Tackling Tobias: A Big Sky Universe Novel (Lady Boss Presents: Big Sky Universe)

by C. M. Steele

  “Tobias,” she sobs, tears sliding down the side of her cheek. I lean in and kiss her tears away.

  “Please don’t leave me. I’ll never get mad at you again,” I promise.

  “Ha. We’re married,” she mutters. Even Danny looks up from his work and cocks his brow. Suddenly the thundering of feet rushing behind spurs me into action. I point my gun that way before looking.

  “Calm the fuck down, asshole. I’ve called the ambulance; it’s ten minutes out,” Landon says, shaking his head.

  “Sorry, just jumpy.” He nods, understanding completely.

  I turn back to my love, fixing her beanie to keep her warm. “Damn it. You scared me,” I whisper to my wife.

  “Ava’s going to make it. The wound was a through and through, missing the femoral,” Danny says.

  “Good. Good. Sweetheart, say something to me,” I beg. She’s gone quiet on me which right now isn’t what I want. I have to hear her tell me she’s going to stay with me forever.

  “I love you, Tobias,” she sighs.

  “I love you so much, Ava.”

  “She’s still alive,” John says from the girl on the ground.

  “Who cares?” I snarl.

  “You need her alive. She might have more insight into the bigger picture,” Landon says, trying to make me see reason, but they’re just going to have to deal with an unreasonable asshole right now.

  “I overheard David tell Ava that her father is paying him well to kidnap her,” I explain, giving no fucks for that woman who tried to kill my wife.

  “Still, she has more information. Besides, she has to pay for her crimes.” Seeing her rot in prison does have its merits.

  I relent. “Call a second ambulance. My wife goes in first, though.” The men all nod in understanding because it’s just not up for debate.

  “It’s already on the way,” Landon adds.

  “Good. I need to get Ava to a hospital.” I cradle her as best as I can, wishing I could take her off this cold ground, but I don’t want to risk moving her.

  Just as I say that, two ambulances arrive with the police. I stay with my wife, turning over my gun to the police without moving more than inches from Ava as they prep her for the stretcher. “I should have listened to her,” I grumble.

  “Ready? One, two, three.” They lift Ava’s gurney and wheel her toward the back of the ambulance.

  The police have questions, but I'm not in the mood to answer them. I wave them off as I stay inches from the medics. "Hold the fuck up. I'll answer them when my wife's stabilized."

  We enter the ambulance, and I leave everything at the ranch for John to handle. “Don’t worry, Tobias. Everything will be under control.”

  "I'm sorry. I should have listened to you," I apologize again, holding her hand tightly in mine. I'll forever be apologizing because I almost lost the love of my life because I didn't use common fucking sense or even that panic in her voice to tell me to have it checked out first.

  "Danny says I'm going to be okay, so let's go with that. I shouldn't have gone outside, but I was worried about you. I saw David and he insisted on walking me to the barn. I had a bad feeling, but it was too late by the time I acted on it."

  "It’s not your fault, Ava. You’re an amazing wife and I’m a lucky man to have someone care for me so much. They were looking for a way to separate us."

  "This wouldn’t have happened if I never came here. My father’s involved.”

  “I wouldn’t be the man I am if you never showed up in my life. Your father will be dealt with one way or another.” I’d love to string him up myself. Maybe one of my friends who owns a slaughterhouse would lend me a hand.

  We arrive quickly and she’s ushered into the ER while they leave me out in the waiting area. I shout, “I love you,” before the doors close behind the nurses. I know I can’t go in with her, but that doesn’t stop me from hoping they’ll let me in.

  While I’m sitting on my hands doing nothing, the police show up. “Mr. Reynolds, let’s have a word.”

  I’m taken into one of the private waiting rooms so that I’m isolated from prying ears. “Please tell us what happened.”

