by Blue Saffire
“I never in a million years thought that things could go so sideways. The mission was a trap. None of the others made it back home. I wasn’t supposed to make it back home either. I almost didn’t. If it wasn’t for this woman and her son that were living outside this village in the jungle, I would have died.
“I didn’t realize that I should have been killed, until I made it back. If not for Rob, Steve, and your dad, I would have been made to disappear. Jennifer was the only other one that knew what was going on.
“My brothers weren’t going to just let some rogues end my life. Rob had connections, he did what he could to help, but we all knew I was a threat to a whole lot of people. It would take time to get to all those we needed to make disappear, before they had a chance to make me disappear.
“Meanwhile, we had to make it look like I wasn’t as much of a threat as they thought I was. It was Jennifer’s idea for me to play the drunken, angry vet. Steve made sure I was discharged and then I made good on my part. We didn’t think it would take so long, but we had to make it real.
“You think I didn’t know you were climbing in my daughter’s window whenever my wife and I had a fight,” Chase gives me a pointed look and I shrug. “She needed you. You were her best friend, her protector. Jennifer and I had our backs against the wall.”
“It worked. I looked like a fucking mess to the outside world. I lost the respect of all my old buddies. Everyone really thought I lost it. Hell, I allowed an eighteen-year-old to hem me up,” Chase smirks at me and laughs. “I knew then you loved my Bean with everything you had. You were willing to stand up to me, consequences be damned.
“We were closer to neutralizing all the threats at that point. I was finally free the day my baby girl came home with tears in her eyes. I was able to be a real father again. Rob and Joe had made things right just in time for me to see her go to her prom and not look like a totally fucked up dad,” Chase blows out a breath.
“About a week ago, I received some pictures in the mail. All of Bean, I have no idea if this is connected to my past, but Steve has been keeping an eye on you guys’ place, while I try to dig up more information,” Chase runs a hand over his buzz cut. “I’m not sure it’s the same threat, but…I’m not chancing my Bean.
“Rob and Joe are busy with the Alliance; I can’t pull on them right now. However, I don’t feel like I am any closer to answers. I need your help. Bean is my only child. I will not let anything happen to her. I want this taken care of.”
I stand and head for the door, there is no way I can sit still without destroying something right now. Halfway out of the room, I turn. “I need everything you have. I’ll handle this,” I say through tight lips.
“Figured you’d say as much,” Chase nods, then stands and tosses me a jump drive. “I’m still her father. You won’t be doing this alone,” he says firmly. I nod and turn to leave.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Something Stinks
Bean
Something stinks. Everyone around me must think I’m some type of stupid. I’ve been extra grumpy and irritable as my family acts as if I’m a fool. Even my fiancé seems to be in on it.
Noah is keeping something from me and it’s pissing me off. We agreed on not keeping secrets, but he is keeping some big time secrets from me. If flames could come out of my head, my hair would be on fire, I’m so mad.
Our wedding is in two weeks. Two weeks and everyone is on some bullshit. I have a mind to not get my ass on that plane to Ireland. I swear I do.
How hard is it to answer my calls or questions? Nellie says I’m overreacting. I don’t think so at all. Noah has been going out all times of the night and he is cranky as hell. I’m used to the late-night bounties, but I know that’s not what this is. I just know.
“Baby…Bean,” Noah barks through the house, causing me to smirk to myself.
Noah knows I have a mean streak. Everyone is causing it to come out. Someone is going to give me some darn answers soon.
Noah’s big body storms into the living room as I sit on the couch. He has a towel around his waist and water is dripping down his chiseled chest. I press my lips and ignore the delicious sight. He is clutching the source of his ire in each hand, his shampoo and body wash bottles.
Yeah, I’m petty. He just placed them in the shower last night after I picked them up from the store for him. Yup, I did it. I emptied them out, right down the drain. If he wants to keep things from me, he is going to see what comes with pissing me off.
