by F. G. Adams
“Sage, do you recognize the man?” Lukas interrupts my wandering thoughts. His patience decreasing rapidly.
“I believe so. I’m almost one hundred percent positive I know that man. It’s Malik.” I pause, lost in the past that won’t go away.
Lukas closes the distance between us, and I’m securely wrapped up tightly.
“You’re trembling, princess. I’ve got you. Remember, it’s just you and me. Nobody else. There’s no reason to dwell on things outside your control. Let me handle it. Deal?”
“But what if something goes wrong?”
“I’ll be there to take care of you.”
“And what if you get hurt? Don’t leave me, Lukas. Not now.”
“Don’t worry about the what ifs, that’s my job. It’s what I do, who I am. I’ve been trained by the best to do the best job possible. Not to mention, this is personal for me. I won’t rest until you are safe. I’m going to take care of you. My team excels at what we do and specializes in safely defusing situations like the one you’re in. We have a plan of action set, and we are ready for all contingencies. Leave the logistics to us.”
The woodsy scent and powerful strength from Lukas affects me unlike anything before in my life. I’m enclosed within a covering of him, a tranquil calming ensues, chasing fears and doubts away. He clearly believes with certainty their plan will work. I guess I’ve looked in the rearview mirror long enough. Where I’m headed is much more important than what I’ve left behind.
“You made a valid point. I need to leave the heavy lifting to my Hulk,” I sweetly joke. “Guess you’ll manage to control me like your missions before long if I’m not careful.”
He chuckles. “I have all the confidence in the world you’ll let me do just that. Let’s say our good nights and jet to our pad. Seems there are a few missing details I need to take care of. I do believe a foot massage is in order after you’ve been walking around in those stilts all afternoon, and my mad man skills are just what the doctor ordered. Sound good to you, princess?” He flexes those giant paws, and my body melts.
“I’m in; you don’t need to twist my arm, buddy. You had me at foot massage.”
Well into the night, I suddenly jolt awake, my chest heaving at the strong emotions of loss bombarding me. Strong arms circle my waist and tug me into his bare chest.
“It was a bad dream, that’s all. I’ve got you, princess. Close your eyes. I’ll fight the enemies for you and keep them at bay. We’ve got a big day tomorrow. You need to rest.”
I slowly nod and squeeze my eyes shut trying erase the horrible image from my nightmare. The vision has me reeling. I’m not sure I can go back to sleep, but I do as he says. Lukas steadily caresses my lower back, and my body relaxes. Slowly, I drift off to Neverland, praying for peaceful dreams.
I stare at the image in the mirror and dab on more concealer under my eyes. After the restless night, I almost thought about faking the flu to stay in bed, but as tempting as the idea is, I won’t let Grandma or Nicholas down. The many hours of preparation, but most of all, the children who will benefit from the proceeds from the gala.
There’s so much left to do, and the dull ache in my head isn’t helping. I apply a cocoa-reddish-tone lipstick to match my evening gown and do a check once again. Tonight will be fine. I will not worry or doubt even as hard as it is at the moment because of my dream. Lukas has me covered. While I think of the handsome devil, he strolls into the bedroom.
“There’s my beautiful woman. Damn, you look too good to go anywhere but back to bed with me. I’m going to be fighting off suitors left and right. Can I persuade you to change into something less revealing with a little more material? Maybe wear a jacket or cape?” He speaks in a low indistinct manner.
I giggle at his antics. He’s the one who will have every head turning. The black tuxedo conforms snugly to his muscular body, extenuating the glorious broad shoulders tapering into the sleek waist. I twist my hands above my head, indicating I want to see the whole package, and he complies. His beefy ass is displayed in a pair of slacks tailor made for him. Mr. GQ is my escort. He rotates to face me again. His black hair is spiked on the top and slicked back on the sides. He is the what dreams are made of.
He gazes at me, lifting a brow, and twirls his long fingers in a circle. I slowly pivot, modeling the elegant dress and giving him time to let the beauty of it soak in.
