Reawakened Secrets Read online

  Reawakened Secrets

  Copyright © 2015 by Mari Denae

  Published by Mari Denae, 2015

  Cover Designed by Okay Creations

  Photo: © Tomasz Zienkiewics Photography

  Formatting by: Champagne Formats

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system, copied in any form or by any means, without the written permission from the author except by a reviewer who may quote brief passage for review purposes.

  This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to any person, living or dead, any place, events or occurrences, is purely coincidental. The characters and plot are created from the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

  Except for the original material written by the author, all songs, song titles and lyrics mentioned in this novel are the property of the respective songwriters and copyright holders. They are in no way affiliated with this work of fiction.

  This book contains adult language and sexual situations. It is intended for readers 18 years and older.

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Synopsis

  Dedication

  11 Years Ago

  1. THE AWAKENING

  2. THE REUNION

  3. The Betrayal

  4. THE COURTSHIP

  5. THE PREPARATION

  6. THE PARTY

  7. THE CONFESSION

  Coming Soon . . .

  Reawakened Secrets Playlist

  Thank You

  Some secrets should never be kept . . .

  Growing up in the servants’ quarters at Haven Hill, Claire Brown was a poor outcast, living in a world of money and privilege. Her only solace was best friend, Alice Sinclair, and secret desire, Jackson Montgomery. Rich and connected, they were perfect in every way and perfect for each other.

  Still, Claire was foolish enough to fall in love with Jackson, and desperate enough to hide it. When Alice found out, there was a terrible accident that left her in a coma. Jackson disappeared, leaving New Haven without even saying good-bye.

  Ten years later, Claire has managed to build a life without them. So when Jackson calls out of nowhere to say Alice is awake, Claire’s first thought is Thank God. Her second? I’m screwed. Lusting after Jackson destroyed her. It’s nothing compared to what she’s hiding now.

  But nothing stays hidden forever.

  Reawakened Secrets is part one of Jackson and Claire’s story.

  Part 2, Reawakened Sins and Part 3, Reawakened Seduction will be released within the next few months. Please sign up for Mari Denae’s Newsletter at booksbymaridenae.com, to be the first to get information on deals, teasers, excerpts, bonus scenes and release dates. Or connect with the author on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads or her website, booksbymaridenae.com.

  IT WAS SUPPOSED to be a lazy day at the lake with my two best friends. Technically, Jackson and Alice were my only friends, but they were still the best. Never eager to swim in muddy water or melt in sweltering heat, Alice had bailed at the last minute. Whatever, one last perfect day with Jackson before school started wasn’t a hardship. Alice had a permanent place in my heart, but Jackson owned the other half. Now, if only I could relax and find my way back to the effortless happiness I used to feel around him.

  I adjusted my bikini to make sure everything was covered. Before I left my room in the staff’s quarters at Haven Hill, I had examined every inch of exposed skin in my full-length mirror. My boobs could stand to be a little bigger, but they filled out the cups of my top just fine. My legs were long and lean, and my stomach was flat. My ass may have been a little too round to be completely contained in the bottoms, but since I had no plans to be a supermodel anytime soon, I was okay with that. I pulled on a pair of cutoff shorts and walked outside to meet Jackson. I was actually feeling good about myself, but then it all changed.

  The smile Jackson usually greeted me with disappeared. His eyes traveled down my body and slowly back up again before he frowned. I’d been a self-conscious mess ever since. Shit, as soon as Alice cancelled, I knew the bikini was a mistake, but my other swimsuit didn’t fit anymore.

  “Is something wrong, Jackson? Alice told you she wasn’t coming, right?”

  “No, I mean yeah,” he said, looking away. “Come on, let’s go.” His voice was low and rough, like the words had been dragged from his lips.

  Furtive glances passed back and forth while we walked to the lake in uncomfortable silence. Tension, more stifling than the heat, wafted between us. I knew it was my fault somehow, but had no idea what I’d done wrong or how to fix it. We stopped at the edge of the water to remove our shoes and extra clothes. I looked up to see Jackson’s gaze fixed on me, and my heart jerked to a pounding pace. He took a step toward me. Uncertainty forced me to step back.

