by Livia Grant
She shuffled her way to her small bathroom, knowing a hot shower would help her relax and maybe give her a shot at getting some real rest. She was just about to step into the hot water when her cell phone rang. A smile came to her face as she saw who was calling.
"Yes. I made it home safely," she answered the question she knew was about to be asked.
"Thank God for that. You were supposed to call me when you left the hotel so I could be on the phone with you in case you needed me."
Hannah could hear the concern in Mia's voice. "Sorry, I got distracted by Jake showing up."
"What? Is he there now? Are you safe?" Mia's shouts filled the room through the small phone.
"Yes, Mia. I love you for worrying, but I'm safe. I got an escort out to my car."
"Well, shit. He's getting more aggressive. What are you gonna do?"
Hannah heard Mia's concern, but she didn't want tell her best friend the truth. She had picked up and moved across the country once before when she was in trouble. She dreaded having to do it again. "I wish I knew. I may need to... " Her voice drifted off, afraid to say the words.
"Oh no, you don't. You can't desert me. We'll think of something. I need you," Mia said.
She should have known Mia could read her.
Mia ran a small florist in downtown Palo Alto. She'd inherited it the year before, when her parents were killed in a car accident. The Yoshitos had given Hannah a full-time job when she had been desperate for money. They'd treated her like family, and Mia was as close as a sister. Guilt washed over Hannah at the thought of leaving her best friend, especially knowing how much she depended on Hannah's help every day.
She felt defeated. "I don't know what to do. You'd think I'd have learned my lesson about men by now."
"Hey, I met him, and I thought he was on the up and up, too. This isn't your fault. I still think you should go to the police," Mia said.
"And say what? That this man I was stupid enough to go home with and have sex with is following me around, trying to give me a job?"
Mia scoffed. "It's more than that, and you know it. First, he hurt you, Hannah. I saw you wincing today when you sat down. I'm so pissed you didn't call the police. Second, you found out he wanted you to keep the books for shady businesses you want no part of. The guy needs to back off."
The scariest part was that Hannah hadn't even told Mia the worst of what Jake had done to her the night before. The rough sex had been bad enough. Her best friend would freak if she knew he had tied her up, had hit her with his hand, belt and paddle. Still, it was the look in his eyes as he got off on her crying in humiliation and begging him to stop hurting her that haunted Hannah. She'd seen a manic quality in his eyes last night that scared the shit out of her.
She didn't want to talk about it with Mia. "Let's not worry about it tonight, okay? I was about to grab a shower. I'll talk to you tomorrow at the shop, okay?"
"Okay. But think about calling the police, will you?" When Hannah didn't answer, Mia ended the call with a simple, "Night."
The hot shower helped her relax enough that she might have a chance at some sleep. After donning her skimpy pajamas, she looked at the waiting bed, tempted to collapse onto the sheets to get some sleep. Unfortunately, she had learned from experience, she wouldn't sleep well alone.
After double-checking that all the doors and windows were locked, Hannah slipped on her robe and knocked softly on the wooden connector door to her next-door neighbor's matching duplex. She didn't wait for an answer, hoping she would be able to slip in without disturbing Rosa.
The room was dimly lit by a small table lamp near the threadbare couch. Hannah saw the sleeping figure curled up on one end of the sofa and her heart contracted with a fierce love that never ceased to amaze her.
"He didn't want to go down until you got home, but he finally ran out of steam about an hour ago." Rosa's heavy accent told Hannah she'd been sleeping.
"Sorry I woke you. I worked late tonight." Hannah glanced up to see Rosa navigating her wheelchair closer.
"Honey, you don't need to apologize to me. We're a team, remember?" The Hispanic woman grinned, exposing her crooked teeth in a genuine smile that kicked Hannah in the gut. Yep, just another reason why leaving town was going to be so hard.
"Yes, Mama Rosa. We're a team. I don't know what I'd do without you here taking care of Connor for me while I'm at work."
"Honey, you and Connor are like family to me now. I love you both. And I don't know what I'd do without you bringing me the food and supplies I need and can't leave to get myself."
