by Kristy Marie
Damn.
Theo and all his fineness passes, jogging up the sidewalk. He’s playing it cool and waving at the neighbors like he fucking lives here. They wave back but not before checking out that ass. Knowing I can’t keep him running much longer (not because he can’t run but because he draws entirely too much attention), I take a breath and back up into the woods. The brush doesn’t really give me the space I need to get a running start but it will have to do.
It’s now or nothing. I take one more look at the houses—no one is sitting outside and the bitch is nowhere in sight. This is it. Do it, Ans! I push off and run hard, launching both legs over the fence, and roll to my landing like a fucking pro. That one parkour class really paid off.
I keep low and make my way to Killer. No, that’s not her name. Mason said it was something like Bullet. I think Killer sounds better and since I am saving her, I get to rename her. She will be the only other vagina in the house. We badasses need cool names.
I approach Killer slowly. Reaching into my pocket, I pull out the treats. “Hey, girl. You hungry?”
She barely stirs, which gives me pause. This is a trained working dog. She should fucking eat my ass. Inching closer, I tentatively stroke her matted fur.
“Come on, girl. Let’s get you out of here. Daddy wants to see you.”
She nuzzles my hand and gives it a little lick. Come on. I hate dogs and she is breaking my damn heart. I ease the treats to her mouth, she jumps to her feet and with one lick inhales all that is in my hand. “Atta, girl,” I praise, stroking her head.
I ease her collar off, noting the indentions around her neck. She whimpers, killing me a little inside. That bitch is going down. Theo had better put on an Oscar-winning performance or I will leave his ass here.
With Killer’s collar off, I crawl toward the gate, coaxing her to follow me. She does, albeit hesitantly. I flip the latch and crack the gate. Reaching into my hoodie, I pull out a KONG, one that I may have found snooping through Mason’s room. I let her sniff it. Immediate recognition shows in her sad eyes.
“See it, girl! Go get it!” I launch the KONG just as I see Theo heading back down the sidewalk toward us. Killer takes off for the toy, her nature and training kicking in. I’m alight with joy as she soars through the open space in pursuit of her long-lost toy. It’s quite poetic, really.
I spot Theo digging in his pocket, pulling out the treats, softly calling the dog. KONG in her mouth, she approaches and dives in. Theo shrieks and goes down.
That’s my fucking man!
I quickly hop over the fence and run through the woods, losing sight of the dog. She took off once Theo started hollering. Hopefully, Brad caught her.
Out of the woods, I meet up with Brad, dog in hand.
“You caught her!” I squeal, happy this crazy plan is working.
“Yep. Came right to me.” He beams, all proud of himself.
I try to keep a straight face. I really do, but a chuckle escapes me despite biting my lip to keep it contained.
“Good job, Brad.” I pat him on the shoulder for such a valiant effort. “I’m headed back to the car. You and Theo know the rest of the plan, right?”
“Yep,” he confirms with a wink.
Yuck. I nod, too grossed out to speak, and jog in the opposite direction. How did I ever consider sleeping with him?
I wait for what feels like forever. Finally, Theo limps to the car looking all kinds of smug.
“Hello, blow job!” he bellows, flopping down in the driver’s seat.
“Did you do it?” I ask, eager to know if it worked.
He scoffs and looks offended. “Of course I did it! How could you doubt me, Ans?” He frowns, looking a little wounded. He’s still putting on a show.
I punch his arm. Hard.
“Ow! What was that for?” He rubs the red mark blooming on his bicep.
“Stop bullshitting and tell me what happened!”
He laughs, throwing his head back against the seat. “She recognized me when she answered the door. I hardly had to say anything. She signed that dog over to Brad in a hurry.”
What a bitch.
“She asked me repeatedly what she could do to make it up to me.” He jumps his eyebrows up and down, insinuating she was offering apologies of the sexual kind.
I cut him a look that says who cares, she’s a bitch.
He laughs and continues with an air of nonchalance and a shrug. “Anyway, she signed her over and I signed her boobs. Deal complete.”
