Bound by Fire

by Tracey Jane Jackson

  “If your mother makes it through rehab and sobers up long enough to realize you’re gone, I will personally fly her to wherever you are, but you are never coming back here. As far as her house, I will hire someone to look in on it.”

  “You don’t understand.”

  He took a deep breath. “What don’t I understand?”

  “If she’s in rehab, then she can’t work. I pay most of the rent, anyway, but I can’t cover all of it, and if she loses the house, she’ll have nowhere to go.”

  “You pay the rent? For your mother?” He failed to keep the disgust from his tone.

  Pepper nodded. “I don’t want her to worry about having a place to live when she’s out of rehab.”

  “I’ll take care of it, Pepper.”

  Pepper groaned in frustration. “I don’t want you to ‘take care of it,’ Con! This is my responsibility.”

  “Let’s just get you away from here and then we can put together a plan. Okay?” He stroked her cheek. “Now, anything you need from the house?”

  Pepper stared up at him for several seconds before she took a ragged breath and nodded. “I’m already packed. For Scotland. Um…the bags are in my room. Third door on the left.”

  “I’ll be right back.”

  Connall made his way back into the house and to Pepper’s room. He stepped inside and saw the ratty suitcases sitting against the wall. One of the closet doors was partway off its hinges and adorned with a couple of fist-sized holes. He scowled and grabbed the luggage. As he wheeled them out of the room, one busted open, spilling out a fan of envelopes. He investigated the zipper and saw that Pepper had tried to reinforce it with duct tape, but not very well. He sighed and picked up the letters, his intention to put them back, but one caught his eye and his blood went cold.

  See how easy that was to please me? I’m very proud of you. Now I won’t have to kill him. If only your puppy had been as lucky.

  He didn’t read any more. He slid the notes into his pocket and dragged the suitcases outside. Pepper rushed toward him. “Crap. I thought I’d taped that better.”

  “It’s fine. I’ll put them in the boot.”

  “Boot?”

  “You call it a trunk.”

  “Oh.” She reached for the broken bag. “I’ll take that one for you.”

  “It’s fine, lass.” He hit the unlock button on the key fob, frowning when he saw her shiver. Leaving the luggage on the curb, he shrugged out of his tuxedo jacket and laid it over her shoulders. “It’s a bit chilly out here. Let’s get in the car.” He held her door and waited, but she hesitated. “Pepper, you need to get in the car.”

  She pulled the jacket closer. “What about Thumper?”

  “Thumper?” he asked.

  “My car.” She nodded toward the VW Rabbit. “I’ll follow you.”

  He tried not to scowl. “Were you planning to take that to Scotland?”

  “No, of course not.”

  “Have you removed everything you need from it?”

  “Yes.”

  “Right, then.” He pointed to the open door of the Mercedes. “Get in the car. You’re not going to need it.”

  She didn’t move. “My mom was going to try and sell it for me. I guess that won’t happen now.”

  Connall sighed and threw the luggage in the boot before closing the distance between them again and taking her hand. He felt her panic, but then she calmed and took a deep breath.

  “We’ll sort it out. I bet Dalton can help.”

  “Oh. Right. I hadn’t thought of that,” she said hopefully.

  “Will you get in the car now, lass?” he asked.

  She nodded. Connall waited until she was settled before closing the door and making his way to the driver’s side.

  Pepper sat with her eyes closed, her head back against the headrest and wringing her hands in her lap. Her stress was pouring off her and Connall was having a difficult time not heading to the airstrip and flying her home.

  “Con, I didn’t make arrangements for a hotel.”

  “You can’t be serious.”

  “I’m sorry. I just thought I’d stay here.”

  He rolled his eyes. “Not about that, love. You’re coming back to the hotel with me.”

  “No, it’s okay. I’ll find something else. A Motel Six or something.” She pressed her lips into a flat line.

  “Damn it, Pepper, stop!” he snapped.

  She jumped and he instantly felt her fear.

