. The sound of shuffling papers and then Hunter's deep curse as a pile of papers slid off the front side of his desk and fluttered to the carpeted floor in disarray had Dani smiling.

"Then being the efficient assistant you claim she is, I trust she reminded you Saturday night is Mom and Dad's AIDS Charity Gala, and that you promised you would be here?"

"Oh, hell. Is that this Saturday?" Hunter growled in frustration.

"Hunter, don't do this to me. Don't even think about missing this gala. You know Mom and Dad are expecting you to be there. Besides, this would be the perfect time to help Sergei decide on a tuxedo. There's only six months until the wedding; you guys might want to start seriously thinking about what you're going to be wearing. After all, you agreed to be one of Sergei's groomsmen. Remember?"

"Sergei caught me in a moment of weakness," Hunter groaned, running one hand through his tawny hair.

"Hunter, you promised," Dani pushed, huffing out her breath in a clear indication of her exasperation. "Considering how the media is always touting the fact you're such a man of your word and that honor is your middle name, I would think the fact you promised my parents months ago you'd be at their gala would be enough."

"How long do I have to remind you, don't believe everything you read?"

Dani rubbed long, slender fingers across her forehead, hoping to stop the headache that was starting to throb and decided maybe it was time to change tactics.

"Hunter, we haven't seen each other in months. As much as I enjoy hearing you growl at me over the phone, three times a week, and catching occasional glimpses of you on the television, and in the newspapers, I've really been looking forward to this gala and seeing you again." Dani's tone softened, became sultry and persuasive. "Besides, I can assure you, you'd truly hate to miss the stunning dress I plan on wearing. Dad even gave me a thumbs up on my choice."

"Which means, chances are it's a dress that will be talked about for the next three months. Please tell there's enough fabric in it to at least make a set of handkerchiefs," Hunter pleaded.

"Hunter, you're starting to sound like an old man. I told you Dad agreed with my choice," Dani growled in frustration.

"Well thank God for small miracles. At least your father has good taste," Hunter mumbled distractedly, remembering the understated elegance and style Aleksei Rocmanov preferred. Danielle Rocmanov, on the other hand, took great pleasure in having a style all her own, often surprising her family, and her father in particular, in the process. Case in point, when she'd returned from skating camp fifteen months before, sans her long auburn hair. Instead, she'd arrived home with short, honey colored curls, which had her father threatening to never let her out of his sight again.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Hunter," Dani grumbled softly, trying to stem the anger that was building. "I can't tell you how much better I feel knowing that not only do I have to remind my father I'm not a little girl anymore, but I need to remind you too!" Dani stated heatedly.

"You're eighteen, Danielle." Hunter mumbled in distractedly, trying to divide his attention between Dani and continuing the search for the illusive document he sought.

"Nearly nineteen, Hunter, and age is a number, not a state of being. Besides, you didn't seem to mind my age when we were in that hot-tub together the last time we saw each other!"

He had to give her that. He'd never met a more-mature girl - woman - he corrected himself. She was wise beyond her years, an old soul in a young, beautiful body. A body, he clearly remembered, all too often caught, and held, the eye of all who saw at her. In fact, the image that flashed through his mind of her flushed and wet and wearing nothing but her nearly transparent silk underwear in that hot-tub had Hunter's body heating at the memory. It had been a long nine months!

"Whether age is a number or a state of being doesn't matter. I'm more concerned with having to worry about your clothing covering up all vital parts of your anatomy. I wouldn't want you embarrassing anyone." Hunter stated.

"Are you trying to win the jerk award today, Hunter. Because, let me tell you, you're definitely in contention! The last thing on my mind is ruining Mom and Dad's special night!" Dani fumed. "I'm not a complete idiot!"

"Danielle..."

"In fact, you know, you're probably right. Being as busy as you are, with all your work, I'm sure you don't have time to do something as mundane as attend a charity gala. Tell you what, you keep shuffling your papers back and forth across that expensive desk of yours and if I find the time, I'll just send you an e-mail after the party and let you know how it all went. That way, you won't have to waste your time making the trip down here and risk embarrassing yourself by seen with someone as low-classed, ill-mannered and stupid as me," Dani growled into the receiver. With more force than necessary, she banged the phone back into it's cradle, the loud sound of plastic meeting plastic giving her a small measure of pleasure as she envisioned Hunter rubbing his ear in discomfort. "Jerk!" she hissed at the offending phone.

"Shit!" Hunter's deeply voiced growl reached Jamie's ears and set her to smiling knowingly. It didnt carry a rocket scientist to find out how much Dani meant to Hunter, and she supposed, sooner or later, Hunter would get smart, and give up running from what was probably the best thing in the world for him. But from experience, she knew, some men needed to be hit with a two-by-four more than once to get the hint. Shaking her head in amusement, she continued with her typing, knowing what would come next. Hunter was just too predictable.

"Jamie, what's the phone number for that florist we use again?"

* * * * *

DANI WAS STILL GRUMBLING to herself, cursing men in general, and Hunter in particular, when she pushed through the double doors that led to the ice rink. The cold, clean, fresh scent of ice washed over her, classic, romantic music surrounded her and she slowly calmed her mumbled tirade. The scream of laughter, as she watched her brother launch his skating partner, Chloe, into a huge throw had her lips curving into a smile, then quickly dissolving into a grimace, as Chloe's edge didn't hold and she hit the ice with a solid thud.

