Perfect Liar: A Dark Romance Thriller (Beautiful Ashes Book 1) Read online

  I still can’t reach Hunter, so I gather my things and prepare to go home. Mason asked me to take the rest of the day off.

  I bump into Jacob outside my door.

  “Were you coming to see me?”

  “Yeah,” he says with his sleek signature smile that tips only one corner of his mouth and crinkles his eyes at the corners. “I wanted to stop by before I get dragged into court again. Another messy divorce.”

  “Okay. Did you want something? I’m actually headed home right now. I’m taking the rest of the day off.”

  “You deserve it.” He reaches out to touch my arm, but changes his mind and drops his hand. I had told him months ago to keep his hands to himself. Especially now that I’m a married woman.

  I tip my head to one side. “So, what did you come to speak to me about?”

  “I wanted to congratulate you again. You really knocked it out of the park today. It was a shame I wasn’t there in person to watch you succeed. I arrived too late.”

  “You were there in spirit.”

  “I always believed in you, you know.”

  “I do know.” I pause. “Thank you.”

  “I was also wondering if you would have lunch with me. I thought we could celebrate.”

  “Business or pleasure?” I avert my gaze, my stomach twisting with discomfort. “Jacob, if it doesn’t have anything to do with work, I can’t. You know that.”

  He pushes his hands into his pockets. “It is work-related. We’ll be celebrating your promotion.”

  I shake my head. “It’s really kind of you, but I’m sorry. I really can’t...not today. I need to get home to catch up on sleep. I didn’t get much rest last night.”

  He raises his hand, his face suddenly serious. “No details, please.”

  Heat floods my cheeks. “Don’t worry, you won’t get any.” I give him a small wave and walk away.

  When I arrive home, I’m surprised that Hunter still hasn’t called me. It’s been over an hour since we left court and the news of Jolene’s innocence is all over the news.

  It doesn’t matter, I tell myself. He’s probably stuck in meetings. I’ll see him tonight anyway.

  I pour myself a bath, drink another glass of champagne, and force myself to not do anything. That’s hard for me since I’m usually always working. But today my body and mind desperately need to unwind. Jolene Abrahams’s case had taken a lot from me.

  There were several times that Hunter complained when I came to bed too late. But he understood how important the case was to me. At least now I have something to show for it. All the hard work was worth it.

  After my bath, I call Hunter again. This time he picks up.

  “Hey, husband. I’ve been trying to reach you. The trial is over, finally. And we won. It’s all over the news.”

  There’s a short pause on the other end. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I was caught up in meetings most of the day. Sorry I didn’t call.”

  “Don’t worry about it. I know you’re proud of me.”

  “Yes, of course. Congrats, baby,” he says in an odd, yet gentle tone.

  “Thanks.” I smile. “Well, I’m home right now. I left the office early so I can relax before your event. Maybe you could come home early so we can celebrate.”

  “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I barely have time to breathe right now. As you know, we have audits and it’s quite stressful at the moment. But I’ll see you tonight. I can’t wait.”

  My shoulders sink, but I force a smile. “It’s fine. I understand.” As disappointed as I am, I have to be understanding since he’s been so supportive of my much more demanding job.

  But sometimes I wonder whether there will be a time when we’re both less busy at the same time and we can relax. Once the papers are signed, I’ll officially be partner at the firm and I’ll probably be expected to work more.

  I make a mental note to suggest to Hunter that we should go away for a weekend. I need to make more time for him. I feel guilty sometimes that he does more to nurture our marriage than I do.

  “Are you coming home before you head to the event?” I walk back into the room, my head wrapped in a towel.

  “No, I’ll take a shower at the office and go straight there.” He pauses. “I’m proud of you, baby. I’ll see you later.”

  “See you.” I hang up and lie on the bed, my eyes closed, a twinge of disappointment squeezing my heart. I kind of expected him to be more excited about my success in court today. But maybe he’s stressed out with the audits. There will be plenty of time later to celebrate. And I’ll make sure we celebrate in the most perfect way.

