Branding & Saving Lily Box Set: Books 1 & 2 (Jacob and Lily's Duet)

by Gracin Sawyer

  “Of course, boss. I already started some earlier, just in case.”

  Flapjack was one of the better cooks on the ranch and took his job seriously. I haven’t had a complaint since he started. Going to a fancy culinary school across the ocean helped him gain his position as my main chef.

  But, you couldn’t run from a cowboy nickname when working on a ranch. Flapjack was named after the amazing eggnog pancakes he made when interviewing for the job. Of course, he’d been a low man on the totem pole doing odd jobs for the business for years before going to school. That was how he paid for two years abroad.

  Doc came in and held up a leather bag. “I got some stuff. You want to head up with me?”

  Hell yes, I was going up with him. Rachael, or whoever she was, was not going to be alone with anyone but me.

  I downed the last swallow of coffee and took a glass Flapjack handed me full of water. “For the girl.”

  I appreciated the gesture. “Thanks. Bring her dinner up when it’s done. Leave it outside her door.”

  Leading the way, I took the steps two at a time, apparently anxious to see her again. Doc followed close behind me. “She tried telling me her name was Rachael, but I don’t believe her.”

  Doc’s steps faltered on the stairs and he tripped up them, catching himself with the railing. “And you don’t believe her?” A hint of surprise resonated in his voice.

  “Nah, that’s not her name. She didn’t admit it, but didn’t deny it when I told her she was lying either.” We made it upstairs when I turned to face Doc. “She’s hiding something, but I don’t know why. There isn’t a man here who wouldn’t protect her. She’s scared though.” I carved a hand through my hair. “When I find the piece of shit who did this to her, he will pay.”

  “Jacob, I know you’ve seen more in your life than most people in this world. Hell, you were born to this life, you can’t escape it. If I were that man, I’d be hiding from you.”

  “There isn’t anywhere in this world he can hide.” I looked at her door. “I don’t know, Doc, something pulls me to her. Maybe I just want to have someone to protect again.”

  Doc slapped me on the shoulder, something only he could get away with. “I hope you get that, but don’t get your hopes up. She came here pretty broken. A man may not be what she wants right now.”

  That was almost like a challenge. “Or maybe a man is what she needs.”

  Doc glanced at her door. “Jacob, Rachael was my daughter’s name. Do you think maybe she’s hiding behind her mother’s name? Do you think it could be Lily?”

  That was a heavy hope. “Doc, I can’t give you false hope. I didn’t know either of them, but I do know if that woman in there is your granddaughter, then you’re right, she’s been through hell and we need to be there for her.”

  “Her eyes, they’re the same. But she didn’t recognize me.” He let out a long breath. “I think I’m just an old man who wants too much.”

  I chuckled. “Nothing wrong with wanting things, old man.” Hell, I had a new want of my own. I only hoped Doc wasn’t setting his hopes too high. I’d hate to see him heartbroken.

  The idea that this woman could be Doc’s granddaughter had me questioning my feelings towards her. Lily Ramirez was Garcia Ramirez’s daughter and that would present a new problem. We weren’t exactly friends. He and I regarded each other professionally, but as long as he left the human trafficking alone I left him alone. I didn’t have time for the drug cartel. My hands were full with so many jobs, that I now had to turn too many away.

  It was no secret I took over my father’s legacy and turned it into a rescue mission. My fortune used to be made by my father selling women into the sex trade, and now I took money to save those taken from their families and most times sold into the same trade my father had a hand in. I hated that part of my past. Anyone low enough to kidnap kids and women to fulfill their greedy sick desires deserved to die.

  My missions took me all over the world, following leads for those who paid me to find their loved ones. Most times I was successful, but a few times I had to come home empty-handed. Those times were hard. Not just for the families, but for me. I didn’t want to fail. I wanted to save them all. But it wasn’t possible.

