by Lori Foster
“I’m guessing he didn’t call the cops?”
“He gave me more clothes, including some that had belonged to his deceased wife. He fed me, too, and didn’t complain when I insisted on staying outside so he couldn’t trap me. He told me I was smart for being cautious, but that if I was going to hang around, I might as well earn some money.”
Cade stiffened.
She quickly said, “He offered me a job working on his lawn.”
Relaxing again, Cade asked, “Cutting grass and stuff?”
“And trimming bushes, edging the lawn, picking up old tree branches. He kept that place pristine.”
Cade actually smiled. “I like him.”
“One day after this big storm had made a mess of things, he came out and started helping me work. We didn’t talk or anything, we were just there together, getting the job done. After a while he insisted I take a break, and we sat together on a bench drinking colas.” At the time, it had seemed the most normal, most domestic thing she’d ever done. “Finally he asked where I went when I left his place. At that time, I used to crash in the park, or I’d catch a snooze in an all-night diner.”
“Not safe.”
“Eh, it feels fine when you don’t have any other options. But then he showed me his garage. Said he had a sleeping bag and I could lock the doors so at least I could rest without worrying. He didn’t ask me to sleep in his house, but I think it’s because he knew I wouldn’t.” Remembering brought a sense of melancholy that left her eyes glazed with tears. “He was so brusque about everything, real no-nonsense attitude, but he showed me that as bad as those bastards were who’d tried to use me, there were equally good, kindhearted people in the world.”
Lifting her uninjured hand to his mouth, Cade kissed her knuckles. “Was he a truck driver?”
“Retired, but he had been, so yeah, the trucking company was his idea once he knew what I wanted to do. I stayed with him for years. We cleaned out the garage, and he put an actual room in there for me, with my own toilet and tiny shower. I had a chair and a TV, a cot to sleep on.” She realized how lame that sounded, but for her, it had been a real home.
“It sounds comfortable.”
“I swear,” she whispered, “he was like my grandpa.”
“Did neighbors assume that relationship?”
“Not likely, with him being Black.” She grinned. “But he didn’t have any close neighbors anyway. Didn’t have any family left, either, since he and his wife had never had kids.”
“You loved him.”
The tears spilled over, so all she could do was nod.
Cade reached out to gently brush her cheeks. “I’m so glad you found him.”
It took her a minute to regain her composure. Normally she would have been more embarrassed for the pitiful show of emotion, but as he’d said, Cade was different. With a sniffle and a clearing of her throat, she whispered, “When I was twenty-two, he helped me get my CDL, even gave me a reference for Brown Transportation. I worked there until I was twenty-six.”
“Why didn’t you stay there?”
“Gus passed away in his sleep. I knew we’d gotten close, but it stunned me to find out he’d left me his house. Isn’t that crazy?”
“Sounds like you were as important to him as he was to you.”
“Not even close, but God love that man, he made me feel...valued.” More tears fell, and this time she angrily swiped them away. “There was a note with the will. He kept it vague, I guess in case anyone else read it, but he said to sell the house and use the money, with what he had in his accounts, to do what I needed to do.”
Cade still held her left hand, but now he gripped it as if he couldn’t let go. “You didn’t want to stay in his house? Find a regular job?”
“Me? No way. I’m not cut out for that, you know? Gus had provided a lifeline and I grabbed it. When he said he knew what I needed to do, he was right. I need to do this.” That god-awful guilt shortened her breath and compressed her lungs, but she admitted her greatest sin. “When I escaped, I left other girls behind.”
“You alone couldn’t have helped them.”
No, she wouldn’t accept that, wouldn’t take the easy out. She’d let her fear run her. All she could do now was own the truth. “I could have led police there. I did try calling it in once, but it was a week later before I thought of it, and I’m guessing after what happened, they’d moved on.”
Cade sat quiet for far too long. He kissed her knuckles again, started to speak but didn’t. Finally he said, “Hearing all this...it occurs to me that I might have been too pushy.”
“No denying that.” He’d pushed his way right into her life, but she enjoyed having him there. More than she’d ever thought possible. “Too late to take it back now.”
As if magnetized, his gaze caught hers. “I’m guessing some things might be...difficult for you.”
Not liking the way he verbally danced around it, she said, “A lot of stuff is difficult, so what? If you mean something specific, spit it out already.”
“Sex.”
“Oh.” He was concerned that she was traumatized still? Well, yeah, in some ways she was—but that wasn’t one of them. “You know me now, right?”
“I hope so. I’d like to know you even better, but yes, we’re getting there.”
“So do you really think I wouldn’t have fixed that?”
Skeptical, and obviously a bit confused by her wording, he repeated, “Fixed it?”
“With what I do, I knew I had to overcome some things. Getting caught would be bad enough, but if the thought of regular sex with a non-psychopathic guy left me paralyzed, how would I deal with a freaking monster who treated women like trained dogs?”