  “Jackson?”

  “Time to get wet,” he said, hoisting me in his arms and launching me into the middle of the lake.

  I shrieked, not quite able to hold my breath before being submerged in mud and slime. When I broke the surface, sputtering for air, Jackson’s innocent laughter filled me with a sense of peace. My friend was back and the crazy vibes from our walk in the twilight zone were gone.

  I gave him my best glare and warned, “It’s on!”

  Spent from hours of attacks and counterattacks in the lake, Jackson and I lay on the grass under a magnolia tree. His hands were behind his head, and his eyes were closed. If I kept looking at the snug fit of his board shorts or the ridges of his bare chest I would burst into flames. What I wouldn’t give to know what he sees when he looks at me.

  Not one to tolerate silence for long, I cleared my throat. “I can’t believe summer is over. It’s back to school on Monday, Jack.”

  Holding his hand up as a shield against the sun filtering through the branches, he turned his head and gave his first real smile of the day. “Yeah, it went by fast. Are you ready for your senior year, brainiac?”

  “Don’t give me shit just because I’m smarter than you, jerk.”

  He laughed softly and said, “I wouldn’t dream of it. I’m really proud of you, nerd.”

  Wow, Jackson was proud of me. I couldn’t help but smile too. I had actually managed to get enough credits to be a senior and graduate a year early.

  “I can’t believe this is it. Ten more months and I’ll be done with this crap forever. I would never have survived a whole year at school without you and Alice.”

  Jackson rolled over until we were side by side. I looked up into his smoldering turquoise eyes, and my breath lodged in my chest.

  “Claire, if anyone bothers you, you have to tell me.”

  He had proven more than once how willing he was to fight the futile battle of defending my honor, but I wanted our senior year to be different. Besides, poor people, especially the fatherless daughter of Alice Sinclair’s nanny, had no honor as far as anyone at New Haven Academy was concerned. But, poor had never been a synonym for worthless, whore to Jackson.

  “Jack . . .”

  “I mean it.”

  “I know, but you can’t protect me all the time.”

  “Maybe, but you can’t stop me from trying. I won’t let anyone hurt you. You know they’re all just jealous, right?”

  God, why did he always have to be so sweet . . . and irresistible . . . and clueless?

  “Yeah, right,” I sighed. “Being poor, white trash is in now. All the rich kids are doing it.”

  Gripping my arm, Jackson leaned toward me. “Don’t ever fucking say that again, Claire. You’re a hundred times better than any of the idiots who go to our school. Everyone knows it but you.”

  Shocked, I pulled away and pushed myself up on my elbows. Unwilling
to continue this conversation, especially with him, I tried to laugh it off.

  “Oh, yeah, I’m awesome,” I said. I stood and headed for the edge of the lake.

  Jackson wrapped his arms around me before I was able to get too far. Even though sweat trickled down my back, having his bare chest pressed against my breasts gave me chills. Goose bumps pricked across every inch of my skin.

  “Where do you think you’re going?” he whispered. His breath fluttered across my face, making me shiver.

  “What are you doing, Jackson?”

  “Say it again,” he demanded.

  “Say what?”

  “Say, ‘I’m awesome.’ And sound like you mean it, or you don’t want to know what I’m going to do to you.”

  “You’re awesome.” I giggled.

  “You want to be funny, huh?” He gripped my hair in his hands and pulled until I had no choice but to stare directly into his eyes. “Last chance, Claire. Say it or suffer the consequences.”

  “No way, jerk, and you can’t make me.” I pushed against him, but he only held me closer. Heat tingled down my spine, and I started to struggle in earnest. Our legs got tangled, and before I knew it, I was falling, still wrapped in his arms.

