Fallon's Revenge (Fated Lives Series Book 4)

by Kelly Moore

  “Are you kidding me? He caused an avalanche?” My eyes grow wide.

  “He’s one crazy son of a bitch, but it worked. We got the POTUS out safely.”

  “I’m glad I wasn’t there to see any of that,” I snort.

  “I thought we’d lost him and Thorn at the time.” He clears his throat. “We did lose Williams that day.”

  I touch his hand on the steering wheel. “I’m so sorry.”

  “Going in, the chances of any of us making it out alive were slim.”

  Part of me is glad Rebel isn’t in constant danger anymore. I always knew it was his job and he loved it. I’d have never asked him to quit. “Fiona must’ve been out of her mind with worry.”

  “She was a trooper, especially given we were supposed to be on our honeymoon.”

  “I think fate intervened with that. You were supposed to see Sean and me on the island. If you hadn’t, I wouldn’t be here today.” For a brief second, I wonder if it was fate or did Nina have a hand in it. If Rebel lost his memory and she could get him back, she’d want me out of the picture forever. She’d kill all his men and me. He’d never recall any of us, except Lawson. A chill runs over my spine. What if I’ve fallen right into her game?

  “You okay over there?” Theo jolts me out of my horrific thoughts. “You had a look of fear on your face.”

  “I’m alright. I’m letting my theories run rampant in my head.”

  “Care to share?” He raises a brow.

  “No. I’m okay. I’ll keep my thoughts to myself until I see what’s real and what’s not.”

  The hour drive is over before I know it. “I don’t want you driving to his house. Give me the address so I can check it out from afar.”

  He pulls over on the side of the road. Locating the information on his phone, he texts it to me. “What are you going to do?”

  “Find a motel first. I’m exhausted and could use a hot shower and some shut-eye. It will be dark soon anyway.”

  “Do you want me to stay with you?”

  “No. Go home. Act like everything is normal. Keep trying to get Lawson. I’ll call you when I know something factual.”

  He drives me to a quaint motel, and I grab my bags.

  “Be careful.”

  “I will.”

  I check in under one of my fake identities and settle into the small room. I unpack a few things and take out a picture of Lily.

  “I miss you, baby girl.” I kiss the tip of my finger and press it to the picture and place it back in my bag. Stripping, I hop under the hot spray of the shower and rinse off the Portland rain.

  I order in food and sit cross-legged in the middle of the bed and take out a pad of paper and a pen from the nightstand.

  “Okay, step one.” I write it out.

  “Go to Rebel’s, but don’t let him see me.”

  “Two. I’ll need to watch him for a couple of days.”

  “Three. Stay out of Lawson’s sight.”

  “Four.” I scratch my head. “If Nina is lurking, stay clear of her until I find out what Rebel knows.”

  After that, I’ll play it by ear.

  I eat, clear off the bed, and try to get some shut-eye. I can’t. I’m wired. I wish I could talk to Sean. He’s been my go-to person since we left here. I can’t risk calling him. I dial Theo’s number.

  “Hazel,” he says softly. “You okay?”

  “Yeah. I can’t sleep.”

  “Me either. I hated leaving you there by yourself.”

  “Where’s Fiona?”

  “She’s sound asleep.”

  “She doesn’t suspect anything?”

  “No. Do you need any weapons?”

  “I could use a gun.”

  “I’ll get you one tomorrow.”

  “Will you stay on the phone with me until I fall asleep?”

  “You bet.”

  Chapter 13

  Rebel

  We’ve walked through the downtown area, making small talk. She asks me questions she already knows the answer to about my past. She’s avoided any conversation of my time as a SEAL.

  This Nina is different. Too bad it’s not who she really is. A man could fall in love with this side of her. Actually, I did.

  “I love that photography.” She squeals like a young girl at a print in a gallery window.

  I recognize it as one of Fiona’s. She has a multitude of black and whites from sea animals to old houses. This one is a sea turtle with its eyes above the water. Is this part of her game? Does she know it’s Fiona’s? “It has a lot of character,” I respond.