Finally he released her hand. He looked steady enough, but she saw the fire in his eyes and the acceleration of his breathing. “And you fixed that...how?”
He looked so intense right now that she could guess how he’d looked when he broke into Misfits. “Cool your jets. It’s nothing bad.”
“Define bad.”
“I had sex,” she said with a shrug. “Few different guys, few different occasions. Until it wasn’t so scary anymore.”
Sitting back hard, Cade studied her. “Did you like it?”
“I didn’t hate it.” Not the last few times. “That was the important part. Now I’m in the camp of take it or leave it.”
Seconds ticked by. “Except with me.”
The man did not lack confidence. “Yup. There you go again, standing out from the pack. I liked kissing you, so I’m guessing the rest will be fun.”
Slowly, he pushed back his chair and stood.
Sterling held her breath, but when he reached for her, he only stroked her ponytail, down and over her shoulder, until his fingers cupped her chin. “When we get together, it’ll be more than fun. I’m going to make damn sure you love every second.”
Wow, now she could hardly wait.
CHAPTER EIGHT
CADE WAS PATIENT, always, but two additional days passed without a word from Adela. He knew the waiting wore on Star. He understood that. With a woman in need, every day—hell, every hour—could mean life or death.
Using the time to get closer to Star, he’d kissed her a few more times, each a little longer, a little hotter, easing into her life. She was so open about what she liked, and she clearly liked intimate contact. It astounded him that she hadn’t been more sexually active, but it made sense, given what she’d been through.
He wanted to be the one to show her just how hot sex could be—with the right person. So far she was on board with that plan.
She was recovering quickly but still had a limp to her walk, and she couldn’t yet make a fist with her injured finger. Until she was 100 percent, he wouldn’t let it go beyond kissing. For now, it worked as extended foreplay, wearing her down, softening her attitu
de. Not that he wanted to change her.
It was the hard-core woman who’d drawn him.
But when they came together, he wanted her totally involved, as ready as he was, maybe even more anxious for the ultimate release he’d give her, though how that was possible when he wanted her nonstop, he didn’t know.
For now, sleeping with her each night was enough. Torture, yes, but he wouldn’t be giving it up anytime soon.
He knew eventually he’d have all of her.
And then what?
His life wasn’t set up for a significant other. Any day now his father could send him off on a mission. Reyes might hear something at his gym that required follow-up. Madison might uncover a lead.
He hadn’t yet told Star that the main reason he ran a bar, besides fitting into the neighborhood, was because conversations from seedy characters could be overheard. More than a few times he’d gotten information he needed because too many drinks lowered caution. He could subtly ask the right questions and get good information that he then followed up on.
There’d been a man who bragged about the internet arrangements that had gotten him a few hours of pleasure. Another who’d laughed about how cheaply he’d bought time with a girl.
Keeping his hands off them was difficult, but when it led to bigger stings, Cade could hold it together.
Same with Reyes and his gym. All different types came in to bulk up. Even if they didn’t talk about personal involvement, word from the street was usually sound. Reyes would hear enough to know when a new crew moved into an abandoned house or if a different guy was suddenly offering services from the corner.
Parrish had planned it all well. He’d purchased the bar and gym at opposite ends of the same downtrodden area, instructed each of them on what they’d do—and then he’d fully expected to be obeyed.
That part of the equation still annoyed Cade, but he couldn’t deny they were effective. Not just in Ridge Trail, Colorado, but all over the US, since many of the roads here were used to transport women, kids and sometimes men in and out of various states. A local lead often branched out to different headquarters. Not all traffickers were on a grand scale, but some were—and they all deserved to be eliminated.
“I need to get back to work soon.” Star didn’t look up to make that announcement. At the dining table, her laptop open, she said, “I’ve had a few requests for deliveries.”
Cade understood, but he didn’t like it. When he had to take off to follow a lead, would Star understand? He might not see her for a day or two, or more. Would she demand answers that he couldn’t give?
Unwilling to borrow trouble, he joined her at the table. “Local drives?”
“One is for an overnight, but two others are local.” Brows scrunched up, she studied the screen.
“Problem?”
“I keep thinking about Adela.” She rubbed her temple wearily. “She was supposed to have called by now. If my stupid leg hadn’t been hurt—”
“You still needed time to plan.”
“I know. But it’s been too long now. What if I’m gone on a job and she needs me?”
Knowing he had to be careful here, Cade tried for an offhand tone. “If you’re away, you could call me with the details. I could follow up for you.”
She slanted him a look. “We’ve been over that, right? You’re a guy, so not trustworthy. She probably wouldn’t let you get anywhere near her.”
“She might if you told her that you trust me.”
Slumping into her seat, she sighed. “I don’t know. There are some things I prefer to do myself.”
Right—like most things. That prickly attitude was a part of her personality, like her sarcasm and her inner strength. Altogether, they were...sometimes annoying, yes. But he also saw them as tools she’d used to survive, and for that he was profoundly grateful.
