Always Been Mine (The Moreno Brothers)

Prologue

Valerie still couldn’t believe she’d actually stooped to spying. Even with everything Alex Moreno had put her through she was furious it had come to this. She switched the channel on the car radio and glanced at her watch, 9:45 pm. Her fingers tapped the steering wheel. With a deep breath, she stared at his empty driveway. Where the hell was he?

For as long as she’d known Alex, their relationship had been complicated. This past month and a half had been the exception. They’d been inseparable and things finally began to feel serious. She’d practically lived at his place the past two weeks. A few times, she thought he hinted that she should.

When she’d finally returned home Sunday he stopped calling and returning her calls. Just like all the other times, he disappeared on her again. An entire month of calls just before bed, then first thing in the morning, then two weeks of, Don’t go, stay with me. Then nothing for four days? Was he kidding?

All the other times he’d done this, she’d let it go. He’d always reappear eventually with some lame excuse and like a sick little puppy she was so ready to jump back in his arms. Well, not anymore.

She should have done this a long time ago. Valerie fidgeted in her seat, rubbing her hands over her thighs. Her head told her she’d better be ready. The truth was coming out tonight one way or another. The truth she’d known all along but she couldn’t bring herself to face. Deep inside she’d always known Alex Moreno was not a one woman man. She’d lusted over him all through high school. Even then she’d known he was way out of her league. As the gorgeous high school jock he had girls all over him. He’d gone out with her just for fun and she was okay with that. As the years passed, he stayed in her life off and on. But he never stuck around for too long

She accepted it. All this time she told herself it was because she was too busy with her school and career to get too caught up in anything too serious. The real reason was always in the back of her mind. Just the thought of pushing too hard and losing what little relationship she did have with him scared her more than she’d ever admit. She tried many times in the past to make a clean break from him but she was never strong enough to stick with it.

Well, she had to be strong now. She couldn’t take it anymore. Not after the month and a half they’d just had. The pain of wondering where he was and who he was with, finally out weighed the fear of learning the truth and ending things for good. She owed it to herself to find out once and for all, if his heart was as invested in this as hers or was this all just a game, a game he’d continue to play for as long as she’d allow it.

Even with her head telling her to expect the worst, that she would finally get the closure she needed to walk away for good, her heart was still holding out hope that there was a compelling explanation. That he did feel for her what she’d always felt for him.

Valerie glanced around the dash of her roommate’s car. They’d swapped cars all week so that he wouldn’t recognize her sitting up the street. All week she chickened out in hopes that she’d hear from him and she wouldn’t have to go through with this. It was Thursday now, and all she’d got so far, was a couple of pity texts saying he was crazy busy and he’d call her soon.

Headlights brightened the dark street. Valerie sunk in her seat. Alex’s truck drove by the car she hunched down in undetected. She sunk so low she wasn’t able to see if he was alone or not.

Scooting up just high enough so her eyes were over the dash she saw him walking around his truck and toward his front door. Alone.

A glimmer of hope danced in her heart. Maybe he was just busy. She sat up once he’d gone inside and stared at her phone. He was home now, done for the day. So why wasn’t he calling her? Could these past six weeks really have been all in her head? Had she just imagined his increased affection? She couldn’t be that delusional. Could she?

He said he cared for her. That he couldn’t stop thinking about her. How could he go four whole days without so much as calling her? Didn’t he miss her, damn it?

The street lit up again as another car drove closer. It slowed as it passed her and then stopped in front of Alex’s house. Valerie held her breath. The door opened and out came pair of long legs. Attached to the legs, a girl in her early twenties in short shorts and a snug tank that read UCSD climbed out. Valerie watched as the girl opened the trunk and pulled out what was too big to be a purse.

Her breath hitched. Every time she came over lately, Alex had been insistent that she’d bring an overnight bag. The bastard!

Valerie could feel her blood pressure spike, her chest constrict. This was it, proof of what she’d known all along and no two ways around it. She watched as the girl swung her long dark hair over her shoulder and made her way up Alex’s walkway. Valerie’s eyes stayed glued to her. Her pulse throbbed in her ears. She blinked away the tears that blurred her vision.

Alex was at the door before the girl even got there. He was waiting for her! Valerie felt her heart shatter. She’d known it all along and yet she was in no way prepared for the acute sting of it. She squeezed her eyes just as Alex placed his hand on the girl’s shoulder. She couldn’t bear to watch.

Valerie opened her eyes in time to see the door close behind the girl. She let out a shuddering breath. Her mind raced considering the best way to handle this. The hot tears streamed down her cheeks. Even though she’d thought of the possibilities she’d never actually planned what she’d do if she caught him so red-handed.