  She takes my hand in hers. “I want to buy.” She drags me into the gallery and takes it out of the window.

  She looks sincerely pleased with herself. The problem is, I’m not sure there’s anything genuine about her. I stand at the counter with her, and she leans her head against my shoulder, wrapping her hand around mine. It’s hard not to step away from her.

  “This is a great piece,” the gallery own states as he wraps the print in white paper. “The artist is a local in Portland. I can give you her card if you’d like.” He smiles at her.

  “That would be fantastic. Just throw it in the bag for me.”

  She knows who it is. I’ll play her game, her way. I take the paper bag by the handles, and Nina wraps her arm in mine.

  “Thank you,” she says.

  “For what?” I ask as I open the door.

  “For indulging me.”

  “I couldn’t help myself. You looked so happy about your find.” Liar.

  “I’ve always loved art, especially black-and-white prints.”

  “I’m sure you’ll find the perfect place for it.”

  “We need to stop at the market so I can buy what I need to make you dinner.” Her hand is in mine again, and her thumb is rubbing over the top of my hand.

  I find any reason to detach myself from her. “There’s a market on that side of the street.” I point.

  We cross the street, and I grab a shopping cart to push. As we make our way down the aisles, she places the things she needs in the buggy.

  “What are you making?”

  “Shrimp scampi.”

  One of my favorites, and she knows it. “I’m not sure I’ve had it before.”

  “Really?” she says, with her mouth gaping.

  “I don’t know if I like seafood or not.” I play the game, rubbing my chin.

  Her face softens. “It must be very difficult not remembering even the simple things.”

  Was that compassion coming from her? “I’ll try it. I’m sure I’ll like it.”

  “That’s a good sport.” She giggles.

  Nina giggles? Who is this woman?

  We finish our shopping and head to my beach house. Bullet barks relentlessly, and I have to lock him in my bedroom.

  While she unloads the bags, there’s a knock at my door. I peek beyond the curtain by the door and see Lawson. Shit.

  “Rebel! Are you in there! I need to talk to you! It’s important!” He bangs harder on the door.

  I turn to look at Nina. “It’s my neighbor. I’m going to step outside and deal with him.” I only open the door far enough to inch out.

  “You’re interrupting my date,” I bark.

  He tries to push inside, but I stand firm in front of him. “Who is she?”

  “What business is it of yours?”

  “Theo called and thinks Nina is in town.”

  “It’s not her.”

  “How do you know?”

  “You’ve shown me pictures.”

  That takes the steam out of him. “True.” He walks in a circle. “But still, I should see for myself.”

  “Not going to happen. This is the first date I’ve been on in years. You’re not going to ruin it for me.”

  He blows out a long breath. “Okay. I’ll have to trust you. Keep your eyes peeled for Nina.” He points two fingers at my eyes.

  “Will do.” I hate keeping him in the dark.

  I wait
until he’s down the walkway to open the door.

  “Everything okay?” Nina asks, sipping on a glass of wine.

  “Yeah. Just a noisy neighbor.” I act nonchalantly. Walking over to her, I put my hands on her hips and place a soft kiss on her lips. She tastes like poison and wine.

  “That was nice,” she purrs. “Can we continue this after dinner?” She smiles and wipes the corner of my mouth with her finger.

  “I’m looking forward to it,” I say. God, I hate her.

  She finishes cooking and plates our food. I pour more wine and sit across from her. “So, Nina. Do you like to cook?”

  “I’ve recently learned to cook. It’s never been something I had time for.” She takes a bite of shrimp.

  “What is it you spend your time doing?”

  “Research, mainly, but I’ve become bored with it. I’m expanding my horizons.”

  “Lucky for me.” I tilt my fork of pasta at her. “This is delicious.” I need her to feel comfortable.

  “Thanks.”

  There it is again. A blush.

  “Pink is a beautiful look on you.”

  She bats her eyes. “Not too many men make me blush.”