  Jackson twisted to take the brunt of the fall, and I landed squarely on top of him. Before I could blink, he rolled and trapped me beneath his weight. We were both gasping for air, as if we’d been running around the lake instead of rolling around the edge of it. I was painfully aware of the hard planes of his chest making my already puckered nipples harder. I was equally enthralled with the firm, muscled thigh wedged at the perfect angle to ignite a raging, melting fire between my legs. Paralyzed, I was unable to do anything but stare back at his eyes peering so intently into mine. I lay there willing my body to stay still, but there was no way he could miss the seismic tremors rattling through me.

  Jackson pulled his arms from beneath my back and rose up on his elbows. His eyes held me captive as he slowly traced his thumb along the curve of my jaw. He pressed his forehead to mine and placed a soft kiss on the corner of my mouth before he released a small groan. “Claire,” he said, before moving his hands lower. When they were on either side of my rib cage, he began to tickle me. I yelped and bucked against his torture. “Say it. You’re awesome.”

  “I’m awesome!” I shrieked.

  “Are you sure?” He continued to tickle as I writhed beneath him.

  “Yes, yes!” I shouted. “I’m awesome.”

  “Good,” he said, resting his hands on each side of my ribcage, just under my breasts. “Now, say you’re beautiful.”

  “Jack, please, don’t play like that.”

  His grip tightened, and he shifted closer. “I’m not. You are beautiful, and I want to hear you say it.”

  The way he was looking at me, I could almost believe he meant it. “I’m beautiful,” I whispered.

  “Damned right you are,” he said before slowly rising off me. He reached down to help me up but didn’t let go.

  My hand trembled in his. I was burning up, but no longer because of the sun. Oh, God, Claire, don’t make a fool of yourself. He’ll end up with Alice where he belongs, and you’ll not only be broken-hearted, but friendless as well.

  “Jack, maybe it’s time to head back.” I tried to pull my hand away, but his hold tightened.

  “Claire, you know how much you mean to me, don’t you?”

  “Of course,” I said. “You and Alice are my best friends.”

  Jackson’s mouth twisted, and his chest expanded with a deep breath. He stared down at me for several seconds, as if attempting to work something out in his head before his lips finally lifted into a smile.

  “Come on, one more swim before we leave, and I’ll let you go . . . for now. In fact, let’s race to the other side of the lake.”

  “You’re on, loser,” I said, giving my hand another tug. He let go this time, his fingers sliding over mine, leaving me with a strange sense of loss when he finally pulled away. To cover my confusion, I turned and sprinted to the water without waiting for him to say, “Go.” I laughed as he shouted behind me.

  “Claire!”

  It had damn near been a perfect day. Maybe I wouldn’t have been so quick to run away if I’d known it would really be our last one.

  IT WAS MY first day off in weeks, and I decided to celebrate with spring cleaning. I slid on a tattered pair of sweats and a t-shirt and went in search of supplies. I turned on the radio and started singing along with the ridiculous lyrics.

  “Womanizer, womanizer, oh!”

  Inexplicably happy, I danced around the house. Doing my best impression of a brunette Britney Spears, I dusted the knickknacks. This is the life a twenty-seven-year-old is supposed to have, I thought, moving on to scrub the patio windows. Enjoy it while you can. Tomorrow, it’s back to reality. The phone rang, and I rushed to turn down the radio. Still breathless from my workout, I answered the phone.

  “Brown residence. You’re interrupting my day off, so make it good.”

  “Claire?”

  It had been ten years, but I knew the sound of his voice instantly. It washed over me, robbing me of what little breath I had left. My chest constricted, as though I had fallen—hard, knocking the wind out of me. I pressed my hand there, curling my fingers into the fabric of my shirt and pulled in an unsteady breath to speak. But no sound could work its way through the constricting lump in my throat.

  “Claire, are you there? It’s Jackson . . . Jackson Montgomery.”

  Taking a shaky breath, I clutched the phone tighter. “Yeah,” I managed to squeak.

  “I’m sorry for calling you this way,” his honeyed voice continued. “It’s about Alice.”