She picked up the phone and called him. Of course, the call went to voicemail. Hearing his voice in his greeting only enraged her further. Without giving it another thought, she shot out of the car slamming the door behind her.

Brushing the tears away, she sucked in deep breaths to try to calm herself. She Stalked toward his front door, as she tried desperately to compose herself. So many choice words came to mind that she wanted to scream at him. The two most blaring were its over! It really was, for good this time. Never in all the horrible scenarios she’d played out in her head over the years did she realize how unbearable the pain would be. The thought of him with someone else didn’t even compare to actually seeing it.

She rang the doorbell then immediately knocked. After only seconds, she knocked again. The door opened and even though it had only been days since she’d last seen him, she still had to take a moment to take him all in. The man was unreal. He stood there all six feet three of him. His dark heavy lashed eyes stared at her startled.

Valerie, sweetheart. I wasn’t expecting you.

Of course not. Her voice broke but she kept it together. "New houseguest this week?"

He shifted in the door way and she caught a glimpse of the bitch sitting at his dining room table. The table they’d eaten the breakfast they’d prepared together just that Sunday. The very table he’d reached across over and over claiming he couldn’t keep his hands off her.

Valerie felt her insides tearing apart. Something had ignited in her. Something terrible she’d never felt in her life. Alex stepped outside closing the door behind him. No, babe. I know what you’re thinking, but I can explain.

He tried to grab her hand and she jerked it away. Go to hell, Alex! I’ve had enough of your lies.

She stormed away feeling ready to go into hysterics. The image of the girl sitting at his table, of him kissing and doing things to her…

Valerie, wait!

Her high heels clicked loudly on the pavement as she picked up her speed. He caught up stumbling as his bare feet stepped on something that apparently hurt. The fact that he’d been so comfortably barefoot with the bitch only incensed her more. He took her hand but this time held on tight enough that she couldn’t pull it away.

Baby, listen to me. He spoke right in her face. She’s a tutor.

Valerie let out a sardonic laugh. Wow, Alex the lies wearing a little thin finally?

No, she really is.

Is that supposed to make it better, Alex? That you’re fucking a tutor? Valerie screamed.

She’d lost it. She was moments from having a royal meltdown and she had to get out of there because it wouldn’t be pretty. She yanked her hand away and rushed to her car. Alex followed her.

"I mean she’s my tutor, Val. I didn’t want you to know."

Of course he didn’t. He caught her again just as she got to the door of the car but her arms flung around like a crazy person. She didn’t want to feel any part of him on her ever again. Get away from me! Her high-pitched scream froze Alex momentarily. She must’ve looked as crazy as she felt because he stared at her without saying a word.

Do you care about me at all, Alex? The taste of salty tears and bitter mascara seeped in the side of her mouth. She could only imagine what a mess her face was. He still stared at her wide-eyed. Do you at all?!

He took a step forward. His face as genuinely pained as all the other times he’d given her excuse after excuse. He began to reach for her again. Baby, of course I do. I—

She flung her hand up slapping his hand away from her. Then stay away from me! Don’t ever call me again.

Valerie don’t—

Please, Alex! She opened the door to the car, got in and locked the door. The window was open and he stood in front of it. Promise me, Alex. I don’t want you to call me ever again.

His eyes darkened, his eyebrows pinched. No.

"I need you out of my life!" She cried. What she needed was her sanity and at the moment she felt robbed of it. Never in her life had she felt so incapable of controlling her emotions.

She struggled with the ignition as Alex began to try to explain his ridiculous tutor story again. Valerie pressed the button to close the window.

Valerie listen to me—

He was still talking when she began to pull away from the curb nearly taking out his legs.

How she’d ever get over Alex was beyond her but nothing was worth feeling this kind of pain again. Nothing. She drove away sobbing. Alex Moreno had shred her heart for the last time.

CHAPTER 1

A year later:

Anticipation was something Alex Moreno had experienced many times. He’d mainly felt it after not having seen Valerie for days. It was usually a welcome feeling. The excitement was well worth it in the past. But this anticipation had been building for weeks, if not months. Damn it if it wasn’t beginning to get annoying.

What he was feeling now made no sense. For the third time, he wiped his sweaty palms with a napkin and threw it in the trash. He just didn’t get it. The anticipation was to be expected. He hadn’t seen her in over a year. The nerves that accompanied it was what he didn’t understand. What the hell was there to be nervous about? He’d never been nervous about seeing her before.