“Holy fuck, Sage!” he hisses.
Guess he wasn’t expecting the backless dress. It’s tasteful, but there is an ample amount of flesh on display.
“How are you wearing panties?”
“Who said I was?”
“Oh, fuck! You can’t frolic around a ballroom, rubbing noses with bigwigs and asking for mucho dinero commando! It’s illegal.”
“I wasn’t aware I was breaking a law,” I censure.
“Damn, babe. You do realize I’m going to be hard all night long thinking of you wearing nothing.”
“Just think about what we can do on the ride home.”
“I like the way you think. It might not be such a bad thing after all—easy access.”
“Your sexual appetite is at no time in the past or present sated, is it?”
“Not when it comes to you.”
“Here, help me with this necklace, please.” I hand him one of my most prized possessions: a ruby and diamond pendant. “My grandma gave this to me on my twenty-first birthday.”
“It is almost as beautiful as you are. Turn around for me, so I can fasten it.”
When he’s finished, he gracefully turns me and places a small black box in my hand. My eyes widen and the room grows small. I look at the box and then him.
“It’s not going to bite you. Here,”—he takes the box and opens it—“it matches your necklace.”
I breathe a sigh of relief and marvel at the beautiful matching bracelet lying on the black velvet material.
“How did you know?”
“Grandma Matilda.”
“Thank you. It’s gorgeous, Lukas.”
He clasps the sparkling ruby and diamond tennis bracelet around my wrist.
“There, your wardrobe is complete. Ready?”
“Let me grab my clutch bag, and I’ll meet you downstairs in a few.”
“Fine. I’ll get our jackets,” he mentions, striding out the bedroom door.
I turn once more, looking at the image of the woman in the mirror. On the outside, I see what the world sees: a sophisticated, pampered Blackwood daughter. There’s so much more to her than that on the inside. I see past pain and misguided heartache staring at me. I close my eyes and say a quick prayer for Lukas’ safety tonight. His assignment tonight is to protect me at all costs. When I look again at the woman staring at me, I see strength, lessons learned, and pride in myself, mostly due to Lukas’ influence. Jolly Green has empowered me with his gentle, giant ways.
The limousine drives up to the red carpet, and Moose hops out to assist with the doors. He opens Lukas’ door, and he exits first out of the vehicle and comes around the back to my door to escort me past the flashing lights of the cameras. I hear my name shouted over the sound of clicking cameras and try to locate to focus, but the lights have me blinded and seeing spots.
Lukas gently maneuvers us to the first stop for pictures. Moose stands at attention to the far right of us. His eyes are constantly sweeping back and forth over the crowd.
I glance into Lukas’ eyes, and for a split second, it’s just us. He’s staring at me with a goofy grin that melts my insides.
A reporter in the crowd shouts, “Are you the wounded soldier who lost his leg in Afghanistan a few years ago? I remember your photo was all over the news when you returned home.”
Another obnoxious one pipes in, “Where’s your fiancé, Nicholas Holland?”
“Are you and Dr. Holland having problems? Did you choose to have him escort you to make him jealous? Was it his injury? Is it true, Dr. Blackwood?”
Pain flashes quickly across his masculine fa
ce. I don’t miss a beat catching him by surprise when I stretch on the tip of my painted red toes and briefly connect my lips to his. The sinfully goofy grin is back in place, and the reporters have new fodder for their gossip columns.
We are once again moving along the carpet toward the entrance of The Plaza Hotel. It can’t be soon enough for me. The bright lights are wreaking havoc on the slight headache from earlier, which has compounded into a full-blown pounding in my skull. Suck it up, Sage. You’ve got a long night ahead.
Lukas’ large paw is firmly in place directly above the center of where my dress dips into my rounded backside. He’s covering his property. Little bubbles of happiness expand in my chest at his show of ownership.
