Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No copyright infringement is intended.
Thanks to my fabulous co-authors for being so fun to work with...and being so awesome! Thank you to our mystery beta for crossing the t's and dotting the i's! AND for the great qjmom for your quick turn around!
Secrets by Forks1
Chapter 11 - Damn Him!
Tanya Denali
Warm lips pressed against mine, speeding my heart rate and waking me up out of a unrestful sleep. My eyes flew open only to find the beautiful deep pools I had been craving in my dreams.
"I'm so glad you're here," his deep sexy voice whispered.
"I couldn't stay away, I needed to be with you last night." My throat tightened as I thought of the empty bed that I'd had eventually fallen asleep in.
"How did you need me, Tanya?" His voice was husky now, my body reacting instantly.
"I needed you here," I said as I pointed to my lips. "And here," I whispered as I slid my fingers down my throat to the curve of my breasts, "and here." I moaned as my fingers slid further down my belly to the warming core of my body.
"Are you still in need?" he moaned as he slid in bed next to me, pulling me into his strong warm embrace.
"Ye-" I began until his mouth assaulted mine. His warm moist tongue was seeking mine out as his long fingers threaded their way into my hair. "Dante-" I gasped as I pulled away, "I didn't expect you home so early."
"It's not that early, love," Dante chuckled, kissing me on the nose.
My head turned to face the alarm clock on the nightstand, 10:15am. Shock jolted through me as I tried to sit up. "Dante! I have to get home -- I have to settle things with Masen. I wanted to be there and back by now." My stomach was tying itself into an intricate series of knots that I was sure would never be able to be untangled.
"Calm down, sweetheart. Come on, I'll help you in the shower."
Dante got up, helping me to my feet. His quick intake of breath brought a smile to my lips as he studied the tiny little baby doll I had worn to bed.
"Don't move a muscle, Tanya," he said as he stripped his clothing off without breaking eye contact.
I watched his strip tease, anxious to have his hands on me, peeling the pink lace off me. He was glorious, all six feet, two inches of him. The raised veins, that ran down his abdomen toward his hardening erection, were tempting me to get on my knees so I could run my tongue down that very same path. I watched the muscles in Dante's solidly built, sexy legs bunch and release as he took a step toward me. I gasped in surprise as Dante swept me up into his arms, carrying me into the adjoining bathroom.
He stepped into the shower, still holding me in his arms and turned on the water. My protests were muffled by his mouth. Hot water rained down on me, soaking through my lingerie.
"I'm still dressed, Dante," I giggled.
"I realize that. I just wanted to see how your nipples look, all hard and tempting, under all that wet lace." Dante released my legs, allowing me to stand back on my feet as he pulled away, appraising the sight before him. "Damn," he murmured, lowering his head to my wet, lace covered breast.
*****
"No, Dante, we've discussed this already. You can't come with me to confront Masen," I pleaded.
"I just can't let you go unprotected." The muscles in his jaw were working overtime. He held his arms out inviting me closer to him.
I moved into his embrace. "I know you're worried, but Masen would never hurt me."
Dante pulled away, looking me straight in the eyes. "Whatever, Tanya, he took pleasure in hurting you every time..." He hissed through clenched teeth.
My eyes closed and I shook my head. "That was different."
"Not in my book." His voice was hard and angry.
"Please..." I begged.
"If one hair on this beautiful head of yours is out of place when you leave his house, so help me God, I will kill that bastard!"
My hands cupped his face, and leaning up on my tippy toes I gently brushed my lips across his once. I hated to see him so stressed out. "I love you," I whispered against his neck.
"I love you more," he whispered back.
*****
I pulled into the drive of the house I'd once thought of as my home, and parked in front of the entrance. Taking several deep breaths, I focused on slowing my heart rate. You can do this, you can do this! I pulled my cell phone out, forgetting that I had never checked my messages from the night before. No missed calls? Nice, real nice, Masen -- Never once have I ever not been home for you and the first night I'm not there, you care so little that you don't even bother to call? With one last breath, I grabbed the handle and opened the door. I'm not done with you, you selfish prick, no, I am going to make your life as miserable as possible, starting now.
