Finding Lilly

By Gail Ford

Lilly Jones is wondering what happened to her life. She is happily married to Nikko, successful in her career in a law office and enjoying the San Diego city lifestyle. But one night changes everything. Without warning her life becomes a prison of fear and violence, with more than just her own life in danger.
When Will O’Kane rides to his mailbox in a race against severe storms and flooding, he is not expecting to find a pregnant girl unconscious beside the road. Saving her life in the isolation of the Arizona desert leads him to love, and he draws her into his world.
Can Lilly overcome the fear of her past and return the love of a man so different from the one she left behind? Finding the answers to her husband’s secret life is the key to her survival, but is she strong enough to trust again?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gail Ford
• Release date: Nov 17, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311370822

Gail Ford

Born and bred in Sydney, Gail studied as a nurse and midwife and currently lives with her family in the suburbs. A long term passion for reading and romance saw her start writing full time.She published her first novel online in 2015 and enjoys the challenge of writing her own stories after enjoying so many other authors. Whilst she has only published one book so far, she has written three others and has ideas for many more.When Gail isn't writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and four children, reading romance and crime fiction novels, drinking coffee and watching the NFL.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

She listened to him groan and stretch, felt him rise to head for the bathroom. Even through closed lids she knew it was still dark. Better that way. Lie still and pretend; calm, even breathing, face passive, still asleep. The last few weeks it was always dark when he left for work. In those rare moments of clarity, she wondered if this was on purpose, so that he could hide from last night’s damage. He would not choose to see the evidence of his violence.

Her breath came slowly, in and out, as she fought down the nausea, blocking out the fear as it threatened to engulf her. There would be time to suffer later, after he was gone. Soon enough she would face another day with her head over the toilet bowl, retching up her breakfast, fighting the pain from his fists, the terrible violation.

Trying to settle her thoughts, she heard the water turn off in the bathroom. She mustn’t allow him to see. Protection of her life was all that mattered, trying to avoid the anger and hatred tearing them apart. This man, this stranger who lived in her house, was always watching. Who was he, where was the man she’d loved? The world they shared was a prison to her. The walls had closed in that night.

As a shaft of early light struck the framed photograph on the bedside table, her eyes were drawn to its brightness. In that almost forgotten past there was joy and beauty; two people on their wedding day, smiling at the camera on the happiest day of their lives. They looked to be the perfect couple, one so tall and dark and strong, the other so fair and petite. Glowing out of the frame, they started forward on the journey of marriage together, forever joined.

She clenched her fists and looked away. The thick gold of her wedding ring dug deep and cold into her fingers. Tugging the bedclothes higher over her thin shoulders, she allowed herself one small sigh for the life she’d lost.

CHAPTER 1

Nikko Brescio jogged quickly to the edge of the kerb to catch the pedestrian lights before the green man turned red, feeling the surge of adrenalin deep inside him. God he loved this city. San Diego was beautiful, with its sun and warmth and that wonderful view of the Bay. Everywhere you looked there were high heels and short skirts. He could feel the uncomfortable tightness of the tie around his neck, but it was worth it. In his immaculately cut business suit he was a part of the action.

As he passed by, two beautiful long-legged blondes turned to smile and stare, but this morning he barely noticed. His Italian ancestry gave him the athletic build and colouring which turned heads, and women had stared at him for as long as he remembered. After all, he liked to use what nature had given him. There was a mop of curly, dark hair flopping over his forehead above the flashing dark eyes, and both contributed to the charm which he’d worked with all his life.

Even his first teacher at school had succumbed, and he’d always been a fast learner. Many a time his mother had chastised him for his sass, but his confidence was unquenchable. Georgio Brescio had often frowned in disapproval, but Nikko knew his father was a soft touch when it came to discipline.

Nikko was twenty-six and his mother had been dead for many years, but he remembered her as if the heart attack had taken her only yesterday. A born Italian matriarch in every way, Anne Marie had poured her boundless energy into her husband and children. She hardly troubled the measuring tape to five foot but she made up for lack of size with an enormous heart. Grinning to himself, he could almost hear her voice. Why did God choose to fill my house with all this testosterone?