  “Someone shot my cow out in the far pasture, or so I was told. The cow hadn’t been shot, rather it had been mutilated. It got me away from the house. When I realized that, I called the house to find Ava. She wasn’t in the house, so I ran toward the barn when I heard the first shot. I arrived to see my woman on the ground and David pointing a gun at the woman I believe is my stalker if that’s what he was referring to. He told her they needed Ava alive for now because her father was paying them a lot of money, and then shot the woman. That bastard started to drag Ava off by her hair, so I shot him. He fell, and as I ran to reach them, he pointed his gun at me. My security guard came up and shot him, saving my life.” Thinking back, I should have shot David again before he got a chance to get up. It’s a foolish mistake that I’ll keep in mind should anyone dare come between my wife and I again.

  The detectives nod, making notes on their little pad. “That’s pretty much the statement we received from Daniel Graham. We’ll need to speak to your wife as soon as she can.”

  “That I understand. Any news on the stalker? Who is she?” I question.

  “The woman is Rebecca Cortez, and she’s in surgery. She’s twenty and works at the grocery store in Cunningham Falls.” They look at me expectantly as if I must have a past with this young girl, but I don’t.

  “I thought I saw her before, but I haven’t said more than a few words, if that. The last time I saw her was when I took Ava to the store.” I’m trying to think back to that encounter. Ava accused me of being rude, but she wasn’t mad because it was clear the woman had been interested in me. Shaking my head, I hadn’t realized how close she’d been to us all this time.

  “Well, I need to know how she’s tied in with the abduction and Minter.”

  “It all has to do with Ava’s father. I’m sure of it.” I sit there trying to puzzle it out when another memory hits me. “Wait…the night that someone flattened my tires and smashed my truck window in town, her father’s investigator saw it happen and even took pictures.”

  “So you think they met there and decided to work together?”

  “It’s very possible.”

  I can see his brain turning, but he’s not the one who’s been through all this mess so it might not seem plausible as it is in my eyes. “I’ll look into all angles.”

  “Hello, Mr. Reynolds, your wife would like to see you,” Nurse Martinez says.

  “Give us a minute and then you can ask what you need to,” I inform them.

  I follow the nurse over to the elevator. We go onto the second floor and down the hall to her private room. “Ava,” I call out as soon as I see her from the doorway. She looks up at me, sitting in the bed covered to her waist with a blanket. God, she looks so sweet and innocent.

  “Tobias.” She extends her hand out, waiting for me to take it. I cautiously move to the side of the bed and wrap my hand around hers.

  “How are you feeling?”

  She smiles, using one of her hands to rub my cheek. “Better. My hero. You saved me.”

  “I put you in danger.”

  She shakes her head gently. “No. I did it to myself. If I had stayed inside, they wouldn’t have gotten to me easily.”

  “No. They could have attacked everyone in the house or created a shootout with security.”

  “I suppose you’re right about that. We have to do something about my father. He wants me to live long enough to get me in his hands, but we're married already so the only way he'd get his way is if you were dead."

  “Do you think they were going to kill me first?” I ask. It makes sense since we’re married.

  “I bet. And I think your stalker is their scapegoat.”

  “You think?” I assumed her motive was to get me to herself.

  “Yep. They were working together, but she’s out to still get your attention. She said that
you would fall in love with her when I was dead.” Ava sounds a bit upset like there’s a remote chance in hell that I’d ever let that happen.

  “She’s batshit crazy for sure because that will never, ever happen.”

  “I know. It’s funny because I have seen her twice in town and I got the distinct feeling she didn’t like me. Now it all makes sense.”

  “I suppose, but I never met her before.”

  “What causes any stalker to begin? She could have seen you once on television or in person and dreamed that you would fall in love with her.”

  “I feel sorry for her unrequited fascination with me, but that’s the most empathy I can muster. She tried to take you away from me, and that in itself is unforgivable.”

  “What about Mr. Henry?”

