by Brenda Trim
Glancing down at her watch, Liv realized she needed to get going. “Ooo, I gotta bolt. Thank you for lunch. I’m serious about that pool party though. And, call me if you hear anything about PRL,” she said as she stood to leave.
Bart walked her to the front door, and she hugged him goodbye.
Thinking about work, Liv skipped to her Jeep. Actually skipped. Why was she so giddy about work?
And, for some odd reason, she was thinking about what she was going to wear to tomorrow. What was up with her? Surely it didn’t have anything to do with the fact that she would see Lawson tomorrow.
Well, maybe just a little.
6
Lawson shut his eyes and covered his face with his arm, trying to block the frigid water from pounding his face. His weekly hose-down was always such a pleasurable experience. In fact, he would gladly choose an extra beating, or ten, to avoid this humiliation.
It was bad enough stripping from his clothes while three to four men watched, but then to stand there as they sprayed him down with a hose was beyond degrading. Today’s ring leader seemed to enjoy blasting water against his balls. If he would step a few feet closer, Lawson could guarantee it would be his last performance as a firefighter.
“Hey, shifter, turn around so we can clean your nasty backside,” the male taunted and turned to his friends who shared a round of laughter.
“Yeah, we could smell you a mile away!” another male shouted above the loud noise of the hard water pressure.
Was it ever going to end? Would he ever be free of this degradation? His resolve was faltering, and he was helpless to do anything about his hellish situation. Maybe he should shift for them. But then they would know it wasn’t his shifter blood they needed, and he had no idea if that would mean death for him.
Unfortunately, what they needed was impossible for him to give. He could give them what they wanted but it required more than him shifting. A lot more. And that was information he would take to the grave because he’d be damned if he did that for anyone.
Thinking about what that would entail had his mind traveling to the alluring scientist. Olivia was a mystery indeed. He wasn’t sure of her angle, but one thing he did know was that she seemed sincere about wanting to help him. In return, Lawson would have to help her, as well. Could he trust her not to use it against him?
The water pelting against his flesh subsided, drawing him out of his musings. Cracking an eye, he watched the group of males file out of his room, leaving nothing behind but a tray of food. He didn’t have to look inside the bowl to know it was cold oatmeal. If he ever escaped this torture chamber, he would never touch another serving of the stuff.
Walking as far as the chains allowed, he stretched his fingers to reach for his sweatpants. Underwear was a luxury he didn’t have in this facility. And the fucking pants were still filthy, so a lot of good his shower did him. As soon as he slid them on, the sourness of the garment had him gagging. He had half a mind to stay naked. At least then he would feel clean for a few hours.
But what if Olivia came back. Not that he was ashamed of his body, but no doubt his cock would spring to life as soon as he caught the scent of her sweet fragrance. And her beautiful face and sexy body didn’t help matters.
He had never found a human female attractive, but she was an exception. Her voice soothed his pain, and her green eyes summoned his wolf like no one before. Whether it was from lack of female company or Olivia specifically he had no clue, but she roused his beast and he liked it.
Walking back to his mattress on the floor, he reached under and pulled out the earbuds and iPod she gave him before she left. He listened to it nonstop, and it had become his saving grace. Oddly enough, country music was his favorite, and she couldn’t have given him a better distraction. Unfamiliar with a lot of the songs on her playlist he wondered again how long he’d been in captivity.
Sitting down, he leaned against the rough concrete wall and stuffed the small speakers in his ears before pushing the play button. He smiled as George Strait crooned a love ballad about a father’s love and Lawson shut his eyes, allowing the melody to take him to a happier place. With his family.
They were the most important things in his life and he prayed every day they were safe from this cruel treatment. He wanted to see his brother and sisters more than anything. He hoped his mom wasn’t worried sick over his disappearance and that his father was protecting all of them.
Lawson had been gone so long and was afraid of what had become of his family. He couldn’t allow negative thoughts to intrude. If he gave into the dark thoughts, he would die of despair. No, they had to be alive and safe. There was no other option.
A shadow moved across his closed lids and Lawson went on alert, eyes popping open to see what had caused the movement. The door opened, and Olivia walked through the doorway, shutting it behind her. Fuck, she was a sight for sore eyes.
Wearing tan slacks and a pale peach button-down blouse, she smiled when she saw him. Quickly removing the earbuds, he watched as she set down the red tote bag and sat in almost the same spot as last time. She wasn’t wearing her lab coat, and Lawson got a better view of her body.
Legs for days, long red hair trailing halfway down her back, and a buxom bosom that was calling to his primal need. It had been eons since he’d had sex and his need for the delectable female had him squirming to hide his erection.
“Hi, Lawson, how are you today? I see you’ve showered. It must feel good to be cleaner. Although, I see no one has washed those hideous pants. I’ll see what I can do about getting another pair,” she offered, reaching into her red tote.
Should he tell her their definition of a shower in this place? She obviously had no idea and would probably find it appalling. If he believed for one second that she could do something about it, he’d mention it but since it would result in another beating, he kept his mouth shut. If she had access to some clean clothes, he was good with that.
