Faded in to You Read online

  Table of Contents

  Legal Page

  Title Page

  Book Description

  Dedication

  Trademarks Acknowledgement

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Epilogue

  New Excerpt

  About the Author

  Publisher Page

  Faded Into You

  ISBN # 978-1-78651-483-7

  ©Copyright Remmy Duchene 2016

  Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright October 2016

  Edited by Faith Bicknell-Brown

  Pride Publishing

  This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Pride Publishing.

  Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Pride Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

  The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

  Published in 2016 by Pride Publishing, Newland House, The Point, Weaver Road, Lincoln, LN6 3QN

  Pride Publishing is a subsidiary of Totally Entwined Group Limited.

  Intoxication

  FADED INTO YOU

  Remmy Duchene

  Book two in the Intoxication series

  Fighting love is futile…

  Ravinder Raja never saw himself as a jealous person, but when his best friend, Alfred, begins preparations to get married, Ravinder can’t help feeling alone. While kicking his best-man duties into high gear, he finds a job in India working as the PR rep for a wounded security company. He just wants to get away from all things ‘wedding’ until he has to face the music. He never expected Thaddeus Masterson and the way Ravinder’s body betrays him when it comes to the sexy ex-hacker.

  When he was younger, Thaddeus Masterson got into some serious trouble. But now, reformed and fresh from working with the FBI, he’s decided to go back into business for himself—legally. When a friend’s company is brought to its knees by hackers, Thaddeus packs his stuff and jets off to India. It’s the last place he expects to find love. But, as they say, love always finds a way.

  Dedication

  For So…

  Trademarks Acknowledgement

  The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

  Kindle: Amazon, Inc.

  1969 Ferrari Dino: Ferrari S.P.A.

  Acura RLX: Honda Motor Company

  Camry: Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc.

  Omen by Disclosure featuring Sam Smith:

  Sharpness: BMG Rights Management, US, LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group

  iPad: Apple, Inc.

  Twitter: Twitter, Inc.

  Instagram: Instagram, LLC

  The Antiques Roadshow: WBGH TV; PBS

  Skype: Microsoft Corporation

  Charosa Selections: Charosa Vineyards

  Coke: The Coca Cola Company

  Guinness: Guinness PLC

  Hootsuite: Hootsuite Media, Inc.

  Narnia: C.S. Lewis (PTE.) Ltd.

  Facetime: Performance Brands, Inc.

  Armani: Giorgio Armani S.p.A. Company

  Steve Harvey: Steve Harvey

  Hugo Boss: Hugo Boss

  iPhone: Apple, Inc.

  Heineken: Heineken Brouwerijen B.V.

  Molson: Molson Canada 2005

  Jaws of Life: Hurst Jaws of Life, Inc.

  Chef Morimoto: Fuji Television Network, Inc.

  Lincoln Town Car: Ford Motor Company

  University of Mumbai:

  Spanish Guitar: Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Alfred

  Oberoi: Oberoi

  Chapter One

  The gym was empty first thing in the morning, and that was precisely how Ravinder Raja liked it. He hated having guys stare at him when he worked out, some even whistling. The distraction drove him nuts, even with the music on. He got there just after six and was one of only two people there. After spending an hour running on the treadmill and half an hour on weights, he used thirty minutes in the sauna. A quick shower later, he got dressed in his suit and went to the office. Working PR for a small firm gave him little wiggle room to go back home for a proper shower and shave.

  His day melted by and when it ended, all he wanted to do was go to sleep. From one media appearance that went sideways to a bunch of files that got corrupted—he just couldn’t deal. But he had plans with Lana, so he couldn’t flake. He walked into his condo and found Lana sitting in the middle of his bed reading her Kindle.

  “Good evening, lover,” she teased. “I didn’t make dinner because we’re going out. I’m craving Bessie’s.”

  Ravinder kissed her nose before setting his laptop and gym bags on the floor then flopping on the bed beside her. “I could use a juicy burger myself.”

  “Long day?”

  “You would not believe the day I’ve had.” Ravinder sighed. “Went to do an interview down at the station. They broadsided me with my boss’ criminal history…”

  “Say what, now?”

  “Oh, yeah.” Ravinder sat up. “Apparently, Dossier was up on charges of possession when he was nineteen, but it went ‘poof’! The reporter wanted me to tell the public how that happened.”

  “Shit.”

  “I was mortified and pissed off. I could not believe Dossier wouldn’t have told me that.”

  Lana set her e-reader down. “So, how’d you handle it?”

  “Avoidance. Just told them he was a child then, and that whole deal is something he’s moved on from, so I would not be going into it.”

  “Good man!”

  Ravinder rose and walked over to his dresser to remove his necklace and watch. “Hardly. Then I went back to the office and tore a strip off his ass. I wanted to make sure there was nothing else that would fucking jump out at me.”

  “What’d he say?”

  “Said there was nothing else. I don’t know, Lana. I can’t stay at that company. It’s a good job and it pays well, but I can’t keep working for a man who expects me to bring business to him then hides things he knows the media will find that could hurt said business.”