  “We’re going to be dealing with your father soon enough,” a man I don’t recognize says, entering the room. He brings out his badge as I stand guard over my wife. “Sorry, I am Tony Sinclair, and I’m with the Montana State Police. We’ve been brought in to handle this case. My people are taking statements from the parties at the scene, but I needed to speak with you regarding the shooting and your father. Will that be okay, Mrs. Reynolds?”

  She nods and then he pulls out the doctor’s seat and sits by the foot of the bed.

  We spend the next hour going over everything that has happened since her father struck her in December. The hospital decides to release her before the end of the day because it’s a through and through without any significant damage, although she must remain under medical care and bedrest at home for the next week.

  Once we come through the gate, my family bounds out of the house with security on their heels. “Oh my goodness, Ava. We’re so glad you’re alive,” Lara exclaims, trying to hug us as I carry Ava toward the house. This is going to be a trying visit, but I’m going to need all the help I can get to keep Ava in bed like she’s supposed to be.

  Chapter 17

  Ava

  A new snow has fallen in the past week. Tobias says it’s probably the last of the year, but I frankly don’t care. I’ve been relegated to bedrest and I’m tired of it, especially when it doesn’t include rolling around and getting dirty with my husband. I stand up and walk over to him as he brushes his teeth. “You know in a marriage it’s supposed to be the wife who stops putting out—not the husband,” I hiss as he gets ready to leave for a busy day out on the fields.

  He’s looking for more ranch hands, ones that can’t be persuaded and who aren’t entirely morally bankrupt, so he has more time for me. It’s been a bit hard because he’s picky as hell. By the time he picks one, John and Louisa’s boys will be old enough to work for him.

  As soon as he rinses his mouth, he cups my face and says, “Beautiful, I’m sorry. You have no idea how bad I want to be in your pussy, watching you come apart, screaming, moaning and writhing all around the bed as I wring every last bit of orgasm from your body, but the doctor said that you needed another two days.” He walks into our bedroom and slips on his tee shirt. Damn, the man is sexy in his plain tees and jeans. I swear I’m in heat.

  As sexually frustrated as I am, he’s right. I developed an infection and had to be taken back to the hospital. It was my fault because I thought I could go about doing things and not letting it heal properly. Falling down the steps at the house had been Tobias’s last straw. He won’t cave no matter how much we both need it. He’s even relegated himself to sleeping on the floor next to the bed because he doesn’t want to sleep apart, but he also doesn’t want to bump my leg.

  “Fine. I’m giving you two more days, but that’s it, Mr. Reynolds,” I remind him, reaching around to cup his cock. He lets out a growl but doesn’t remove my hand. Instead, he presses it harder onto his bulge. His need is obvious.

  “Be good, and I promise to make it up to you.” He adjusts himself. Clearly I’m not the only one needing to get laid. Hell, I’d settle for some of the basics, but Tobias nearly lost control the other night when kissing turned into heavy petting. I got a bad leg cramp and he sent me right back to the doctor. Damn that doctor. I think he has a thing against me.

  “You better.”

  “I’m good for it, baby. Soon, I’ll have you falling apart all over my tongue, then on my cock.” Shit, way to hit me in the right spot.

  “Go to work already.” I cross my arms over my chest and huff.

  He leans in and kisses me. “Rest up.” He leaves, and I lie back on the sofa where I spend most of my day.

  My Kindle is loaded to the gills, but I don’t have the energy to read so I flip on the television. The first thing I see is a news report featuring my father being hauled away in handcuffs, then my stepmother.

  I gasp and then turn it up so I can hear. District Attorney Franklin Henry and his wife, Karen, have been arrested on charges of fraud and bribery, along with attempted kidnapping, attempted murder, and solicitation to commit murder, most of those charges having to do with his daughter who reports have noted had fled due to fear.

  There is speculation that more charges are to come. As for the daughter of Mr. Henry, she has just married Former NFL Tight End, Tobias Reynolds. We’ll provide more details as this case unfolds.

  I click off the television and spend a while thinking about what they said with a smile on my face, which quickly turns to sadness. How could my father try to have me killed?

