by K. C. Lynn
Silence surrounds us and I start worrying that I overstepped. Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything and just listened.
“Sometimes I don’t like how smart you are. You make too much sense.”
My apprehension vanishes and a giggle escapes me. “It’s a gift. I’m hoping this is what will make me a good psychologist.”
He chuckles. “You will make an amazing counselor, baby.”
“So you liked my idea about the clinic?” I ask, wanting his thoughts now that it’s just the two of us.
“Yeah, it’s perfect for you.”
“I hope so,” I say quietly, wanting the opportunity to make that difference. To give back to people like Sarge and the guys who have impacted my life—for people who fight for our country.
“I know so, because if anyone can erase the darkness from someone’s soul it’s you, Anna.”
My heart stalls in my chest, his beautiful words taking my breath away. Sitting up, I turn around and straddle him. His hands possessively grip my hips as I wrap my arms around his neck and rest my forehead on his. “Is that what I do to you?” I ask, even though I already know the answer.
“Yeah, that’s what you’ve always done for me. That’s why when I tell you no one could ever compare to you, Anna, I’m telling you the truth.”
I smile, knowing the jealousy I was feeling earlier was ridiculous because he’s right. “Nothing could compare to what we have,” I say softly, my lips only a breath away from his.
“Nothing, baby.”
“Forever,” I whisper.
“Forever,” he agrees before sealing his mouth over mine, bringing the same peace to fill my soul as I do his.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Anna
I’m rushing down the hall to my next class, hating that I’m running late, when Charity comes running out from around the corner, looking frantic and terrified. I stop abruptly and grab onto her shoulders in concern when I see she’s crying. “Charity, are you all right? What’s wrong?”
“No, I’m not. You have to come quick, Anna. I need your help.”
“What happened?”
She tries speaking but sobs hysterically wrack her body, making it hard for her to form words.
“Just calm down and tell me everything. I’ll help you.”
She glances around the hallway as if looking for someone then shakes her head. “Not here. Come with me, quick.” Taking my hand she pulls me behind her, making a beeline for one of the side emergency exits.
I almost trip over my feet trying to keep up with her quick, purposeful strides. “Charity, slow down.”
“I can’t or they’ll find us.”
“Who?” I ask, confused and a little terrified about what’s going on.
“Just trust me, Anna. We have to move now.” We burst through the emergency exit, which leads into a deserted area at the back of the building. She continues to drag me behind her through the field until we turn the corner into an alley where an SUV is parked, not far from campus security.
I’m out of breath by the time she stops. “What the hell is going on?” I ask, bending forward to rest my hands on my knees as I gasp for breath. When she doesn’t answer, I look up to see her tears have stopped and a smile on her face. Unease ripples down my spine. Before I can anticipate it she delivers a blow across my face with the back of her hand, the shock and power of it knocking me back. I trip over something behind me, landing on my butt. My hand covers the sting of her slap as I stare up at her in utter shock.
Malicious laughter barrels out of her; making her look crazy and nothing like the friend I thought I knew. “That was too easy, you are so fucking stupid.”
“What the hell are you talking about? Are you crazy?” I ask, tears welling in my eyes as I try to figure out what’s going on. The sound of a car door opening draws me out of my shock. I look at the SUV behind Charity and see a man I don’t recognize step out, his stance threatening. I quickly realize that I’m in very serious trouble.
Without a second thought I jump to my feet and turn to run in the opposite direction, but I’m yanked back by my hair. “I don’t think so, bitch!”
An angry shriek rips from my throat as I spin around in a swift move Jaxson taught me and slam my fist in Charity’s face. I only manage to clip the side of her chin due to the hold she still has on my hair, but it’s enough to stun her. With a howl of pain she loosens her grip for a fraction of a second. I attempt to make my escape, but before I can get away, big, strong arms grab me from behind. “No! Let go of me!” The guy slams a hand over my mouth to cover my screams and drags me backward to the SUV. I fight with every ounce of strength I possess but it’s not enough. Terror robs me of breath when he hauls me into the back seat with him.
