Twisted Lies 3 (Dirty Secrets) Read online

  Twisted Lies 3

  Dirty Secrets, Book Three

  Sedona Venez

  One Wish Publishing

  Contents

  Also by Sedona Venez

  Copyright

  Dedication

  1. Core

  2. Sinthia

  3. Sinthia

  4. Core

  5. Sinthia

  6. Sinthia

  7. Sinthia

  8. Sinthia

  9. Core

  10. Core

  Note From The Author

  About the Author

  Just remember, e-book piracy is NOT a victimless crime. Please buy my books. Don’t steal them or share illegally. This author does not ever authorize ANY free downloads or share sites to distribute her books. And for those who bought the book, thank you! You’re amazing.

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  DON’T MISS

  Twisted Lies

  Twisted Lies 2

  Breaking the Storm

  When Lightning Strikes

  Infinity

  Infinity Unleashed

  Coming Early 2016

  Reason to Love (Credence Curse, Book 3)

  Visit www.sedonavenez.com

  Copyright © 2015 by T.L. Clarke

  All rights reserved.

  First Edition: September 2015

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  No part of this work may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form.

  Editor: Jovana Shirley, Unforeseen Editing, www.unforeseenediting.com

  Formatter: Jeff Senter, Indie Formatting Services, www.indieformattinservices.com

  “Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.”

  —William Shakespeare

  1

  Core

  My long strides covered the short distance from the curb to the entrance. Reaching for the door, I swung it open and entered the expansive lobby of my pet project, The McKay Club. Employees scampered about, efficiently cleaning and scrutinizing every aspect of the interior in preparation for tomorrow night’s opening.

  “Hello, Mr. McKay,” they greeted in unison before resuming their tasks.

  The rich and famous were notoriously hard to please, and I made sure The McKay Club overdelivered with a one-of-a-kind kinky spectacle. It was what kept the voracious patrons coming back for more. From upper crust to celebrities, all would clamor to get on the waiting list just to party on the rooftop section of the club. But the real lure of The McKay Club was the Noire lounge—a private members–only playground where the well-heeled indulged in discrete sexual fantasies.

  Walking across the lobby, I pulled back the expensive fabric draped over Noire’s entrance, stepping over the threshold. Advancing down the mirror-lined staircase leading to the lounge, I smiled just thinking about how close I was to finally destroying Bigsby Calhoune by stripping away everything he held dear—his wealth, freedom, political career, and trophy fiancée Cate.

  But why is the taste of revenge suddenly so bittersweet on my tongue?

  The vision of Sinthia’s eyes dilated with lust flashed in my mind. Basic raw hunger surged through me, beating at my self-control. Sin was everything I wanted in a woman—strong and feisty. The idea of fighting to have Sin submit to me had my cock throbbing and my balls aching.

  Damn. My fixation with her was annoying, cloying, and a complication I didn’t need. Sin was bait, a casualty in my war against Bigsby.

  But I knew I was fucked when she’d swayed onto the rooftop. I’d seen the fire and determination in her eyes, and my cock had gotten hard.

  Damn, I loved it.

  Her body had moved like a panther—sexy, determined, and confident. She was tall and voluptuous with curves that cried out to be caressed. In a matter of minutes, she’d shattered my control. It had taken every bit of self-restraint not to pull up her dress and fuck the shit out of her.

  Shit. How the hell did I let it go so far?

  The smoldering lust between us was already out of control. I wanted her in my bed so I could fuck her in every dirty position possible.

  My cell rang, interrupting my dark thoughts. I didn’t recognize the number.

  “Yes?” I answered gruffly.

  “Core, it’s Tabitha.”

  What the fuck? I stopped mid-stride. “How did you get my private number?” I snapped. “You know what? I don’t give a shit. Lose it.” I was seconds away from disconnecting.

  “Wait! Don’t hang up. I need more money,” she shouted urgently.

  “Hell no,” I barked.

  “You don’t get to say no.”

  The muscles in my shoulders bunched. “Are you threatening me?”

  I didn’t respond well to threats, especially from a money-hungry whore like Tabitha Thorp, who had served her purpose when I recruited her to help me get close to Sin. Tabitha had convinced Sin of the value of getting an investor—specifically, me—to help her expand her business. In exchange, I’d agreed to pay off Tabitha’s debt to Ben Vargos, her unsavory criminal ex-boyfriend, and send her on a very long vacation.

  “It’s not a threat. Just a statement. You owe me,” she snapped.

  My lips flattened. “I don’t owe you shit. I paid you five figures in cash to make the Sin deal happen.”

  “It wasn’t enough!” she exclaimed in a rushed tone. “I ran into a few bumps, and now I’m broke. You’re the only person I can turn to right now.”

  “Go fuck yourself, Tabitha. Our business was done the moment you took my money.”

  I knew Tabitha from the old neighborhood. When we were young, we hung out in the same criminal circles. The only difference was, back then, the now-famous Tabitha had worked as a drug mule for her seedy kingpin boyfriend Ben. I’d even fucked her several times behind Ben’s back.

  “One call to Sin and…” Tabitha deliberately trailed off.