My mouth falls open. Seriously. That heifer asked my man to sign her boobs? Her boobs, in marker that will eventually wash off? Not even something she could sell on eBay? What an idiot.
“She asked you to sign her boobs?” I ask for confirmation. Seriously? Her fucking boobs…
He puts the key in the ignition, turning over the car. It purrs to life under us.
“Yup.”
Shaking my head, I lean back and buckle my seatbelt, laughing. “You are such a slut, Von Bremen.”
We creep down the driveway to the farmhouse, careful not to jar Killer. Theo drove like a granny the whole way, insisting that Killer’s nails would scratch the leather even with her on top of four blankets. I didn’t argue. I just let him get flipped off and cussed at more times than I could count.
“Finally,” I groan. “I think your driving gave me a gray hair.” I finger a few strands for added effect.
Theo’s mouth turns down into a scowl as he stops in front of the porch. Gah. I really should paint it, it’s starting to resemble something haunted.
“Shut up. And get this flea bag out of my car.”
I feel a smile tug at my lips. He doesn’t mean it. In fact, I think he kind of likes the “flea bag.”
Leaning over, I kiss him lightly on the cheek. “Thank you, Teddy. You are the bestest friend a girl could ever have.”
Then, I lick his cheek. Totally immature, I know, but it’s just how we roll.
He shoves me off, wiping my slobber from his face.
“What? I thought you liked me wet?”
He frowns, not laughing at my joke. “Ans,” he breathes out, “we’re still more than just friends, right?” He seems nervous asking me this. Crazy, right?
Realizing he needs reassurance that we are not slipping back into our old habits, I lean over, take his smooth cheeks in my hands and whisper, “Yes, Theo. You are more than my friend.”
I get closer, my lips lightly touch his. Slowly, I brush my lips over his mouth, pressing firmly when he leans in, burying his hands in my hair. Mouth open, my tongue slips between his soft lips, twisting and tasting every inch of him. Even the damn minty gum in the corner of his mouth.
I tug him closer, pulling up for air. “You are my everything.”
My confession is whispered into his awaiting mouth before he crushes me to himself. He takes my shock as an open invitation, kissing me with everything he has, repeating the declaration, “My fucking everything. My fucking girl.”
My lips are bruised and swollen by the time we let up. My arms locked in his strong hands, hip jammed into the console. Nothing, and I mean nothing, has ever felt better than this moment. Breathing heavily, we get ourselves back under control.
Theo’s chest is still heaving, his face red, his lips puffy. He’s beautiful. I know you aren’t supposed to say guys are beautiful but that is exactly what he is. Beautiful.
When he feels me staring, he cuts his eyes to me and gives a playful smile. “You’re gonna marry me, McCallister. If I have to drag you down the aisle kicking and screaming. You will marry me.”
My jaw drops as he laughs, hopping out of the car.
“Get the dog, Ans. I don’t have all day.”
And the moment is over.
I’m aggravated ten minutes into my morning. My night was fraught with visions of bodies strewn across the dead foliage of the plantation’s pastures. Amongst the dead lay an angel whose golden hair was bathed in red. A weeping hole oozed from her chest, her essen
ce dripping onto the greedy earth.
Yes, my night fucking sucked.
Running ten miles in the humid air did nothing to relieve the tension. Even the cold shower was lacking. Tired of the stress-relieving techniques, I hustle to the gym in search of Von Bremen. Information came back on the sheriff that’s wrapped up with Lou and this sex trafficking ordeal.
Security measures need to be taken. Of course, these measures will have to be taken in secret as Commander will not take kindly to our meddling in her life.
The house is quiet since the guys have been volunteering at the Veteran’s Reserve, most of them gone before sunrise. Only Lawson and Vic stay behind. It’s too soon to allow Lawson free reign again. Yeah, we’re keeping his ass here for now just in case he decides to go after Lou on his own. This is not so much if he decides, but when.
Vic isn’t so much a flight risk like Lawson, but he has trouble being around children. And children are everywhere in the small town of Madison. Vic lost his son a few years back and hasn’t been able to overcome the grief that came along with it. I understand more than anyone how that feels. The guilt that you lived and they didn’t. It breaks a person.
