Breathless (Seven Brides Seven Brothers Pelican Bay Book 1) Read online

Parker let out an explosive sound. “Sorry, Cadence, but this sounds ridiculous. Are you saying he forced you to break things off with me? And to marry him?” His voice rang out with disbelief.

  “I never loved my husband, Parker. I married him because of the threats he made against you and my parents. He knew from the very beginning of our marriage that I was pregnant with your child and he said he didn’t care. He would tell me over and over again how much he wanted me, how no one could get between us. I realize now I was his obsession.”

  Cadence studied Parker’s expression. She could tell he was skeptical about her story. Her heart sank. She’d waited too long to tell Parker the truth, and now he was doubting her.

  “Cadence, this makes no sense. Sure, Mason Price is a powerful, wealthy man, but what made you think he was actually capable of murder?”

  “Keith Barstow.”

  Parker frowned. “What about Keith?”

  Cadence’s mouth felt dry. She knew Parker would be sensitive about the mention of his best friend who’d perished in an automobile wreck. But there was no turning back now. She needed to forge on and lay everything out for him. Leaving out any details might impact Parker’s ability to find Logan. This wasn’t about her and Parker’s past relationship or the way she felt about him. It wasn’t about hurt feelings or wounded pride. It was about getting Logan back and making sure Parker knew what the stakes were. Because Cadence knew her son’s life was in grave danger.

  “Mason was responsible for Keith’s death.”

  Parker winced. “Why would you say that?”

  “Because it’s the truth,” she said in a firm voice, tilting her chin up

  “No!” Parker said in a raised voice. “He died in a car accident. I should know. It was my car he was driving in at the time. I’ve dealt with a world of guilt about that fact ever since. Investigators concluded he fell asleep at the wheel. It was tragic, but it was an accident.”

  Emotion rang out in Parker’s voice. Cadence knew how deeply he’d grieved his best friend’s sudden and heartbreaking death. And it didn’t surprise her to know he’d blamed himself, even though it had been a generous act to loan Keith his car.

  “Yes, Parker. Your car. Keith was killed in a single car accident with no witnesses. And because his car crashed down the embankment and exploded, there wasn’t much evidence left was there?”

  Parker’s face had a gray pallor. “I-I…are you saying he was driven off the road?”

  “That’s exactly what I’m saying.” She folded her arms across her chest to stop herself from trembling.

  “But why Keith?” Parker asked. “It makes no sense.”

  She leaned forward in her chair. “Don’t you see, Parker? Mason was trying to kill you. Keith was a mistake because he was borrowing your car that night. I’m sorry to have to lay it all out for you, but every word I’m saying is true. Mason let me know in excruciating detail how he orchestrated Keith’s death. He hired someone to run him off the road. And in doing so, he thought he was getting rid of you.”

  “He actually admitted this to you?”

  Cadence’s lips trembled. “Yes. He told me what he’d done. And he vowed to try again since he hadn’t managed to hurt you. I couldn’t allow that to happen.” She fidgeted with her fingers. “And there’s more. He made threats to harm my parents. And he told me he’d gotten rid of people in the past.” She shook her head. “I believed him. I still do.”

  Parker stood up from his seat and began pacing around the kitchen. Cadence sat and watched him, trying to decipher his intense expression.

  “What about Logan? How does he fit into all of this?”

  “He’s always known he was yours. And he hasn’t ever mistreated him, but I know the way he thinks. He views him as a part of you. For a man like Mason, that’s an insult to his manhood.” She let out a ragged sigh. She wasn’t going to get into the fine details of her marriage, which had been an absolute nightmare characterized by Mason’s absolute need to control her every move. “I finally got up the courage to divorce him after years of his controlling behavior. Needless to say, he didn’t react very well to that decision. He’s been making threats ever since. I did try and file a complaint with my local police department, but it was obvious from the start that Mason has some ties in that office. They wouldn’t even let me fill out the paperwork for a restraining order.”

  “And how did he get access to our son?” Parker’s expression resembled a storm cloud at the moment.

