Chapter 39
THIRTY-NINE
Isabelle
There’s something going on. I can feel it in my bones.
I could see actual fear in Lucas’ eyes when he came to wake me, and Alani was shaking all over.
What are they trying to cover up and what was the urgency to check everyone was okay?
This is the problem with Lucas; he never offers a convincing explanation.
I hear strange things aboard the vessel many times, and it’s not just the gulls screaming.
With the amount of people we have moving around, women scream all the time.
It’s nothing unusual. So, what had them both terrified?
I wanted to talk it out with Linc but the infuriating man went straight to the shower, no doubt to wash off any evidence I might find of his indiscretions.
I know he’s cheating on me and has been for a very long time.
I play along with his masquerades of being the perfect husband when he’s home with me but I know when he steps out onto the stage, he becomes a different animal.
Marriage vows no longer exist and I’ve been fooling myself all this time that he has remained faithful to me.
It’s only a matter of time before a stranger knocks on the door insisting that they’re his son or daughter.
“Okay, start yelling at me, I’m ready.” Linc steps out of the bathroom in a cloud of steam, wearing a towel around his waist. His hair is still damp from the shower and sticks to his cheeks.
He moves to the dressing table and takes out the hair dryer.
He switches it on. “Get on with it.” He smiles at me as the dryer roars.
I open my mouth. Whatever I say to him will just roll over him like water off a duck’s back.
It’s his way; life is a joke. I stare at him and the sight of him never gets old.
Tattoos cover both arms, and his chest. A golden eagle spreads its wings across his broad shoulders, but on the top of one shoulder, I see a scratch undoubtedly made by nails.
Anger bubbles up inside me as he moves the hair dryer back and forth.
His hair has been cut so expertly that it falls into the stylish shaggy look that he prefers.
I shake my head. It’s hard to believe that the cut muscular man, without one ounce of fat, standing in front of me is Lucas’ father.
He could be an older brother. I wait for him to finish.
He doesn’t need to brush his hair. He sprays something into his palms and runs his hands through his hair and then shakes his head, and it’s perfect.
He sees me looking at him, and his reflection smiles a wicked smile.
I meet his gaze. “How many women did you have sex with last night?”
“Oh, it’s the green-eyed monster again.” Linc places the hair dryer on the dressing table and turns to face me. “Or did you miss me?”
I wet my lips. “Answer the question. It’s a simple one—or did you lose count?”
“Izzy, you didn’t cheat on me once, you cheated on me for two years.
” Linc’s eyes bore into me. “You don’t have the right to ask me what I’m doing.
Not anymore. You set the rules, darlin’, and when I’m home, I sleep beside you every night.
I live two separate lives and after all this time you should know that.
What is it now? Do you want me to leave, so everyone will feel sorry for you again?
Maybe Alani can reveal what a depraved person I am and how bad I treat you?
The fans would love it and it would sell.
You do what you want, Izzy. Or maybe tell it like it really is? ”
I shake my head. “No one would believe me so I guess having you beside me at night will do—but you can’t hold an affair over my head for the rest of my life. I was lonely and you were away.”
“I might have forgiven that but finding you with him in the hot tub.” Linc dashes a hand through his hair.
“That tore my heart out and you laughed at me—laughed like it didn’t matter.
Now I crawl into your bed each night like a loyal dog because I love you—well, loved you.
I figure we’ve become bad habits. You can’t stand to see me happy and I’ll do anything to stop you alienating our kids and our friends—where are your friends, Izzy?
Oh, that’s right, you frightened them all away.
” He shakes his head. “I’m just trying to keep our family together.
Stay or go but stop accusing me of things I didn’t do or maybe I’ll start doing them. It’s your choice, Izzy. I’m over it.”
I stare at him and say nothing. He has me in the palm of his hand and he knows it.
I can’t leave. Not knowing what he’s doing would drive me insane.
He’s mine and nobody is going to have him—not now, not ever.
I head for the shower and hear him ordering breakfast. He believes he’s won again—but we’ll talk again when we get home.
I’ll get my own way. He’ll do anything to keep the peace.