  “You think he’s lying about something else?”

  Ravinder turned and rested his hands akimbo. He rolled his shoulders and sighed. “Yes. No. I don’t know. But one thing’s for sure, I hate working with someone I can’t trust and who refuses to trust me.”

  While Lana went back to her book, he took a shower, washed his hair, then shaved. He got dressed in a simple pair of black slacks and a dark blue dress shirt then looked at himself in the mirror before walking out to show Lana. She approved with two thumbs up and a grin.

  By the time they made it out on the streets again, it was dark outside. They stopped by Bessie’s for a burger and fri
es then proceeded to wander the shopping malls until they were closed. Ravinder didn’t really need anything but he wound up with a couple of new pairs of boxers and a shirt. After which, they made a detour out of Bathsheba for ice cream. By the time they got to the nightclub, Fun, the long line outside told them they’d gotten there late.

  “Hey! Ravinder!” the bouncer called.

  “Did you sleep with him?” Lana whispered.

  “No.”

  “Feng told me you were coming.” The man shook Ravinder’s hand. “Come on in.”

  Ravinder exchanged looks with Lana but didn’t complain. It was better than standing in that line for only God knew how long. He thanked the bouncer and escorted Lana inside. But the club wasn’t as much fun as the name suggested. The DJ was horrendous, playing songs that caused the dance floor to have just your typical twinks trying to shake their asses. After about an hour, Lana pulled in close to speak in his ear.

  “We should go,” she said.

  He agreed and led her outside. Since she wore heels, he left her by the doors to get the car. When he returned, Lana was trying to get away from some guy who was way too close. Ravinder frowned.

  “The lady said no,” he said, pushing his body between Lana and the drunken fool.

  “You were in a gay club, so you’re obviously not her boyfriend,” the guy slurred. “Get to walking, Ghandi.”

  When the man reached around Ravinder, trying to grab Lana’s arm, Ravinder reeled back and punched him square in the face. He then stood over the man and glared down at him. “That’s where you’re wrong. Unlike Ghandi, I will fuck you up.”

  Lana pulled his arm and Ravinder reluctantly walked away without kicking the fool in the ribs.

  “What are parents teaching their kids these days?” Ravinder muttered. “Why are men such colossal assholes?”

  “Don’t say men—you, Feng and Darius have been nothing but awesome to me,” Lana said. “But there’s always that one asshat who ruins it for everyone.”

  “Amen to that.”

  Ravinder took Lana home. He ensured she got into her building then waited until she texted him before he drove off. Lana and Feng were the closest he had to family and he always wanted to make sure they were safe. By the time he arrived home, it was just about one in the morning and, without checking Facebook or the company’s Google Ads numbers, he climbed right into bed. The next day was going to be a long-assed one. It should be something he was looking forward to—more wedding plans with Feng—but he just didn’t feel excited.

  * * * *

  Ravinder pulled the collar of his coat together and zipped it up. He then wrapped his thick infinity scarf around his neck and pulled his hat on. After sliding his hands into his gloves, he grabbed his keys. With a quick glance in the mirror, he locked the door to his condo then jogged down the hall to the elevator.

  The building was all new to him. It was so new that sometimes at night, if he wasn’t paying attention, Ravinder would drive by the place and stop in front of his old apartment. In those moments, all he could do was shake his head, whisper a small prayer of thanks to anyone listening and make a U-turn to his actual home. Never in a million years had he thought he’d be able to buy a condo in his twenties in such a wonderful building, but after he’d graduated and worked for a year, he was able to save up enough for the down payment. He still had a mortgage on it, but the lovely one-bedroom condo was all his.

  Humming, he let himself into the underground garage and headed straight for his car. Sure, it wasn’t a 1969 Ferrari Dino like he’d always dreamed of, but the new-to-him Acura RLX suited him just perfectly. He’d bought it from a man whose marriage had failed and he’d had to sell the vehicle and give his wife half of everything. Ravinder had felt bad for him but that was life—right? Even as he slipped into the leather seat and closed the door, Ravinder wondered again what had happened to their marriage. He was curious as to how people could go from loving each other enough to merge all their worldly belongs, to taking the wedding plunge, to fighting each other tooth and nail for things.

  Speeding through the north side of Bathsheba and crossing the center of the town pulled heavily on Ravinder’s heart. His car’s previous owner’s dilemma was swiftly shoved to the back of his mind and his own worries jumped to the forefront. Ravinder inhaled deeply and eased his foot off the gas a little once he hit the suburbs. He checked his mirrors and switched lanes to pass a tour bus. They were heading toward the mountains, which didn’t surprise him. Winters brought out the thrill seekers, the skiers and the crazies. Usually, his best friend, Alfred, would be in the midst of it all, snapping pictures of fools who chose to jump off the snow-covered mountain with snowboards strapped to their feet. But Ravinder had a boys’ evening planned with the busy photographer-slash-dancer.