Noah looks pissed, but I don’t care. I keep my focus on the TV in front of me as I pet Beans’ head on my lap. I know it’s childish, but I haven’t been rational the last few days, so sue me.
“Really, Bean,” Noah grumbles. “I don’t have time for this right now. What’s wrong with you?”
I shrug my shoulders. “Nothing’s wrong with me, but it looks like you have a problem,” I chirp innocently.
“We’re not kids anymore, Bean. Grow up, if you have something to say, say that shit,” Noah growls.
No, his ass didn’t. I turn and glare at him and he glares back. It takes everything in me not to go off. I simply roll my eyes and turn back to the TV.
I hear the bottles drop from his hands to the floor, before I hear his heavy foot falls as he storms across the room. Before I can react, Noah’s big body is straddling me on the couch. I flail my arms about as he reaches to grab my wrists to pin them to my sides. My fight is futile. Within seconds, I’m on my back with a raging bull’s face pressed nose to nose with mine.
Noah just stares at me at first and I stare back. When he doesn’t say a word I crack. “If you think you’re pissed now, I’ve only just begun,” I snarl.
Noah snorts and a smile tugs the corner of his lips. “You’re crazy,” he whispers.
I shrug my shoulders. “You’ve known this since we we’re little. Nothing has changed,” I widen my eyes at him pointedly.
Noah laughs and nods his head, before he captures my lips. I try to resist at first, but his heat burns through me. I melt and my anger melts right along with it. I chide myself for giving in so easily.
Noah breaks the kiss and looks me in the eyes again. “You can stop…I mean it. I promise, everything is fine, just focus on the wedding. Dad gave you the month off for a reason,” Noah sighs. “I told you, this is work related and we’re not talking about it because you are not working right now.”
“Bull…shit, Noah,” I drag out. “This is not work related. You don’t get stressed about work like this. Stop lying to me.”
A look of pure frustration crosses his face. Noah releases my arms and cups the side of my head. “You are the most important person in the world to me. Please Rebecca, just trust me. Don’t I always make things right,” Noah says softly and slowly nips my lips. I nod my head reluctantly. “So trust that what this is, work or otherwise, it is nothing for you to worry about. I will take care of it without you having to worry.”
“Why keep me in the dark,” I whisper back feeling hurt.
Noah nuzzles my nose with his. “Because I really want you to focus on the wedding. Your mom is coming by tomorrow. See, she is not avoiding you,” Noah tries to reassure me.
I scoff. “Whatever, you and I both know that woman has been avoiding me. I’ll be good for now,” I pout. Noah chuckles and shakes his head at me. “Now get off me. You’re wet and you stink.”
I side eye him as he tries to peck my lips. “I wouldn’t stink if I had soap and shampoo,” he murmurs against my temple.
“Use mine,” I giggle.
Noah lifts up off of me, but pulls me off the couch and over his shoulder. I yelp and wiggle in his grasp. “Only time I want to smell all girly like you is when I’m inside you. So, since I have no choice, neither do you. We’re fucking,” Noah croons as he heads back to the bathroom with me on his shoulder.
“Oh, no we’re not,” I call from my upside-down perch.
“Oh, yes, we are,” Noah chuckles.
I snatc
h the towel from around his waist and slap his tight ass as it comes into view. When that does nothing to faze him, I take a bite out of one firm globe. I yelp again when Noah returns the favor and bites my ass right back.
Needless to say, we end up in the shower and yes, we end up fucking. I’m still stewing, but like I said, I’ll be good, for now. I just have a feeling it won’t last for long.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Knock Knock
Noah
I’m sick of this shit. Rebecca is no one’s fool and she figured out the first week I started tracking this problem that something was amiss. I know she is pissed at me.
Her little stunt a few days ago is just a friendly Bean warning that she’s on the verge of making my life hell if I keep pissing her off. That shit would have actually been funny if I wasn’t already in a mood. I hate lying to her and hiding shit.
I needed Rebecca out of the office because everyone that’s not helping Dad with the Alliance is helping me. I’m going to find whoever has had the audacity to threaten my woman before I leave on that plane to Ireland for my wedding. I can promise you that.