  Chapter Three

  I’ve just finished getting dressed when the phone rings. Hunter’s name flashes on the screen.

  For a split second I wonder whether he’s decided to stay longer at the office. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind it if he decides that we should skip the event. After a long nap, my body is still heavy with exhaustion.

  “Are you already there?” I ask, picking up a brush.

  “At the event? No. I’ll pick you up in five minutes. It would be nice if we go together.”

  “You don’t have to come all this way.” I run the brush through my hair. “I know how busy you were all day and the Melin Hotel is only five minutes from your office.”

  “I know. But I want to treat tonight like a date. It’s been a while since we went out, don’t you think?”

  A slow smile curves my lips. “It has been a while. I’m so sorry. I’ve been so occupied with work.”

  “Don’t worry. That murder case is now over and you will have more time for us.”

  “Yeah.” I swallow hard and sit on the stool in front of the mirror.” It’s going to be a challenge juggling my married life and the time I have to put in at work to prove to Mason that they made the right decision in making me partner. Both my work and my marriage are equally important to me, but what if one of them ends up being neglected?

  “I’ll be waiting outside,” Hunter says. “Once you’re ready, come out.”

  “So you’re picking me up the traditional way?” I get to my feet, take one last look in the mirror, then grab my crystal-encrusted clutch purse from the bed.

  “That’s exactly what I’m doing. We’re celebrating our anniversary, remember?”

  I was hoping he’d say we are celebrating my success in the courtroom. But it’s flattering for him to consider us more important than any job-related success.

  “I won’t be long.” As soon as I hang up, I notice lights flashing outside. I move to the window to see a limo pulling into the drive. He’s already here.

  After fixing my hair into a simple updo and smoothing down my black silk evening dress, I grab the house keys, then I walk out of the room and take the elevator to the living room.

  I’ve never been one for big houses, but after we got married, Hunter’s wedding present to me was our six-bedroom European-style villa. It’s stunning, with an indoor pool, tennis court, and even a movie theater.

  It’s way too big for two people, but it’s perfect for entertaining, even though we don’t do much of that. Hunter hates having people over. It’s always a long discussion when I decide to host a dinner at our place.

  I keep telling myself that I’d be grateful for the space when we have kids.

  At the moment, I still can’t imagine fitting children into our already busy lives, but I try not to think that far ahead. It does help that Hunter is not pressuring me.

  My priority right now should be to figure out how to make more time for my husband before I can bring children into this world. They would require even more of my time. But career women all over the world still manage to raise kids. When the time comes, I’ll be fine.

  As soon as I walk out of the house, Hunter lowers the window and gives me a low whistle.

  Tim, a driver we only use on special occasions, gets out of the limo and opens the door for me.

  Inside, I’m met by the scent of flowers and champagne.

 
; “Hey, beautiful.” Hunter hands me a bouquet of peach and white roses. “You look stunning, as usual. I love how your blue eyes go so well with that dress. They look like jewels tonight.” He studies me appreciatively.

  “Stop pretending you don’t want to take this dress off.”

  Hunter slides his bottom lip between his teeth. “You’re right. I definitely want to do that. It’s going to be one night of torture.”

  He leans forward and gives me a long, deep kiss that makes my stomach swirl.

  “Thanks for the flowers.” I lower my nose to the blooms and inhale their sweet scent. “They’re beautiful.”

  “You are beautiful.” Hunter takes my hand and weaves his fingers through mine. “And I’m so proud of you. I’m proud of us. We’ve had six months of heaven and I cannot wait for the next six.”

  “Months?” I frown. “And here I was, thinking you plan to spend years with me.”

  “You know what I mean, baby.” He leans forward to tell Tim to start the car.

  “Of course I do.” I pause. “Are you looking forward to your event?”