Charity follows in after us and slams the door behind her. “Hurry up, Lewis, what the hell are you waiting for?” she snaps.
Lewis? Logan’s Lewis?
At the familiar name my gaze moves to the driver to see his face battered, guilt swirling in his eyes. Shaking his head, he turns around and puts the SUV in drive.
Charity sends another blow across my face, catching me off guard. “You stupid bitch, that’s for hitting me.” She delivers another one and I’m helpless to do anything but take it since the guy still has his arms locked around mine. “And that’s just because I’ve been dying to take you down a notch. I never bought your sweet little act.”
I grind my teeth against the rage fueling inside of me, wanting nothing more than to hit her back. “You’re going to pay for this.”
“Oh yeah, by who? Your boyfriend?” I remain silent because I don’t need to elaborate, we both know exactly who I’m talking about. She laughs. “You really are so dumb, Anna. Your boyfriend has no idea who he messed with. It’s too bad really, I wanted to fuck him before they got rid of him, but I guess I won’t get that chance now. You’re both going down.”
Oh god, Logan!
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Logan
As I drive to pick up Anna from school my cellphone rings. I look at the call display before answering and curse when I see it’s Lewis. I knew the call was coming but I was hoping for a few more days of reprieve.
A few more days of getting lost in nothing but Anna.
With a disappointed breath I answer the phone, knowing I can’t put it off, no matter how much I want to. “Yeah, Lewis, what’s up?”
“I need to see you. Can you come to the club? It’s important.”
I tense, the tone of his voice putting me on edge. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah, it’s good, but we need to talk in person. I found out some information on what we discussed the other day.”
I glance at the clock to see I have a few minutes to spare. “Yeah, okay, I’m on my way, but I can’t stay long.”
“Don’t worry, it won’t take long.”
“See you soon.” I hang up and arrive five minutes later at the abandoned building that’s been hosting all of the fights over the last few weeks. Looking around the parking lot, I notice the only vehicle here is Lewis’s souped-up sports car. Nothing seems out of the ordinary, but I still can’t shake this feeling that something is off.
After sending Anna a quick text to let her know I might be late, I lean over and grab the gun I have in the glove compartment. I tuck it in the back of my waistband as I get out of the truck and head inside.
As soon as I walk through the door I can tell something’s wrong. It’s dead quiet and mostly dark. I go to reach for my gun when I hear one cock behind me.
“Not so fast, asshole. Arms up and hands where I can see them,” an unfamiliar voice orders behind me.
My eyes briefly shut and I raise my arms, knowing I have no other choice.
Fuck, I should have texted the agents.
Cold steel presses against the base of my neck as my gun is confiscated from me. The guy gives me a quick pat down as Lewis limps out from around the corner, his face a battered, swollen mess. The betrayal in his eyes h
as lead settling in my gut. “What’s going on, Lewis?”
I’m praying it’s not what I think it is.
He shakes his head, but before he can respond the sound of clapping erupts through the silence. A man in a business suit walks up behind him, a cold smile on his face as he applauds. “At last we meet, Mr. Knight.”
“Who the fuck are you?” I ask, not in the mood for his games, hating his arrogant demeanor on the spot.
The guy rears back in shock before throwing his head back and laughing. “Well, considering you’ve been locked up for a while, I guess I shouldn’t be too offended that you don’t know who I am.” He pauses, wanting to give me a moment to figure it out. I stare at him, unimpressed, and wait patiently for his answer. “I am Phillip Allan, the mayor of this fine city.” He boasts the name as if he’s the president of the United States. “Some also refer to me as Boss.”
You have got to be shitting me, the mayor of Charleston is Boss?
“I have to admit, Mr. Knight, you had me fooled for a while. I’m really disappointed in myself. I should have looked further into your background, but I thought I could trust my right-hand man here, which ended up being my first mistake. Never trust a criminal, right?”