  He chuckled, swung a left then a quick right before pulling into the quiet cul-de-sac Alfred lived on with his fiancé Darius Stark. As best man for Alfred at the wedding, Ravinder had duties. From picking out the location, to deciding between a band and a DJ, the wine, the flowers, the lighting—who knew so much went into a wedding? It wasn’t even a large wedding!

  Darius’ car was nowhere to be seen but Alfred’s was parked to one side of the driveway. Ravinder stopped behind the black Camry and turned off his car. For a second, he merely sat there, gripping the wheel and pressing his lips into a thin line.

  It wasn’t like he was jealous of Alfred—far from it. Alfred had been through hell, especially with his mother. But Ravinder kept feeling alone and left out. Shaking it off, Ravinder eased from the front seat, slammed the door and darted up the steps. He let himself into the large foyer and set his shoes on a leather mat by the door so the snow didn’t get all over the beautiful hardwood floor.

  “Feng!” he called Alfred by his native name. “You here?”

  “In the office!” Alfred replied.

  Taking some time, he removed his coat, hung it up then entered the office in time for Alfred to get off the phone. He waited for Alfred to scribble something on a notepad before walking around to hug him tightly.

  “So,” Alfred said, extending a bottle of water to him.

  Ravinder accepted it. It was still cold, so he assumed it was taken from the mini fridge Darius had insisted on during the massive renovation to make the house their perfect forever home.

  “You said you had news.”

  “Let’s talk about the venues first,” Ravinder said. “We had it narrowed down to three the last time. What does Darius think?”

  Alfred smiled. “He is leaving it all up to me. Apparently, he just wants to show up on the big day.”

  Ravinder swallowed a lump in his throat. He had thought he could do this, but apparently he was dead wrong. Still, he nodded and drank half the contents of the water bottle. “Well, I like the Euphoria Mansion the best,” Ravinder continued. “It was built back in the eighteen hundreds and who wouldn’t want to descend those stairs to the man they loved?”

  “That is true.” Alfred peered at his laptop before closing it and rolling his chair around to sit before Ravinder. “There’s something here. What’re you not telling me?”

  “I got a job offer. It pays more—much, much more.”

  “That’s great!” Alfred cheered. “That’s what you’ve always wanted. So why don’t you look happy?”

  “It’s in India.”

  Alfred arched an eyebrow. “India. As in Bollywood sunsets India?”

  Ravinder nodded.

  “Wow.”

  “You knew I was applying abroad. Besides, in India I can finally do some research on my birth parents.”

  “I’m proud of you. But I’m going to miss you.”

  “I haven’t accepted.”

  “Why not?”

  “I’m waiting to hear back from my potential boss if he can wait until after your wedding for me to arrive. I don’t want to leave before then. And even if I do go, the contract is only for two years.”

  Alfred took a breath and nodde
d. “Okay. We’ll get through this.”

  Ravinder smiled and hugged him. “I’ve been feeling a little strange lately,” he admitted. “Life just seems…I don’t know…like I’m swimming under water and there’s no way to get out.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “Feng, you have your wedding to think about,” Ravinder said. “You have a fiancé who thinks the sun rises and sets in you—hell, even your mother is behaving. The last thing you need is me dropping my bullshit on your doorstep.”

  “Your bull— Rav, you are never a bother to me, you know that, right?”

  “You never know with people. I want to give you and Darius time to be a couple, to do couple things. Anyway, let’s get some of this planning out of the way.”

  “Rav…”

  “I’m fine,” Ravinder said. He even managed a smile. “Once I’m in some nice sunshine with a freezing cold soda in my hand, I’ll be right as rain. You’ll see.”

  Alfred didn’t look convinced but he rose and grabbed a small book. When he sat again, he opened it and pulled a pen from the spine. “So, Jackson agreed to be one of the groomsmen.”

  “Good.”

  “Kent is Darius’ best man, so all that has been settled. We have fittings next Tuesday because you set those up for me so I didn’t have to—thank you.”

  Ravinder grinned. “My pleasure.”

  “For the cake, we have tastings on Saturday before Jackson’s dance contest. So, since you’re coming to that, I was thinking what better way to celebrate or cheer him up than with tasting cake then going out for a burger?”

  “Good man! You said burger.”

  Alfred laughed. “Your belly is going to get you in trouble.”

  “Um, you and Lana should make up your minds—it’s either my cock or my stomach.”

  “Both.”

  Ravinder made a face, causing Alfred to laugh harder.

  It took another few hours to decide on the wine before breaking for dinner at their favorite burger joint then stopping for milkshakes. It was their thing to do when life was getting a little too real for them. By the time they got home, Darius was back and joined them to have a glass of wine. After a while, they still hadn’t decided which to serve at the wedding, and Ravinder started feeling as if he was wearing out his welcome. Between Alfred’s and Darius’ stolen kisses and making eyes at each other across the table, and their gently touching each other’s hands, Ravinder could barely breathe. He hugged them and climbed back into his car.