So, Rebecca needed a vacation. I don’t want her knowing anything about this. This is not her problem. It is for me to handle and she will not have to worry about this at all.
The problem is, Chase’s leads are not adding up. This is not a problem from his past. At least, not the past he thinks. Something is fishy, I smell blood in the water, but it’s not Chase’s.
I have an idea, but there’s one thing that’s not adding up. Anyone could have sent the pictures of Bean and the simple threats. No real resources would have been needed for that. It’s the latest acts that have me raising a bit of a brow.
Things have been taken to a whole new level, which tells me two things. Our target has new help and someone in the bunch is a dumb motherfucker. Actually, the moment they chose to target Bean made them all a bunch of dumb bastards.
Bean’s mom, Jennifer, had her accounts frozen, out of nowhere. She was in the process of making the final payment for Bean’s wedding gown. It was nothing Felix couldn’t fix, but the fact that he was able to fix it so easily proves we are dealing with fools. However, what this really tells me is that my initial target is right on par.
What isn’t adding up is the next move. The next move requires some skill or financial resources, if not both. Five plane tickets were all purchased in Bean’s name, all one-way, all for the same day. There was one ticket to Dubai, one for Russia, one for Scotland, one for Atlanta, and one for New York.
This is a sure way to get flagged on the terrorist list, which would have Bean grounded and having to walk through all types of red tape to clear her name. Forget about being able to travel anywhere.
When Rebecca’s name was flagged, Felix got a hit right away. We are in the habit of monitoring our family constantly for shit like this. So it popped right up on his radar. Bean’s Uncle Steve, Chase, was able to clear that mess up right away, but it’s clear someone wants to fuck with our wedding. I just haven’t figured out who decided to help make this happen or why? Who would want to fund this shit?
Sure, we have more than a few enemies, but this interest with Bean is a problem. I want to know why? Why is someone suddenly interested in targeting my girl? So, time is up. I’m following my gut and getting to the bottom of this. There’s no playing around when it comes to my Rebecca.
It’s time to knock at the door that has the answers I want. I bang on the front door of the dead man walking that I’m looking for. I’m sure he knows I’m coming for him. I step back and look around. This place looks like a hell hole.
Granted, I’ve been well aware that this is what has become of this prick. I made sure of it. Do I feel any remorse? Fuck no! I’d say I’ve been gracious.
I move to the window of the apartment and peer inside. It’s too still, the place looks vacant. My anger rises. Figures, this fuck is going to dodge me for as long as he can. That’s fine. I have a trick for that.
I pull my phone out and dial my brother. Felix picks up on the second ring. “What’s up, Bro?” Felix calls into the phone.
“I need you to get eyes on this rat. He’s not home. Somethings up, find him,” I growl into the phone.
“As good as found,” Felix replies and ends the call.
I hop in my truck to head back home. My patience is wearing thin. Wyatt looks up from his phone, he insisted on coming along, but I made his ass stay in the truck. His temper and patience can be shorter than mine and I have to deal with this a certain way. I don’t need his ass blacking out.
“I told you I didn’t think he was here,” Wyatt grumbles. “Whoever’s helping him is a little smarter than that.”
“Not by much, I’m telling you we’re dealing with imbeciles. Doesn’t matter, they’re all dead. We’re all going to be on that plane in three days and this shit will be a distant memory,” I grunt.
Wyatt puts his hands up in the air. “I’m not disagreeing with that at all. I just see you trying to handle this on your own. I don’t like it. You should have asked Felix to find him in the first place. I see what you are doing. You are using us to cover Bean, but who’s covering you, Bro?”
I turn in my seat to glare at my brother. This is not the first time we are having this argument. “I don’t need you guys to cover me. I need you all to be close to Bean, when and if she needs you. I’ve got this,” I hiss.