Hannah pushed down the guilt she felt at even considering leaving Mama Rosa on her own when she loaded Connor up and moved them to a place where Jake Davenport wouldn't find them. They'd been on the run before, but they'd found a home here with Mia and Rosa. She had hoped this could be their forever home. What she would give to have a normal life, but that wasn't to be.
Hannah leaned down and scooped the three-year-old toddler into her arms. He was growing so fast. Moving to a new town and starting over was going to get harder and harder the older he got. It couldn't be helped.
"Thanks again, Mama Rosa. I'm going grocery shopping tomorrow, so if you have a list, give it to me in the morning. I'll drop Connor off at around nine?"
The least she could do was make sure Rosa was well-stocked in case she had to leave in a hurry.
"Sounds good, niña. Get some sleep. You look tired."
I am tired.
"I'll be fine," Hannah said.
"You say that every night."
Hannah didn't answer her friend and neighbor. There was no point. She walked quietly through to their small apartment, sinking into the welcoming bed. Connor snuggled closer, nestling under her chin while his little thumb found its way into his mouth. They'd been working to break his bad habit, but she just didn't have the heart to take it out of his mouth tonight. If she was going to pick up and drag him away from everything he had known in his young years, he was going to need all the comfort he could get. She ought to know.
Chapter Five
Markus
It was close to midnight by the time Markus Lambert exited the elevator, stepping into the dimly lit foyer of his best friend's loft. An eerie calm filled the space, putting him on edge. He'd tried to call Brianna's cell phone in the cab on the way from the airport, but the call went straight to voicemail. He told himself she'd probably forgotten to charge her phone, but the knowledge that Jake Davenport was gunning for the love of his life was never far from his thoughts.
He beelined it to the guest room they normally slept in when at the loft, hoping to discover a sleeping Brianna. Finding the room dark and empty, he dumped his overnight bag and briefcase before checking the master suite, hoping he'd find Brianna and Tiffany holed-up there. The empty bed he found instead ratcheted up his anxiety.
Where the hell are they? If they left the loft, they aren't going to sit down for a week when I get my paddle on them.
Walking faster, he rushed back out to the great room and past the dark kitchen, towards the other end of the loft. He went to the movie theater first, hoping to find the girls in the middle of a romantic comedy, but finding an empty room instead.
He was almost jogging by the time he turned towards the far end of the loft, trying to keep his fear in check. When the faint sounds of rock music made it to his ears, he let out a relieved sigh. They were in the gym.
Lukus's loft was mammoth, taking up the top two floors of the city-block building. Since the property wasn't in the greatest neighborhood, Lukus had gotten a good deal on the deserted building which now housed his two businesses, an entire floor of guest BDSM suites he rented out to Punishment Pit members, and his personal home.
Markus next passed through the large home gym, which sported free weights and a dozen workout machines. Not only did Lukus use the space to exercise, the entire staff of Titan Security was encouraged to work out regularly to stay in shape for their job. With the wall of windows facing
the Chicago skyline, stocked beverage refrigerator, locker room and several big-screen TVs, the space rivaled the city's top-end gyms.
The music was getting louder. He could now make out the heavy beat of Metallica pounding from the sound system at the far end of the loft. The sight that met him as he cracked open the swinging doors to the two-story gym brought relief. He held back entering to enjoy the view for a few minutes.
A good-natured game of two-on-two basketball was underway. Markus grinned as he realized that, technically, it was a two-on-one game, considering the negligible help his lovely wife was providing her best friend. Brianna looked miserable as she watched Tiffany steal the basketball from her brother Aiden and break away towards the basket, making an easy layup. Rachel's cheer from the sideline drew Markus's attention, and he couldn't help but grin at the pregnant woman's risqué cheerleader outfit, complete with pom-poms and ponytails.
"I thought you'd have lost your touch by now, Tiff. You've been out of school for five years and you can still whip my ass on the court."
Markus wished Lukus had told him Aiden would be there. Having a Chicago police officer keeping tabs on the girls was a great idea.