"Owwww!" Chloe's groan echoed in the cold air.

"That's going to leave a mark," Dani stated quietly to herself, into the chill air, and watched as her best friend rubbed her hip, and was then showered with sparkling ice bits as Sergei came to a sliding stop beside his partner.

Chloe's scream rent the air, and she cast a bemused expression up at him, and the hand he held out to her, a silent offer of assistance. "Is that really necessary?" She asked with a laugh.

"It's a family rule," Sergei answered softly, pulling his partner, and the love of his life, to her feet, and gently brushing the ice off her shapely bottom, ignoring Chloe's half-hearted attempt to escape his wandering hands.

"It's a rule designed, by the men of this family, to take advantage of the fact that they are, more likely than not, going to get to throw ice all over the women in this family," Chloe complained.

"All you have to do is stay on your feet," Sergei offered with a casual shrug of his wide, muscular shoulders, his dark eyes dancing with devilish lights.

"All you have to do is throw me straight in the air," Chloe fired back.

"That's why I'm sticking with singles," Dani put her two cents worth in. "Men can't be trusted!"

Sergei and Chloe cast curious glances at each other.

"Let me guess? Hunter forgot about the gala Saturday night?" Chloe asked cautiously.

Dani's green eyes flared with fire. "I don't want to talk about. It doesn't matter to me if he shows up or not. In fact, I could care less if I ever see the putz again!"

Sergei's snort of disbelief had his sister turning her fiery glare his way. "Sure, that's why there's smoke coming out of your ears and flames shooting from your eyes."

"Can it, Rocmanov! Unless you want to make your fiancee a widow before she's your wife, I'd suggest you back off!" Dani growled at her brother, sent him a look that should have turned him to ash where he stood, and stalked toward the seats to put her skates on.

Chloe silently watched Dani move away from them, and smiled softly as she felt Sergei's arms wrap around her slim form and pull her back against his muscled chest, his warm lips grazing her neck in a gentle kiss. "She really misses Hunter."

"They talk every other day," Sergei countered.

"It's not the same as seeing each other. They haven't seen each other in months because he's been busy trying to make sure that Andrew doesn't walk away from his crimes without being punished," Chloe stated firmly.

"It just seems to be taking a long time to make this case stick," Sergei answered with a shrug.

"Sergei, we're not talking about parking in a handicapped zone; he tried to kill you! You know how much power Andrew's father and his herd of attorneys wield. Hunter's doing everything he can to see the charges stick and that we don't have to spend the rest of our lives looking over our shoulders and worrying if Andrew's going to jump out of every shadow. All that takes time."

"Too much time, if you ask me," Sergei growled, wrapping his arms more tightly around Chloe and pushing aside the memory of Andrew's attack that had nearly cost them their lives.

"The wheels of justice turn slowly, Sergei."

"And sometimes not at all," he countered flatly.

"They will this time," Chloe stated faithfully, then silently prayed she was right.

"If you two are just going to stand there on the ice and snuggle, suppose you move off to one side so you're, at least, out of my way? Some of us have work to do." Dani complained, stepping onto the ice and slowly beginning to circle the expanse of shining white.

Chloe and Sergei watched Dani as she slowly warmed up, silently circling the ice, her form perfect, but her attitude and demeanor defeated.

"I think I'll go give Hunter a call," Sergei stated quietly, watching his sister skate quietly around the ice. Dani was never quiet! Her emotions ran high and hot, and the very fact Dani was so subdued was more than enough to cause worry.

"I think that's a good idea," Chloe agreed.

Sergei cast a considering glance toward his sister on the other end of the ice. "There really isn't a way for you be become my widow without first being my wife is there?" Sergei asked flippantly, his dark eyes dancing with humor.

Chloe shook her head in exasperation and smiled in spite of herself. "Don't be a putz, Rocmanov."

* * * * *

THE ANNUAL ROCMANOV AIDS Benefit Gala was due to start in less than an hour.

Chloe rolled her eyes in exasperation as the ridiculously small cellular phone rang in her beaded handbag that sat on the table beside the door. "Come on, Dani. We were expected down in the lobby ten minutes ago," Chloe complained, reaching for the phone and casting a frustrated glance at the clock on the wall of the luxurious suite they were staying in.

"Do you know what time it is?" Sergei's deep voice asked calmly over the phone line.

"Hello to you too," Chloe answered sweetly.

"What's taking you so long? Dad's ready to drag the two of you downstairs himself."

"You can't rush perfection! It takes time to get ready for an event like this. Why don't you and your parent's head over to the ballroom? Dani and I will meet you there," Chloe suggested.

Sergei cast a look toward his parents and had to smile. His mother, cool and calm as a cucumber, stood patiently watching her husband wear a path in the shining marble floor as he paced back and forth, waiting for the two young women to join them.

"You're going to be that much longer?"

"Not if you get off the phone and let me get your sister moving. By the way, any sign of Hunter yet?"

"He said he'd be here. And you know Hunter, if he says he'll be here, he'll be here," Aleksei stated.

"You're right. He's probably already in the ballroom wondering where we all are," Chloe suggested.

"With any luck. In the meantime, hustle up Dani."

"Will do. Now go, we'll see you shortly," Chloe laughed, and whispered a good bye.

"Chloe? I love you," Sergei called softly, his voice deep and sexy.

Chloe felt herself melt a little at his soft declaration. She would never get tired of hearing him tell her that. "I love you too, Sergei. See you soon," she sighed contentedly, blew him a kiss over the phone line and flipped the phone closed, ending the call.