  He grasped her hand and took a deep breath. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I don’t mean to scare you. I just don’t understand why you’re trying to shut me out.”

  Her gaze flew to him. “It’s working?”

  He scowled. “Better than I’d like.”

  “How did you find me?”

  “I’ll always find you, love.”

  She dropped her head. “I told Dalton not to tell you.”

  He reached over and ran a finger gently down her soft cheek. “I convinced him otherwise.”

  “I’m so sorry.” She sighed as she blinked back tears. “I forgot about Jeff.”

  “Jeff?”

  “My mom’s new boyfriend.”

  He started the car in an effort to distract him from his need to kill Jeff. “He won’t bother you again.”

  “How did everything get so complicated?” she asked, seemingly to the window.

  He pulled away from the curb and reached for her hand, linking his fingers with hers as they drove toward the hotel. “I’m going to fix this, love. I promise.”

  CHAPTER NINE

  CONNALL PULLED INTO the parking lot of the hotel and slid from the car. He opened Pepper’s door, holding his hand out to her. When she slipped her hand in his, he couldn’t stop himself from running his thumb across the top of her knuckles. Her skin was so soft. “In our chaos, I was remiss not to mention how bonny ye look, lass.”

  She blushed and smoothed a palm over her stomach. “Oh, thank you.”

  She’d managed to change from her bridesmaid dress into dark blue jeans that hugged every curve perfectly and a black cardigan with a red low-cut lace top underneath that showcased her full breasts…however, not as much as the night before, which he was grateful for.

  A faint purple mark was forming on her jaw and Connall scowled.

  He was surprised when she laid a hand on his arm. “What?”

  Connall felt the calm cover him. “You have a bruise, lass.”

  “Oh.” She dug in her purse and pulled out a mirror. “Crap.”

  Connall lowered her hand with the mirror in it. “Pepper.”

  She blinked up at him.

  He ran his thumb gently over her jaw. “Did Jeff do this?”

  She nodded.

  He leaned down and kissed her bruise and did his best to shove his rage deep enough for her not to feel it.

  “What are you doing to me?” she asked.

  “The same thing you’re doing to me, love.” He covered his mouth with hers.

  She slid her hands up his chest and sighed as he intensified the kiss. She broke the kiss and stepped away. “If he sees us…”

  “Come inside.”

  As they headed into the hotel, her phone rang. “Hello.”

  He watched as terror permeated her features and she grasped his arm. “What did you do? No. No. Why?”

  Tears filled her eyes and Connall could no longer hide his anger. He pulled the phone from her hand and put it to his ear. “Listen here, you bloody bastard, I will find you and you will pay for this.” He hung up and swept Pepper into his arms, heading straight for his room. He opened his door and carried her inside, sitting in the chair by the window and settling her in his lap. “What did he do, love?”

  “He hurt Rio. He told me to stay at home and I didn’t.” She hiccupped. “Rio’s leg is broken and it’s all my fault.”

  “It is not your fault. If we are placing blame on anyone other than the bastard harassing you, then it should be on my shoulders.”

  �
�You, why?”

  “Because I had security watching Rio.”

  She sat up. “You did?”

  “Yes. And I need to call Ali to find out what happened, okay?”

  “Yes. Please. I need to know if Rio’s all right.”

  She pushed away from him, but he pulled her back. “I can call Alasdair and hold you at the same time.” Once she was settled, albeit reluctantly, Connall dialed Ali.

  “Hi, Con,” Alasdair said.

  “So what happened?”

  “Someone messed with his saddle,” Alasdair explained. “The girth was frayed. Mario’s a bloody brilliant rider and would have been fine, but the horse tripped over the girth and fell on the guy’s leg. Algar was close. The doctors are trying to determine if Mario needs surgery. Either way, he’ll be in a cast for a few weeks, but it looks like he’ll be fine.”

  “Okay. Take care of him and make sure his family’s comfortable. They shouldn’t worry about money.”

  “Aye.”