By the time he was twelve, Nikko topped her in height, and he still carried fond memories of when she caught him misbehaving. She would always sit him down first, he wasn’t sure if it was to make him seem shorter or her to seem taller. That strong right hand would grip his chin so she could look him straight in the eye, and his gut would shrivel up inside.

After she died at the early age of forty-eight, Nikko’s father had struggled to fill the massive hole left in the family home. It was hardest on Nikko as the youngest of three brothers and he had run wild throughout his teenage years, despite his father’s best efforts to be both father and mother to his boys.

Watching the morning sun rising over his home town, Nikko shook off the memories still vivid in his mind. He brushed his hair back impatiently as a quick gust of wind whipped it forward, and pushed open the glass door of the coffee shop. Little Italy was quiet at this early hour, but the popular café was half full with its regular breakfast crowd. Sitting just off the street, the dark wooden tables gleamed in the lamplight and the shiny coffee machine gurgled above the hum of conversation. Nikko’s eyes searched quickly, stopping with relief at the sight of the girl in the corner with her head bent over her papers.

Nikko continued to be surprised at his own reticence as he thought back over the previous two months. Always a creature of habit, he’d been coming to Bernini’s for his early breakfast for several years, enjoying the company of the friends he’d known since childhood, some of whom had worked there. The Italian community was tight around India Street. People knew each other, and the restaurants and bars in the area were generally full of familiar faces. After finishing school, Nikko had gone on to college with many of them. Education was important and prized, and none of his peers were allowed to forget it. Playing on the weekends with family and friends was fine, but during the week you worked hard.

Relaxing with a good coffee was the way he liked to start his day. It was a morning ritual before the short trolley ride into the city to work. His father’s importing business was not far away in Harbour Street, but the heart of Little Italy was strongest here. Belonging mattered to him; he loved feeling part of something. His ancestors had fished the Bay, and he had cousins living close by who still found their living on the water.

Nikko had first noticed the girl because she had stood out in the sea of dark heads. Her hair was thick and white-blonde, falling unchecked down her back to her waist in a shining curtain. Somehow it managed to catch the light no matter what the weather. She was obviously unconcerned at her cultural difference. Leaning her chin on one fist, she studied the laptop in front of her.

He wondered what she was thinking, as she eased back and lifted her coffee cup. When he sat down at a table nearby he could see the slight frown on her face. A folder of papers sat in a neat pile at her elbow and she rifled through them until the frown relaxed. He watched her, fascinated, until she suddenly turned her head as if sensing his gaze.

There was no mistaking the thrill he felt race through him as the startling green eyes looked into his, before she quickly looked away. Her face was beautiful, all creamy skin and smooth throat above the crisp white shirt and dark suit. How badly he wanted to touch that perfect cheek, to feel its softness under his hand. She was tiny and slim, a wisp of a fairy. Even though she was sitting down, he could see that the high heels she’d kicked off on the floor below the table would do little to bring her to average height.

Hoping she would look at him again, he watched her surreptitiously over the top of his cup, but she did not turn. He fancied there was a slight blush on her cheeks after she had stared at him, and enjoyed the quick bump of his pulse at the idea. After half an hour she glanced at her watch, gathered up her folders and laptop and packed them into her bag before heading to the counter to pay.

Watching as the waiter smiled at her and counted out her change, he was surprised by the unaccustomed pang of jealousy which struck him. If only those small white teeth and soft full lips were turned in his direction. He felt sad as she walked away, and his eyes followed her down the street, fighting the urge to chase after her like some crazy stalker.

Every day it continued and he almost came to hate the weekends. He was there and she was there, and he searched desperately for a reason to approach her. He had studied some law subjects in his degree at university and had decided she was a lawyer. Snooping on her work as he walked past, he was becoming familiar with the pages she scanned each morning. Always unaccompanied, she sat with only the steam rising from her cappuccino for company. She read or flicked through notes on the computer, hardly aware of the people around her.

It frustrated him to admire her focus and concentration. He fantasised and practised with opening conversation lines in his head but nothing ever seemed appropriate, and he was always worried he might scare her off. Maybe, he thought, because women weren’t usually receptive to approaches from strange men.

Talking with women was something he was good at, or he thought he was, but for some reason in this case he hesitated. Some part of him perhaps knew that this time it was more important. It mattered more.

