by LK Shaw
Chapter 34
My first instinct when Josie began her confession was to grab her and run. Find us a place to hide and forget about her father and the rest of the world. When she’d first touched me, I thought it was to gain strength. But once she dropped her bomb, I knew it was her subtle way of showing her dominance. Confessing her crime was the part of the plan I wasn’t happy with. But, in deference to her unspoken commands, I remained seated, tension in every muscle of my body. My head pounded from my jaw grinding together. My eyes remained so fixated on Webber, trying to anticipate what his next move would be, I barely heard the words Josie spoke. Not that it mattered; I knew her story by heart. None of my muscles relaxed even after she completed her tale.
Now that plans had been put into motion to set up an exchange of information, Josie and I left the office and headed to her house. Strained silence followed us the whole way there. I tried my breathing exercises that Dr. Parrish had given me, but that shit wasn’t helping me. Panic, fear, and a whole range of emotions had taken residence up inside me, and no matter how much I tried to purge them, they remained festering deep in my gut, like smoldering coals that burned hotter than any fire.
Once we reached the house, I opened Josephine’s door and held my hand out to help her out of the car, but the minute she was on her feet, I released her. A flash of hurt crossed her face, but I didn’t react. I was too busy keeping my emotions in check until we got inside. The hurt only lasted for a second before her shoulders stiffened, and she stood a little taller. We made it inside before she turned to me.
“Are you okay?”
My laugh was hollow and even a little desperate sounding. “Not even in the slightest. You confessed to murder, Josie. We’ve just started our lives together, and it’s killing me knowing that this happiness I’m finally discovering again could be taken away in a heartbeat. I know Webber said that the FBI doesn’t have to know, but if your father really does have this evidence against you and this exchange takes place, how do you plan on keeping it from them? Do you really think it’s not going to come out?”
“I don’t know. I can only have faith. Even if it comes out, there’s no guarantee that it would go to trial or if I’d even be convicted. No one knows these kinds of things. What I do know is that there are women out there who have been stolen from their families. Probably raped. Possibly tortured. I can’t just sit back and let that continue to happen. We have to trust Connor and Webber. My father won’t stop until I’m dead. He has too much to lose. I’m just as scared as you are, so please don’t shut me out. If you care about me at all, I need you to be there for me.”
The words burst out of me in a staccato of uncontrolled emotion. “Care about you? Is that what this all-consuming emotion that I feel for you is? This emotion that’s dug its talons deep in my heart and refuses to let go? My heart fucking bleeds for you, Josephine Bishop.”
I fell to my knees at her feet and crushed her to me.
“You’re my entire existence, Josephine Louise Bishop. The air I breathe. I fucking love you, Josephine.”
Her breathing stuttered beneath my cheek and the hands caressing my head stopped moving. I tilted my head back to look at her. Tears and a soft smile graced Josie’s face.
“You love me?” It was barely a whisper.
I could only stare at her in disbelief, not comprehending how she could possibly question me.
“Of course, I love you, Josie. I’ve always loved you, even if I didn't want to admit it. You crawled under my skin when you were just twenty-one and you’ve never left. I’m not saying this thing between us is going to be easy, we’re both stubborn people, but I’ll do everything in my power to love you the best way I know how. I love your control and your Dominance. It pleases me to please you. I never knew how cleansing submission could be. And it’s all because of you.”
Her fingers traced across my cheeks and nose down to my lips. She lightly ran her fingers around my mouth.
“Oh, Miles. I love you too.”
Josie cradled my face in her hands and bent down to touch her lips to mine. It wasn’t a kiss full of passion, but rather of one filled with love, hope, and promise. Without breaking the kiss, I rose to my feet, and with hands under her hips I picked her up. Automatically, she wrapped her legs around my waist and threw her arms around my neck. We remained locked together with me peeking occasionally so I didn’t crash into anything as I carried her into the bedroom.