The need to be quiet pulsed through me as I moved through the house in search of Masen. He wasn't in the bedroom or the bathroom, the kitchen was empty- Where could he be? Oh! The gym, I bet he's working out right now.I walked quickly down the hall towards the weight room. Masen's muffled voice was just ahead in the gym. Is he talking on his phone? I slowed my step, stopping right outside the door and listened.
"...Never in my life have I felt this way about a woman." He paused. "No, not even in the beginning, when things were good between my ex- and me. I never felt for her what I feel for you." Another pause, my hands flew up to cover my mouth as pain wracked my heart.
Tears began to build in my eyes as the words Masen spoke sunk in. We had a loving start, a happy engagement, a beautiful wedding.
"Please, honey, let me see you. I need to see you, to be with you, to hold..." His voice faded away as I slowly backed up, distancing myself from his painful words. I couldn't handle this-
Somehow, I ended up back in my car. My head resting against the headrest, my heart continued to ache as his words continued to play in my head, "... honestly, I have never felt this way about anyone... No, not even in the beginning, when things were good between my ex- and me. I never felt for her what I feel for you."I've got to get out of here.I started to drive. I didn't know where to go- I knew that hurt and sorrow were usually involved in a divorce, but I never imagined that I would feel anything but relief in ending this marriage. Pain. I couldn't dismiss the pain that Masen's words had caused.
I picked up my phone while stopped at a red light. Flipping the phone open, I searched my contacts looking for my attorney's number. There it is -- Wilder and Black Attorney's At Law, my thumb pressed send while I accelerated through the intersection.
"Wilder and Black, how may I help you?" the cheery voice answered.
"Doug Black, please."
"Can I tell him who's calling?"
"Tanya Denali."
"Please hold," she told me.
The classical music that played while I was on hold was soothing, but at the same time annoying. The anger that was still pulsing through my veins was craving music more in the lines of Fall Out Boy, or my favorite, Blue October.
"This is Doug."
"Oh, Doug, this is Tanya Denali. I met with you earlier in the week about my divorce."
"Yes, how are you, Tanya?"
"Honestly? Hurt."
"Are you ready for the documents to be written up and signed?"
"Absolutely, how long will it take?"
"I can have them ready to sign in the next hour, or you can sign them on Monday if that is more convienient."
"Oh, no, I don't want to stew over this all weekend, I would rather end my Friday with a happy note."
"Do you want me to call you when they are ready for your signature?"
"Actually, I'm about forty minutes away, could I just come in?" I sighed.
"If that is what you'd like to do, sure."
"Great, I will see you in a little bit."
"Thanks," I said before closing my phone.
Turning back my attention to the road, I cranked my stereo as Blue October's, 'Let It Go' started to play from my Ipod.
It took less then five minutes to sign the papers at Doug's office. Even with my copy safely in my hands, the hurt I felt at Masen's words earlier still stung. I thought signing myself out of my marriage would help, I sighed.
As I closed myself back into my car, I felt the hurt disolving into anger. I wanted revenge. I grabbed my cell flipping it open and pressed Kate's speed dial.
"Hey sis," Kate sighed into the phone, "how are you doing?"
"Just peachy," my voice was dead calm, "do me a favor?"
"Sure," Kate sounded hesitant, "whatcha need?"
"Angela Forbes Weber's address," I snarled her name.
"Oh shit, Tanya, what are you going to do?" Kate sounded a little panicked.
I chuckled. "Oh, just make Masen's life a little bit complicated."
After jotting down the address, I started my car and headed for Fountain Hills, still not sure how to break it to this high-class snob that her lover was a married man -- well, married for a few more weeks at least. I snickered at the thought.
"Damn!" I cursed under my breath as I spotted the huge security gates at the entrance of Angela's neighborhood. They were just like the ones in mine. A security code was required to open the gates and I had no idea how to get in. I just couldn't call Masen and ask for it now could I? I pulled my car over to the side of the road to think. Just as I put the car in Park, another one passed by, pulling up to the gates. I quickly pulled back onto the road and followed the car in through the gates. Lady luck was definitely on my side today.
As I drove into Angela's neighborhood, I started to scan the houses looking for the address Kate had given me.