Five minutes later she was still waiting for Dani to emerge from the bathroom. "What is taking you so long?" Chloe grumbled, knocked once before pushing open the bathroom door and stopped abruptly as she got her first good look at Danielle Janae Rocmanov in all her glory. "Oh my God! Has your father seen you in this dress?" Chloe asked in astonishment, her eyes wide with wonder.

Dani stood draped in form-fitting red velvet. The sensuous fabric hugged her body like a second skin. The neckline was halter-styled, yet cut in a deep square that left the top of her breasts swelling fully over the rhinestone studded edge. Dani's back was bare, but for the strands of gleaming rhinestones that ran in sparkling lines from her neckline to her waist. The velvet hugged her hips then draped into gentle folds that swirled gracefully as she spun in a slow circle for Chloe. "What do you think?"

Chloe stood speechless, her hands fluttering as she tried to find the right words. She opened her mouth to speak a couple of times, then closed it, a small frown appearing between her brows, then finally threw her hands up in exasperation, and blurted out excitedly, "Holy shit, Dani. You're ravishing!"

Dani flinched in surprise, cast a curious glance at the mirror and shrugged noncommittally. "If you say so," she mumbled, casting herself a disgusted look and heaving a dejected sigh. "I was hoping if I at least looked good, I might feel a little better. I so don't want to be here tonight."

"Dani, as it is, your father is going to be totally freaked out when he sees you. If you looked any better, he'd probably lock you in that walk-in closet!" Chloe laughed. "Look at yourself," Chloe urged, turning her to face the ceiling to floor mirror that graced one entire wall in the huge bathroom.

"God, I'm short!" Dani groused, noticing how much taller Chloe was where she stood behind her.

"You don't have your shoes on yet," Chloe added.

"I'd need to be wearing soap boxes on my feet to get me to at least a reasonable height. Was it too much to ask to grow at least another couple of inches?" Dani mumbled.

"Oh you got your couple of inches, they just didn't go to your legs!" Chloe teased, her gaze traveling to the swelling curves of Dani's bosom.

Dani's eyes widened as she noticed, for the first time, how much of her chest was showing above the fabric of her neckline. "Oh hell! Now what? When I got this dress, two months ago, it didn't fit like this," she complained, trying to pull the neckline up higher."

"Like I said, you got your two inches, just not where you wanted them!" Chloe smiled.

"Terrific! Just what I want, bigger boobs! No wonder my jumps have been nothing but misery," Dani complained.

"Stop complaining, you look gorgeous!" Chloe encouraged, pushing away Dani's fretting hands that still tugged at her neckline. "Look at yourself," Chloe demanded, pulling her back in front of the mirror when she turned to leave the room. "Take a really good look at yourself. You're more than just boobs spilling over a neckline."

Dani looked at the reflection in the mirror. Shining green eyes, with dark, long lashes shone back at her. The gold and peach eye shadow she had used cast a seductive shimmer to her eyes, high cheekbones glowed with a soft blush and her full lips were the same shade of red as her dress. After the debacle of her hair at skating camp, she had promised her father she would grow it long for him. Her hair was again its natural color, a shining deep auburn, and pulled up and away from her face. A myriad of spiral curls draped down to the center of her back, tiny rhinestones sparkled within the curls. In her ears were the diamonds her father had given her on her sixteenth birthday. Around her neck, she wore a narrow chain of gold, with a single diamond solitaire, a gift from her mother. "I can't believe I'm wearing this. My father's going to freak!" Dani whispered fretfully.

"You're probably right. Your father is going to freak, but not for the reason you're thinking. He's going to freak because his little girl has turned into a stunning woman and he's going to be spending all his time keeping men away from you."

"Yeah, right. I'm such a hunk magnet, I need bodyguards to keep the guys away from me!" Dani groaned in misery.

"Don't go all maudlin on me now, Dani. Let's go show your father, and all those gorgeous bachelors downstairs what they've been missing!" Chloe encouraged, standing aside and waiting for Dani to make her decision.

Dani cast a final glance in the mirror, still amazed that the reflection gazing back at her was her own. How had she missed the changes in herself? Was she so focused on her skating that everything else around her simply melted into the background? Was it possible to be too focused? How could she have missed the changes in her body? Although, thinking back on it, the difficulty she'd had with her jumps and spins, which she had attributed to a lack of concentration, were now obviously physical and not mental. Maybe it was time to start paying more attention to everything. With a small affirmative nod, she squared her shoulders and walked determinedly into the living room of the suite, picked up the small rhinestone covered purse and headed for the door.

"Oh, Dani?" Chloe called from behind her, holding her shoes in her hand. "You might want these."

"Damn!" Dani muttered, retrieved the shoes from Chloe and slipped the silver, high-heels onto her feet.

"See? Now you're not so short," Chloe stated, smiling down into Dani's beautiful face, still standing more than four inches taller than her soon to be sister-in-law.

The single digit that Dani directed at Chloe had her howling with laughter as the two made their way into the private elevator that would take them to the Grand Ballroom far below.

* * * * *

THE GRAND BALLROOM was just that - grand!

The huge room comfortably held enough tables to seat one thousand people, and still allowed space for a stage for the musicians and a dance floor. The twenty ornate chandelier's overhead cast small rainbows around the room as their beveled crystals caught the light and danced in the slight breeze created by the air conditioning. The calendar might say it was November, but anytime you put a thousand people in one room, there had better be some air circulating.