"God-damn, I hate being beaten by a girl." The shorter, stocky man in the room leaned over with his hands on his knees as he gasped to catch his breath. It looked like Tiffany had been giving the men a workout.
Markus recognized the second man as Aiden's best friend and partner in the CPD, Josh. Tiffany had beaten Markus on the court more times than he could count, so he empathized with Josh's feelings.
Pushing the door open, Markus entered the gym. The second his wife saw him, she dropped the ball she'd been holding, taking off in a full-out run towards him. She didn't even slow down as she approached, launching herself into his arms with such velocity they almost crashed to the floor. Bri lifted her legs up to wrap them around his waist, pressing her sweaty body against his business suit while peppering his face with sweet kisses.
He chuckled, hugging her with all his might. "I missed you too, sweetheart." His hands were still trembling from his earlier worry.
She finally stopped kissing long enough to look at him. He saw both relief and lust in her deep, brown eyes. They'd been apart the night before, and he could see his wife had been as anxious for him to be home as he had.
"I was getting worried about you."
He had missed her sexy voice. "I tried to call. Your phone must have died," he said.
"Maybe, but I think the real problem is they made me play a stupid game of basketball. I suck at sports. I wanted to watch movies, but no... they had to make me sweat." She pouted.
"Well, for what it's worth, you look hot in your skimpy outfit."
That brought a grin to his wife's face.
The other occupants of the large gym had moved towards the door, as well. Markus put Bri on her feet, but she stayed close as he reached out to shake Aiden's hand. The two men hadn't seen each other in over a year, but Lukus had filled him in on how angry Aiden was that Tiffany was engaged to a Dom.
Aiden shook his hand firmly. "Hey, Markus. You look worried. I've been on watch."
"Yeah, well, I wish Lukus had told me that. I worried when I couldn't reach anyone and I got here to a dark loft."
When Aiden stepped back, Tiffany rushed forward to give him a surprise hug. The relief he felt coursing through her at his arrival betrayed her continued fear about Jake Davenport being on the loose, gunning for her.
"I missed you too, Tiff. I'm happy to see I'm not the only one you like to humiliate on the basketball court. It feels like you could use a hot shower."
She smiled shyly as she pulled away from him. Her quiet, "Yes, Sir," surprised him. It seemed Miss Tiffany was missing her Dom.
Rachel didn't even wait for Tiff to step away before she rushed in for her own hug, too. "Hello, Master Markus!"
"Hello, Rach. You make a beautiful cheerleader, little girl."
She beamed at his words.
He was struck by how all three women were looking at him. It only took a few seconds for him to recognize the unspoken desire in the air. He was happy to oblige them.
He delivered instructions in his best Dom voice. "All three of you girls need to go back to the master suite and take a hot shower. I want you in your jammies and ready for bed in twenty minutes. I don't want any hanky-panky either, do you hear me? It's past your bedtimes."
They stood stock still for the briefest of seconds before breaking out in matching smiles that lit up their sweaty faces. Rachel kissed his cheek, skipping off first.
Tiffany came next, placing a platonic kiss on his cheek. He could barely make out her whisper over the music. "I'm glad you're here, Markus."
"I'm glad I am too, Tiff."
Brianna lingered, unwilling to leave his side as easily. He had to prod her, turning her away and popping her ass with a loud slap that he knew would sting just enough to turn her on. "Go on, Bri. Twenty minutes."
The three men stood, watching the sexy ladies shuffle off arm-in-arm through the exit, giggling all the way. Josh moved to the nearby stereo controls to cut off the heavy beat, leaving them in a suddenly awkward silence.
Aiden filled it first. "So it's true. Tiffany told me you were a Dom like that asshole she plans on marrying." It was a statement, not a question.
Markus stared him down. The muscular cop didn't intimidate him. "Watch what you call my best friend."
Aiden's pupils dilated. He hesitated before asking seriously, "Markus, we've known each other for years. Tell me the truth. Is he hurting my sister? I worry she's been brainwashed by the guy."