  Now I had a woman who found me and I couldn’t help but wonder who she really was. And how in the hell did she end up on my property? I wasn’t home a lot, so I was glad I was between jobs to help her. I’d hate for her to have tried killing herself and succeeding because we were gone somewhere across the world. The image of finding her dead in the woods sent my stomach rolling.

  I knocked lightly on her door before opening it. She looked so peaceful sleeping on the bed. I hated to wake her. She stirred and her eyes fluttered open, locking her gaze on me.

  Yup. I was as good as lost in those eyes.

  Chapter 9

  Lily

  Sleep beckoned me and I wanted nothing more than to fall into a deep dreamless sleep, but I hadn’t had the freedom to do that in years. Always on alert, waiting for the moment when Knox would decide it was time to do something to me.

  A light knock on the door startled me. I watched Jacob walk into the room, filling it with his presence. “It’s me and Doc again. No one else.”

  Why did he act like he cared? Why did he play these games with me? Mentally, this was harder than just taking a hit.

  Coming to the bed, he set a glass down on the nightstand. “I’m gonna help you sit up to take some pills okay?”

  I shook my head and pursed my lips together. I didn’t want to be drugged up. I needed to be mentally aware.

  “It’s just some antibiotics and pain killers. You need them.” Jacob sat beside me and slowly lifted me. Taking the glass from the nightstand, he held it to my lips and I took a swallow.

  It was cool and felt amazing on my parched throat, but it burned all the way down. It had been since yesterday that I had anything to drink and my body wanted to reject it. I coughed with the second sip but continued to drink.

  Jacob held the glass for me, careful not to let the water spill. “That’s it. Drink all you want.”

  I pulled back, afraid of drinking more. He set the water down and held his hand out for Doc, who put a couple pills on his palm.

  “Here, take these and then you can try to sleep.” He placed the pills between my quivering lips and grabbed the glass to help me wash them down.

  Doc smiled at me, a faint but familiar gleam flashed in his eyes and it was almost like he recognized me. My heart raced ready to find out. He winked. “My job here is done. I’ll see you later, pretty lady.” He acknowledged Jacob before leaving us alone. Obviously, he wasn’t who I thought he was.

  Carefully, Jacob lowered me back to the pillow. Even with help, it was strenuous and the throbbing catapulted with the movement. I focused on Jacob’s face. His features were the only thing that made it through the blinding pain. I winced and a hiss escaped as I tried to move to get more comfortable. “Why are you being so nice to me?”

  Jacob reached out to trail a finger down the side of my cheek. The feather-light touch had my insides bursting into flames. I should be backing away not moving closer to his touch.

  “Knowing kindness is so foreign to you it makes my blood boil.” He moved his hand away from my face. “Not all men are bad.”

  “But…” Did I dare say what I thought?

  He tensed. “But what?”

  Looking up at his handsome face, I melted. Maybe he was telling the truth and I would be safe? Maybe he wouldn’t recognize my name? But what if he did?

  Screw it. I’m a dead woman either way once Knox shows up.

  Closing my eyes, I gave him a secret I was scared to part with. “Lily. My name is Lily.” I braced myself, waiting for his wrath, but it never came.

  His face lit up with a wide smile. “Now that, I believe. Lily fits you.”

  Holy shit. He has no idea who I am. Unless this is a game too, I may have just bought myself some time.

  Cha
pter 10

  Jacob

  Lily’s head rested against my shoulder. Her eyes closed and I could feel her body relax next to mine. It was innocent but her closeness stirred my body to react with a deep craving for more.

  Lily. I repeated her name in my mind. How easily it flowed from my lips. It was like I was meant to speak it. I knew I needed to tell Doc, but she asked me not to go until she fell asleep and I couldn’t tell her no. Even after her eyes closed I found it hard to leave.

  I leaned my head back against the headboard, afraid to move and wake her. There were many things that I needed to do, but the world would have to wait until I was ready. More correctly, until she was ready. Even revealing who she was to Doc would have to wait. For the first time in a long time, I was going to be selfish. I knew it might cost me in the end, but damn it, if it bought me any time with her, it would be worth it. No matter the price.