What if she stopped coming here? She might move or lose her job and go somewhere else. Today had to be the day. Feeling like a teenage schoolboy on a first date, he ordered his breakfast and tried to control his nervous and excited stomach. She was sitting at her usual table in the corner and glanced up as he passed to sit near the window two tables away.

He was suddenly convinced that she was aware of him by the quick scrutiny of those green eyes before she lowered her head. It’s now or never, he decided, taking a deep breath.

Excuse me. May I buy you another coffee?

The blonde head lifted and tilted slightly to one side as she looked at him. She smiled slowly and he was stunned again by the beauty of her face.

You aren’t trying to pick me up are you?

He grinned as the relief flooded through him. Well, probably, but I’ve been plucking up the courage for months, so I was hoping you might cut me some slack.

My mother always told me not to talk to strangers.

Perhaps if you let me introduce myself, then I won’t be a stranger.

He held out a hand. Nikko Brescio, twenty-six of suburban San Diego who studied Marketing at California University, works for his father’s company in the city and eats breakfast of a muffin and coffee every morning at Bernini’s in India Street before his trolley leaves.

As she shook his hand the laughter lit her eyes. Pleased to meet you, Nikko. Why don’t you sit down? I’m Lilly Jones, aged twenty-three, also of suburban San Diego, lawyer from Arizona State University, working for a firm in the city. I take one sugar in my cappuccino before work.

Do you have sugar in all your coffees?

Dimples flashing, she smiled at him. No, only once a day to start me off.

He smiled back. I just thought it was something I ought to know.

Settling more comfortably in her chair, she leaned back and closed the laptop. Why do you always eat here?

So you have noticed. He grinned at the blush colouring her face. You might also have noticed that everyone around here looks like me. He tugged at the dark curls on the top of his head.

Unlike you, he added, reaching across the table to touch a strand of blonde hair.

He was pleased to note that she didn’t pull away, but simply raised an eyebrow before folding her arms across her chest.

What can I say? I like good coffee. I didn’t know there was a law against being blonde in India Street.

He kept a straight face and looked at her seriously. Well, being a lawyer, I suppose you’d know. Anyway, if there were, I would need to have it changed for you.

Enjoying the flirting, he found himself laughing as she glared back at him. Don’t you just love conversation tennis? It’s your turn. The ball’s on your side of the net now.

She pouted her lips slightly as she looked at him. Do you like tennis?

Not particularly. Actually I prefer soccer.

She nodded. Italian heritage, she said sagely.

Ouch, I think I’m being stereotyped.

He was delighted as the dimples appeared again in her cheeks. I think that one was probably your fault.

They were interrupted by the waiter with the breakfast and two coffees. As he left, Tony winked at Nikko and clapped him on the shoulder.

Lilly picked up her cup for a sip. Does everyone here know you?

He shrugged. I’ve been around here all my life. Most of the houses are full of furniture bought from my Dad’s business and all the older families know each other. Italian communities are really close.

As he spoke, she was gazing off into the distance and he touched her hand cautiously when he finished. Her eyes came back to him and she smiled apologetically.

Sorry, I was just thinking how different it is being me.

Do you have family around here?

She shook her head. Actually I don’t have any family at all. I’m an only child and both my parents died a few years ago. The closest thing I have is my boss and his wife. They kind of adopt me now and then as one of their kids for Christmas and special occasions.

His eyes roamed her face, noting the flash of sadness.

That must be hard for you, he said quietly.

I tell you what, his grin came quickly, I will lend you some relatives. I have hundreds to spare; I won’t miss them at all.

Laughing at his attempt to cheer her up, she twirled a lock of hair around her finger. You’re too kind. Just don’t mention the blonde hair and we’ll hope they don’t notice.

She finished her coffee and glanced at her watch. I really need to go or I’ll be late for work. Thank you for the coffee.

Don’t worry about the check, I’ll take care of it, he said as they stood up. By the way, do you eat as well as drink coffee?

Most of the time. Why?

I was hoping you might have dinner with me tonight. His dark eyes watched her as she stared back at him and considered.

Do you mean like a date?

I promise to be on my best first-date behaviour. How about we have Chinese food and see a movie? He couldn’t believe he was holding his breath as she debated with herself.

Taking him by surprise, she smiled suddenly, and he exhaled with relief. That would be nice, but you have to promise to use chopsticks. I want to see if you can step out of your Italian skin.