My hands clench at my sides as he knocks Lewis upside the head, especially when he takes it, keeping his head down. It’s clear he’s fucking terrified of this guy. Not something I’ve ever seen from him before. I hold on to my composure, appearing calm when what I really want to do is knock him out. “What do you want?”
“I’m sure you have figured out why you’re here.”
“I assumed it was to find out the details for the final but considering you have someone holding a gun to my head…” I trail off with a shrug.
Amusement lights up his face. “I have to admit it’s clever that the feds picked an ex-con to do their dirty work. I’m sure they told you what I did to their last agent, yes?”
I remain calm, hoping this is only a suspicion of his. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Of course you do, it’s why you were released early.” He shakes his head. “It’s such a shame. I was really looking forward to the final and so were many others. Many people are going to be very angry with this deception of yours and a lot of money will be lost because of it. You really have no idea who you double-crossed.”
“I haven’t double-crossed anyone.”
“I’m tellin’ ya, Boss, he wouldn’t do this. I know him and he’s—” Lewis’s protest is cut off when he’s knocked in the head again.
“Shut up! This is your fault!”
Fury settles in my gut, wearing down my patience. “Listen, asshole, whoever your source of information is they’re wrong. I’m not working for the feds so cut the shit and keep your fucking hands to yourself.”
His sharp, furious eyes snap back to mine. “Oh believe me, Mr. Knight, my source of information is very accurate. Now I don’t have time for any more games. I’m going to need you to tell me everything the feds have. If you do so immediately I will make sure to end your life quickly. If you don’t…well let’s just say you don’t want to find out the consequences.”
He can’t be fucking serious.
I watch him calmly, refusing to show any fear. “There’s nothing to tell.”
He sighs with disappointment. “I was afraid you would say that.” Craning his neck back he calls out to someone. “Darling, can you come out here and join us please?”
“Coming, Daddy,” a female voice answers, sounding vaguely familiar. “Come on, bitch, move.” I hear, just before she steps out from around the corner.
Shock jolts through my body like a bolt of lightning as I recognize Anna’s roommate, Charity. Fear blooms in my chest and I find it hard to breathe when I see her pushing Anna in front of her. “Jesus, Anna!”
As I start toward her I’m yanked back, but my instincts kick in and my composure snaps. With fast precision I spin around and lock my arm around the asshole’s elbow, then pull back until I hear it snap. His howl of pain explodes through the stagnant air as I catch the gun falling from his hand and slam the butt of it into his head, knocking him out.
At the sound of Anna’s cry, I turn around and train the gun at Mayor Allan to see him pointing one down at Anna as she’s forced to her knees, with Charity’s arm wrapped around her neck.
“I’m surrounded by imbeciles,” he seethes.
“The stupid bitch cut my lip,” Charity whines, wiping the blood from her mouth. “You’re going to fucking pay for that.” She yanks Anna’s head back by her hair, drawing another cry from her.
My hand trembles with the urge to pull the trigger. “Let her go now or I’ll put a bullet in your fucking head.”
“That’s not going to happen. Drop your weapon, Mr. Knight, or I will not hesitate to blow this girl’s brains out.”
“Logan.” Anna’s fearful whimper pierces my raging heart, but I don’t look at her, knowing I’ll lose my head if I do.
For the first time since Anna walked out I notice Lewis standing between Mayor Allan and Charity. Out of my peripheral vision I see him moving closer to Charity. My eyes meet his for the briefest second and he gives me a subtle nod. Relief fills me to know I have him on my side, giving me a small measure of hope to get us out of this. I will get Anna out of this, no matter the cost.
“Drop your weapon before you force me to kill her right now,” the mayor threatens again.
I shake my head. “I can’t do that. Not until you let her go.”
A malicious smile takes over his face. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you, Mr. Kni—”
Before he can finish his sentence I pull the trigger, but unfortunately he does, too. My stomach bottoms out and my head spins. Everything around me falls into a dream-like state, moving in slow motion. Anna’s scream penetrates through the blood rushing in my ears as Lewis slams into her and Charity. I run toward them as the mayor drops from my bullets, one hitting him in the head. Just as I reach them, chaos explodes around us. I jump on Anna and cover her.