  The blanket slid as she moved, revealing her naked shoulder with just a threadbare, thin strap to her bra. She was going to need some clothes. I had her other clothes burned.

  Rosa, my housekeeper and Gunner’s wife, should be able to help. I’ll have to send her to town tomorrow morning. I also needed to get a message to Detective Rodriguez to let him know I had Lily. She had been reported missing by Doc as well as her father and as much as I hated letting that man know, we needed to put her files to rest. It might even help me find the man responsible for her kidnapping and abuse. There had to have been a suspect or a lead. I couldn’t see how this would have been an ice-cold case.

  Having an inside source at the police station wasn’t cheap, but always needed. Not that Detective Rodriguez cared. He got a fat paycheck from me and when the time came, he got to take credit for certain situations, courtesy of me and my men. Staying under the radar was the only way I could continue my job, but everyone knew who was really behind it all.

  There wasn’t a drug cartel who didn’t know the Cardosa name. My father had a legacy before me that still lingered like an old ghost story meant to scare women and children.

  Outside her door, Flapjack’s frame filled the doorway. He was deadly silent, one of his many talents. Sneaking up on people had its worth in a business like ours. Hell, I didn’t even hear him climbing the stairs. The kid had a future, too bad he wanted to stay in the kitchen.

  The tray he carried held a steaming bowl of soup for Lily. It smelled good enough to make my stomach grumble.

  Lily’s eyes opened as my stomach finished its symphony. Instantly, her body tensed and she gripped the covers with white knuckles.

  Flapjack didn’t dare enter the room, setting the tray down next to her door, and then left without so much as a loud exhale.

  “Who was that?” Lily’s groggy voice sounded alarmed.

  “Our chef. He brought your dinner.” Slowly, I leaned away and slid my arm out from under her.

  “Where are you going?” She watched me with her wide beautiful eyes. Eyes that would never again have to see the abuse she’d endured so far.

  I smiled. “I’m not going far.” And I meant it. I was there until I knew she was okay.

  Picking up the dinner tray, I noticed a small scribbled note on top of a covered plate.

  Boss, thought you could use something too.

  Two glasses and a carafe of water finished the tray. Carefully, I returned to her bed and set the tray on the nightstand so I could help her sit up.

  “Smells good,” she said, peering over to the food.

  “Flapjack takes his job seriously. You probably have the best soup in Nevada right now.” I winked and flashed her a smile.

  She winced as I picked her up and helped her into a sitting position. I hated knowing I had hurt her worse to make her better. My hands tingled with the memory of the hot iron.

  The blanket fell, unable to cover her upright body. She was so beautiful, bruises and all. I would show her the opposite of evil and let her see how a real man treated a woman. And one day, I’d taste all of her and show her how her body would fit with mine. Just the thought of exploring every inch of her had my shaft growing and pulsating against my tight jeans.

  Shit. I was a sick person. Thinking about her like that would only bring us both pain. She deserved better than that. I needed to stay away from those thoughts and find safe ground. “I’ll be right back.” I had to leave so she couldn’t see my reaction to her. It’s not her fault she’s so damn gorgeous.

  I found myself in my room, pulling dresser drawers open, searching for a T-shirt. Soft cotton folded at the back of the drawer peeked out from behind lounge pants I never wore. Sleeping with clothes was too restricting.

  I brought the shirt to her and told her to hold her arms up as I slipped the fresh clothing over her. In a way, I was pleased it was my shirt she was wearing and not some other man’s.

  Safe ground. I really needed safe ground.

  “How are you feeling?” Yeah, that was safe.

  “Better, I think. It hurts, but it’s not as tender.” She looked away from me, red creeping up her neck and face. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be here.”

  Taking my place next to her on the bed, I tipped her chin so I could see her eyes. “You never have to be sorry for being here. I’m glad you’re here.” I picked up the bowl of soup and held the spoon up to her lips. “You’ll feel better once you eat.”