As the maid of honor and cousin of the bride, Valerie Zuniga was obligated to be at all these events. Alex had had plenty of time to mentally prepare and he thought he was. Sure, it had been more than a year since he last seen or spoken to her. It still shouldn’t be that big a deal. He’d see her, they’d catch up and that would be the end of it.

He strolled around his parent’s backyard. The knot in his stomach firmly attached and building from the moment he woke. He tried to concentrate on the final touches. The backyard had been completely transformed. The tables and chairs had arrived early in the morning. A massive canopy almost enclosed the yard in its entirety. Professionally decorated tables with expensive elaborate flower centerpieces sprawled out through out the yard. His parents didn’t mess around when they threw a party. To them, this was huge.

His younger brother Angel would be the first of the siblings to get married. The Moreno’s were going all out and sparing no expense. This was only the wedding shower. The wedding was still months away.

Alex glanced around. Everything was pretty much set. Romero and Eric, Angels two best friends were setting up the bar. Alex figured since they were Angel’s best men in the wedding he’d let them handle one big thing at this party. What could be more fitting than the bar for those two.

Angel stuck his head out the back door. You guys ready? We have people arriving.

Eric gave him the thumbs up while Romero continued to obsess over the way the kegs were placed.

Alex walked over to them. That’s enough, Ramon. What are you doing?

Romero had always gone by his last name. Alex only called him by his first, Ramon, when he wanted to annoy him.

You don’t know about this. Romero didn’t even look up as he kept shifting the keg in the barrel of ice it sat in.

I run a restaurant with a bar, you’re a bouncer.

Romero stood up. I own a security firm.

Alex loved ribbing Romero. He was the only one of them that hadn’t attended college. Instead, he worked as a bouncer at several bars, and did some private investigating for a few agencies until he saved up enough to start up his own security firm. He’d actually done well for himself. At twenty-two, he already owned his own business. Even Alex had to admit that was pretty impressive. Of course, he’d never tell him that. It was too much fun clowning him.

You have two employees. Alex tried not to smirk.

There’s four now, ass. And I’m looking to hire more in case you’re interested. I’m gettin’ real busy.

Really? Eric asked. I didn’t know business was that good.

Yeah, and I’m branching out now. I just got my PI license. You’re looking at Private I, Romero.

No shit? Eric smiled impressed. So you get to spy on people and stuff?

Alex rolled his eyes. Leave it to Eric to ruin his fun. Romero started telling Eric about all the gadgets he’d recently bought to track people, and Alex lost interest. He turned to see people entering the back yard from the kitchen door. Alex frowned. They were supposed to be coming in through the side gate. He glanced at the side gate. That’s when he saw her.

He felt the air sucked out of him. His heart did a wild gallop and he swallowed hard trying to remain composed. It amazed him how different she looked from a year ago. She was still the same Valerie he’d known since high school. Delicately petite and blonde, yet there was something different. Even as small a woman as she was, her entrance was enormous.

Alex thought of how busy she’d been a year ago, working on getting her real estate license. She spent most of her time studying for the state exam in tattered jeans or shorts. He remembered her honey-blonde hair constantly in ponytails and wearing t-shirts. His t-shirts.

Now she stood there in a sexy little ivory skirt suit. The only color to her outfit was the soft pink-laced camisole under the jacket. Her golden locks were in a glamorous up do strands that fell perfectly around her face. The wisps of hair accentuated her high cheekbones. Then she smiled with those full lips he’d never been able to get quite enough of. Beautiful.

She wore her signature very high heels. He watched in awe as she walked across the yard to greet Angel and his fiancée, Sarah. It always amazed Alex, that not only could she walk in those big heels, she did it with such elegance.

Valerie’s posture was as perfect as ever. She’d always exuded confidence. That was just one the qualities that first attracted him to her so many years ago.

He was aware that he hadn’t taken his eyes off her since she walked in. Fully aware, and he didn’t care. His eyes roamed her body freely, from top to bottom and back up again. He’d expected it would be pleasant to see her again. Pleasant didn’t even begin to describe what he was feeling now.

Damn, is that Valerie? Romero asked.

Alex stiffened, even after all this time, he didn’t like anyone else looking at her that way, especially Romero’s dumb ass.

She brought a friend, Romero. Eric pointed out. Maybe she’ll put a good word in for you. You damn sure will need it.

To his relief the only person Valerie had walked in with, was her roommate, Isabel. After all this time he’d actually lost sleep the last couple of nights over the possibility of her showing up with another guy. He wasn’t even sure why. It had been so long it only made sense that she would be seeing someone now. It really shouldn’t bother him. He was long over her.