“I’m not your enemy, Noah. I’m your big brother and I’m telling you. I don’t like this. Stop running off on these leads by yourself. My phone is always on,” Wyatt huffs.
I don’t want to argue. I just want to get home to my woman. I shut my mouth and nod my head. “Yeah, I got you. I’ll call,” I say to appease him.
Wyatt shakes his head and mumbles under his breath. “Stubborn ass.”
I snort to myself. We both know that every Black in our family is stubborn. It’s in our DNA. It’s what drives Cass Black crazy.
~B~
Bean
We leave in three days for the wedding. I can’t begin to tell you how nervous, excited, and happy I am. However, I’m also frustrated, tired, and annoyed. I’m trusting Noah, but I just have this feeling that something is seriously wrong.
I love Noah with all my heart, so to see him upset about something I can’t help with, it’s driving me nuts. Lately, my stomach is queasy all the time with worry. Even now, I can see the stress in his golden eyes as I rock my hips into him.
His intense golden eyes are looking into my soul as I ride him slowly. I felt the raging energy rolling off of him, when he came back home this afternoon. He had left out on one of his secret missions first thing. He left in a bad mood and came back in an even worse one.
I’ve been doing all I can to pull him out of his funk, but it seems like the more I do the more he broods. After pulling him into the bedroom, where I stripped for him to his favorite Arctic Monkeys song, Do I Wanna Know, I sucked the life from his hard as steel cock.
In classic Noah fashion, he returned the favor over and over. When he finally had his fill, he pulled me on top of him to straddle his lap. We’ve been in this intense stare down since. Me riding him, as he holds onto me, just staring into my eyes.
I don’t think we have ever made love this deeply. I mean intense is not the word. I feel like Noah’s eyes are trying to tell me all that his lips won’t. Something is wrong. I think he is handling it, but something is bothering him still.
I cup his face and his hands move from my hips to cup my backside. His hands give a firm squeeze and my moans fill the room. I don’t think I will ever get tired of feeling him inside me, but this…this feeling of a connection that runs so much deeper than words and feelings.
I know Noah is trying to tell me how much he loves me and would lay his life down for me. Words don’t have to be spoken for that. I have learned what I mean to my man and I am grateful for his love more and more with each passing day. I just need him to know the same, so I open my
heart and let it show in my eyes.
Noah bites his lip as his eyes blaze back at me. One of his hands comes up to lock in my hair. He tugs my face to his so he can drink from my lips. I moan and he groans in response.
I try to pick up the pace, but he stills me with the hand still on my ass and takes over. He thrusts up into me from beneath. Each stroke hits the right spot at the right time. Sheer perfection, is what this is.
When Noah starts to rock his big thick, powerful, thighs open and closed beneath me as he rolls his hips, I’m so done for. The friction and penetration of the simple move causes as me quivering all over. My whole body starts to tingle and I feel him in every cell of my being.
I finally break the silence with a piercing scream of his name. Noah brings his lips to my ears and says huskily. “I love you, no one will ever take what’s mine.”
I am too sex drunk to reply. My release zaps me of all energy. I crumple into a heap in his arms. The last thing I’m aware of is Noah’s hot seed bursting into me.
~B~
Noah
When I returned home, I was already tense. I knew this, but as hard as I tried I couldn’t relax. I can feel this all coming to a head. I know once Felix has my answer for me, I’m going to have my resolution.
I love Bean for wanting to make this better for me. Although, the more she tried the more agitated I have become. Seeing her love for me, seeing how much she wants to please me and knowing that someone wants to try to take that away from me, has me wanting to tear something apart.
Making love this time was different. It was almost like we sealed a promise to each other. I know I made the silent promise to keep her safe, to protect her with my very being. I read in her eyes that she would be there for me, for whatever I need. That was just so intense, there is no other way to describe it.
Now, I sit here with Rebecca in my arms as I watch her sleep and all I see is my future. She is the key to my life. This woman holds my world in her palms. How can I not want to lose my mind knowing someone is out there threatening all I hold dear? My body tenses and my blood boils.