As though she were made of the most fragile glass, I laid her on the bed and gently began removing her clothes. Once she was completely naked beneath me, I hurriedly disrobed and immediately covered her body with mine. I trailed kisses down her neck and chest, stopping briefly to suckle and nip her breasts. My path continued downward as I licked a trail to her very essence. Her musky aroma mixed with her usual citrus scent filled my nose, and her inner thighs glistened with her juices. I couldn’t wait to lap them up. Josie must have had other plans, because a sharp tug to my hair had my head jerking up to look at her.
“My way. On your back, sub.” Her command was softened by her affectionate tone.
For the briefest of moments, I hesitated, but another tug on my hair had me wincing and rubbing the spot she pulled. Instead, I repositioned myself until I was at the head of the bed and then I rolled onto my back.
Immediately, Josie crawled on top, reached out to grasp my straining cock, and with agonizing slowness, lowered herself down onto me. A groan of pleasure vibrated in my throat as her hot cavern engulfed me, squeezing me tight. My cock throbbed as she settled herself. Seeing her above me, sitting proudly on top of me with her back slightly arched to push her breasts forward, had my cock aching for her to move. She leaned down, and our mouths collided in desperate need for each other.
As our tongues spoke to each other in their own language of love, Josie’s hips gently began to undulate as she rocked herself against me. She slowly raised and lowered herself, controlling her movements and driving me wild. I wanted desperately to thrust upward, and when I tried, she stopped her own movements. She was the maestro, and I was merely the orchestra she directed. Our bodies danced a waltz, and the only thing I could do was follow her lead.
She maintained her speed as I savored the flavor of her. A sheen of sweat was layered on our bodies, and my cock ached for release. Finally, Josie began rocking a little faster, her clit grazing my pelvis as she pushed her climax closer to the surface. Her pussy squeezed my cock like a vise, and I strained to hold back my thrusts. Suddenly, Josie cried out, and I swallowed the sound as shudders rocked her body with her release. The contractions of her pussy triggered my release, and my seed burst from me coating her inside. I’d never experienced this connection with another human being. It was visceral and sweet and explosive all at the same time.
Josie’s soft body relaxed across my chest, and my arms encircled her, keeping her close to me. I had no idea what the next few days would hold, but I knew I needed to be stronger than ever before if we were going to get through this. I needed to keep a tight hold on my emotions, because they would be tested like never before. Josie’s father had to pay for his crimes. I just prayed she wasn’t caught in the crossfire.
Chapter 35
Connor called me into his office two days later. Detective Webber was already there waiting. He stood when I entered the room.
“Ms. Bishop.” He inclined his head in greeting.
“Hello, Detective Webber.”
Connor directed me to the seat I’d previously occupied the last time we were all in the same room together. I sat on the edge of the chair and placed my laced fingers over my knees while I waited to see what was going to be said.
Webber spoke first. “I’ve reached out to Connor’s contacts with the FBI. They were extremely interested in what I had to say, and two agents took the first flight out here. I expect them to arrive within the hour. They’re going to have me take the lead on this, but they plan on being there for back up. They know there’s going to be
an exchange of information, but I didn’t share any details. Be prepared for that to come out during the phone call though. There’s no avoiding that. If and when the time comes, I’ll do what I can to protect you.
“You’ll be wired so if things start going south we’ll know. Don’t let him know that you’ve already spoken with us, but rather that’s what your plan is. See if you can get him to tell you anything about the drugs or guns. Agents Crocker and Morgan really want details about the sex trafficking. They’re currently in the midst of a deep cover sting operation involving a member of the Russian Bratva. He’s a known trafficker, and it’s possible your father might have some connections to him.”
I considered his words. Really, though, there weren’t a whole lot of other options. My thoughts drifted to Miles and what he would say. In my mind’s eye, I could picture the vein throbbing at his temple and his jaw clenching as he ground his teeth together. There was also no doubt in my mind that he would force Webber to take him with him, if for no other reason than he felt he had to protect me. Granted, I felt a little better knowing that he would be there. I knew that he would do everything in his power to make sure I stayed safe.