Music wails from behind the door to the gym. What the hell is Theo listening to? His musical taste is straight-up garbage. Every single time I catch a little of what blares through his headphones, I’m disappointed. For a pro ballplayer, I’d expect him to listen to some kick-ass rock or rap. Hell, even some Queen would suffice. Anything to inspire a win. But nope, Theo listens to wailing, crying blues rock. It’s annoying.
Undeterred by the obnoxious sounds, I push through the door and freeze. In a backbend, the middle of Anniston’s back balances on the soles of Theo’s feet. He’s on his back, his legs bent as he holds still, allowing Anniston to reach for his outstretched arms. Her eyes are closed as their bodies move in sync to the music. It’s an incredible sight; I might even call it beautiful.
The heavy bass of the guitar picks up pace, and Anniston and Theo bend with it like they are doing a secret dance. His hands grip her wrists as he propels her body over his, allowing her to flip over him, coming to rest on her knees with her head bowed over his.
Theo’s fingers catch the wayward strand of hair that falls from her bun, rolling it between his fingers. And when she smooths both hands along his cheeks, caressing the day-old stubble there, he grips the back of her head, his abs flexing with the motion and pulls her down. She doesn’t put up a fight, lowering closer to his face as the tip of her nose brushes his. Her eyes close, his don’t. Theo closes the space between them, tilting his head to capture her mouth in an affectionate kiss. It’s not his usual this-girl-is-mine kiss, but a real one. One that clearly shows his love for her runs deeper than he lets on. Anniston makes a soft noise that sounds a lot like a hum of contentment.
The scene is so intimate that I feel like a creeper hiding in the bushes. You would think that common sense would kick in and I’d step out, but common sense must still be in bed because I remain steadfast in my gawking.
With one final kiss to the inside of her arm, Theo pulls Anniston all the way down, flush against his shoulder, biting alongside her arms and side. She squeals, trying to move away from his fun-loving attack.
Now seems like as good a time as any to make my intrusion known. I clear my throat. It’s awkward and comes out between a cough and a gag.
Theo cranes his neck my way and smirks up from the floor. “About time. I was wondering if you planned on staying for the shower.”
This asshole.
With lead feet and a good morning smile from Commander, I inch forward and clear my throat once again. “Yeah, well, sorry to disappoint. I know how you love an audience, but I have some urgent business to discuss with you.”
His eyes jump at my tone. He understands the underlying meaning in my gruff remark. With another peck to Anniston’s forehead, he eases her to the mat.
“Cade requires my expertise.” He flashes me a cocky look. “You know he can’t tie his shoes without assistance.”
I want to kill him. Every. Single. Day. Lord, give me strength.
“I’ll be back for strength training,” he promises as he springs to his feet. Anniston attempts to mask her giggle in the mat and fails, her raspy laugh reverberating through the gym.
A smile tugs at my lips but I don’t let it go. I remain stoic so I can get through these next few minutes with the pain in my ass.
When Theo reaches my side, I snarl like a deranged animal to relay my feelings about his idiotic comments. How is he the only person who brings this out in me? For goodness sake, I have led hundreds of guys in horrific conditions. At times, it was just us for weeks. And at no point did I ever think, I hate this fucker and hope a sniper picks him off. But Theo tests my religion every damn day. I pray for patience. So far, he’s still alive, so the prayers have been effective.
I shove him against the doorjamb as soon as we are out of the Commander’s sight. It only makes him laugh. Outside, where Anniston’s perceptive ears aren’t listening, I ask a question that I’m definitely going to regret. “What was that you were doing in there?”
Theo’s brow arches in an ‘I’m-going-to-enjoy-explaining-this-to-you’ type of way. “Curious, are you?”
Never mind. It’s not worth listening to his mouth. I start to walk away before I hit him.
His chuckle follows me as he jogs to catch up. “It was yoga.” His shoulders shrug, like it’s no big deal for a man to be doing yoga.
I guess it isn’t. I hear it’s getting more popular for men. Hayes goes to a class occasionally but I thought it was to check out the downward dog of some young hottie he met.
