She gave herself a mental shake - remember, no negativity.
Positive thoughts were the rule of the day.
And today was a happy day.
She'd have fun even if it killed her.
And talking of fun.
'I told you we'd arrive in plenty of time.' Coco sent Louise a slitty-eyed-butter-wouldn't-melt look.
Her best friend slid the look right back. 'You're fortunate no police were lurking,' she retorted, not bothering to hide her annoyance. 'You've two speeds, stop and bat-out-of-hell. It was sheer luck you didn't ding either the Bentley or the Ferrari the way you shoe-horned your car into that space.'
Wearing a sheath the colour of fresh straw, Louise was a skinny blonde with legs up to her armpits and today looked as if she'd stepped right out of the pages of a glossy magazine. Her heart-shaped face with deep green eyes, porcelain skin, had a wide mouth and a no nonsense chin.
It was bad of Coco, but she couldn't resist digging Ms Cranky Pants with a pointy stick.
'Can't wait to paaaartaay,' she sang, and did a little shoulder shimmy.
Sure enough determined green eyes flashed into hers.
'You're not well enough to party. I'm driving back and if I see you looking pale and interesting I'll set Bronte on you. She doesn't take crap from anyone, even you.'
Now Coco gave her big eyes.
'I'm feeling fine, mummy. No shortness of breath. No pain. I'm good to go.'
'Big words, Monroe. Don't forget I was there when the doctor told you to take it easy. A punctured lung is not an ingrown toenail.'
Coco conceded she had a point, but the first real freedom she'd had in months to just drive without being shadowed by bodyguards had gone to her head.
She grinned, remembering Louise's wail as the hot red Audi Spyder had whipped through the gates of Ludlow Hall.
About to respond Coco stopped dead, went stiff.
The hairs on the back of her neck tingled. It was as if a gentle fingertip whispered down the sensitive skin.
She knew that tingle.
And that tingle made her scowl.
Louise blinked. 'What's up?'
'Trouble,' Coco said with a throaty growl.
Very slowly she turned around.
And sure enough right at the back of the Chapel was one Lord of the Realm and all round pain-in-the-ass, Rafael Cavendish.
Their eyes met.
His dark gaze struck her like a blow.
Since she'd felt that impact many times before it never failed to annoy.
And boy, the way that gaze seared her ovaries, it more than annoyed her now.
His morning dress suit in pale grey was bespoke and hugged shoulders that might have belonged to a linebacker. The crisp cotton shirt was so white against a healthy glowing skin it hurt the eye. He wore the suit like the armour of a warrior of old.
And he was a warrior, she reminded herself.
Since Rafe had left the military two years ago, he'd run operations and security for Monroe Industries. Slipping right into the trusted position of her father's right-hand man. Mr Trouble Shooter himself.
The way those dark eyes flicked to Louise, gave a brief nod of hello before returning to Coco, popped annoyance up another click.
For the life of her she could not understand the little dance of excitement skittering up her spine.
Then the way his dark, dark eyes took a stroll from the fascinator on her head, down her silk dress, the way they lingered possessively on her small breasts and back to her face made her eyes narrow into slits.
As the face of Coco cosmetics she had lots of attractive men look at her, desire her.
Plenty.
And she knew how to handle them too.
Dream on, Rafael.
Something must have shown in her face because that long mouth with the full bottom lip twitched as if trying very hard not to smile.
Her brother Ethan moved to his side, said something in his ear.
Rafael responded, but the way his eyes never left hers had a shiver run over her skin.
'Might've known they'd been invited,' Louise said in a tone of utter disgust.
Dragging her eyes from Rafe's, Coco took a deep cleansing breath.
'They went to school with Alexander. It's a free country. We can avoid them if we want to.'
'Still not speaking to Ethan?'
Coco's chin rose. 'Nope.'
'It's been a week. Don't you think you're being a little bit childish?'
Not many people got away with talking to Coco Monroe in that tone. They'd been friends since that very first day at kindergarten. After years of education in the same establishments Louise was more than her best friend, more than a sister. They worked together, played together and were a strong team. Honesty was a big part of what made them tick and Coco knew Louise wasn't being nasty or bitchy. She was simply stating the facts as she saw them.
