Cade and Thor looked at each other. Both of them reached for their weapons.
“Harley, alert the others. We may have trouble on its way.”
Mrs. Harley had anticipated his next move and doors opened and closed as operatives moved into position and the clerical staff moved into the safe room.
“It’s my package,” Cade said. “I’ll meet it.”
He and Thor moved into position across from the elevator. It dinged and the doors slid open. A tall, beautifully luscious woman with long, curly, black hair stepped out of the elevator followed by a small woman with red hair.
Cade froze. “Addison?”
She spun around at the sound of his voice, froze for a moment, absorbing the sight of him, then ran toward him, launching herself into his arms. “Cade! Oh, Cade.”
He closed his arms around her, squeezing her too hard, unable to loosen his hold. “Addison, I never stopped looking for you,” he told her, feeling her arms tighten around his shoulders. Her fingers combed through his shaggy hair. “How did you get away from Mendez?”
“He sent me to Columbia and Juan Rios rescued me. Rios told me that he and Vincent Vitale’s mother are siblings. Mendez kidnapped Rios’ daughter and you rescued her. He said he sent Vincent here to watch over me and to warn you that Mendez was after me.”
“God, baby, I’m never letting you out of my sight ever again,” he said before kissing her, his hands running over her body, relearning the wonderful softness of her curves. They were so caught up in each other they forgot where they were until Thor cleared his throat.
Cade released her mouth and Addison glanced over his shoulder and smiled at Thor, her blue eyes glowing with joy. “Hello, Thor.”
“It’s good to see you safe and sound and back where you belong, Addison.”
Smiling, she reached out and took the hand of the taller woman and pulled her closer. “This is Juan Rios’ older daughter, Marisol. Her father and Mendez’ are fighting it out in Columbia. He sent her with me. I promised him we would keep her safe.”
“Then that’s what we’ll do,” Cade said as he took Marisol’s hand. “Where’s your younger sister?”
“She’s safe for now,” Marisol said, glancing in Thor’s direction. “My father asked me to give this to you, Senior Larkin.” She opened her other hand and showed Thor a black flash drive. Tears appeared in her soft brown eyes. “He said to tell you to avenge him.”
Thor took it, examined it for a moment then closed his hand around it. “Harley?”
“Yes, Thor,” she answered, stepping into view behind him.
“Please call my housekeeper and tell her to prepare the large blue suite for my guest.”
Addison stepped forward. “I planned on Marisol going to the ranch with me.”
Cade shook his head. “You’re going to be busy worrying about our wedding, Addison.” He looked at Thor. “We’re getting married in a month. Expect an invitation.”
“Excellent,” Thor said as he reached out and took Marisol’s hand then pulled her to his side. “My limo is at your disposal, Cade.”
Cade laughed. “Thanks.”
“Cade, I can’t arrange a wedding in a month,” Addison said as he carried her into the elevator and the doors slid shut.
Thor laughed. “Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.”
“Heinlein,” Marisol said.
Thor turned and realized he only had to look down a few inches to look into her eyes. “Shall we?” he asked, taking her arm and leading her toward his office. His other hand turned the flash drive over and over as he wondered what was on it.
Epilogue
Cade followed Addison as she rushed to the front door and threw it open. “Jenna,” she screamed as the two women hugged and bounced around the hallway with excitement. “I can’t believe you’re finally here.”
“Addison, we’ve spoken on the phone every day for the last two weeks,” Jenna reminded her.
“I know but it’s not the same. Now you’re here and staying for three weeks to help me plan my wedd—”
“Our wedding,” Cade said. “Hello, Jenna.”
“Hi, Cade.”
“Yes, our wedding,” Addison repeated then looked at her and mouthed, “Totally my wedding.”
“I saw that, brat. I’ll let you two get the talking out,” he told them as he gave her a smacking kiss on the lips then wandered away. “I’ll deal with you later, baby.”
“Lovely. I’ll look forward to it,” Addison said.
Cade laughed then disappeared back into his den.
Jackson came out of the dining room, froze in mid-step, and frowned when he saw Jenna.
Jenna lifted her brows and narrowed her eyes then ignored him.
Jackson growled, and stalked back into the dining room.
Blushing, Jenna looked away and Addison giggled then got a scheming look on her face. “I’ve got a book for you.”
“A book? Addison, I don’t think a book is going to fix what’s wrong with that man.”
“Well, really more of a self-help pamphlet. Maggie gave it to me. It’s called ‘How to Train Your Horse’ and I’ve found it works on Cade very well.”
Jenna broke into gales of laughter. “Oh, my God, Addison, you haven’t? Have you?”
Addison nodded her head, giggled, then quoted Mifsud. “Men are like fine wine. They all start out like grapes, and it’s our job to stomp them and keep them in the dark until they mature into something you’d like to have dinner with…Without getting caught, of course.” Laughing, they walked toward the staircase.
Cade stepped out of the den, planted his hands on his hips, and quietly chuckled. The little hoyden was in for a big surprise tonight!
THE END
WWW.MARDIMAXWELL.COM
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I’m a dreamer, a romantic, and since the age of sixteen an avid reader of romance. I began writing short stories in high school but it wasn’t until I attended several creative writing classes in college that I discovered how much I truly enjoy the writing process. I love researching an idea, creating an imaginary setting, populating it with characters and then telling their story.
Life (marriage, children, and a career) kept me busy and on the run for a couple decades. Now, with my children busy with their own lives, I’m able to write every day. I also make time to read every day even if it’s only for a few minutes at a time. Which means I’m never, ever without a book at hand.
The romances I enjoy the most have laughter, tears, hot lovers who overcome obstacles to be together, pant-inducing sex scenes, and happy endings. The only book I’ll read where the main character dies is a vampire novel (love those eternal happy ever after endings).
When I’m not writing I enjoy gardening (unsuccessfully), spending time with my family, talking my friends into trying something new and adventurous, traveling, and dreaming about my next book.
Siren Publishing, Inc.
www.SirenPublishing.com
To Love and Obey [The Doms of Club Mystique] (Siren Publishing Allure) Page 25