I continue the pace, not looking directly at him. “I have never seen yoga done like that before. It looked like one of those Cirque de Soleil shows I saw in Vegas once.”
His lips purse in thought. “I guess, but it’s just couple’s yoga to us. Yoga is encouraged for athletes. And Anniston really enjoys it. It’s something we’ve done for years.”
It shows.
“So, what’s the news? Did the PI find anything on Lou and our good sheriff of Madison?”
Right. The sheriff. Lou, aka a dead man who put a knife to Anniston’s throat and threatened to take her.
My spine straightens in a defensive posture. “From what he can tell, Lawson’s claim that the sheriff is dirty is accurate. He hasn’t found a whole lot since the sheriff seems to be covering his tracks rather well.”
“Sounds like you got a bad PI, Jameson.”
Blood pounds in my ears as I pull to stop, rounding on Theo. “Do not start this morning. If you think you can do better at finding intel on this asshole then by all means go right ahead. Otherwise, shut the fuck up.”
A grin pulls at Theo’s mouth before he fishes in his shorts pocket and pops a piece of gum in his mouth. “Someone’s on the rag.”
Don’t hit him, Cade. Anniston will be highly upset. She’s still babying the hell out of him from his appendectomy surgery.
Inhaling a deep breath, I start walking again. “There was a note in our mailbox yesterday.”
Theo snaps around, his face suddenly serious. “What did it say?”
I pause. I’m not sure if I want to tell him. He will go ballistic. I did. Fuck, all of us did but we kept Anniston in the dark. We didn’t want to scare her.
“Well, it wasn’t a note exactly—”
“Jameson!”
“Calm the fuck down. I mean it, Theo. What I am about to tell you is most definitely going to upset you but I need you to act normal, especially with Anniston, until we get to the bottom of it.”
His chewing could almost be classified as violent. “Fine. Tell me. I’m calm.”
He’s not calm, the steady shake of his hand as he starts to pace in front of me gives it away. But he needs to know.
“It was a picture of Anniston sunbathing by the pond, right before the All-Star game.”
True to his word, Theo remains calm. He
doesn’t speak or even look at me. If it weren’t for the heaving breaths and the steady tick of his jaw, I would think he didn’t hear me.
Under the sunlight, in what I thought was the safest place on Earth, Theo and I stare across the open hayfields, our eyes landing on the coveted landmark. The pond. Lou managed to breach our home base. He’s making a point that he can get to her with no problem. He knows taking her will end us once and for all.
Worry settles over us like a blanket of despair. Finally, Theo yanks at his hair, no longer able to hold it in and lets out a frustrated breath. I face him, prepared for some comment about how I let this happen, but instead, his eyes lock on mine, his face hard and serious. “How do we kill this asshole?”
Well, I’ll be damned. We move a little farther away from the house, toward the pond. “I have an old friend in the FBI that I’m trying to reach. He’s ex-military, served together when I first enlisted. I haven’t spoken to him in years but if he could get some guys on the case, they could catch this motherfucker and get Nicole out. We could stop sniffing around Lou and let the FBI take over. All we would need to do is keep Anniston safe until then.”
Theo nods, his eyes squint and he begins to crack his knuckles. “What about Lawson? Do you think he’ll go along with this plan?”
No. But I don’t tell that to Theo. God only knows what he may do to Lawson in Anniston’s defense. Instead, I go with, “I’ll convince him.”
“What’s your plan to keep Ans safe?” His fingers go to his lip as he starts bouncing on the balls of his feet.
“Do you want to run?” I ask him, not pointing out that he’s seconds from bouncing out of his shoes. I have become better at reading his ADHD. Anniston says he will fidget before he grows more anxious. The last thing we need today is to explain to her why he’s so anxious.
Theo ponders my question a minute before giving me a terse chin lift. “Yeah. A run would be good.”
I start out jogging slow, allowing Theo to dictate the pace. I should have known he would need to go full blast. I struggle to keep up as he darts behind the barn, running as if the devil himself is behind him. I fall back, it’s apparent his cardio stamina is much more advanced than mine. He’ll circle back once he tires out.