  “I recently went back to work and found a very reliable sitter with a daycare operating out of her house. Barbara called me at work saying Mason and some of his men came into her place and took Logan by force.” Cadence began to cry, her shoulders heaving with the effort. “It makes me sick to think of how scared Logan must have been. He’s never spent a great deal of time in Mason’s presence, so I know he didn’t understand what was happening.”

  “Where would he go? A man of his wealth could virtually disappear,” Parker mused. “Do you know all of his properties?”

  Cadence nodded. “I know some of them. Turks and Caicos. France. Martha’s Vineyard. He’s had some financial setbacks, so he’s sold quite a few in the last year or so. Something major just happened with his company involving the feds coming in and investigating him. It’s yet another reason he’s been coming undone.” She bit her lip. “His family estate is in California. My gut is telling me that’s where he is. Sonoma.”

  “Has he been in contact?” he asked, in full PI mode. Cadence knew he was asking all of these questions with a specific purpose in mind. Someone else might view his questions as a sign of his lack of emotion, but Cadence knew better. Parker felt things intensely. She knew what it meant to him to discover Logan was his son. He didn’t need to say the words out loud to her. She’d seen it reflected in his eyes the moment the realization hit him that he was a father.

  “Yes, he has,” Cadence said with a grimace. “He’s called me a few times, but not from his cell phone. I don’t recognize the phone number on the caller ID. And when I call his cell phone, he doesn’t pick up. Mason is playing a game of cat and mouse with me. I honestly don’t think he left the country because his goal is to draw me out and to get me to chase after him. I think this is all about me,” she said, frustration building up inside of her. How could someone be so twisted as to use a child as tool for revenge?

  “Do you think he could hurt Logan?” Parker asked, his chiseled features tense and strained. “I’m sorry to ask that, but it’s something we have to consider.”

  “Parker, I really don’t know the answer to that question. If you’d asked me a few months ago I would have said no, but lately he’s spiraled so completely out of control I can’t even begin to hazard a guess. I’m terrified for Logan,” she admitted, tears sliding down her face. She swiped them away, angry at herself for giving in to her emotions. She pressed her eyes closed. “Please, Lord. Keep my little angel safe from all harm.”

  Suddenly, she felt as if a hundred-pound weight was on her chest. She was finding it hard to breathe normally. Her body felt as if it was shutting down. Reaching out to Parker had felt empowering, but now the feelings of panic and desperation had returned full-force. Not knowing where her son was at this very moment made her feel as if she was going to lose every ounce of control she possessed.

  She felt Parker’s hand on her back. He’d gotten up from his chair and moved behind her. His hands were caressing her shoulders in a comforting manner. It was something he’d done in the past to soothe her. She closed her eyes and gave in to the comforting feelings Parker elicited. For this one moment she would allow herself to feel the power of being connected to Parker. It would give her the strength to carry on.

  “I know it sounds impossible, but don’t worry.” Parker’s voice was steady and sure. “Jason and I will narrow it down. I’m going to use every resource I have available to me in order to track him down. Jason and I will go find him. I promise.”

  “I’m coming with y
ou, Parker,” Cadence said. “Please. Let me help.”

  **

  I’m coming with you.

  Bold words spoken by a mother yearning for her child. Parker knew where Cadence was coming from, but he also knew it was the most impractical thing she’d ever said to him. There was no place for her in this high stakes operation.

  He shook his head. “Absolutely not, Cadence. There’s no way I can bring you with me. That’s not the way I operate when I’m in the field. It had all the earmarks of a volatile situation. Logan may very well be in harm’s way and I can’t allow both of you to be in jeopardy.”

  She tilted her chin up in a gesture of defiance. He knew it well. Whenever Cadence was about to get feisty, this is what it looked like. Almost as if on cue, she folded her arms across her chest. Pig-headed. Defiant. Major attitude. He wanted to be annoyed at her, but the truth was he’d always loved her sassy side.