  I replied with deadly intent. “If you even think about—”

  She sputtered with a whiny voice, “I’m not one of your whores. I’ll tell her you blackmailed me into betraying her.”

  “I didn’t twist your arms to take the money. And the recording of our business arrangement will surely enlighten Sin.” I continued moving toward the elevator.

  Tabitha gasped. “What recording?”

  My nostrils flared. “Do you think I would ever do a deal with the devil’s spawn without a backup plan?”

  “You’re an asshole,” she shrilled.

  “I’ve been called worse by a better class of people.” I pressed the face of my watch against the security pad next to the elevator. “Come on, Tabitha. This is not my first rodeo. By the way, if you’re recording our conversation right now, don’t waste your fucking time. I have so much dirt on your shady dealings with Vargos that by the time I’m done snitching you out to the authorities, you’ll end up in jail, designing uniforms for the entire prison.”

  “If you think this is done… well, you’re sadly mistaken.”

  “It’s done because I said it’s done,” I drawled while watching the green light flash quickly before the elevator door slid open. “Now slither back under the rock where you came from.” I hit the power button and the call terminated before I marched onto the elevator as the door closed.

  One quick ride and the elevator door shifted open. I stepped out to find Zuri, my personal assistant. A curvy redhead, she was well dressed in a skintight cream
dress, leaning against the wall while swiping her finger across the tablet in her other hand. She glanced up and smiled before pushing away from the wall and swaying toward me.

  “Max,” I voice-dialed.

  Not breaking my step, Zuri naturally kept pace as I strode farther into my soundproofed VIP lounge. It had been built to overlook Noire and provide me with the intimacy and comfort of a sanctuary away from the chaotic sexually charged energy below.

  “Hey, bro,” Max answered.

  “Anything interesting going on with Sin?”

  Max, my friend and enforcer, had been staking out Sin’s townhouse for days, and so far, there were no signs of anything. More importantly, there had been no male visitors.

  “Nothing. What’s up?”

  “I just got a call from Tabitha, asking for more money. I need you to find her and shut her up. But don’t kill her. I just want to make a statement that I can find her anytime, anyplace. Call me when it’s done.” Shoving my cell into my pocket, I marched over to my mahogany desk and sank into the leather chair tucked behind it.

  “Calhoune just called. He’s on his way,” Zuri informed.

  “When he arrives, make him wait. I can’t have him feeling too confident about our meeting.”

  Zuri handed over the tablet. “Here’s Friday’s guest list.”

  “When Bigsby shows, I want you to give him some of your smoldering Southern hospitality. Let’s see how committed he is to his meal ticket, Cate Bellisario.”

  There was no doubt in my mind that Zuri would have Bigsby’s dick harder than a rock with just one bat of her eyelashes. And when he took the bait, it would be more leverage that could be used to destroy him.

  Men were enamored by Zuri’s stunning beauty. She was feminine, delicate, and beguilingly innocent. Politicians, celebrities, businessmen—it didn’t matter. All fell hard for her Lolita ways. That was what made her more than my assistant. She was an integral part of my team.

  Zuri flipped her long red hair. “I’ll make him feel real welcome, ya hear,” she responded, switching seamlessly from her native New York accent to a deep Southern drawl.

  I was constantly amazed at her gift for assuming cover identities. It was a skill she’d been taught at a young age to worm her way into the hearts of lonely men while her family of nomadic Irish travelers and thieves ruthlessly drained the victims’ bank accounts.

  “Good. Now take your Southern belle ass out of my sight. I have lots of work to do.” Effectively dismissing her, I scanned the guest list on the tablet.

  I released a sigh when I didn’t hear the click of her retreating heels, signaling her exit. I glanced up to find her staring at me with pursed lips.

  I arched a brow. “Yes?”

  Making herself comfortable in the chair in front of my desk, with a loud sigh, she exclaimed, “These heels are killing me!”

  “Zuri, that wasn’t an invitation. I’m busy,” I grumbled.

  “Shit. Do you always have to be such a disgruntled ass?”

  Sometimes I wished Zuri wasn’t so open with her thoughts. I guessed years of friendship had given her that right.

  I rubbed the side of my forehead where the throbbing had started. “I’m not fucking disgruntled. I’m working.” My eyes narrowed. “Exactly what I’m paying you to do.”

  She smiled winningly. “Well, that’s just plain rude. I do lots of work. It’s not easy being the only ray of sunshine in a team of mean assholes.”

  Tilting my head to the ceiling, I let out a heavy sigh.

  Zuri loudly cleared her throat.

  I scrutinized her. “What do you want, Zuri?” Knowing her, she wouldn’t shut up until she expressed her opinion.

  She arched her brow. “You’ve been unusually distracted lately.”

  “What’s your point?”

  “I’ve been patient, but it’s been weeks.” She paused dramatically. “Are you ever going to mention the incident?”

  I scowled at her. “What incident?”

  “Rocco and Max told me about the ‘rooftop incident’”—she did air quotes—“with Sin Michaels.”

  That was the other downside of working in a close-knit team. It was like a fucking high school. “Not that it’s any of your damn business, but just for the record, there was no incident.”

  She blinked. “Sure there wasn’t.”