“When’s this going down?”
“Crocker and Morgan thought it best if we moved as quickly as possible, so I suggest you initiate contact with your father once they arrive. We’ll let him set the time, but I want the meeting at his home. Nowhere else. It offers us the safest option.”
Just as I began to speak, Miles barged in. Honestly, I’d expected him much sooner.
“I hope I’m not intruding.”
Connor’s response was dry. “Make yourself at home, Miles. We were just waiting on a few others to arrive.”
“Then I’m glad I didn’t miss anything.”
He came over to sit next to me. He didn’t speak, just sat back and assumed a relaxed pose that didn’t fool me. I knew he was tense, but holding it in. Connor only sighed. Thankfully, the phone beeping broke the awkward silence as Margaret’s voice sounded over the intercom.
“Mr. Black, Agent Joseph Crocker and Agent Nathaniel Morgan are here to see you.”
“Thank you, Margaret. Send them in, please. And please make sure we’re not interrupted.”
“Yes, sir.”
The call was disconnected, and in seconds, the door opened as Margaret gestured Agents Crocker and Morgan inside. She closed the door behind her as she returned to her desk.
“Welcome, gentlemen.” Connor rose to greet them. Greetings were returned as hands were shaken. “Please, have a seat over here, and we’ll get down to business.”
Once everyone was settled, introductions were made. Agent Crocker was the younger of the two. He appeared to be in his late twenties, whereas Agent Morgan looked to be in his mid-thirties. Both men were handsome with brown hair. Agent Morgan had an intensity about him that reminded me of Connor. He had Dom written all over him. Crocker on the other hand, seemed much softer and had the most piercing blue-gray eyes. I loved Miles, but I still admired their beauty.
“I’ve just finished briefing Josie on the plan, and she’s in agreement with it. We understand the urgency with which you gentlemen would like to proceed.”
Agent Crocker spoke first. “We appreciate you working with us on this. We’ve been trying to find the source of Vladimir Dragomirov’s girls for six months now without success. When we heard that your father’s become involved in trading girls, we hoped we’d caught a break. Can you tell us if you’ve seen Drago’s name mentioned in your father’s correspondence?”
My mind searched for any recollection of the name, but I was coming up with a blank.
“I don’t recall seeing that name anywhere, but the encrypted email where they discussed the women being sold and an upcoming auction came from someone who called himself Korol'.”
Both men seemed disappointed, and I hated I couldn’t tell them what they wanted to hear. I was ready for this to be over so I hoped they wanted things to happen soon.
“So, should I go ahead and contact my father?”
Miles’ jaw tightened and fists clenched.
Agent Crocker continued to lead the conversation. “Yes, we want to keep our investigation going forward. Remember, only agree to meet him at his home.”
I nodded while at the same time I dug my phone out of my pocket. The ringing soon reverberated through the room as I placed the call on speakerphone. Within two rings, his dreaded voice filled the room.
“Hello, Dad.” My words came out with more confidence than I felt.
“What the hell do you want now?” My father’s reply was clipped.
I couldn’t help but needle him a bit. “Is that any way to talk to your oldest and most favorite daughter? I thought we were closer than that?”
“I don’t have time for your bullshit, Josephine. We said all there was to say the last time you called. So, unless you get to the fucking point of this phone call, we’re done.”
Knowing I had pushed as far as I should, I got down to business. “I’m calling to make you a deal.”
“What kind of deal?”
“An exchange of information.”
“You have nothing I want.”
“Oh, I think I do, otherwise you wouldn’t have sent your goons to try and kill me. Twice.”
An evil laugh erupted through the phone line. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
I knew the two agents in the room were going to kill me, but I took a giant leap. Just because I hadn’t recognized the name, didn’t mean my father wouldn’t.