  “You know I don’t like parties. So, no. But it does help to have you there.” Hunter never goes to parties unless he absolutely has to, and usually it’s only when they’re related to work. I often have to force him out of the house when I want him to meet my friends.

  “We don’t have to stay long. We can continue our own little party in our bedroom.” On my way home from the office, I stopped by a lingerie boutique to get myself a sexy little number that I plan on using to seduce him tonight.

  “I love the sound of that.” He traces a circle on the top of my hand. “I can’t wait.”

  I also can’t wait. I gaze out of the window, watching the city lights blinking on and off. It all looks so magical tonight. I feel as though I’m in some kind of fairytale world, even though I’m not a fairytale kind of girl. But being with my husband and having everything I’ve ever wanted in my life makes me incredibly happy.

  I had planned on telling Hunter about my promotion once we get back home, but I’m finding myself unable to hold back. My heart is bursting with so much excitement it’s impossible to keep it to myself.

  I turn away from the window and look at him. He needs to know. He needs to know why I feel so good.

  I lean into him and whisper. “There’s something else we need to celebrate.” I’m unable to control the grin on my face. “Remember when I told you that the Jolene Abrahams case could change my career?”

  “I do.” He narrows his eyes. “Has something happened?”

  “Yes. My dream has finally come true, Hunter. I’m now a partner at Denzel and Company.”

  “Bloody hell.” His narrowed eyes widen. “Is that true?”

  I nod, blinking back tears. “I did it. This is it. This is everything I have wanted.”

  Hunter is quiet for a long time, staring at me with wide, brown eyes.

  “Are you okay? You’re happy for me, aren’t you?” I dip my head to the side.

  “Of course, of course I am.” He shakes his head. “I’m surprised, that’s all.”

  “Well, I’m kind of offended by that.” I chew the corner of my lip. “You know how hard I worked. This promotion didn’t fall into my lap.”

  “Baby, that’s not what I mean. Of course you did. No one deserves this more than you do.” He pulls me close, then kisses my neck. “You are amazing. And we will celebrate this in an extra special way. I promise.”

  I giggle as I tilt my head back and enjoy the sensation of his warm lips trailing across my skin. “But you do realize that this is not the right time or place, right? We’re almost at the hotel.”

  He groans and pulls away. “Yes, unfortunately we have to wait.”

  Not long after, we pull up in front of the Melin Hotel and step out of the limousine into the balmy night air.

  “Let’s go inside.” Hunter encircles my waist with his arm, his hand resting comfortably on my hip. I sigh with contentment. No man has ever made me feel as safe as he does. With him by my side, I feel as though nothing in the world can touch me.

  Inside the ballroom, his colleagues, show up one by one to greet him. But as usual, no one stays long.

  My husband is not the most approachable person, and he always seems to keep a distance from people who are not me, even his colleagues.

  At first I found it strange that he doesn’t seem to have any friends, but when he opened up to me about his childhood, it all made sense.

  In college and high school, he had been bullied so often to the point that he attempted suicide, thinking it was the only way out. Even more devastating, Hunter’s father took his own life when Hunter was fifteen. It was a tragedy that his mother was unable to cope with and she died of a heart attack soon after.

  After everything he went through, Hunter often told me that the fact that he was able to fall in love with me and get married was a miracle since he had been incapable of getting too close to any woman, or anyone else for that matter.

  Maybe his pain is one of the reasons why I agreed to marry him so soon after we started dating. Maybe it was my way of protecting him from the world somehow.

  Hunter and I make our way to our table and settle into our seats.

  The event is not as lively as I had hoped it would be. Speeches and donations are made, music is played, and champagne is poured, but as the evening drags by, my head starts to ache from all the noise.

  Before dessert is served, my headache reaches such a peak that I lean into Hunter. “Baby, I’m not feeling well. I’m sorry, but do you think I could go home?” There’s no way I would do this to him if I weren’t in so much agony. My head feels like it’s about to explode.