Inside the ballroom, the casino-themed atmosphere is light-hearted and easy-going. The governor and his entourage are enjoying the blackjack tables. My father and Tom Hudson, a state representative, are playing Russian roulette. Justin Perez, the newly elected senator, and a crowd of onlookers are at the craps table. I finally locate my Grandma and mother standing off to the side of the slot machines, chatting. All proceeds go to benefit amputees, adults and children, around the world.
Lukas walks tall and proud through the room with me on his arm, moving closer to a familiar couple, Keagan and Jocelyn. We come up behind them, and they are chatting with Fallyn and Oliver.
“Sage, you and Grandma really outdid yourselves this year. It feels like I walked into Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, and I’m amazed at how many high-profile individuals are here. This is really going to help your charity. Old money equals deep pockets,” Jocelyn gushes.
“I’m almost certain we called in all the favors we could between me, her, and Nicholas. Dad also backed it and personally invited several of the dignitaries in attendance tonight. Every little bit helps.” I smile even though my headache is worsening.
“You look gorgeous, Sage. I’m really not sure what we are doing here, but Ollie insisted we stay for your event. I made promises I thought for sure would work, and he wouldn’t relent to save my soul. I’m ready to head back to my mountain. I miss the quiet time. All this is a little overwhelming for somebody like me.”
“The evening will fly by fast, Fallyn, and before you know it, you’ll be on a plane back to the Ozarks,” I gently remind her.
“Yeah, I even tried to talk her into staying another week so she can help me choose patterns for the baby’s nursery, and she refused.”
“Jocelyn, you don’t even know the sex yet. We have plenty of time for that stuff. Oliver and I are still newlyweds. You do remember what that was like, right? Plus, Harper needs to be in school. She’s already missed a huge chunk of high school because of you know who. She needs the interaction with teenagers her age. It is what’s best for her,” Fallyn mentions.
I lose track of their conversation quickly when a couple stops to chat about their winnings at one of the tables.
Sometime later, I peek a glance up, and Lukas is on high alert, pursuing anybody who comes within a five-feet radius of me. My eyes travel around the large room in the hotel and observe and locate Moose and Beauty. I wonder where the rest of the cavalry is hiding out.
“Your friend is on his way over here,” Lukas whispers in my ear. “Do not allow him to touch you. I won’t be able to control myself if he does. I’m already antsy with you being out in the open like this.”
I give him my best are-you-kidding-me look and nod in agreement when I see Nicholas walking in my direction.
“Good evening, Sage. You look amazing as always.” Nicholas smiles and greets me.
“Thank you, and you look smashing, Nick,” I answer politely.
Nicholas extends his hand and squirms when Lukas shakes his.
“Lukas.” Nicholas clears his throat. “Can I steal her away from you for a little bit for some introductions? There are several benefactors from overseas here whom would like to meet you, Sage.”
“Lead the way, my man,” Lukas responds.
Nicholas looks between me and Lukas.
“I am unsure if that’s such a wise decision. It shouldn’t take very long to win over their donations, and I’ll return her safely back to your side.”
Lukas is staring off into the distance and nods. Weird. He hasn’t left my side the entire evening.
“I need to check on something for Keagan; it shouldn’t take me but a few minutes. I’ll find you when I return.” He bends down and continues for my ears only, “You are under surveillance, princess, and security is within shouting distance if you need them. You have nothing to fear.”
I stare into his eyes and slowly nod. The idea of him leaving worries me, but I can’t allow my fears to interfere with his job or mine.
“You go do your thing, Hulk, and I’ll go do mine.”
I place a chaste kiss on his jaw and turn to follow Nicholas. We end up making the rounds, and the pledges for funds grow with each introduction. I’m so pleased with the outcome. So many lives will change because of tonight.
“Gentlemen, please excuse me for a moment. I need to go to the powder room.”
The pounding has intensified, and I need a minute to collect myself to continue the rest of the evening.
“One moment, Sage, and I’ll escort you there,” Nicholas requests.
“Nonsense,” I whisper. “You stay right there and keep up the good work. You can watch me from here if you are so inclined.”
