After the Storm Read online

  The result was that Lainie was the most arresting strikingly beautiful girl in her group. She had been popular beyond her wildest dreams, the envy of other girls who could no longer bring themselves to be friends with a girl who provided them with so much competition. All except Ann, who simply admired Lainie's looks and didn't see her as a threat to her own future happiness.

  Lainie knew of only two people who had ever liked her for herself. Ann was one. Her fingers trailed over the picture on her dresser as she studied the fun-loving blue eyes that beamed out at her. And her father had been the other, with his smiling eyes and iron gray hair as thick and full as her own. He had been a surgeon of incomparable abilities who had been taken from them in a plane crash nearly two years ago. He had only wanted happiness for her, never desiring to trade on her success as her mother had. He had admired Rad so much and he had been so upset with Lainie when… She refused again to allow those memories back.

  Instead she hurried to the bathroom off her bedroom, forcing her mind to concentrate on the evening at hand. But the past kept returning with incredible persistence. Although Lainie's wardrobe was extensive, all her gowns seemed to be a size too large because of her recent weight loss. She knew of only one dress that would not accent her thinness, and it was pushed to the rear of the closet. Her hands trembled as she withdrew the black lace gown. It had always been Rad's favorite. She had promised herself numerous times that she would give it away or burn it, but it had remained tucked away, out of sight but never out of mind. For one brief moment she almost thrust it back before she chided herself for letting such an association prevent her from wearing the only gown that was becoming to her.

  By the time Ann and her husband had picked Lainie up, driven to the concert hall and parked, it was nearly time for the performance to start. It was nearly impossible for Lainie not to remember the times she had been in the hall before. The memories brought the familiar hollow feeling inside as the trio were escorted to their seats. Not until Voight was on stage and had started playing his second piece was Lainie able to push aside her recollections and give herself up to his music.

  The intermission came all too quickly. Yet the classically beautiful music had uplifted Lainie's spirits. Her face was more vibrantly alive than Ann had seen it in several years. Her footsteps were eager and her smile generous as she joined Ann and Adam in the exodus to the lobby. Lainie nodded easily when Ann excused herself to phone home to check on her four-year-old daughter, Cherry. The perfection of her contentment was so complete that when a shoulder jostled her roughly, Lainie turned her pardoning expression on the culprit. A blond head tilted toward her inquiringly as a slow smile spread across the handsome face.

  "Lainie," he breathed softly. "It is you!"

  "Lee!" she echoed in the same stunned voice he had used, allowing him to retain her hand in a fiercely gentle grasp. "It's been ages!"

  "You're more beautiful than I remembered." His light blue eyes traveled admiringly over her face. "Where have you been hiding? The last time I heard, you were in Colorado Springs."

  "I've only been back in Denver a short time." Lainie smiled as she studied the strong, quiet features. She couldn't help wondering how many more of her old crowd were here.

  "You've changed. There's a quietness about you that I don't recall. What happened to that sassy little girl?"

  "She's grown up, I hope," Lainie laughed as she gently withdrew her hand from his. "Tell me, how is everyone in the old crowd? I read in the paper that MaryBeth was married."

  "Most of them have never grown up," Lee Walters answered her first question. "As for MaryBeth, she's married, but she hasn't changed."

  Lainie wasn't really interested in what he was saying. She was busy gathering together her impressions of this attractive man. He hadn't really changed through the years. There was still something about his strong, silent face that lulled you into feeling safe and secure. His smile, slow and sincere, still had the irresistible charm as before. But there was nothing staid and dull about him. Lee had always been capable of being as gay and fun-loving as the rest of their group, yet in a different way.

  Since she wasn't listening closely to his words, it wasn't until he raised his hand and motioned to someone behind her that Lainie realized he intended for someone to join them.

  "My sister Carrie was just talking about you the other day. She'll be pleased to see you." Lee smiled at her. He started to speak again, but the words died on his lips as he concentrated on the people behind Lainie.