'He voted to keep me off the board,' Coco reminded her.
'Ethan will always back your father's decision. It's his company, therefore his rules.'
Angry betrayal burned too hot in her belly, in her heart. 'Yeah? Well, I'm a Monroe too. I've a right to be there. I've the qualifications, the experience. All I'm missing is a penis.'
Since she'd heard it all and more before, Louise simply nodded.
'What happened to you scared us, Coco. But it's been hardest of all on your father. He needs to wrap you up in cotton wool. He'll come around eventually. He always does. You just need to give him time.'
Louise was right.
Her father always gave in but never without a fight to the death.
Although father and daughter clashed the love and respect they had for one another usually managed to overcome all disagreements. Over the years they'd learned to compromise. But since the night she'd been attacked her father had become completely unreasonable. He brooked no argument or defiance. His word was law and that was that. No debate. No discussion. She had her place and by God she would stay there.
Coco had no intention of doing any such thing.
And she was sick and tired not only of the battle but of the war.
Sick and tired of having to emotionally prepare for every little skirmish with her larger than life parent. She was tired of fighting for her independence, for her very soul.
Her life now was split into two distinct parts, before the night she'd been assaulted and after.
When her father found out what she'd recently been up to he'd never forgive her for keeping him in the dark, but it couldn't be helped. She had a life outside of Monroe Industries, a life outside of Coco cosmetics. A life she was desperate to embrace.
Since she'd sent her letter of resignation five days ago, she'd heard nothing. And that was typical of how her parent played mind games. But the truth was that by resigning in sheer temper after their show down she'd hurt him. A steel band of anxiety, of regret, meant her stomach muscles were now burning tangled ropes. She pressed the flat of her hand against her midsection. And recognised the ache for what is was, the driving, desperate need to please her father - an unattainable goal.
From outside the Chapel the sound of happy laughs, cell phones and camera flash brought her back to her surroundings.
This was neither the time nor the place for these thoughts or this discussion.
The Chapel was almost empty.
Coco hung back deciding to wait until the official photographer was finished.
She was more than aware that anyone rubber necking the wedding might be distracted if Coco Monroe was among the guests and started snapping. Today was about Rosie and Alexander. She didn't want anyone selling photos of their special day to the tabloids.
Being the only daughter of one of the richest men in the country meant the paparazzi had always been an issue. Add in social networks and camera phones, and these days her life was not her own. She might bitterly resent the intrusion at times, but since there was nothing Coco could do about it she'd learned to live with it.
Lo
uise slung an arm around her shoulder and gave her a hug.
'It's not too late to change your mind.'
Coco shook her head. 'No way. I'd never forgive myself if anything happened to...'
Louise bit down hard on her bottom lip as anxiety entered her green eyes.
'I know. But if we get caught...'
'We won't,' Coco told her with absolute certainty. 'We can't stand by and do nothing.'
Now Louise nodded. 'I know. But I'll sleep better once it's all over.'
Coco's eyes met hers.
'You and me both.'
End of Chapter One - 'The Trouble With Coco Monroe
Contact the Author:
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Paranormal Romance Books by CC MacKenzie
The Vampyre Legal Chronicles
Big Trouble in China - Book 1: Marcus
Dirty Little Secrets - Book 2: James
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Dedication
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For Hugo
Who's given me plenty of Reckless Nights over the years. Love you.
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Acknowledgements
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I am deeply, deeply indebted to the following for their help and support:
My husband, Hugo - for tolerating the crazy woman and for cooking, shopping, being a domestic God and stepping up to the plate (no pun intended) with the technical stuff.
Critique partners; Cynthia M Bristow, Cathy Lennon and Joanna Terrero - your talent and unconditional support has been awesome. You guys seriously rock!
To my beta readers, Lynne, Sue and Mags.
Last but definitely not least to Jane Wenham-Jones who was the first published writer and 'how to' guru to tell me I was a writer.
Thank you.
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