  “A gorgeous woman like you should be complimented every day,” I say, and shovel food into my lying mouth.

  “That’s not been my experience.”

  “Really?” I cock a brow for effect.

  “I’ve always been headstrong and independent. Most men don’t like that.”

  “What about the one you said got away? What was he like?”

  She places her napkin in her lap, and her other hand toys with the rim of her wineglass. “A lot like you. Strong, handsome…charming.”

  “I wouldn’t consider myself handsome.” I chuckle.

  I feel her bare foot travel up my leg. “He was great in bed. It’s the one thing I miss the most about him.”

  It takes everything in me not to push away from the table. “I’m sure you’ve had your share of men. I mean that as a compliment.”

  Her foot falls to the floor. “What about you? Who’s the love of your life?”

  I rest my elbows on the table. “I don’t recall having one.”

  “That can’t be true.” She narrows her gaze at me.

  “There was a girl in high school I had a crush on. Her name was Suzie. Blonde, blue eyes, and a pair of knockers that had every high school boy jizzing in his jeans.”

  “I don’t picture you as a man who likes blondes.” She drinks her wine but never stops looking at me.

  “At the time, I did. Now I prefer brunettes.” I get out of my chair, walk over to her, tip her chin up, and kiss her. It’s all a game, I keep telling myself as my tongue mingles with hers. I release her mouth and sit beside her.

  “Oh my,” she says, touching her lips with her fingertips.

  I place my hand on her cheek. “Would you like to take this into the bedroom?” Please say no.

  She glances at her watch. “I’d love to, but I need to get back to my motel soon. I have a previous engagement I need to attend to.”

  Thank god. “Are you sure I can’t persuade you.” I kiss her again.

  “I can’t. Not tonight. Can I see you again tomorrow?”

  I try hard to show disappointment in my face. “I’d like that. I’d prefer you to be staying for breakfast, but I respect your decision.”

  She touches my lips with her fingers. “Thank you. You’re sweet.”

  I go back to my chair and finish eating. Later, she makes small talk as we clean the dishes. When we're done, I walk her to the door. “Are you sure I can’t walk you back to your motel?”

  “I’m sure.” She stands on her tiptoes and kisses me. “Thank you for tonight,” she says.

  “I wish you were sleeping in my bed,” I rasp.

  She pats my cheek, and I watch her walk into the darkness.

  Shutting the door, I walk into my bathroom and brush my teeth. The taste of her sickens me. I despise that there are moments where I like her. What the hell is wrong with me? Have I been alone too long? “Fallon, please forgive me,” I say as I gaze into the mirror. “I promise I’m doing this for you.” I slam my fists on the sink. “She has to lead me to you.” She’ll slip up in some way, whether it’s something on her phone or computer, there’s information that will help me find Fallon. Nina just has to trust me.

  My phone vibrates in my pocket. I take it out to see Lawson’s number. “Hey, man.”

  “I saw someone leaving your house. I take it your date is over.”

  “Yeah.”

  “Did it not go well?”

  “It went fine.”

  He laughs. “With your charisma, I figured she’d been spending the night.”

  “She had a previous engagement.” I grab the keys to my house, lock the door behind me, and follow the footsteps in the sand. “I gotta go. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” I flip on the flashlight on my phone and walk down the beach. The footprints end when it comes to a sidewalk. I scan the area and see Nina outside a motel room on the second floor, unlocking a door.

  “There you are,” I whisper. I make my way to the building and quietly walk up the stairs. I press my ear to the door and hear her talking to someone.

  “You need to have eyes on Fallon and Sean. I won’t be back anytime soon. If things go as planned here, I won’t ever return. I’ll pay you a pretty penny to get rid of them once and for all.” The conversation ends.

  I need to get my hands on that phone to see who she’s talking to. Her footsteps come toward the door. I rush over to the stairs and squat low. Her door creaks open. “Is someone there,” she says.

  Fuck.

  She stares out for a minute and closes the door.