  Curiosity at his sudden silence turned her around just as his sister called out gaily, "Look who I've found, Lee!"

  Lainie was barely aware of the hush that fell over their small group or of the uncomfortable glances exchanged between Lee, his sister, and her escort. Only the fifth person claimed her attention, the tall, dark-haired man who stared back at her with arrogant coldness as he nonchalantly inhaled on his cigarette. The blood had washed away from her face and was pounding loudly in her ears. Her legs trembled beneath her as she wished hopelessly that the floor would open up and swallow her. No one seemed capable of speech. No one, that was, except the man whose eyes flicked so contemptuously over Lainie.

  "The years haven't treated you kindly," he sneered, his gaze picking out the shadows under her haunted eyes and the pallor in her cheeks. "What a pity to be robbed of your beauty so early."

  Her face flamed immediately with anger and rage. "You haven't changed, Rad. You're still a ruthless, cold-blooded male swine!"

  Dark brown eyes glittered at her ominously as the others inhaled sharply at her sudden attack. Lainie ignored them, as did Rad, while sparks continued to fly between their stares. The smoke from his cigarette no longer veiled his face from her and Lainie, studied it challengingly. It wasn't a handsome face, because the features looked as if they had been carved with a blunt chisel. The line of his mouth was cruel and the set of his jaw and chin was uncompromising. His expression was unchanging, truly leading one to think it had been carved in stone. Yet the full potency of his masculine virility was visible, making Rad compellingly attractive.

  "Your tongue is as sharp as it ever was," he mused. The apathetic tone of his voice made his gibe hurt more, but Lainie didn't have an opportunity to comment. "What are you doing here?"

  She drew herself up so that all five foot eight inches of her in heels was standing rigidly in front of him. "I wasn't aware this was a private concert for your benefit only."

  There was a certain satisfaction in seeing his nostrils flare in anger at her sarcastic retort. "You know very well I didn't mean that." His voice was threateningly soft.

  "My parents-" Lainie halted and corrected herself "-my mother lives here, or had you forgotten?"

  "I…I heard about your father's death." There was no sympathy in Rad's voice and his mouth twisted cynically. "My father died recently, too."

  That was news to Lainie. She had always admired Rad's father. "I'm sorry, I didn't know." Her sincere condolence was impulsive, but he immediately made her regret it.

  "There's a bitter touch of irony in knowing the only thing they lived for was to see their grandchildren born." Rad's lips curled scornfully at her. "A desire you didn't want to have happen."

  The vicious slur took her breath away and encased her chest in tight, constricting steel bands. "You're an unbelievably cruel man." Lainie couldn't stop her voice from trembling violently.

  "Because I wanted a son and you wanted more good times?" Rad sneered.

  Lainie turned away, unable to endure any more of his twisting the knife in her heart. Carrie Walters moved toward her, reaching out with her hand to touch Lainie's arm.

  "I didn't know you were with Lee," she said softly with the utmost sympathy.

  Lainie smiled and nodded, still feeling Rad's censorious eyes on her back. "It's all right," she said after she had found her voice. "My friends will be looking for me. I'd better get back."

  "I heard your mother was ill," said Carrie. "I do hope she's bette
r."

  "She's doing quite well." Lainie glanced up at the blond-haired man in front of her, his gaze reaching out to silently reassure her. "It was nice seeing you again, Lee."

  But before Lainie could excuse herself from them, a hand imprisoned her arm and she was staring again into Rad's cold face.

  "Is that why you're back? I heard your father made a lot of bad investments. His estate must have been in shambles. Did you hope to get money from me to take care of your mother?"

  The arrogant sarcasm in his face repulsed Lainie. She raised her hand and with all the force she could muster slapped his face. "I'd sell myself in the streets before I'd ask you for anything!"

  His rage exploded around her like a volcano and his violent grip made her a part of the upheaval. Fear coursed through her as Lainie realized just how successful she had been at riling him. This was not the first time she had glimpsed this savage side to him, but it was still terrifying.