Thousands of tiny white lights sparkled in the numerous potted evergreen trees that were placed around the perimeter of the room, the scent of pine reminding everyone of the approaching holidays.

The tables sparkled with gleaming silver flatware, fine English china and hand-cut European crystal stemware. Hand written place cards designated seating assignments. Monogrammed hand-embroidered silk handkerchiefs, for the men, and dainty silver bracelets, for the ladies, sat beside each name card. White candles in shining sterling holders gleamed subtly among sprays of evergreen boughs and white roses.

When Chloe and Dani came through the double doors and gazed over the railing of the grand staircase into the ballroom below, their breaths caught in wonder. There, below them, lay a magical fairyland.

"My God," Chloe whispered reverently, her eyes taking in the softly glowing scene before her. "This is how I would have pictured Brigadoon looking as it awakened," she added softly, referring to the Scottish legend where the sleepy village only awoke one day each hundred years so it would never be touched by time.

Dani looked down on the scene below, her heart picking up its pace as she felt excitement begin to build within her, and, surprisingly, found herself looking forward to the evening to come. "Mom and Dad always make this gala magical. Although, I've got to confess, this year, they've really outdone themselves!" she offered softly, not wanting to disturb the magic that seemed to swirl around them.

"Chloe," Sergei's deep voice echoed through the nearly empty room.

A stunning smile curved Chloe's lips as she spotted him at the far end of the ballroom and had her sending him small wave in acknowledgment. "Are you ready?" Chloe quietly asked Dani, never taking her eyes from Sergei as she watched him make his way toward the staircase.

Dani watched her brother as he made his way through the myriad of tables and potted evergreens, his eyes never seeming to leave Chloe's. A quick glance at Chloe had Dani noting she couldn't seem to take her eyes off Sergei either. "I can tell you two are going to need to get a room before the night's over," she stated, rolling her eyes in mock disgust.

"I can only hope," Chloe murmured huskily, a sexy laugh escaping before she could stop it.

Dani's eyes widened in surprise at Chloe's bold statement, but she couldn't help the smile that came to her lips. In the months since Andrew's final attack, Chloe had come into her own and was more open, more expressive, more willing to voice her needs and desires, more willing to voice an opinion, even if it wasn't a popular one. Granted, it drove their coach, Whittaker, crazy, but it was great to see Chloe standing up for herself.

Dani watched as Sergei waited at the bottom of the wide staircase, bedecked in classically tailored tuxedo, the gleaming, white silk shirt, sporting onyx studs. Sergei's shoulders looked even wider as the custom fit jacket stretched across his upper body, when he held out his hand to Chloe and waited as she descended the numerous stairs.

His dark, ebony eyes absorbed her every move, his breath growing shallow as he watched her move ever closer to him, and he envied the sapphire blue chiffon dress that caressed her body each time she moved. How he was going to survive the long evening ahead when all he wanted to do was find a quiet spot and ravish her, crossed his mind, and looking into her shining blue eyes, he read the same thought in her eyes.

Chloe's hand slid into Sergei's, his palm feeling hot beneath her own and she stopped on the step above Sergei, the added height of the step putting them at almost the same height. "May I say you look very dashing tonight, perhaps even a bit rakish," she murmured quietly, her blue eyes burning with a sensual light, her lips turned up in a sexy smile.

Sergei lifted one eyebrow in acknowledgment, noting the elaborate up-swept hair style that left Chloe's neck bare for but a few tendrils that curled enticingly down the pale length. In appreciation, Sergei ran his knuckles slowly down the silken skin of her neck. "As much as I appreciate how lovely you look, and all the trouble you went through dressing for this gala, I wish you had worn your hair down," he stated huskily, his eyes devouring her, before he leaned over and placed a heated kiss where her neck and shoulder met.

Chloe's eyes closed as heat rushed through her at Sergei's touch and she turned her head toward him, their cheeks brushing as he pulled away from her. "And why would that be?" she asked, a bit dazed.

"Because it's going to be very obvious when you return to the party and your hair looks considerably different from the way it does now," he answered deeply, a devilish light burning in his dark eyes.

"And why would it look differently?"

"Because your hair always gets mussed when we make out," he whispered just before his mouth claimed hers in a heated kiss that left her clutching his forearms, for support, as her knees threatened to dissolve beneath her.

Dani watched the interchange between the pair and felt a twinge of both envy and joy for the two. "Why don't you two just skip the gala and go right back to the room now? You can save dry cleaning costs if you hang your clothes up now," she called over the banister.

Chloe's cheeks blushed and Sergei lifted his gaze to send his sister a snappy comeback, only to have his mouth drop open in disbelief as he saw his sister's breasts close to spilling out of the low neckline of her dress as she leaned over the railing. "Holy shit, Dani. Put some clothes on!"

Dani cast a look down at her swelling cleavage, gave her neckline a disgusted tug upward, (not that it did any good), and with a mischievous little smile, flipped her middle finger at him.

Shaking his head back and forth, his plea was a simple one. "God let us make it through this gala alive."*

Chapter 2

Two hours later the Gala was in full swing.

Soft music drifted from the eleven-piece orchestra as people milled about the ballroom, greeting friends rarely seen and meeting new people, all happily contributing funds to continue the battle against AIDS. Despite the somber situation that precipitated the need for the gala in the first place, spirits were high and the mood light as the Rocmanov family made their way about the huge room, greeting everyone present and thanking them for joining in their battle against such a dreaded disease.