Alex had only met Isabel a few times. She was much taller than Valerie and attractive in an exotic, yet inhibited way, but a bit too uptight for his taste.

Romero took one look at her. Not my type.

Eric laughed. Since when do you have standards?

I’m a business man now, Eric. I have a reputation to uphold. Romero glanced back in Isabel’s direction. Plus she looks soft. I need a woman that can handle all this.

Romero pointed at himself with both hands from the top of his head to his feet and smiled smug.

You wouldn’t be able to handle her. Trust me. Alex said still staring at Valerie.

He couldn’t take his eyes off her. Not that he was putting any effort into it. He watched as she and Sarah laughed about something. Angel left the girls and walked toward Alex.

Shots all around, Romero pulled out a bottle of tequila and four shot glasses.

Angel laughed. Are you crazy? It’s not even three.

Alex finally unglued his eyes off Valerie. None for me.

Nah, Romero shook his head and continued to pour the shots. This is horseshit. I had an entire weekend of Vegas planned. At least give me this.

Alex rolled his eyes. The moment Angel had told those two knuckleheads that he wanted them to be his best men, they started planning the bachelor party. A week later Angel announced he didn’t want a bachelor party and flat out refused to talk about why. Just said it wasn’t happening, period. Romero was still bent about it.

Dude, Angel has to be presentable at least for a few hours. Eric said.

Eric had always been the level headed one of Angel’s two childhood best friends. A good thing too, because he was now attached to Alex’s little sister Sofia. Not that anyone would ever be good enough for his younger sister. Still, he was glad that between the two friends Eric was the one Sofia had fallen for. It would’ve driven Alex crazy had it been crude and outspoken Romero.

Alex’s dad stopped by as he made his rounds. Alex clapped him on the shoulder. His dad saw the shot glasses. One more He ordered.

Romero smiled. Help me out here, Mr. Moreno, these two don’t want any.

Alex’s dad glanced at both Alex and Angel who were now both gazing in the girls’ direction again. Grow a pair!

Romero and Eric both laughed. Alex and Angel exchanged discomfited glances. They were going to have to take at least one shot. Whatever their old man wanted, he got.

They all held their shot glasses up and toasted to Sarah and Angel. Alex grimaced sucking on a lime slice and turned just in time to see the girls walking toward them. Valerie looked so unbelievably good to him, it almost felt like he was watching her move in slow motion. She never once even glanced in his direction. Sofia was the first to address them. Are you guys having fun? She hugged her dad and he kissed her on the forehead.

Keep your brothers in line, Sofie. Her dad said walking away and immediately started a conversation with the group at the table nearest to the bar.

What? My brothers are not behaving? Sofia teased.

Alex could hardly concentrate. His eyes again roamed every inch of Valerie.

Your brothers are being wusses. Romero stated, already setting up more shots.

I’ll take one. Valerie said.

Even her voice sounded more womanly than he remembered, sultrier.

Valerie, no. Isabel warned.

Romero frowned. Who brought the nark?

Pardon me? Isabel glared at Romero.

Romero stopped pouring, backed up and did an elaborate bow bringing his arm

over his head and down to his feet. "Pardon me?"

Normally Alex would have laughed along with everyone else but he was too distracted trying to figure out why Valerie was still avoiding his eyes.

Romero brought out another shot glass. You in, Nark?

Alex took his eyes off Valerie just long enough to glance at Isabel who seemed to be as annoyed as only Romero could annoy women. Easy, Ramon.

Valerie smiled. Yes, please pour her one.

Alex squeezed the edge of the bar. He had to get a hold of himself. This was the same Valerie he’d known all along. The Valerie he’d carried on with and laughed with such ease for years. The one he’d had earth shattering sex with many many times. He gulped hard. His Valerie.

Romero looked pleased and pulled out another shot glass. Coming right up.

Alex was determined to not take his eyes off her until she looked at him and then the mariachis walked in. Everyone turned to watch the entire ensemble stroll in playing loud and proud.

For a moment, his eyes met with Valerie’s and he thought he saw something in them. Maybe he was searching too hard but for a split second, he thought he saw alarm in her big dark eyes. Just when he’d not only finally made eye contact but was getting some kind of emotion out of her, she turned away to face the musicians.

***

Valerie concentrated hard on not wavering and stared at the mariachi band. She could feel Alex’s eyes on her and her body heated. Her heart hadn’t stopped hammering from the moment she walked in and spotted him. She’d expected some excitement when she saw him but this was a bit much. She’d been happy he was busy with the guys at the bar because she couldn’t bear to even make eye contact. She thought the shot of tequila might help settle her nerves. It hadn’t.