  "MacLeod!" Lee's hand restrained Rad's arm. "MacLeod, let her go."

  Lainie watched the clenching of his jaw as Rad slowly regained control of his anger. His chest rose and fell with rapidity even though the dark fires in his eyes slowly returned to their impassive blankness. Slowly he released her arms, stepping back to straighten his tie and adjust the jacket of his black evening suit. Her heart was still beating erratically as Rad moved slowly away from the group. His gaze passed haughtily over each of them, daring them to reproach his actions, before moving with unruffled composure out of sight.

  From the corner of her eye Lainie saw Lee turning toward her, his expression plainly that of one about to champion her cause. Her head shook from side to side, seeing the expressions of pity in the eyes of the crowd of spectators. The tears that had been faithfully waiting now sprang into her eyes as she covered her mouth to muffle the choking sobs. Her flight to the powder room went unchecked. The few who might have chosen to follow her were halted by the announcement that the intermission was over and the performance was to begin again. Only the maid saw the full torment of Lainie's pain.

  Her mind screamed again the agonizing and bitter words they had exchanged, bringing more wrenching sobs born from her heart. Lainie wasn't even aware of Ann entering the room and cradling her in her arms. Not until the spasms of pain were reduced to choking sobs did Ann attempt to find out what had happened.

  "Rad. He's here." Lainie turned her red eyes to the face of her anxious friend. "During the intermission … Oh, God…" Fresh sobs broke out while Ann patted her arm comfortingly. "He was so… so frankly cruel. The things we s-said Ann, I … I can't stay here. I've got to go home."

  Her fingers clutched Ann tightly. She was ashamed of her childish outburst, but the heartbreaking agony of the last minutes had robbed her of the little pride she had left.

  "I'll get a taxi." Lainie straightened up, wiping the tears from her eyes and attempting to get control of her emotions, "There's no need for you and Adam to leave."

  "Don't be ridiculous." Ann smiled. "Adam can get the car and will meet us outside in five minutes. The concert wasn't that good anyway."

  "Ann… " Lainie sought for words to express her gratitude.

  "Sssh! I'll be back."

  Ann must have explained the situation to Adam, because when Ann returned to accompany Lainie to the car he shrugged off Lainie's apologies with an understanding glance. And Lainie smiled back at the man with curly fair hair and twinkling blue eyes.

  "I don't know what I did to deserve friends like you," Lainie sighed, leaning back exhaustedly in the front seat between Ann and Adam.

  "Probably because you married a man like Rad MacLeod," Adam replied, his now stern gaze watching the glaring headlights of the traffic ahead of them.

  "I thought after being separated from him for five years that I would have forgotten all the bitterness and misery." Pain dug deep furrows into her forehead. "But we couldn't even greet each other as two civilized human beings."

  "I imagine Sondra viewed the whole scene with her usual perverted satisfaction," Ann commented grimly.

  "Sondra?" A vivid picture of Rad's titian-haired secretary leaped in focus in her mind's eye. Lainie stiffened, trying to study her friend in the dim interior of the car. "Was…was she there?"

  "I saw her in the lobby as I was phoning home." Lainie could tell that Ann didn't relish admitting that Sondra had been at the concert, especially since it was so obvious that Lainie hadn't known it. "I guessed that Rad must have been there and I could only hope you wouldn't see them."

  "Poor Rad." Lainie laughed with incredible bitterness. "He deserves her."

  A heavy silence weighed uncomfortably on the trio as the full impact of the disastrous evening settled over them. It seemed right to Lainie that they were shuttered in the dark interior of the car with the impersonal world of streetlights and neon signs outside. It was a struggle to emerge from her cocoon of darkness when Adam finally halted the car in front of her house.

  "I'm sure Nurse Forsythe wouldn't mind staying overnight," Ann suggested gently, "if… if you don't feel up to staying with your mother."

  "No." Lainie knew she would be sleeping anyway. "It won't be necessary."