Aleksei stood beside his wife, his hand resting gently on her hip and listened to her softly lilting voice as she spoke of visiting the Pediatric AIDS unit of one hospital and the inspiration she had received from the smallest victims of the epidemic. The wonder she felt at the strength and determination of these babies as they fought so valiantly against the virus was transmitted clearly in her words and he felt pride surge through him as he listened to her willingly plead for help, whatever form it might be.

A burst of laughter had him turning his head toward the sound, a small frown creasing his brow as he recognized Dani, surrounded by men, all, he was sure, ogling his daughter's too-low neckline. With a soft, "Excuse me a moment, please." Aleksei left his wife's side, and made his way toward the circle of men that surrounded his daughter.

Long, determined strides had Aleksei reaching the growing number of men encircling his daughter, and all vying for her attention, in short order. Shaking his head in amazement, he watched as his daughter held court over the men, young and old alike, and like the rest of the males in the vicinity, found himself mesmerized by her laughter-filled voice as she told a humorous tale. In her storytelling, her hands refused to be still, and her animated motions caused her full breasts to strain even further against the low neckline of her bodice. Her movements also caused her father to seriously contemplate removing his jacket and sliding it over her shoulders to hide the pale flesh from the lecherous eyes of those who surrounded her. It took a supreme effort on his part, not to do just that. Instead, he was saved from embarrassing himself, but more importantly Dani, by the request that everyone return to their tables so that supper might be served.

A low groan of dismay rumbled through the group of men as the announcement was made and Aleksei reached for his daughter's hand, making small talk and promising the story would be completed another time. Walking beside, and slightly behind Dani, one hand at the small of her back, he steered her through the rapidly filling tables, sending warm greetings to people they passed as they made their way to their own table.

"Are you sure that's the same dress you showed me when you first tried it on? I don't remember it being so tight before?" Aleksei asked, frowning as he noted someone else's gaze drawn to his daughter's chest. A censorious look at the offender had his gaze turning elsewhere.

"Daddy." Dani's voice was filled with exasperation, despite the warm smile she had pasted on her face. "I'm not any happier about the fact I could fall out of this top anymore than you are."

"Believe me, Dani, I'm a lot less happy about the possibility of that happening than you are. Look at all these men. I don't think there's a single one in this room that hasn't stared at your chest tonight. For Christ's sake, most of them are married!" Aleksei growled quietly.

Dani's light laugh had heads turning in their direction, and eyes, once again, dropping to her full bosom. "You're probably right, chances are every man in this room has looked at my chest, you and Sergei included. But as far as most of the men being married, I don't know how accurate that statement is. Considering this is an AIDS benefit, I think it's safe to say that there are probably some men here who have very little interest in my breasts other than wondering how I've managed to keep them from falling out of this damn top so far!"

Aleksei's deep laugh drew more glances, and he had to admit his daughter was right. Members of every religion, political affiliation and sexual orientation were attending the gala tonight; all with the same goal in mind, stopping this disease that had cost so many lives. "Point taken!" Aleksei agreed softly, ushering his daughter the final few feet to their table and helping her into her seat.

Jordan was just arriving at the table as Aleksei pushed Dani's seat into place, and with a gentle smile for her husband, draped a silver, silk wrap around their daughter's shoulder's, effectively covering the object of the controversy.

Dani's smile for her mother was filled with humor and her, "Thanks, Mom. Now, maybe, the watchdogs will leave me alone," had her mother laughing softly and giving her a quick hug.

Aleksei's grateful sigh had Jordan smiling as he assisted her into her seat, and slid the chair into place. Taking his seat, between his wife and his daughter, he cast a quick glance at Sergei, who sat to his mother's left, and Chloe, who sat to Sergei's left. The seat beside Dani sat conspicuously empty, and he caught her wistful look before she covered it up with a dazzling smile. Casting her saucy wink, and smiling as she returned the gesture, his gaze took in his family and he said a silent, quick prayer of gratitude for all he had.

Looking at the sea of faces before him, Aleksei rose to his feet, and patiently waited until the crowd became silent. Lifting his champagne glass, he quietly made his toast: "To those we have lost, you will always be in our hearts. To those still struggling: be strong, be patient, and know you are not alone. Look forward to the day we beat this dreaded disease, because we won't give up the fight until we can claim victory!"

The sounds of agreement and fine crystal glasses clinking together filled the room.

* * * * *

NINETY MINUTES, AND eight courses, later, the tables had been cleared and the ten-piece orchestra began playing.

* * * * *

IF HUNTER'S MOOD HAD been even foul, it would have been a good thing. Instead, it was bordering on murderous. The drive should have taken no more than forty-five minutes, an hour tops. Instead, the light drizzle that had been forecast had, turned into a downpour and Hunter was sure every idiot on the road had never seen rain before, because they were sure driving like this was a scientific anomaly that would probably not happen for another thousand years! And to be sure they didn't miss it; they slowed down to the pace of a snail, and didn't miss a single raindrop.

So, for the last two-and-a-half-hours, he'd hit a top speed of eighteen miles an hour, a whole three times, cursed cellular phone companies when he couldn't get a signal and wished he'd used the washroom before he'd left his office.