  “Are you okay?” He places a hand on my forehead. “You’re burning hot.”

  “I have a headache.” I massage my temple.

  “Why didn’t you say so before? I would have insisted you stay home.”

  “I didn’t have a headache when we arrived. I guess I’m still exhausted.”

  He sucks in a breath. “Of course, you are. Go home and get some rest.” He pauses. “Do you mind if I stay. It’s just that it’s a work thing and—”

  “Of course. I’ll be fine. I’ll send Tim to come back for you.” I kiss him on the lips and get up way too fast. A wave of dizziness sweeps through me and I grab the edge of the table to keep myself from falling.

  Hunter gets to his feet and puts an arm around me. “I’ve got you.” He guides me out of the ballroom.

  As I slide into the backseat of the limo, I’m secretly hoping he would call it a night as well and come home with me. Dinner has been served and everything has already been said and done that was important. I don’t think he needs to stay if he doesn’t want to.

  “I won’t stay too long,” he says, kissing my cheek. “I’ll see you at home.” He taps the top of the limo and slams the door shut.

  I lean my head back and close my eyes all the way home.

  “Thank you, Tim,” I say when he opens the door for me.

  “Have a good evening, Mrs. Tyler.”

  As soon as I get into the house, I swallow down a painkiller and head straight to bed, too weak and tired to even get undressed.

  Chapter Four

  I wake up from a deep sleep, disoriented but no longer in pain. The first thing I do is turn to Hunter’s side of the bed. He’s not there, and the sheets are cool to the touch.

  My body is heavy as I pull it to a sitting position and reach for my phone. It’s 3 A.M. Did the event go on for that long? Even if it did, I find it hard to believe that Hunter would stay till the end.

  I drag myself out of bed, still wearing my evening dress, and walk barefoot to his office on the other end of the hall. No sign of him there either. The masculine black and white room is empty and the air seems to be undisturbed.

  I search the rest of the house with no success. Confused and trying not to be worried, I return to our bedroom to call him. The call goes to voi
cemail. Why did he switch off his phone?

  I drop my phone on the bed and sit on the edge. With each breath, a nudge of panic blooms in my chest.

  Don’t be ridiculous, Bree. He’s fine.

  I don’t even understand why the first thought that comes to my mind is that he might be hurt or worse. But that’s just me.

  Every time someone doesn’t arrive where they should be at a certain time, my first thought is that they are involved in a car accident, a plane crash, or attacked by someone dangerous. Those fears started when my father was killed in a car crash one year after I went to law school.

  I clasp my sweaty hands in my lap and squeeze my eyes shut, my eyeballs hurting from remnants of pain left behind by the headache.

  Finally, I get up and go downstairs for something to drink. I pour myself a glass of pineapple juice and sit down at the kitchen island.

  One hand is holding the cold glass of juice and the other has my phone. I sip my drink as I wait for it to ring. It stays silent.

  I try calling Hunter several more times, but the phone is still switched off. Now I’m really finding it hard not to panic. But I force myself to keep it together.

  Instead of driving myself crazy with terrifying thoughts, I decide to do some work. I’ll wait for him to call me back.

  Back in the room, I change into my pajamas and climb under the sheets with my laptop to read about a new case Mason wants me to get started on. It takes me an hour to go through the basics—evidence, witnesses, and crime scene material. The entire time, I keep imagining Hunter and Tim lying in a ditch somewhere, trapped in the limo. Please, God, don’t allow my fears to materialize.

  I can’t do this. I cannot sit here and wait. I grab my phone again, but instead of calling Hunter, I call Tim. He picks up on the second ring.

  My shoulders sag with relief. He’s fine, which means they didn’t have a car accident.

  “Are you still at the Melin Hotel?”

  Silence fills the line until I repeat the question.

  “No, I’m home,” he says.

  “I don’t understand. You didn’t bring Hunter home.”

  “He told me to go home.” Tim clears his throat. “He said he didn’t need me.”