  “Yes, I’m coming. I’m not budging an inch on this. Think about it, Parker. You might need me. Logan doesn’t know you. And I know Mason.” She visibly shuddered. “I know what makes him tick. Lord knows I know how his mind works, especially when he’s being vengeful.”

  Suddenly, Parker didn’t have a single reasonable objection. Cadence was right. Her presence would be invaluable.

  “You make a lot of great points,” Parker conceded. “I’m not making any promises, but it makes a lot of sense as long as we can keep you at a safe distance from Price.”

  Cadence nodded, appearing surprised by his willingness to be flexible.

  The sound of a door slamming closed followed by heavy footsteps drew both their attention toward the foyer.

  “Hey, Parker. I’m here,” Jason called out.

  “We’re in the kitchen,” Parker said in a raised voice. It suddenly dawned on him that he’d told Jason virtually nothing over the phone. His brother had no clue he’d be coming face-to-face with Cadence upon arriving at Parker’s home. Parker knew Jason well enough to know that his brother’s protective instincts would be on full display.

  “What’s going on?” Jason asked as he entered the kitchen. He stopped in his tracks as his gaze fell upon Cadence. A look of confusion was stamped on his expressive face. Jason turned toward Parker. “What is she doing here?” he spit out, anger infused in his question.

  Parker held up his hands. He understood Jason’s feelings. He’d felt the same way when he had seen her earlier this evening. But so much had changed since then. Now he knew with a deep certainty that she had only tracked him down for one pressing reason. Their son. It was way bigger than both of them.

  “Hold on, Jason. There’s a lot going on you don’t know about,” he said.

  Jason made a scoffing sound. “I’m not sure I even want to know.” He glared at Cadence. “After everything she put you through, I’m not sure why she’s sitting here at your kitchen counter.”

  Cadence’s eyes were wide. She looked incredibly uncomfortable.

  “She’s here for something that’s bigger than the both of us and our past relationship.” Parker sucked in a steadying breath. He knew he was about to rock Jason’s world with his admission. “She came here because her ex-husband kidnapped her son.”

  Jason let out a startled sound. Parker knew underneath the fierce demeanor his brother had a soft heart, especially when it came to children.

  He cast his gaze on Cadence. “I’m sorry to hear that, but it shouldn’t have anything to do with Parker.”

  Parker walked toward Jason, quickly swallowing up the distance between them. He locked gazes with his brother. “Jason. It has everything to do with me. Cadence’s son is mine. He’s a Donahue.”

  Jason’s eyes widened. He let out a shocked sound. He shook his head. “You actually believe that?”

  “I do,” Parker said in a curt voice. “I’ve seen his picture. He’s the spitting image of me. No question about it. I’m Logan’s father.”

  “Logan? Is that his name?” Jason asked. Parker nodded. He couldn’t help but smile. Despite the terrifying circumstances, he was tickled to be a father.

  “How old is he?” Jason asked, obviously still trying to piece things together. An investigator to the core, Parker knew Jason was working through all the information Parker was throwing at him.

  “He’s two-and-a-half,” Cadence said. She was looking at Jason with wide eyes. Jason’s disapproval of Cadence and the situation was bouncing off him in waves. Parker felt his protective instincts kicking into high gear, which annoyed him to no end. He wasn’t Cadence’s protector anymore. She’d lost that right a long time ago.

  “I can’t believe this!” Jason muttered, sinking down into a kitchen chair.

  Parker took several minutes to catch Jason up to speed on the circumstances of Logan’s abduction by Mason Price. Cadence didn’t say much. Parker got the impression she felt a sense of relief that he was explaining everything to Jason. From the way Jason had been glaring at her, he didn’t blame Cadence for allowing him to take the lead.

  Cadence reached for her phone and pulled up a picture of Logan. She handed it over to Jason, whose jaw dropped as he looked at the screen. “I don’t blame you for hating me, Jason. But I hope your feelings toward me won’t jeopardize your willingness to help.”

  “I’ll always have Parker’s back,” Jason said. “And Logan’s. I’ll do whatever is necessary to bring him back to you. And for the record, hate isn’t in my vocabulary.”