When he finally pulled up to the entrance of the huge hotel, and the valet attendant happily greeted him, it was all he could do not to tell him to quit being so damn cheerful and chew him into little pieces. Instead, he tossed him the car keys, inquired which room the Rocmanov party was in and grunted a deep voiced 'Thanks," before he entered the hotel.

He made his way through the hotel lobby quickly, oblivious to the appreciative looks cast his way by the women he passed, some subtle, some not so subtle. Dressed in a black on black tuxedo, it wasn't until you actually stood next to Hunter that you realized how big he really was. Standing six-foot four, he was broad shouldered, long legged and made of solid muscle. Stylishly cut hair, in varying shades of tawny, fell in haphazard waves and had been tussled by his fingers in frustration. High cheekbones, and dimples on either side of a gorgeous mouth, that normally smiled, but now looked ready to eat raw meat, gave him a dangerous demeanor. His eyes, normally a warm caramel, now glowed a hot and dangerous deep brown, his gaze filled with a dare for anyone brave (or stupid) enough to challenge him. His GQ good looks had often caused him grief, labeling him pretty and soft. But anyone who saw him at this moment in his life, would have thought him anything but soft and been smart to give him a wide path! This was a man just looking for a fight!

It didn't take long to find the ballroom the gala was being held in, and Hunter presented the engraved invitation to the man at the door, grunting an acknowledgment that he have a good time. Unless something changed pretty quickly, there wasn't a snowball's chance in hell of that happening.

Stepping through the double doors, Hunter was bombarded with music and laughter and more sparkling lights than he needed at the moment. Considering his dark mood, he would have been happier walking into a dark closet. With a scowl, he walked to the banister, looked down on the sea of people below him, and watched as some milled about, and others danced on the gleaming oak dance floor. All seemed to be happier than any of them had a right to be. They obviously hadn't spent hours in bumper to bumper traffic without eating. The dark look he sent to the entire group of people should have had them trembling in their shoes in fear.

But, instead of people cowering before him, Dani's familiar laugh floated on the air, and Hunter found himself searching for the source of the sound that immediately, and magically, lightened his mood. The size of the group seemed to double in size as he surveyed the faces, looking for the one particular face he sought. Women, gowned in every imaginable color and fabric, moved about, the room. Swirls of colors and fabrics mixed and blended, as he sought her out.

From his perch, high above the crowd, he spotted Sergei and Chloe, mingling with a group of skaters, some of whom he recognized. Jordan and Aleksei were in another corner of the room, conversing with what looked to be corporate big-wigs in Hunter's opinion. Still, Dani was nowhere to be seen.

From the corner of his eye, a flash of swirling red caught his attention, and his gaze caught, and held, the curvaceous figure below him for a moment. Clinging red fabric hugged the shapely rear-end of the woman below him, a cascade of auburn curls trailed down her bare back, a hint of shimmering sparkles peeked from beneath her hair as she danced. Hunter's eyebrows lifted in appreciation of the way she moved. Like liquid fire, she danced to the rhythm of the Latin music the orchestra played.

Her partner was obviously appreciating the way she moved also. A deep, husky laugh escaped his lips as his hands slid down her bare arms and he pulled her back against his chest, her laughter, once again, floating up to Hunter.

Hunter watched the man's face below, recognized the man's reaction and knew, at least this guy, was going to get lucky tonight. It didn't take a fool to recognize lust on a man's face, and this guy might as well have been yelling, 'It's nookie night!' The smile that caused Hunter's lips to curve upward was lascivious.

And then the vision in red turned around, and he found himself looking down at Dani. At least, he was almost a hundred percent sure it was Dani. The face was definitely hers, albeit wearing more makeup and looking much older than she had the last time he'd seen her. That was nine months ago, idiot, his brain taunted him. For nine long months he'd only seen pictures of her in magazines and newspapers, and when the networks broadcast skating events, which didn't seem to be very frequently. Granted, a lot could change in nine months, and the laughter that teased him could be no one else's, and yet the voluptuous body poured into that red dress was most definitely not Dani's! His only question was what the hell was going on?

Hunter's heart stopped, his blood turning to ice in his veins. In the span of a millisecond, Hunter went from cheering the lucky guy on to wanting to kill him with his bare hands. Slowly he made his way down the long staircase, his eyes never leaving the woman in red that danced so sensuously with her partner.

Barely restrained fury emanated from Hunter as each step brought him closer to Dani, his dark energy a palpable force that had people looking at him warily and backing up a step. The trek down the stairs seemed to take forever, and yet, he finally found himself standing behind Dani, could feel the heat that flowed from her as the Latin music heated her blood and she continued her sensual dance.

Her partner, on the other hand, found himself face-to-face with Hunter. Scorched by the furious look in Hunter's eye's that promised nothing pleasant, he had only Dani's slight form between them.

"Don't stop dancing, now, Steven," Dani urged laughingly, lifting her arms over her head, her hips making slow, sexy circles that had Hunter's body responding heatedly, and his urge to kill someone growing stronger by the second.

"Dani," Steven managed to mumble cautiously, wondering if the way he felt was the same way an antelope felt when it was trapped by a hungry lion. The man in front of him certainly looked ready to tear something apart, you could almost feel him vibrating in anticipation.

"Steven," Dani teased softly, moving just slightly away from him, her breasts pushing precariously against the low neckline of her dress as her hands sifted through her auburn tresses and lifted her hair off her neck. As if offering herself to him, her skin grew flushed and dewy, the hot Latin music making her blood sing and her heart pound.