Pulling out a clear plastic container, she tilted her head and smiled excitedly. “I have no idea what you’ve been fed as meals but I would guess it hasn’t been very tasty. I don’t know what you like, but I’m a firm believer that pizza cures all ailments. Buuuut…I’m not risking this delicious cheese-covered delight by throwing it in the air. Is it okay if I walk over and hand it to you?” she asked.
He nodded his head and when she stood up her blouse spread open far enough that he caught a glimpse of her cleavage as she pushed off the ground. His eyes popped wide and his mouth watered. Her large breasts were spilling from the top of a beige bra. What he wouldn’t give to unsnap the closure with his teeth, setting them free for his exploration.
Approaching him cautiously, she stretched her arm to hand him the container. He caught a whiff of her delectable scent and fought the urge to pull her to the mattress and show her how shifters claimed a female. He imagined her vanilla sex life was tame and boring. What she needed was a male to pay proper tribute to her exquisite curves.
Lawson’s finger brushed against her hand as he accepted the food and he felt her soft skin. It had been too fucking long since he’d felt a female’s silky flesh. Or since a female’s hands had roamed over his own. He was surprised when she didn’t jump or back away but lingered as she stood over him, green eyes trailing down his body.
Taking the pizza, he watched her retreating assets as she went back to her spot on the floor.
“Thank you,” he murmured, lifting the top off the rectangular box.
Warmth seeped through the bottom of the container, and it felt as if he were sitting by a campfire. It was the most comforting sensation he’d felt in a long time. And then the aroma reached his nose. Hot cheesy mozzarella coupled with tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and basil. His overloaded senses had his stomach clawing to get to the pizza. Don’t become the ravenous beast she suspects, he chastised.
“You’re very welcome. If you tell me which foods you enjoy, I’ll do my best to get them for you. But please keep this between us. I�
��m probably breaking all the rules, but whatever,” Liv scoffed, rolling her eyes.
Lawson still wasn’t quite sure about her angle, but there was no doubt she disliked his treatment. Maybe she would turn out to be the ally to get him the hell out of this place. As much as he could use a friend right now, he refused to let his guard down and reveal too much.
She might be the death of him rather than his salvation.
“I like everything, especially steak,” he croaked out, voice shaky.
Liv’s heart twisted, and she wondered how much he had talked, imagining it was very little. Being shut off from the world with only violence to greet him was a despicable way to live.
Never once had she considered she was pampered or spoiled. She didn’t come from a wealthy family. Liv worked twice as hard as most of her friends through high school and college, but she was a pansy because she wouldn’t last a day under the same circumstances. When it got down to brass taxes, family and friends were everything, and she needed them close.
“Well, that makes sense, I guess. I’m not much of a meat eater. Although, every now and then I crave a fat juicy hamburger. My mom makes the best on the planet,” she added, watching him as he took a bite of pizza.
As with the apple, his eyes rolled back, and he groaned his pleasure. Liv was transfixed by the sight of this man enjoying food. If she didn’t know better, she would swear he was having an orgasm. Chewing, he opened his eyes and met her gaze.
It was erotic as hell watching this man eat and regard her as if she was the next course. Nibbling on her lower lip, she considered what that experience might be like for her. No doubt epic would be part of the verbiage she later used to describe the experience.
“No disrespect, Olivia, but I bet my mother could give yours a run for her money. She works a grill better than any female, or male, for that matter,” he answered, his deep baritone causing her body to shudder. Even more thrilling was that he had given her a piece of information about his family.
Eager to learn more she jumped at the opportunity. “Where is your family now?”
“I don’t know. I was alone when they took me,” Lawson confessed, watching her closely. Confirming her suspicions about him being kidnapped Liv wondered if he thought she was involved.
“Lawson, I had no idea what was going on here until that first day I barged into your room. I would never have agreed to such barbaric ways of obtaining data. You have to believe me,” she demanded.
“I do. You are the first person to show an ounce of compassion, and I don’t put you in the same group as those assholes,” he said, putting the last bit of pizza in his mouth. It was so odd. She had avoided shifters because she thought they were wild and unsophisticated yet he was the exact opposite.
This man was soft-spoken, polite, and well mannered. She could guarantee if she’d gone without a decent meal for as long as he had, she would’ve shoved the entire slice of pizza in her mouth. A chuckle nearly escaped her as she imagined him dabbing the corners of his mouth with a napkin. The thought was absurd but the man ate with precision, slowly and carefully.
“How long have you been here?” she asked, drawing up her knees and clasping her arms around them. The ground was hard and uncomfortable. She would have to see if she could bring in a blanket to sit on.
“I’m not sure. A couple years, maybe more,” Lawson answered and sprawled across his mattress, lying on his stomach. He seemed to relax a bit, and she felt like they were making headway.
“The other day I saw a man in the room beside yours. He’s gone now. Do you know where he went?”
“No. Others have come and gone. I hear when they are attacked but I have never seen anyone. I’ve never left this room,” he offered which surprised her.
If he never left the room, she could only guess how he bathed. A bucket of dirty water flashed through her mind before she shoved it away, glancing to Lawson. Liv could see concern for the others. She imagined he thought the same thing that was running through her mind regarding the others. They were dead.