  A look of relief swept across Cadence’s face. “Thank you,” she said in a low voice. “I know this situation isn’t easy on anyone.”

  “Cadence, why don’t you settle in for the night?” Parker suggested. “You can bunk down in the guest bedroom. Jason and I are going to be up for a while going over things. We need to get a jump start on this right now.”

  “That’s very generous of you,” Cadence said, meeting Parker’s gaze. “I drove all the way here from Palm Beach on auto-pilot. To be honest, I wasn’t thinking of anything but Logan and getting to you as quickly as possible.” She made a tutting sound. “I didn’t think about making a hotel reservation. I don’t even have a toothbrush or a change of clothes.”

  “It’s fine,” Parker said. “I can get you what you need for tonight and we’ll deal with the rest in the morning. We’re going to do whatever is humanly possible in order to bring Logan home.”

  “Thank you,” Cadence murmured, appearing relieved.

  “You must be exhausted. Emotionally and physically,” Jason said, his voice softening.

  “Yes, I am,” Cadence acknowledged with a nod. She looked weary, and for a moment Parker felt an immense amount of sympathy for her. He couldn’t imagine how painful it must be to know your son was missing and possibly in danger. Parker knew his own feelings about fatherhood couldn’t rival Cadence’s emotions toward Logan. After all, she’d nurtured and loved him since the day he was born. Parker had a lot of catching up to do in that regard.

  No matter what Cadence had done in the past, he wouldn’t wish this pain on his worst enemy. It was written all over her face. It was agonizing. She was terrified. And hurting.

  “Let me show you upstairs,” Parker said, leading the way toward the staircase. Walking his ex-girlfriend toward his guest room was a surreal experience. Tonight was shaping up to be a strange and groundbreaking evening. Cadence had blown him away in every way imaginable. His mind was still whirling about Logan’s abduction and the fact that he was the boy’s father. He was a father! His life was now forever changed. Fatherhood was sacred.

  Please, Lord, he prayed. Allow me to use my skills to locate my son. Keep him out of harm’s way until we can get to him. Shelter him in the palm of your hand.

  Parker prayed for his son’s safety. If Mason Price had so much as looked at Logan sideways, Parker knew he wouldn’t be able to stop himself from dealing with the man using his own special brand of justice.

  “If you’re fortunate enough to find a soul mate, you should go to the ends of the earth to keep her.�
�

  Jason Donahue

  Chapter Four

  Cadence settled in for the night, weariness and exhaustion completely sapping her of her strength. Parker had provided her with an over-sized T-shirt, a brand new toothbrush and a few other toiletries. Everything was happening so quickly. It had been less than twenty-four hours since Mason had taken Logan, yet it felt like a lifetime since she’d cuddled her son in her arms or felt his hot breath against her cheek. A tear slipped down her face at the realization that she wasn’t tucking Logan into bed this evening. For all of his two-and-a-half years of life, Cadence had always been the one to put him to sleep.

  What was Logan thinking? Was he asking for her? Crying? Frightened? Was he sucking his thumb or sobbing himself to sleep? Cadence let out a cry as she realized his favorite blanket was back at their condo. Logan slept with it each and every night.

  God, please watch over my son.

  She could hear the low rumble emanating from downstairs of Parker and Jason talking. She prayed they would come across leads that would allow them to locate Logan as swiftly as possible. She’d done her best in a terrible situation to always keep her son safe. But had she done enough? She couldn’t stop herself from playing a game of what if in her mind.

  What if she’d told Parker three years ago about Mason’s threats against the people she loved and his role in Keith’s death? Would they be married right now and raising Logan together? Had her actions been incredibly foolish? Or had she done the right thing in protecting Parker? She still didn’t know the right answer to any of those questions. The only thing she knew for certain was that her motives had been pure ones. She’d acted out of love for Parker. Of that she felt certain.

  As tired as she felt, Cadence knew she needed to pray. There was nothing more reassuring than laying her burdens down before Him. She got down on her knees and crossed her hands in front of her. She began to recite a verse from Psalm 46.

  “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah.”