  I sank into the nearest chair, afraid my wobbling knees would send me crashing to the floor. My insides turned into a churning jumble of panic and dread.

  “Jack, please, tell me she’s okay,” I whispered.

  “Don’t worry, it’s good news. Alice is awake. Now that she’s recovering, the only thing she’s asked for is you.”

  Limp with relief, I slumped into the chair, my heart pounding against my ribs. He waited for a response, but I struggled just to process his words.

  “I know it’s a shock after all this time, but she’s asking for you,” Jackson persisted. He could have just as easily been telling me the sky was blue. It filled me with irrational hatred, despair and absolute humiliation. How dare he sound so calm and sure while my world was crumbling around me. “And Claire, she, uh . . . doesn’t remember anything.”

  I choked out a few gasps of air. “Where is she?” I managed to force through the stranglehold of emotions closing my throat and burning my eyes.

  I raced down the familiar interstate toward Yale-New Haven Hospital, my mind racing, my body quivering. I was on auto-pilot, speeding ahead without really seeing my surroundings. I don’t know when I began to doubt I would see Alice again, but even the strongest resolve can waver over time. My hands gripped the steering wheel, as hot waves of guilt overwhelmed me. There was no escaping its insurmountable weight—partly from my lack of faith, but mostly because my best friend had spent ten years in a coma because of me.

  I felt like a ping pong ball; my emotions smacked from one side of the table to the other: joy—smack—trepidation—smack—euphoria—smack. However, the one emotion careening to the forefront was fear. Of course, happiness mingled with my fear. Alice was finally awake. But, much too late, I realized the day I’d dreamed of was also the one I should have dreaded the most. I had prayed for Alice’s recovery, but failed to think about what would happen next. I never planned on Jackson coming home either. There was no way I could hide my secrets from either one of them for long. My unintended reprieve was over.

  Finally, I arrived at the hospital and made my way to the elevator. I tried to concentrate only on Alice—impossible. I struggled against the tears that welled in my eyes and wondered who was this pathetic person I’d become in less than thirty minutes? I’m
a surgeon, for crying out loud . . . well, almost. I dealt with life-and-death situations all the time. Nevertheless, my heart continued to pound at the thought of seeing him again.

  Now was not the time to lose my shit. The naïve, infatuated kid I used to be stopped existing a long time ago, thanks in no small part to Jackson Montgomery and my own recklessness. The elevator came to a smooth stop, and I stared at the number illuminated over the doors as they slid open. I took a long, deep breath and stepped out into the hallway.

  My heart slowed to a steady beat when I realized she was alone. Disappointment, not the expected relief, flowed through me. My eyes filled again, and shame rooted me in place, much too far away from the person I had rushed to see. Alice’s fragile frame lay unnaturally still in the oversized hospital bed. It was really her. I soaked in the beauty of her face. Waves of silvery blonde hair fanned her pillow. Her delicate cheekbones were more prominent in the sunken cheeks. The slight bow of her lips curved into a smile while she slept. Thick brown lashes framed her eyelids in stark contrast to her pale, translucent skin. She looked very much the same, just a frailer version of the girl I used to know.

  Alice, my savior, my lifeline, was finally home. I couldn’t remember a time before she had been a part of my life. Her mother had died just before her second birthday, so my mom became more or less a surrogate to her as the nanny. We lived on her family’s estate grounds in the staff quarters of Haven Hill. Alice and I had spent most of our time together.

  Unable to think of one without the other, my mind drifted to Jackson. I must have been four years old the first time he came to visit Alice. We were playing hide-and-seek in the Haven Hill rose garden. I couldn’t take my eyes off him. I had never seen anyone so beautiful. Well, maybe except for Alice.

  “Who’s that?” I had whispered to Alice as my mother led him to us. I was afraid to voice my curiosity too loudly.

  “Oh, that’s just Jackson,” she replied. “I’m gonna marry him one day.” She smiled.