A kissing sound filled the room as Liv’s phone alerted her of a new text. Blushing at her tone choice, she reached in her tote and retrieved the device. Jim’s name elicited a curse. Time to walk the tightrope again.
Her boss wanted to meet her in his office in fifteen minutes. She dreaded going there mainly because she was going to have to put on the charm for the man while at the same time resist his advances. But she would do it. For Lawson.
“I have to go. But, I have one more question before I do. Why won’t you do what they ask? Shift for them so they can take some blood. Maybe then you’ll be released,” she stated, needing to understand his defiance.
She couldn’t deny that she was curious if his DNA was what was needed to help so many stricken with cancer. Not that she approved of holding anyone prisoner but if his blood would help others, she hoped to convince Lawson to help them.
“It’s not that simple. I’ve repeatedly told your boss that my blood doesn’t alter when I shift. My worry is that when they realize I’ve been telling the truth, they’ll kill me. How could they release me after all this time? It would have to translate to prison time for all of them, not to mention, this place being shut down. I’ll never leave this room,” he confided, and she saw the defeat in every line furrowing his brow. He was giving up, and the sight of it galvanized her.
Liv hadn’t considered that. He was right. They would never allow him to leave. It would cost Jim too much. Standing, she grabbed her bag and slung it over her shoulder.
“I’ll see you tomorrow. Try to stay positive, Lawson,” she mumbled and turned to leave.
“Don’t you want your container back?” he asked.
“Oh, yeah. I completely forgot,” Liv admitted.
As she walked towards Lawson, he stood up. Damn, he was tall. He had to be close to seven feet tall. She felt tiny next to his broad frame, which reminded her of his animalistic nature. He held out the plastic box and she accepted it, enjoying the feel as his skin brushed against hers.
“Olivia,” he muttered, capturing her gaze with his irresistible depths.
“Please call me Liv,” she whispered through a trapped voice. His penetrating stare awakened every nerve.
A curl to his upper lip had her core clenching with need. “Liv…thank you for the pizza. It was delicious,” he murmured, and swiped his thumb across her hand.
She heard the rattle of the heavy chain attached to his cuff. He could easily snap her neck if he wanted but she wasn’t afraid of him. His strength, rawness, and vulnerability drew her.
Ever so slowly, Lawson lifted his hand and stroked a finger across her cheek, eliciting a shiver that shot straight to her core. Heartbeat racing, she relaxed into his large palm when he cupped her face.
Yeah, she was playing with fire.
And she felt alive for the first time in her life.
7
“Well, hello, stranger. I was beginning to think you were avoiding me,” Jim insinuated as she walked into his office.
He stood from his desk and walked to her, pulling her into an embrace. She knew right away what the slimeball was thinking when her chest smashed against his from the force.
Hell yeah, she’d been avoiding him. She’d hoped to escape his creepy advances. Bile churned at the feel of his skin against hers. She guessed he wasn’t picking up her subtle hint of unanswered text messages and emails he sent her every hour.
“Hi, I got here as fast as I could. Not avoiding you. Just busy with my workload. What’s up?” Liv asked, pushing gently against his chest.
She squirmed out of his death grip and walked to the wall of windows across the room. He had one of the best views of the city and her eyes scanned the nightlights of Chattanooga.
Hearing the door shut behind her, she turned to see Jim opening a bottle of white wine. Seriously, this guy didn’t waste any time. He poured two glasses and made his way to her side, handing her one of the crystal goblets.
> “Well, I don’t want to be accused of working you too hard. Kick off your heels and relax. I just thought we should touch base on your progress with the shifter. Lawson, I think. Isn’t that what you wrote in his file?” he asked curiously, but she didn’t miss the sharp intonation regarding Lawson.
“Yes, his name is Lawson. I can’t say I’ve uncovered a great deal of information yet,” she offered, knowing she couldn’t share everything Lawson had told her. She agreed with him that his life was at risk where her boss was concerned.
“However, he’s warming up to me. I can tell he’s more comfortable and has shared trivial things, such as food likes and whatnot. Oh, and he’s seventy-seven. That floored me. There is definitely something to their DNA because he doesn’t look a day over thirty,” she informed her boss.
That little tidbit had left her speechless, and it did make her wonder if Jim’s theory was right about their blood.
“Oh, he did mention hearing others in the room next to his. Are there more shifters besides him?” Liv asked innocently, taking a sip of her wine.
“No, there are no others. Not sure what your friend is implying but he is the only one. If I had others, I wouldn’t need him, now would I?” Jim snapped, and Liv knew right away he was lying through his less than perfect teeth.
As if searching for a distraction from her line of questioning, Jim reached over and lifted the locket attached to a chain around her neck. The pendant nestled between her cleavage and he lingered a little too long between her breasts. Her fists balled and ached to sail right into his kisser, but she knew that would be a mistake she couldn’t afford.
“This is lovely. Are there pictures inside?” he asked, studying the gold oval. Yeah, right. He might as well have been fondling her nipples the way he was undressing her with his wicked sneer.
Grasping the locket from his fingers, Liv took a step back. He was sucking the air out of the room and she felt like she was suffocating under his scrutiny.