  Connall hung up and took a deep breath. Glancing down at his mate, he smiled. Pepper had fallen asleep. He stood and laid her on the bed, removing her shoes and tucking the thick blanket around her. He then pulled his laptop out and sat down to attempt some work.

  He managed an hour before her scream filled the room. He made his way to the bed and leaned over her. “Pepper. Wake up.”

  Her fear-filled eyes opened and then she let out a deep breath and sat up, wrapping her arms around his neck.

  “It’s okay, love. Just a dream.”

  “What do you mean? How was I asleep?” she demanded and gripped harder. “I don’t sleep…especially when I’m worried.”

  He pulled her close and held her until she loosened her arms. “Calmer?”

  “Yes. But that still doesn’t make sense. How long did I sleep?” she asked.

  He stroked her cheek. “About an hour.”

  “Did you find out what happened?” she asked.

  “Aye.” Connall filled her in on what Alasdair told him.

  She frowned. “I want to see Rio.”

  “When we get this mess sorted out, you can.”

  “What about his wife?”

  “We’re making sure his wife and kids are safe, and sorting out his medical bills.”

  Pepper bit her lip. “I’m so sorry.”

  “Why?”

  “Because Mario wouldn’t be hurt and you wouldn’t have to spend money if it wasn’t for me,” she said. “I’ll pay you back.”

  Connall remembered what Sam had said about Pepper wanting to pay her own way as he watched her wringing her hands, wondering how she would pay him back.

  “Hey.” He laid his hands over hers. “This isn’t about you.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Whether I pay for his medical costs or not, this is my decision. It’s about me, not you. And it’s about Mario. If you want to feel bad that he was hurt, you’re fully entitled to do that, but the money thing is my decision, okay? You trying to control this situation isn’t going to work.”

  “I’m not trying to control it,” she argued.

  “Oh, really?” He smiled.

  She rolled her eyes.

  “Control’s only an illusion, anyway,” he continued.

  “How do you figure that?”

  “Well, do you believe in God?”

  “On a good day,” she retorted.

  He grinned. “Then, that in itself is an admission that you gave control up a while ago, right?”

  “Attempted to, I guess,” she grumbled.

  “Trying to take it back only frustrates you and limits your faith.”

  “Maybe. I guess.” She wrinkled her nose. “This doesn’t make you a genius, you know?”

  He laughed. “Oh, I know. There are a hundred other things that make me a genius.”

  “I can’t wait to discover them.” She rubbed her eyes. “I should probably wash my face. This mascara’s starting to flake.”

  He rose to his feet and opened the bathroom door. “There are flannels on the counter.”

  She slid off the bed and stepped into the bathroom. She kept the door open as she ran the water. “You really don’t mind paying Mario’s medical bills?” she asked.

  “If I minded, I wouldn’t do it.”

  She smiled as she ran the flannel over her face, pausing as she reached her chin. “You’re too good to be true, aren’t you?”

  He sat back down at his computer. “I’m exactly what you see, love.”

  “Right. Too good to be true.”

  He chuckled. “I will keep you believing that for as long as I can.”

  Pepper finished washing her face and then made her way back into the bedroom. “I don’t see the bruise on my chin anymore. Do you?”

  He glanced up at her and shook his head. “No. Looks like it’s gone.”

  “Hmm. Weird. It was pretty bad this morning.”

  He shrugged as he stood and stroked his fingers over her jaw. “Maybe you heal faster than you think. Now, I have you all to myself until dinner and I want to take advantage. Tomorrow’s going to be crazy with gifts and packing.”

  “What happens at dinner?”

  “We’re meeting everyone at six.”

  “Ooh, I can finally ask Max about that guitar track…or maybe I’ll just grill him about you.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “I think I’ll put you between Payton and Fiona.”

  She giggled and patted his chest. “Like you’d put me anywhere you couldn’t touch me every ten seconds.”

  “Hmm, do I need to work on that?”

  “I happen to like it,” she said. “Will you promise me something?”