  Another door opens a few down from hers. It’s dark, and I can’t make out anything other than it’s a woman. A familiar scent hits me. But by the time I stand to look, the door is closed, and the woman is gone. Making my way back up the stairs, I stop in front of the door the woman had opened. Her scent still hangs in the air, and I’m taken back to a time with Fallon. She was getting ready for work and spritzed on a perfume. The smell turned me on, and I ended up peeling her out of her clothes and making love to her on the cold tile floor.

  I lean my forehead on the door. “Fallon,” her name is barely a whisper. “God, I wish it was you.” I grow hard, thinking about her.

  “I’ll find you if it’s the last thing I do.”

  I take off down the stairs and find a place to cop a squat. Now that I know where Nina is staying, I don’t want to let her out of my sight. She’ll slip up, and I’ll make my move.

  Chapter 14

  Nina

  “Damn, I’ve missed that man.” Peeling out of my clothes, I get dressed for bed. His memory loss seems real. I’ve tried to trip him up several times to no avail. I take the photo of the sea turtle out of the bag. “He would’ve known this was Fiona’s, yet he never said a word.”

  I snag the phone, calling my right-hand man again. “When will you be leaving for the island?”

  “What’s the rush?” he asks.

  “Things are going well for me, and I haven’t been keeping track of my sister for several months.”

  “How do you know she’s still there?”

  “Fallon and Sean would feel safe with me not snooping around. Why run again?”

  “I can’t get away until next week. You’ve kept me buried with starting up shop.”

  “Your main priority is my sister. I pay you damn well to do as you're told,” I snap.

  “I’ve never met a woman with such a hard-on for her own sister.”

  “I want you on that island tomorrow!” I scream, hanging up the phone. I’ve waited this long to put my plan into motion and won’t have her ruining it. I could’ve died when Derrick went over that rail, chasing after me on the snowmobile. I thought for sure he was dead. My disguise of being a homeless person was brilliant. No one paid any attention to me, and I was able to move around the hos
pital as I pleased. My biggest obstacle was waiting for hours for his men to leave his side. I was so relieved to find out he was alive.

  Hanging around for weeks to get the slightest details took me away from paying any attention to my sister. At first, I didn’t believe he’d lost his memory. That’d be too convenient. But as I watched him from afar start his recovery, I believed maybe it was true. I listened in on his men talking about it. They were all devastated Derrick would no longer be their leader. The team changed their missions after that. No more heroes.

  He’s mine, and Fallon will never get her hands on him again. What does she want with him anyway? I’ve given her the perfect life. She has all the money she’ll ever need. A man who is indebted to her. A daughter…Derrick’s child. She does have the one thing I can never give him.

  I pick up the phone again. “Don’t lay a hand on Lily. Bring her to me.” I hang up again without letting him respond. I’ll simply make up a story about adopting her. After all, she is my niece, and someone will have to take care of her after her mother is out of the picture for good. Me…a mother. That’s a name I thought I’d never be called. I’ll be a good one. Lily will never want for anything. I’ll support her, encourage her education, teach her several languages, and no man will ever lay a hand on my little girl. She’ll have Derrick wrapped around her pinky finger in no time. That will make him love me even more.

  I turn off the light and settle under the covers, wanting to dream about my life with Derrick.

  The phone rings, waking me up. “This better be good.” I stretch, sitting on the side of the bed.

  “I can’t fly out today. We’ve got a bit of a situation I need to handle with a client. I have another man I can send.”

  “No. No one else is to know about my sister. Get there as soon as you can.” I hang up.

  Getting a quick shower, I go through my closet, looking for something pretty to wear for Derrick. A beach cover-up catches my eye. “Maybe he’d like to go swimming. I’d love to see his sexy body in a pair of swim trunks.” I should’ve never turned down having sex with him last night. I wanted to, but I want to know one hundred percent he isn’t faking his amnesia before that happens. Once he’s mine again, I’ll not give him up. I’d sooner see him dead.