“Freeze, nobody move.”
Looking back, I see feds swarming the place with their guns drawn. “Oh god, oh god,” Anna’s choked whisper breaks through the sound of my thundering heart. I bring my gaze to meet hers. She stares up at me, her tear-filled eyes wide and fearful as she trembles beneath me.
“Shit! Anna, baby, you okay?” Rising up, I run my hands down her body and check for injuries, remembering Allan pulled his trigger the same time as I did.
“Yes, are you?” she asks, shakily.
“Yeah, baby, I’m good.” Now that I know she’s okay I drop a kiss on her lips, needing to reassure myself. I’ve never been so fucking scared in all my life. A sob erupts from her, exploding against my lips. “Shh, I’m sorry, Anna. I’m so sorry,” I apologize, hating she was caught up in this shit all because of me.
“I was so scared for you.”
“I’m okay, I—”
“Anna!” Jaxson’s shout interrupts me.
I turn my head to see him frantically searching for her.
How the fuck did they find us?
“Come on.” I stand and help her to her feet.
Jaxson quickly spots us through the crowd. He races over and pulls her into his arms. “Jesus, are you guys okay?”
“Yes,” Anna whispers. “Thanks to Logan.”
I shake my head. Yeah, thanks to me she was almost killed.
The agents walk over to us, looking as unnerved as I feel. “What the fuck happened? How the hell did you know where I was?” I ask.
“Because of me,” Jaxson answers, raising even more questions.
“You?”
“I put a tracking device in your phone a while back in case something like this happened. There’s one in Anna’s, too. When you guys didn’t come back to the gym, and I couldn’t get a hold of either of you…” He trails off with a shrug.
Anna gapes at him, both of us in shock over his unapologetic revelation.
<
br /> What the fuck?
I’m about to rip into him for not fucking telling me but before I can say anything I’m cut off by an alarmed shout: “We need a medic over here, STAT!”
I turn to see a cop kneeling on the ground next to Lewis. “Shit!” I push my way through the crowd and drop down next to him. Dread swallows me whole when I see he’s lying in a pool of blood. I realize the mayor’s bullet hit him. “Oh shit, Lewis!” I grab his hand as the cop puts pressure to the gaping wound in his chest.
“I tried to stop him from taking her,” he mumbles weakly. “I didn’t mean for this to happen…” His words trail off as he coughs and sputters up blood.
“Shh, it’s okay, man. Don’t talk. You’re going to be fine.”
He shakes his head. “Nah, I’m not.”
“Yes, you are! Don’t say that.” His eyes briefly shut, scaring the fuck out of me. I glance behind me, looking for the medics. “Come on! Where the fuck is the ambulance?”
“They’re coming, ETA is three minutes,” an officer yells back from the entrance, where I see Charity getting escorted out of in handcuffs.
“Logan,” Lewis’s hoarse whisper brings my attention back to him. “We’re good—okay? I…” His breathing becomes shallower as he gasps painfully for breath.
“We can talk later. Save your energy.”
He shakes his head. “No, I need to say this. I know why you did it, and I don’t blame you. You’re better than me, always have been.”
I grind my teeth against the fire burning my throat. “That’s not true. When you’re better, we’re going to hit the fighting circuit and cause havoc, just like we talked about.” Even as I mutter the words I know I’m lying, I know it’s not going to happen.
His hand squeezes mine gently as a small grin quirks his lips. “You got this, brother. Conquer the world.” Those are the last words he speaks. With a final puff of air, his grip slackens from mine and he slips away.
His lifeless body blurs in front of me as my eyes burn with the same intensity squeezing my throat. “I’m sorry, man, so fucking sorry,” I whisper, knowing it’s not enough. It will never be enough and this guilt will plague me for the rest of my life.