  No matter how hard I glowered, as usual, she didn’t seem a bit worried.

  She smiled sweetly, too sweetly. “So the rumors were true.”

  “What rumors?”

  “That you’re about to fuck her like you’re a recently released prisoner.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “If it’s true, that’s a real bad idea.”

  “Go on.” I was interested to see where her crazy line of logic would take her.

  Uncrossing her arms, her eyes flashed angrily. “You’re using her to get to Bigsby.” She leaned forward. “This is wrong. You’re mixing business with sex.”

  The reminder that I was breaking my number one rule of never mixing business with pleasure was fucking with my mind—big time. My obsession with Sin was crazy and fucking reckless, but I found myself shaken by my need to possess her.

  I shrugged. “I got this.”

  Zuri snorted. “You got this? Men. Can’t live with them. Can’t kill them,” she spit, eyeballing me. “I’ve never seen you act like this over any other woman. You always catch and release. What makes her so different?”

  To annoy her, I just stared at her.

  “Well?” she asked, perturbed by the silence, as she usually was.

  I slid her a withering glare. “This is none of your business, Zuri.”

  Zuri gave me that tight smile of hers, the one that told me she was losing her patience. “I’m making it my business, because when she finds out she’s been used like a whore, this is not going to end well—for you.” She eyed me. “Believe me, hell hath no fury like a woman fucked over.”

  I smirked. “Oh, that’s precious. You have a soft spot for Sin.”

  She blinked. “Give me a break with that bullshit. I just don’t want your johnson getting in the way of business.”

  I’m Core McKay, a billionaire, and I’m always in control.

  “Have I ever let a woman get in the way of business?” I grilled her.

  “No. And that’s what’s got me worried about this Michaels chick. I know you. You want her. If you need to work off some of that sexual energy, let me arrange for Brenda to come out to Noire tomorrow night.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “She’s been dying for you to play with her.”

  I blew out a noisy breath. Zuri knew me well, too well. I was a man with one simple vice—fucking. That was why I’d opened The McKay Club. It was my only indulgence, giving me unfettered access to beautiful women interested in uncommitted hardcore sex. But lately, I’d been bored with all of them. My body and mind craved something different.

  Sin… different.

  “No. Brenda is too damn clingy.” I ran my fingers through my hair in frustration. “I’m interested in playing with someone far more tempting.” I rubbed my chin, wondering how Sin’s dark tresses would look arranged against my pillow. My cock grew hard at the notion.

  My thoughts were interrupted by Zuri’s animated loud voice.

  “Oh God, you’ve already decided to fuck her.” Zuri splayed her fingers out in a fan against her breastbone. “Whatever.” She threw her hands up in the air. “I’m done trying to talk sense into you. I’ll just sit back and watch the fireworks when she finds out you’ve manipulated her.”

  “If it happens, I’ll deal with it.” I wasn’t worried about Sin finding out. Once I got her into my bed, she wouldn’t be leaving until I was thoroughly sated.

  Zuri inspected me with a small frown on her face, as though both disappointed and surprised by me. “Yeah, okay. You keep telling yourself that, Core.”

  The tightness in my chest bore witness to the effect Zuri’s words had on me, even though I wasn’t ready to admit it, not ev
en to myself.

  2

  Sinthia

  My muscles tightened in readiness as I slung my leather backpack over my shoulder. Then I locked my townhouse front door. Inhaling deeply through my nose and then exhaling through my mouth, I jogged down the steps toward Jade, who was leaning against her expensive red convertible.

  “There she is, my marathon-running bestie,” Jade greeted with a smirk on her face, pushing away from her car. Dramatically, her face morphed into a mask of sheer terror as she jumped up and down while pointing down the block. “Oh, shit. Run, Sin. Run. I think I see Core coming this way, and look, he’s swinging his big, bad cock.” She threw her head back in a bray of laughter.

  “Oh, shut the hell up, Jade.” I stuck up my middle finger, trying to keep a straight face but failing. “It takes so little to amuse you.” I chuckled.

  It had been a couple weeks, but Jade hadn’t let up on poking fun at me. Nope, not since I’d given her a synopsis of my embarrassing flee from Core after our rooftop foreplay session at Bigsby’s charity gala.

  “You said absolutely nothing about Core being little.” Jade wiggled her pinkie with an impish smile before pulling me in for a big hug.

  I hugged her back hard, giving her a slight squeeze at the end before pulling away. “That’s because he wasn’t.” I playfully pinched her cheek.

  “Hot damn.” Jade’s apple-green eyes widened. “Was it wrist-wide?”

  Turning away, I burst out in laughter. “All I’m saying is I swore an anaconda was pressing against my stomach.” I grinned sassily before opening the passenger door and sliding in.

  Jade laughed huskily. “You’re a naughty girl,” she stated before sauntering around to the driver’s side.

  “The naughtiest,” I quipped before slamming the door shut. Not wanting my hair to be whipped into a tangled bird’s nest from the top-down convertible, I pulled it into a ponytail.

  Jade got into the car, fastening her seat belt before turning the key and revving the engine. “Are you sure you want to do this?” she asked while pulling out of the parking space.