  I don’t know how long I’m sitting there when my doorbell rings. I gingerly get off the sofa and use my cane to get the door. It’s Louisa. “Come on in. I’m happy to see you today. Are you here because of the news?”

  “What news?” Louisa seems to be around at these moments, so I figured she came to check on me.

  “My father’s been arrested along with my stepmother. The news didn’t go into detail, but most of the charges were filed on my behalf.”

  “I’m sad and happy at the same time, if that makes sense.”

  “Totally makes sense. No one wants their parent trying to kill them, but no one wants their mortal enemy roaming the streets looking for the next opportunity to strike.”

  “I knew I could count on you to make me see things clearly.”

  My two days are up, and I’ve already been to the doctor. I want my husband to possess me today or I’m going to throw a fit. It’s sad and pathetic, but the man is sex on a stick, coming home and kissing me until I’m breathless and then forcing ourselves apart.

  As soon as I make it through the front door, I strip out of my hoodie and boots. I’m caught off guard as Tobias pins me to the wall with my arms above my head and my wrists gripped by one of his strong hands. Damn, my panties are already soaked. “Wife, you’ve got a clean bill of health. Time for me to make it up to you.”

  “Good. I’m so horny and I can’t help myself. I just can’t come on my own anymore. You broke me.”

  “That’s because your body knows you belong to me.” He reaches between us with his free hand and cups my pussy through my yoga pants. He rolls his fingers over my slit, the material adding friction. My body shivers, needing to come with just his hand. He uses the bottom of his palm to massage my nub and his mouth claims mine. I’m completely undone, pulling our lips apart, coming hard, and crying out against his throat.

  He releases my hands and I let them slowly fall to my sides. “I love you, Tobias.”

  “I live for you, Ava.” He flips me over his shoulder and carries me up the stairs, taking them two at a time. “We’re going to spend the rest of the day in bed. I gave John the keys to drop off our dinner from Louisa, but we’ll get to that later. Now, I want to eat your cum then I’m going to fill you up with my own until we’re both spent.”

  “I’m holding you to it,” I tell him as he sets me on the bed.

  His eyes darken and a smirk comes over his face. “I love a good challenge, wife.”

  And he made good on his promise. That’s the most I’ve come in one night ever.

  “So do you want to talk about your father’s arrest and his conf
ession?” Tobias asks as we sit on the sofa after driving back from Billings an hour ago. Detective Sinclair had gone to Indiana and interrogated my father last week. Today, he played the taped interrogation for us, and my heart broke. Not just for me, but for the way things had gone so wrong.

  The video plays and it’s on a state-of-the-art camera. There’s no fuzziness to the image and I get a look at my father for the first time since he sent me crumbling to the floor. He’s in an Indiana prison jumpsuit, awaiting his arraignment with less bravado than he’s ever had. I’ve never seen him so uncomfortable as he is now. And it brings me just a taste of joy to watch him squirm. “Mr. Henry, I’m going to be straight with you. We don’t even need your statement or confession because we found more than enough evidence in your lackey’s homes and vehicles. You can’t buy me. So I’m giving you a chance to save everyone a trial and take the deal you’re given,” Detective Sinclair says nonchalantly as the sound of his metal chair moves and he sits.

  “Why would I bother with that?” Ah, he’s not ready to crack just yet, but I know he does in the end.

  “Because we’ve already arrested several of your associates, and they’re willing to give you up. If you don’t save your skin, you’ll never see the sun again.”

  “I call bullshit.”

  “Fine. You need proof?” The detective plays a recording of my stepmother explaining how she was coerced into going through with his plans. Then he plays the tapes of two of my father’s business partners.

  “Have you heard enough? Mr. Baines has, and I assure you he’s ready to butcher you with his own hands.”

  My eyes bug out as I listen, and then Tobias asks, “What’s up?”

  “Mr. Baines is Derek.” He growls and continues the video.