"Dani," Steven murmured, as if in pain, his gaze pinned by the angry man's before him. The thought his time on earth was near its end was looking more and more realistic as he watched the man's eyes go black with fury.

"Steven, don't be an old fart. This is the first time tonight I've really enjoyed myself and if you won't dance with me, I'll find someone who will!" Dani pouted sexily.

That was it. Hunter couldn't stand it any longer. "Will I do?" he asked in a dangerously, soft voice from behind her, his hands clenching and unclenching as he struggled for control.

Hunter's voice washed over her, leaving her suddenly breathless, wary and angry all at the same time. Taking a deep breath, she let her hair shimmy through her fingers before she squared her shoulders and slowly turned to face him.

"Danielle." Hunter's single word was filled with heat, and frustration and anger, all clearly visible in the deep cognac color of his eyes as his gaze met hers. His nostrils flared with each deep breath, her scent taunting him.

"Do I know you?" Dani asked flippantly, tilting her head slight to the side and assuming a pondering expression that made Hunter wonder if he would get more pleasure from paddling her shapely ass or kissing her until she was breathless. Judging from her mutinous expression, she was still more than a little put out with him.

"Don't be a brat, I got here as quickly as I could," Hunter stated calmly, noting the curious glances they were drawing from those around them.

"Considering our conversation a few days ago, I was under the impression you were unable to attend this evening's festivities due to your heavy caseload. I'd hate to think I'm to blame for you being irresponsible and leaving an important case flapping in the breeze." Dani stated flatly, her dark green gaze unfaltering beneath his glaring look, her chin lifting in defiance.

"I can assure you, my caseload can manage without me for an evening. Besides, I made a promise to someone several months ago that I would be here. I never break my promises," he stated in barely restrained calmness.

Dani crossed her arms. The motion pushed her breasts upward, and drew Hunter's heated attention. His look was so blatantly sexual, she had to fight the urge to cross her hands over her chest and cover herself. "Promises don't hold the weight they once did, Hunter. Promises are broken all the time. I wouldn't fret about it too much," Dani tried to counter flippantly, frowning as her voice quivered slightly.

"I've made a career out of fretting; it's what I do," Hunter replied softly, the subtle scent of her perfume again teasing his senses.

High emotions vibrated between the two, nearly palpable in the crowded room and the small group of people nearby cast curious and apprehensive glances toward the pair. When the music changed to a softly, romantic melody of hits from The King and I, the people around them were suddenly busy excusing themselves and making hasty retreats to safer ground. The pair could have been alone in the room, for all they noticed, as the people about them scattered. Their eyes saw only each other.

Hunter's gaze was devouring as it traveled from the top of Dani's head to her toes, a fire flaring in the cognac depths of his eyes as they lighted on the low neckline of her dress and the soft, pale skin that swelled enticingly above it. The dress fit her as if she'd been poured into it and he had to quell the urge to run his hands over each soft curve of her body the fabric displayed so perfectly. His eyes may as well have been his hands, for she was certain she could feel his heated touch all over her body.

"You look amazing, Danielle." His voice was a husky whisper that had her knees going weak, and his appreciative look told her he meant every word.

Dani's shoulders lifted in a minute shrug, the small motion lifting the pale fullness of her breasts and sending electric currents straight to Hunter's groin. "Yeah, it's amazing what a pretty dress will do for a girl," she murmured quietly, wishing she could stop the blood from racing through her veins and take a full breath. She also wished Hunter would stop looking at her as if she were his favorite dessert.

"Not that it isn't lovely, but the dress wasn't what I was referring to," he countered, reaching out and gently capturing a curling tendril that trailed over her shoulder and rested on the upper curve of her breast. His knuckles grazed the warm, soft skin, and caused both their breaths to catch. "You've let your hair grow." It wasn't a question, so much as a statement.

Little bursts of electricity seemed to flow from Hunter's hand, to her scalp, as he gently played with the curling, auburn tendril, and she fought the urge to close her eyes and melt against him. "Daddy made me promise to leave it alone and let it grow out."

"Your father's a smart man," Hunter offered with a nod of approval. The sudden mental image of Dani's dark hair spread across a pillow, her green eyes dark and glazed with ecstasy, had his body tightening painfully and his breath catching in his chest.

"I know." Her answer was a gentle whisper, the warmth of her breath a gentle breeze grazing his jaw. Her green eyes were luminous, held him hostage and threatened to bring him to his knees. When she tugged her lower lip between her teeth, and nervously worried it, he was lost.

His hand reached across the short distance separating them, and his thumb traced a gentle path across her lower lip, the soft, heated fullness of her lip sent shards of heat through his body. "Dance with me, Danielle?" he asked softly, his voice a husky plea. I need to feel you in my arms, he acknowledged silently to himself.

Hunter held his hand out to Dani, and despite her first urge to slap it away and leave him groveling for mercy, she slipped her hand into his and allowed him to pull her into his arms. A gentle sigh escaped her parted lips as their bodies met and she closed her eyes as a rush of emotion threatened to swamp her.

The nine months apart faded away like morning mist as Hunter's arms came around Dani's slight form, his fingers grazed the bare skin of her back and he felt her melt against his body. Her soft, flowery perfume made him light headed and he closed his eyes as emotions raced through his body. How had he ever survived the last nine months without holding, let alone seeing, this amazing creature?