  “Anything.”

  “When all of this is done, will you tell me everything? I know you’ve been holding back, and I get it, I do, but I really need to know all of it. Good and bad, okay? I feel like I’m missing a huge piece of the puzzle, but I also know that I can’t deal with anything more right now.”

  He kissed her quickly. “I promise. You can pick the time and the place.”

  * * *

  After dinner, Max handed Pepper his extra room key. She would be staying with Connall for the night because Pepper didn’t wanted Max to give up his room again. He was leaving the next day for Scotland in order to prepare for his tour, so she’d have his room once he was gone. But if she was being honest, she’d prefer to be close to Connall anyway. Despite her best efforts to get information out of Max, he’d been annoyingly tight-lipped about the music, shutting her down at every turn.

  “Grab what you need, love,” Connall said. “You can leave your bags in the room.”

  She turned to Max. “Is that okay with you?”

  Max grinned. “Of course. My stuff’s already in the car. I have to leave at four.”

  Pepper wrinkled her nose. “Ew.”

  Max laughed. “Exactly.”

  “Thanks,” she said.

  Max gave her a quick nod and then went to find the rest of the group.

  Connall led Pepper to Max’s room and waited for her to open the door. “Are you sure you don’t want help?”

  She shook her head. “I think I can manage to change into pajamas without you.”

  “That’s too bad.” He kissed her cheek. “I’ll see you in a few minutes.”

  Pepper let herself into her room and stalled. Two brand new suitcases sat in the middle of the freshly made bed. Con?

  Yes, love?

  I thought Max said his stuff was already in the car.

  It is.

  She frowned. Well, then, what’s this?

  Are you referring to the luggage?

  She settled her hands on her hips. What else would I be referring to?

  The fact that I’ve completely enamored you.

  Pepper forced herself not to laugh. Have you?

  Haven’t I?

  You’re impossible, Connall Gunnach. Now, explain the suitcases. Please tell me you didn’t buy these for me. Sh
e held her breath.

  They’re mine, love. Yours are falling apart, so you can borrow those until we can get you new bags.

  She sighed. Hold that thought.

  Speaking with him in her mind was driving her a little nuts, so she made her way to his room and knocked on the door. He opened it and waved her in.

  “I don’t need new luggage,” she said as she stepped inside.

  “Your bags won’t make it to Scotland, Pepper.”

  “You don’t know that. Duck Tape’s an amazing thing.”

  He smiled, although he appeared distracted.

  “Sorry. Did I interrupt something?” she asked.

  “Nothing I can’t take care of later.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes, Pepper. I’m sure.” He smiled. “You’re running out of time, you know. I need my beauty sleep.”

  “Con.” She rolled her eyes. “If I have your suitcases, what are you going to use?”

  “We brought several extras with us to pack the gifts in. There are plenty to go around.”

  “But they’re Gucci.”

  “So?”

  “They’re expensive.”

  “Pepper.” Connall cupped her face and frowned. “Go get changed. We are not arguing about this.”

  “I’m sure I can find some cheap bags at Walmart. I’ll go tomorrow.”

  Connall let out a groan of frustration. “Fine, love. We’ll go to the mart tomorrow. In the meantime, would you please transfer your things into the bags I left you? I’d like to dump yours in the rubbish.”

  She pulled her face away from his hands. “If I do that, it will cut into my changing time.”

  “I didn’t mean right this—”

  She grinned and he shook his head.

  “You cheeky little…” He didn’t finish. Instead, he wrapped his arms around her waist, picked her up, and dropped her onto his bed.

  “What are you doing?” she asked as he straddled her hips and held his hands over her stomach. He grinned. “Con?”

  Without warning, he tickled her.

  “Connall!” she gasped.

  He tickled her again.

  “What are you doing?” she asked between laughing fits.

  “Are you going to argue with me about everything?” he asked.

  “Connall…” She tried to wriggle away, but he followed.

  “Pepper,” he mimicked. “Answer the question.”