Deal, he grinned. Can I meet you after you finish work? It’ll save time and I won’t have to wait so long to see you again.

Momentarily speechless, she kept her head down as she fumbled for a pen and paper to write the address. Something about this man was almost magnetic and it was safer to hide before those piercing dark eyes totally ruined her composure. The way he looked at her made her feel flustered, and she wasn’t usually flustered around men. Maybe she was slightly worried by the idea of a darkened movie theatre, but she would just have to hope he kept his promise of good behaviour. When he had touched her hair she’d been amazed at the sudden racing of her heart. Hopefully he hadn’t noticed.

Nikko watched her walk away as he handed over his card for the check. Excitement was jumping around inside him and he was having trouble keeping the smile off his face. Tony and his father behind the counter teased him unmercifully and he was glad she was out of earshot. He didn’t need their input to notice the beauty of her face and the shape of her figure. She was appealingly slight in build, but perfectly shaped.

For some reason the tailored business suits she wore really inflamed his interest. Tucking his wallet in his back pocket, he crossed his fingers mentally and hoped the day passed quickly. More importantly he hoped he wasn’t imagining the mutual attraction between them. Something about this felt special and he wanted to grab it with both hands.

CHAPTER 2

Lilly fought hard to concentrate on her work as the day inched along. She hoped Mr Morris was too busy to notice when her thoughts kept drifting away. Keith Morris was a tolerant boss, kind and supportive to all his staff, but he did expect conscientious work in return.

Unfortunately, today Lilly didn’t feel he was getting his money’s worth in terms of her ultimate concentration. Every time she looked at her work, a six foot tall Italian with springy dark hair and expressive eyes kept appearing in her mind. Blinking her eyes at regular intervals to try to clear him away made her feel utterly ridiculous. I’m lonely and it’s been too long since I’ve been on a date, she thought with a sigh. At least she hoped that was all it was.

Lilly’s assistant had been watching her out of the corner of her eye for most of the morning and finally decided she could stand it no longer. Redheaded and curvy, Alice had a lively personality to match her extravagant looks. She always spoke her mind and was not about to back away from curiosity today. Folding her arms across her chest, she stopped in front of Lilly’s desk.

Hello, Earth to Lilly. Are you okay? You seem a bit distracted.

Lilly mentally shook herself and grinned sheepishly. Sorry Alice, it’s just that I have a date tonight and I’m really nervous about it.

Hooray, Alice cheered. It’s about time you jumped into the dating pool again. Half the guys here would be happy to oblige, so I’m glad you finally agreed. Which one is it? Is it the cute blond on the floor below? I know he fancies you.

Lilly shook her head. No, actually it’s no-one from around here. I met him at breakfast this morning. He bought me a coffee.

Alice looked surprised. That doesn’t sound like you, Miss Conservative. Come on, keep it rolling, I need details.

Well, I know it sounds crazy but we both have breakfast at the same place and he said he has been plucking up the courage to talk to me for months.

Patting her heart, Alice gave an exaggerated sigh. That’s so romantic. I hope he knows how lucky he is.

You’re very good for my ego, you know, Lilly laughed. He only met me today. I just don’t like going out with heaps of random guys, I’m careful. It’s alright for you, you’re happily married and don’t have to go through that anymore. I’ve had some really lousy dates that I’d rather forget.

Yeah, I know. I remember the mechanic with the spiky hair who fixed your car. But you’re missing out on all the fun. How are you going to find someone gorgeous if you don’t go out looking? You work so hard and you should have someone to take care of you.

As well as Miss Conservative I am also Miss Independent. I can take care of myself; I don’t need a man to do that. She lifted her right arm and flexed her biceps.

Alice laughed. I know, but it feels good all the same. Independence can sometimes be overrated, she warned.

Smiling broadly, Lilly handed across a pile of letters ready for posting. You never know, maybe this guy will be the one to sweep me off my feet. Even as she said it she felt a slight tingle down her spine. She told herself firmly not to be stupid, but that bubble of anticipation would not quite go away.

Lilly may have been surprised to know how closely Nikko’s thoughts mirrored hers. Spending the morning in business meetings with various clients he’d tried to keep his mind on the job, but it was an effort.

After so many weeks of watching Lilly over breakfast it was hard to believe