For now, she was safely ensconced at home, she slept with him every night, and each day a little more of her reserve melted away.
She had a strong will—but so did he. In the end, he’d convince her to see things his way.
When her phone buzzed, they both turned to look where she’d left it plugged in on the end table next to the couch.
“You rarely get calls,” Cade noted.
“Rarely, as in never.” She bolted out of the chair, limped hurriedly across the room and frowned at the screen. “Unlisted number again.”
“Put it on speaker.”
“Magic word?” she asked, but then did as he requested without making him say “please,” answering on the fourth ring. “Hello?”
“Francis?”
Star gripped the phone tighter. “Adela? Hey. I thought you’d call before now. I’d about given up on you.”
Voice choked, Adela said, “Please don’t. Please don’t give up on me.”
Gently, Star said, “No, I won’t.”
“I’d have called sooner, but I couldn’t.”
Cade didn’t move.
Star didn’t appear to be breathing. “Why not?”
“I think he’s found me, Francis.” Softly weeping, she said, “I was in a cabin without cell service, and when I went into town, I saw him there. If I don’t get away soon, I’m afraid he’ll kill me.”
Carefully sitting on the couch, Star said, “Tell me exactly where you are.”
“I want to,” she said in a small voice. “But you can’t call the police. One of the cops is a regular. He’d lead Mattox right to me.”
Eyes narrowing at that info, Star promised, “I won’t tell the police, but I can’t help you if I don’t know where to find you.”
“You’ll come alone? You swear?”
Star’s gaze met and held Cade’s as she answered. “Yes, I swear.”
Closing his eyes, Cade vowed that wouldn’t happen. He wouldn’t let it happen. If he had to dog her day and night to ensure she didn’t try this on her own, that’s what he’d do.
“All right.” Adela sniffled. “I trust you.”
“When should I come for you?” Star asked. “Right now?”
Like hell. Already Cade was reconfiguring his schedule, who he’d get to cover for him at the bar, how quickly he could arrange for Reyes to be backup.
He didn’t doubt that his brother would do it. Come to that, Parrish would also extend all the protections he could. But that shit took time, and if she left right now—
“No!” Panic sharpened the single word. Then Adela immediately tried to explain. “Tonight. When it’s dark. That way he...he won’t be able to see us leaving.”
“All right.” Standing again, Star went into the kitchen and retrieved the pen and paper, then carried them back to hand to Cade. “Give me a number to reach you.”
“No, it’s too risky.”
“I need something, Adela. At least an address or directions.”
“Right.” She breathed audibly, then asked, “You really won’t say anything to anyone?”
Star rolled her eyes over the continued—frustrating—worry, but replied in a soothing tone, “I already gave you my word.”
“You tried to save me that night. At Misfits.”
“Yes, but I understand why you were too frightened to go then.”
“He would have killed me,” Adela claimed. “Right there on the spot. I didn’t think you’d actually get away, but you did.”
“We’ll both get away this time, okay? Now quickly, tell me where to find you.”
With only the briefest hesitation, Adela said, “There’s a small town. Coalville. It’s only five or six miles off I-25. As you enter the town, there’s a stone church. Right after that, take the dirt road. It’ll lead you up to the cabin where I’m staying. In case Mattox is watching the roads in that area, turn your headlights off.”
It all sounded majorly fucked to Cade, even as he jotted it all down.
Star must’ve agreed, because she suggested, “Why don’t you just meet me at the church? That’ll be easier, right?”
“But if you don’t show up, I’ll be too exposed.”
“I’ll be there, and being close to the road will give us a better chance to escape.” Not giving Adela a moment to change that plan, Star asked, “What time?”
“I guess...ten?”
“I’ll be there. Adela? Try not to worry. I won’t let you down.”
“I can’t thank you enough, really, but I should go.” Nervously, she whispered, “I never know if Mattox has men watching the town looking for me. I’ll go back to the cabin for now and wait.”
“Until ten.”
“Thank you, Francis. You’re a lifesaver.”
Deflated, Star returned the phone to the table, then just stood there.
It would be easier to have her cooperation, so Cade came up behind her, drew her back against his body and kissed her temple. “I’m going to help.”
As if he hadn’t spoken, she said, “Good thing my leg is so much better. I have a lot to get done now.”
“Like what?”
Looking at him as if he were nuts, she said, “Like I need to rent a car. No way am I letting anyone track me down by my ride. And of course I want to go scope out that area. It could be a trap. Could be Mattox forced her to make the call.”
He found no fault with her deductive reasoning. “It does seem a little too pat.”
“She did agree to switch locations, and hopefully the church is more in the town than the cabin would’ve been. But... I don’t know. Something doesn’t feel right.”
Turning her, Cade cupped her face in his hands. “You have incredible instincts, honey, so trust them.”
“Yeah, I do.” She frowned. “Those instincts are telling me something isn’t right.” She looked up at him. “But I still have to go.”
“I know.” Only she didn’t need to go alone. “Will you trust me?”