He could have replied with a quick no, but decided someone needed to set Mr. Aiden O'Sullivan straight, and Markus suspected he was the perfect man for that job.
"I think we need some alcohol for this discussion, don't you? Let's go raid Lukus's fully stocked bar."
Aiden grinned. "Now that's a plan I can get behind."
Markus played bartender while Josh lounged on the couch and Aiden stood in front of the floor to ceiling windows, peering out into the Chicago night. Having drunk with the men in the past, Markus didn't need to take an order. He knew that mixing anything with Jameson Irish Whiskey would be a hit.
"I have to admit, the asshole does have an awesome loft and view of the city. A full gym—basketball court—theater. I never thought Tiff would be swayed by material possessions, but I'm wondering if that has something to do with her blind spot where he's concerned," Aiden muttered.
Markus had finished making their whiskey sours and delivered a drink to Josh on his way over to stand beside Aiden.
"That 'asshole' is my best friend, and he worked his ass off for all of it. No matter what you think of him, he runs several successful businesses," Markus said.
"That isn't why I hate him, and you know it. It's what he does to Tiff..."
Markus noticed the sour look on the younger man's face and knew it had nothing to do with the drink he had downed in record speed.
Sipping his own drink slowly, Markus asked quietly, "Do you really want to have this conversation? Or would you prefer to bounce along not knowing the details and keeping this wedge between you and Tiff?"
"I hate the wedge, but I don't know if I can handle the details. I can't fathom why she'd choose a BDSM relationship. The thought of him being violent with her—it makes me want to pound his face in every time I see him," Aiden admitted.
"Then let it go. Just know Tiff is happy."
Markus thought the discussion was over, but Josh weighed in from behind them. "Aiden, I've been your best friend since freshman year in college, and so I’ve earned the right to cry bullshit on you. We've worked security jobs at several sex clubs in Detroit over the years. You had no problem with any of the BDSM happenings until Tiff was involved."
Aiden spun around to shout back. "Shut the fuck up. You don't know shit about it."
Josh wasn't fazed. "The hell I don't."
Markus chuckled. "Trouble
in paradise, boys?"
The two men were at least consolidated in their reply. "Fuck off."
Markus raised his free hand as if to surrender, while Josh pushed his best friend. "It isn't that he doesn't get the whole D/s scene. He just can't accept Tiffany living it."
Aiden fought back, his voice rising. "That's because she's a good girl. So independent. Strong. He's gonna ruin her."
Markus laughed out loud. "Christ, you haven't spent enough time around them." He moved to the nearby chair, plopping down and putting his feet up on the ottoman. Aiden had sat down on the love seat directly across from him, and waited for Markus to continue.
"I'm in a unique situation here. I'm the only person who knew both Lukus and Tiffany before they met each other. So listen up. Tiffany has changed Lukus ten times more than he has changed her. If you'd get your head out of your ass and spend some time with them—real time—you'd see how fearless she is. She couldn't shut down her sass to save her life, and Lukus wouldn't want her to. It's one of the things he and I love about Tiff and Bri. They're both so strong."
Aiden put his empty glass on the coffee table, reflecting until he asked quietly, "But why does she need it?"
Markus could hear the sadness in his voice so he backed down. "I honestly don't know. Why does Brianna love pain? Why does Lukus get off on doing shows? Why do I love coming home to my naked wife, on her knees in the foyer, waiting to suck me off every night before dinner?" He paused to register the shock on Aiden's face at his candor before continuing. "We all have hot buttons that make us tick. Lukus and Tiffany are a match. They're perfect for each other and you need to get on board with that."
The words were still hanging in the air as the three beautiful women emerged from the bedroom, all clad in skimpy silk pajamas. They headed to the kitchen, chuckling at some inside joke while ignoring the men.
Josh observed, "It's like an R-rated slumber party around here." He shuffled uncomfortably.
Rachel had fallen back, diverting into the living room space instead of the kitchen with Brianna and Tiffany. The dejected look on her face turned into a full-out pout as she stopped in front of Markus's chair.