“Lukas is going to hurt me badly if he sees you by yourself.”
“He won’t. I’ll hurry back. Promise.”
He reluctantly backs down. I walk swiftly toward my destination. Once inside the opulent room, only a few occupants are standing near the sink washing their hands. I enter into one of the elegant bathroom stalls, lock the door, and sit down on the closed toilet seat, closing my eyes, willing the headache to take a hike. I open the clutch and find a tab of medicine, hoping the effects are immediate. I haven’t had a severe migraine in years, but if the symptoms continue, I’m sure that’s exactly what’s in store.
A few moments later, I open my eyes. The medicine helped and dulled the sharp pain shooting through me. I’m ready to face the proprietors, government officials, and dignitaries with a smile. Time to solicit more funds for my charity.
When I open the door, the room is eerily quiet. The lack of water running or women chitchat. I pause to look around, expecting a monster to jump out in front of me. My imagination is getting the best of me, especially after last night’s dream. You’ve been watching to many scary movies, Sage. I turn on the faucet and marvel at the swirls in the marble counter. The hairs on the back of my neck rise when I sense I’m not alone. I look into the mirror at the image of the woman in front of me, and behind me is a masked man. I start to scream for help, but I’m quickly subdued when a white cloth is placed across my nose and mouth.
Lights out. Game over.
19
Lukas
“You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.”
Thank you, Seuss-miser.
I lay awake all night watching Sage sleep. When she woke up startled from a nightmare, I comforted her, keeping her safe. From now on, I will be here.
In between, I contemplated the plans we’d made to secure the gala and everyone there. Everything organized down to the most-minute detail. Exits covered, cameras up, no stone left unturned. All hooked into the million-dollar security system our company procured last year. Top of the line in the industry, it sends all the information to our tablets, phones, and the servers at home-base operations. Should be sugary sweet.
One particular facet keeps cropping up in my overloaded gray matter. Those moments in life, the ones that seem small or insignificant at the time, but when you look back, they’re huge. Like the night in Arkansas when Sage informed me about Malik; I knew something didn’t smell quite right.
The lack of explanation or details about the psychopath wanna-be boyfriend still trouble my brain
. Maybe it’s as simple as there was no relationship for Sage. She ducked out before it ever began.
Now that the past has caught up with the present, I hope she will trust me.
Establishing that Malik is responsible for the vandalism of Sage’s car solidifies the notion that he’s to blame for the break-ins at her office and home as well. His connection to Mustaf is still up in the air, but we’ll figure it out in due time. Somehow, he’s connected, if all our sources are correct.
Right now, it’s up to me and our team to find the son of a bitch and put him out of our misery. Yeah, I’m miserable every day that psychotic shit-bag is walking around, breathing in the same air.
My top priority is to protect Sage, above everything else.
“Now, Lukas. We’ve got eyes on her,” Keagan mumbles through the com in my earpiece.
“I need to check on something, princess. I’ll be right back,” I announce for the crowd. Leaning in, I whisper for Sage’s ears only, “Security is within shouting distance. You have nothing to fear.”
Passing through the arched doorway, I exit the ballroom in the opposite direction of where Sage remains. Her eyes expressed uncertainty when I parted, and my fucking psyche went berserk. She was left in the slimy hands of Nick. Some high mucky mucks with lots of money crave the brown-nose variety, and Sage volunteered to handle the task. Just fucking great. I recognize these types. Grew up around them and loathe the hoity toity cunt-fest.
So help me God, if anything happens to her, good ole boy Nicholas, along with the rest of the slithering bastards, will die a slow and painful death.
My mood plummets south with each step I put in front of the other. I try to calm down, drawing in deep, cleansing breaths, to no avail. The image of Sage in that dress forces more blood to thump in my veins. The flimsy beaded-style dress clung to every succulent curve of her hourglass figure, leaving nothing to the imagination. But, fuck, when she turned around, my eyes zoomed on the dimples above her rounded ass highlighted by the plunging, u-shaped back.