  "Would you like Ann to stay with you tonight?" Adam offered with generosity so characteristic of them both.

  "I'd rather be alone." She shook her head sideways and thanked them again for their kindness and understanding before hurrying into the house to let the nurse know they were waiting outside to take her home.

  THE SLEEPING DRAFT had performed its task and her mother was sleeping peacefully when Lainie settled in the lounge chair in her mother's bedroom. It wasn't necessary for her to sit with her, but Lainie knew the bed in the adjoining room had looked too lonely to occupy. At least in the chair she wouldn't have to make a pretense of trying to sleep. Lainie gazed up at the ceiling, letting her memory bring back all that she had been trying to forget.

  It was six years ago that she had first met Rad MacLeod at an impromptu gathering after a theater play. Rad had arrived at her friend's house to discuss business with her parents. Lainie remembered whirling out of the room wearing a long flowing gown and stopping abruptly as she saw him standing in the entry hall. There had been something breathtaking about the way he had eyed her, his look flattering and sensual. Minutes later she had cornered Andrea, the daughter of the people Rad had come to see, managed to discover exactly who he was and that his firm was constructing a large industrial plant for Andrea's parents in Oklahoma, and had persuaded Andrea to invite him to their gathering.

  Still, Lainie had been slightly surprised when he joined them later. It was obvious from the beginning that he didn't fit in with the fun-loving group. He possessed such self-assurance that he seemed to look on their antics with amusement. The ones in the group that Lainie had been dating suddenly appeared as little boys beside this confident specimen of male virility. Lainie had been startled to discover that his eyes were openly mocking her attempts to flirt with him, as if she were playing an immature game.

  "I don't care for this particular kind of entertainment," Rad had said, his gaze critically examining her face and figure with embarrassing thoroughness. "I want to be with you and you want to be with me. May I take you home?"

  An exhilarating shiver of fear had raced through her as Lainie had briefly considered her sports car parked in the driveway before she had thrown caution to the wind and agreed to accompany him.

  There had followed a week of dinner engagements, phone calls, and nightclub dates, and also her first embrace, which shattered Lainie's illusion that she knew how to kiss. Her bones had turned to marshmallows and Rad's fiery touch had roasted her clear through. It was as if she had been stripped of all her morals and she had become his to command. Lainie had known that their lovemaking in the following four weeks had been completely controlled by Rad. Her love for him was completely irrevocable and without boundaries.

  When she was apart from him she had been ashamed at the abandonment with which she
had responded to him while she raced to be in his arms again. She could never forget that rapturous night when he had finally proposed to her. They were sitting in the car in front of her house, and Lainie was trying to get control of her senses after Rad had firmly set her away from him. She had known the unsatisfactory feeling of not being fulfilled, and her hazel eyes had looked at him pleadingly. As usual he looked completely unmoved, except for that one betraying cord on the side of his neck that she had come to love because it always revealed that he desired her, too.

  "You're either going to have to become my wife or my mistress, Lainie." His dark eyes had gleamed at her through the darkness. "I think I would prefer you as the mother of my children."

  At the time, it hadn't bothered her that Rad didn't say he loved her, and she had responded with all the enthusiasm and relief that had been bottled up for weeks. Looking back, Lainie knew he had almost appeared amused at her excitement, but her parents' reactions had been divided. Her father had taken one look at the blissfully happy look in her eyes and given his blessing. Although her mother didn't object to the engagement, she did express her doubts.

  "Lainie, darling," she had said, exhibiting a vast amount of parental concern, "you've just turned twenty. Rad MacLeod is eleven years older than you. That isn't a great difference, I know, but he's so much more experienced than you."

  "Oh, mother, what can that possibly matter?" Lainie had laughed gaily.

  "He's a man driven by ambition. He's accustomed to giving orders, to controlling the lives of the people who work for his firm. Dominating others is second nature to him. See how he's already twisting you to fit in with his plans. Whoever heard of a wedding taking place only two weeks after the engagement? It just isn't done."