Dani's eyes fluttered closed, safely wrapped within Hunter's arms, and she felt her world right itself. This was where she belonged: held and loved and obviously adored by this putz of a man who only moments before had looked more than ready to turn her over his knee, and paddle her bottom, which was an interesting thought unto itself. How funny was life?

"I've missed you," Hunter's voice was a deep rumble beneath her ear where it lay pressed against his chest.

"I've missed you, too." Dani's voice was a quivering whisper. Her left hand rubbed the silken fabric of his coat where it stretched across his chest, and his muscles flexed heatedly beneath her fingers.

Hunter's hand moved in a soft caress across her lower back and Dani felt her heart skip a beat as her senses soared. The romantic music swirled around them, weaving a spell around the two that held them safely within its silken web. "I have dreamed that your arms are lovely. I have dreamed what a joy you'll be. I have dreamed every word you whisper, when you're close, close to me. How you look in the glow of evening, I have dreamed and enjoyed the view. In these dreams I've loved you so, that by now I think I know, what it's like to be loved by you. I will love being loved by you." Hunter's deep voice softly sang along with the orchestra.

Dani looked up at him in surprise, her green gaze sparkling with delight, her heart pounding in her chest as she listened to his deep voice softly singing one of her favorite show tunes. "You never told me you could sing," she said breathlessly.

A slight flush spread across his cheeks, as he realized the words he'd heard in his head had slipped out of his mouth. "It's not something I broadcast," he answered with an embarrassed look, glancing about him to see if he'd been heard by anyone else. "Besides, I don't sing, I manage to carry a tune," he offered.

Dani shaking her head gently back and forth sent her curls dancing. "No, I manage to carry a tune, almost. You, on the other hand, have a beautiful voice. Now that I know you're secret, I may demand you sing to me everyday."

"Demanding don't make it so," Hunter countered with a mischievous smile.

"You wouldn't you sing to me if I asked you to nicely?"

Hunter's wide shoulders lifted in an elegant shrug.

"I suppose I could always blackmail you into doing it," Dani offered mischievously.

Hunter's eyebrows lifted in question. "What could possibly use to blackmail me?"

Dani's eyes flashed wickedly, then softened and went widely innocent. " You are aware of what is said about men who can perform show tunes?" Dani asked. "I'd hate to have your reputation sullied should such information slip out. Wouldn't everyone be surprised to find out you're in touch with your feminine side?" Dani laughed softly.

Hunter hand, splayed across her lower back, pulled her firmly against his hips; his heated, turgid length pulsed against her center. Not that it ever had, but if the thought had crossed her mind as to question his masculinity, this blew any possibility of him being anything but heterosexual out of the water! He was steel and fire and barely controlled power. And it was all for her! "Danielle, the only feminine side I'm interested in is yours. And, were it not for the fact that we're standing in the middle of a thousand people;" He left the statement unfinished, but his intent was crystal clear.

Dani's left eyebrow lifted sardonically, and a sultry smile curved her full lips. "Promises, promises," she sighed theatrically, a devilish fire flaring in her green eyes.

Hunter recognized the look, and was torn between simply throwing her over his shoulder, hauling her out of the ballroom and embarrassing them both immediately or waiting to see how far Dani would push the limits of his patience. Ever a glutton for punishment, he chose the latter and almost relished the confrontation yet to come. Sparring with Dani was always a challenge, and he never backed down from a challenge.

"I can assure you, when the time comes for us to be together, it won't matter if we're alone or in the middle of a goddamn football stadium," Hunter growled.

"I don't know," Dani's shoulder's lifted in a small shrug. "Sounds like a lot of lip service to me, Hunter. Fess up, the very fact we are in the middle of a thousand people makes you breathe easier because you're fairly certain I won't throw a scene, and we both know, how much you hate public scenes."

"I've got news for you, Danielle. In my present mood, you could scream the bloody roof down and I wouldn't give a good goddamn!"

Dani's eyes widened in surprise at his subdued, yet powerful, outburst. She could feel his frustration radiating through him in waves, watched his eyes go a deep, dark brown as he struggled to maintain his control. "Careful, Hunter, you're blowing your cool, civilized facade. Keep this up and everyone will find out you're human with the same weaknesses the rest of us have. Can't have that now, can we?" Dani taunted, her eyes glowing wickedly as she watched his flare brighter and felt his muscles tense as he pulled her closer.

Hunter lowered his head, his breath a hot, moist whisper against her neck as he spoke into her ear, "Don't push me, Danielle. Cool and civilized is the last thing I am at the moment."

Dani turned her head, and looked into Hunter's eyes, deep green and dark brown met, and held, silently communicated a need neither could find the words for. Hearts pounded heavily in their chests, anticipation flared to a near painful level and breaths became shallow, a mere necessity, as the world soared unnoticed around them. Time stopped and the air around the two grew charged, and powerful. Like the lull before the storm, it was only a matter of time until the first flash of lightening struck.

Dani leaned toward Hunter, her gaze captured by his, her lips seeking the warm, fullness of his own. It felt as if her heart stopped beating in her chest as she felt her lips whisper against his own, closed her eyes as she felt herself melt against the steel muscles of his chest and;

"Hunter, glad to see you made it!" Aleksei's deep voice, and the boisterous slap on Hunter's shoulder had the pair springing apart in surprise. Hunter gripped Aleksei's hand in welcome. "How was the drive down?"

"Don't ask, sir. To use Danielle's term, 'it sucked'!" Hunter replied, it what he hoped was a calm voice. Although, inside, he was anything but calm. He felt ready to explode.