How was it that every time she saw him he seemed even bigger than the last? He was without a doubt the most devastating man she’d ever met. What he did to her without so much as saying a word even after all this time was absurd. She wasn’t even facing him now, and she could still feel his incredible presence weighing heavy on her back.

People began clinking their glasses. Valerie clutched her small purse and forced a smile when Sarah and Angel kissed.

She almost jumped when she felt his face at her ear and his hot body against her back. You gonna say hello, Z?

The suggestive murmur in such an otherwise ordinary question infuriated her as much as it spiked her senses. He’d only ever referred to her as Z when he was agitated with her for whatever reason. It was a football thing. They all called each other by their last names on the team and he’d imposed it on her but only when he was mad. He didn’t sound mad now. He sounded amused?

That was just like him. He was probably enjoying seeing her squirm. She wouldn’t let him have the upper hand. Closing her eyes for a moment, she took a deep breath and then turned to face him with a smile. Hello, Alex.

So did I pour that for nothing? Romero pointed at the shot he’d put out for Isabel.

Valerie took advantage to glance away from Alex’s penetrating eyes. Romero, this is my roommate Isabel. Isabel this is Romero.

Isabel softened her glare. I thought it was Ramon?

Valerie felt Alex’s big hand slip into hers and his thumb caressed her knuckles. It took everything in her power not to tremble.

It’s Romero. He said flatly and pushed the shot glass toward Isabel.

Isabel gave her an exasperated look but reached for the shot glass anyway. Valerie would deal with getting scolded later. She had more blaring things to deal with now.

She licked her teeth to make sure no lipstick was on them before she spoke again and felt Alex squeeze her hand. His eyes watched her every move.

Her full attention was back on Alex. He was incredible as usual. His loose dress shirt did nothing to conceal his hard chest and bulging muscles. It was impossible not to take it all in, so she admitted, You look good.

Thank you. You look amazing. His dark eyes stroked over her. I’ve missed you.

She gulped. Really? Was that all it took? Just hours ago she was convinced she was over him and she now felt ready to swoon over three little words. Could she be more pathetic?

His fingers were still playing with her hand and it completely unnerved her. She thought about what she and Isabel had gone over in the car all the way there. Play it cool. Indifference is the key. You’re no longer interested, haven’t been in over a year. She’d laughed at Isabel’s unnecessary worrying. Now she was irritated at herself for not having taken the preparing more seriously. Before she could recover from his remarks, he threw yet another nerve dagger at her.

Have you missed me? The intensity in his eyes was exactly as she remembered. It hadn’t lessened at all. If anything, it was even more acute than ever.

He stood so close to her now she could smell the hint of tequila and lime on his breath, feel the tension in his body. Her phone rang. She couldn’t have been more grateful for the timing. Alex was still waiting for a response. She reached for her purse and fished her phone out. It was Luke.

I gotta take this. Luke?

Alex’s eyebrow shot up.

She began to walk away, when Alex’s grip on her hand tightened.

Valerie, Luke sounded a bit anxious. I’m sorry to be calling. I know you said you’d be at a party today. I won’t keep you long. I just need to know if you have a key to the Lemon Ridge property, the warehouse specifically. Trinity took my only spare and I can’t find mine.

Valerie had a hell of a time focusing on what Luke was saying. He’d spoken much too fast and Alex’s eyes had been on her, eyebrows slightly furrowed the entire time. She’d gotten the gist of what Luke had said and cleared her throat. Yes, I do. You need them now?

No, tomorrow. She heard the relief in Luke’s voice. I can pick them up in the morning if you want. You don’t have to come into the office.

No, that’s okay I was planning on going in for a few hours anyway.

Luke thanked her and as promised, didn’t keep her on the phone. The moment she hung up Alex spoke up.

Luke?

She smirked and lifted a shoulder, offering no explanation. Alex was never one to hide his possessiveness. Something that she wasn’t ashamed to admit at times she’d found exciting. But she wasn’t getting pulled back in. Not this time. She made her decision long ago when she decided to finally give up on Alex and move on with her life.

Alex didn’t push, didn’t say anything for a moment. His eyes were so piercing, her stronger, more self-assured act, was beginning to wane.

I hear you’re working on your broker’s license now, didn’t you just get your real estate license?

Valerie smiled glad for the safe subject. "It’s been almost a year, Alex. But I have to be an agent