The houses were huge, situated on large lots with vast space of lush green grass and desert landscaping between them. Well, well, well... there it is. The Tuscan style home was at the end of a cul-de-sac with huge, mature palm trees that stood majestically in the front yard. My, my, Masen, it looks like you have certainly found your meal ticket!
I pulled my car up into the driveway and shut off the ignition. What do I say? 'Hi- My name is Tanya Denali. How long have you been screwing my husband?'
Movement out of the corner of my eye caught my attention. Good hell, I wonder if she limits her body to Masen or if she taps into that? I asked myself as a beautiful man jogged up the driveway next door. His chest glistened in the sun from the coat of perspiration that covered his body. His hair was cut short, his face gorgeous with chiseled features. The muscles in his legs and chest bunched and released with every step he took. Dear lord, he was quite a package but couldn't begin to compare with Dante. That is where my heart belonged.
Focus, Tanya, focus! Just walk up to the door and ring the bell-
I forced the door open and got out of my car. After a few cleansing breaths, I walked with a purpose to the front door. With a shaky hand, I reached out, pressing the doorbell and waited.
The sound of thumping footsteps grew louder as they approached the front door. She sounds light on her feet, I thought to myself.
From the sound of tiny fingers fumbling with the door locks, it became very clear to me that it was not an adult on the other side of the door. I held my breath, as the door opened.
A small gasp escaped my lips as the little bronzed hair boy looked up at me, his emerald green eyes sparkled as he said, "Hi! My name is Connor. You're pretty, you wanna go play trains?"
Oh. My. Hell. Oh no - no - no! My stomach turned over violently as I heard a women's voice coming up from behind him, "Connor Masen! How many times have I told you never to open the door without mommy with you?" She scolded, tousling his already messy hair.
He looks exactly like his father, that son of a- I shook my head, trying desperately to focus on why I was here. Oh yes, to make Masen's life miserable, the cheating no good prick. My focus shifted from 'mini 'Masen' to the beautiful woman behind him. Her dark brown hair was tied up in a messy bun with wisps falling around her face, her hand smoothed down her shirt at the same time that she caressed her pregnant belly in a loving circular motion. The multi carat diamond ring on her ring finger caught my attention as the sun's glare refracted off of it, throwing hundreds of prisms around the entryway.
"Can I help you?" she asked politely glancing behind her as a loud crashing noise sounded in the back of the house.
At first I couldn't speak, the whirlwind of information spinning in my head made me almost dizzy.
"Miss?" she asked as she turned her attention back to me.
"Oh," I pulled myself together, "My name is Tanya Denali-Masen," accentuating Masen for effect, "it looks like we have something in common."
I made a grand gesture of throwing my hand out, palm down so she couldn't miss the sparkling diamond ring. She was hesitant as she returned the gesture by grasping my hand in a light hold before letting go completely.
"Do you mind if I come in? We have a lot to talk about." I said politely, cheerful that I had caught her off guard, putting her on the defensive while I gladly accepted the offensive roll.
"I- I don't know what you think you are talking about, but if you are trying to tell me that my husband has been unfaith-" she cut her words off quickly as she glanced down at her son, "Excuse me, I need to turn a movie on for the twins so we can talk without them over hearing."
I took a step in the door as she started to close it. My palm came up to halt the motion, gently pushing it open a little.
"If you don't mind, I would like to get out of the sun." I moved completely into the foyer, closing the door behind me.
"Oh-" Angela gasped, backing away from me while pulling Connor along with her.
"Connor, you and Seth need to stay in the playroom while me and this- this- nice lady- talk." I heard her say as she disappeared into another room. The entry table to my right was full of pictures. My, my, my, you have been a very busy man, Masen dear.
I couldn't help but to reach out, my fingers skimmed the top of a family picture portraying what seemed like a happy family, 2 boys- identical twins, Angela and Masen. Another photo of just Masen and Angela- taken in Vegas. Are you kidding? He married the hotel heir in Vegas? At least I was lucky enough to have gotten my dream wedding. It was clear, this woman believed that she was married to the same man I had married 12 years ago.
Angela returned a few minutes later looking flustered but relieved that I had not moved from the front door.
"I don't know who you think you are, coming into my house, accusing my husband of cheating-"
I cut her off, "I am not accusing, I am stating facts!