  “Mmm, that’s really good.” The way she closed her eyes and relished every sip did nothing to keep me on safe ground. Hell. How was eating soup so attractive?

  Halfway through the bowl she raised her hand. “I can’t. No more.”

  It worried me that she had such a small appetite, but to be fair, I didn’t know much about what she went through. “So, do you want to tell me who did this to you?”

  Her face went ashen white and I knew I wouldn’t be getting any answers today. Whatever this monster did to her, she was scared shitless. Whatever he did, he would be getting returned tenfold.

  “I’m sorry.” She trembled, pushing herself back into the headboard as if afraid of me.

  Her response killed me. She was so afraid of anger that she couldn’t tell where it was intended. “You have nothing to be sorry about. You’ve done nothing wrong.”

  If having me this close made it worse on her, then I didn’t need to be in here. No matter how badly I wanted to be with her, it was selfish on my part. I tried to stand but she grabbed my hand, pulling me back down. “Please don’t leave me.”

  It was then that I knew my heart attached itself to this woman. How could I refuse a request like that?

  Chapter 11

  Lily

  My heart hammered in my chest as I grabbed his hand. It was a bold move, but I was confused and needed him to stay still while I figured it out.

  I swore he was angry. All the signs were there, tense muscles, blood boiling in his eyes, clenched jaw. But he was gentle, not rough with me at all.

  Telling me I had nothing to be sorry for felt foreign and strange, and I didn’t believe him. Deep down I guess I always tried to understand how every beating Knox gave me was my fault, but it never fully made sense. Saying sorry was as crucial as breathing.

  Just touching Jacob, his demeanor changed back to the tender man I was beginning to know. Maybe I could keep him from learning who I really was? The way my body reacted to his closeness, I sincerely hoped he wouldn’t have to kill me. I’d rather he douse the fire he was creating inside of me.

  Maybe it was the guise of safety that had me captivated and not the man. But then again, I wasn’t falling for the façade either. He couldn’t ever really offer me complete asylum.

  That was a sobering thought and I dropped his hand. I was deranged to even think a man like Jacob Cardosa could save me. He was a murderer, not a saint. I’d been fairly secluded all my life with my father, not knowing who Jacob was, but then after Knox kidnapped me, he told me about all the people Jacob had killed.

  It seemed I ran from one monster to another. But my body didn’t understand
and burned for him to touch me just one more time.

  All the pain in the world couldn’t stop the pulsating throb between my legs. I’d never experienced that sort of pleasurable yet suspenseful need before. It was scary that he had that much of an effect on me.

  But if just sitting next to me or holding my hand could do that, I secretly wondered what else he could do.

  The mix of painkillers and warm soup had my eyes drooping. I was too tired to fight with my mind. My body could enjoy what he had to offer and I wasn’t going to stop it. It might be the only bit of bliss I get in this life—however long I live.

  “I think I’d sleep better if you were here.” Honestly, I didn’t want to sleep, but I was losing that battle too. But if he was with me, then he wasn’t talking to Knox.

  Slowly, I slithered back under the covers, unassisted. A huge gold medal for me for that task. Then, taking a bigger risk, I held the covers up, offering him room next to me.

  This might be the worst idea I’ve ever had.

  Keeping his clothes on, for which I was equally disappointed and relieved, he climbed into the bed. He reclined on his side, propping his head up with his arm. “Who are you, Lily? I want to know you.”

  I wanted to know him too, but there wasn’t anything I could tell him that would make me live until tomorrow. Knox’s threats still hung heavily in mind. He used Jacob’s name like an outlaw with his gun, brandishing it whenever he felt threatened by me.

  And here was Jacob, in the same bed as me, promising protection to a woman he could never pledge it to.

  “Let’s start with the easy questions. What’s your favorite color?”

  I laughed but grabbed my side. It hurt too bad to do that. “Seriously?”

  “Yeah, my new favorite color is blue. The exact color of your eyes.” He brushed the hair away from my face, lingering with a feather-light touch on my cheek.