“Vladimir Dragomirov. Name ring a bell?”
I winced when Agent Morgan quickly stood and started pacing as he ran his hands through his hair in obvious frustration.
“You little bitch. You have no idea what hell you’ve just committed yourself to.”
“You’ve known since I was thirteen that I can do anything on computers. Korol'. Could the Russians get any more conceited by using a code name that means ‘King’? And just because Dragomirov’s name wasn’t in any emails, did you really think I wouldn’t be able to trace you to him? Did you really think I wouldn’t figure it out? You know I’m smarter than that.”
The sudden silence was deafening. My father had no idea the amount of patience I possessed. Hell, I’d waited six years for Miles. I could wait two minutes for him to come up with a response to my threat. Finally, my patience was rewarded.
“What do you want?” I would swear I could hear my father’s teeth grinding to a nub in the background.
“I told you. I’m tired of you holding your so-called evidence against me. I want you to call off your assassins and leave me alone. I want to exchange information. You give me the evidence you have, and I’ll give you mine. I don’t want to keep looking over my shoulder waiting for the day you succeed in killing me. I just want this to end.”
“So, you’re telling me that you’ve suddenly given up making me pay for what happened to your sister? After all these years, you’re just going to let it go?”
I let out a huff of air. “If it means staying alive… then, yes.”
I’d given up in believing in God the day I discovered what was being done to my sister. But now, I prayed with every fiber of my being that he believed me. He had to. Or all of this was for nothing.
“And what if I don’t agree?”
“Then I turn everything I have over to the FBI and deal with the consequences of my actions later.”
Silence reigned while I held my breath waiting for my father to decide.
“Fine, then meet me at midnight in the old warehouse district by the pier. Just off Division Street.”
“No,” I responded, succinctly. “We will meet in two days. Your house at 3:00 pm. You don’t have a choice. There will be no other options on the table but that. Take it or leave it.”
I refused to play this game any longer. My stomach churned at my father’s callous words. No, not my father. Charles Santiago. Criminal. Monster. But not my f
ather.
“Fine. I will see you then. And you better come alone.”
“I’ll be there.”
No longer able to bear speaking to him any longer, I disconnected the call. My eyes closed, and my whole body slumped into my chair, mentally and physically exhausted over the verbal confrontation. My heart ached at the pain my baby sister had gone, and continued to go, through.
Chapter 36
“You could have mentioned that you were going to drop Vladimir’s name in the conversation. Your little plan could have backfired and had serious consequences.”
One of Josie’s eyes opened as she peered over at Agent Morgan.
“You seem to underestimate how much I know about Charles Santiago. I lived in the same house with that man for eighteen years. I’ve been following everything about this man’s habits for years. Just because I hadn’t seen your Russian’s name in my father’s things doesn’t mean that my father wasn’t completely aware of who he was. The chances of him doing business with Dragomirov were high. I took a calculated risk, which paid off. You’re welcome.”
Both agents shook their heads in frustration.
Webber broke in. “Look, it’s over and done. Regardless of how it was done, we got the information you needed. So, Thursday, Ms. Bishop will confront Santiago in order to coordinate an exchange of information. She will then attempt to get her father to talk about the sex trafficking. We need more information than what she was able to retrieve in order to rescue the girls. We need to find this Dragomirov and shut down his operation. She’ll go in wired, and we’ll be there every step of the way.”
“I’m coming with you.”
If she were going in alone to confront her father, then I would insist on being there. There wasn’t a chance in hell I was going to let her go without me being there to protect her. I had no problem with Webber. I though he was a good guy who got a bad rap. But I knew nothing about these two other gentlemen,. It didn’t matter to me if Connor recommended them. They weren’t as vested in making sure Josie wasn’t harmed as I was. If shit was gonna go badly, I planned on being there to make sure things were okay.