“It’s not that.” I grin and reach around for her hands. “You’re going to need some extra strong deadbolts. My wolf gets a little excited being kissed like that.”
She laughs.
“You think it’s funny, huh?”
“I think you’re stretching the truth, again, Sir Benjamin. You’ve been kissed like that before.”
“Not by you or anyone like you. You, Miss Shavone, are the ultimate aphrodisiac.” I raise her hands to my mouth and lick across the knuckles of both.
She gasps.
With a growl, I blow over the moisture I left and drop her hands. Any more of this and I’ll be bending her over the sofa.
“Let’s get out of here before I push for something you’re not ready for.”
“Such the gentleman.” She smiles.
Right. Not me.
“Let’s go get your stuff.” With a hand at her back I steer her to the door.
“Hang on, Mr. Van Lines. I’m not finished packing. I’ll need one more day.”
“Tomorrow, then.” I give her a serious look. “First thing.”
“Yes, sir.”
I like it when she calls me sir. I swat her perfect ass on our way out.
After dropping Shav off at her house, I dial Nash.
“Yeah,” he answers.
“It’s done.” I smell my finger, the one with her essence still on it.
“She buy it?”
“Yep. The garage apartment like you said.” I don’t mention the Cruz thing. He’d rip her a new one and possibly blow this whole plan sky high.
“Good.” There’s silence and for a second I think he hung up on me. “About last night” — he starts.
“Nothing to say, cuz. We both want her. May the best wolf win.”
He grunts. “She means the world to me, Ben.”
“I know. If she chooses you, I’ll force my wolf to step aside.” She probably will choose Nash. They have a long history. Me? I’m just a southern LaFontaine.
Inside, my wolf whimpers at the thought.
chapter fifteen
“HEY.” I SMILE at Garrett and swing the door open to let him in.
“Whoa.” He notices the boxes everywhere. “You moving, Shav?”
“Yes. Sooner than I expected.”
I lead him to the small desk and the ancient laptop sitting on top of it. “It’s as slow as molasses on a cold winter day.”
He fires the computer up and we wait. And wait. And wait.
“My god. How did you function with this piece of shit?” Garrett smirks.
I wave my phone. “This and the computer lab at DU.”
Garrett nods and, while we wait, talks about his boyfriend, Hyde, and their pending moving in together. Next Garrett asks me how I’m really doing with Val running away.
“I’m doing much better than when you saw me after finals.” Because I have some plans and a lead.
Finally, my laptop springs to life.
The doorbell chimes. I trade the delivery girl money for a pizza box. Since the dishes are packed, Garrett and I eat straight from the box.
I wipe my mouth with a paper towel and stand. “I’ll leave you to it. I’ll be packing the bathroom and hall closet. Let me know if you need anything.”
He absentmindedly murmurs agreement while chewing pizza and tapping the computer keys.
I barely get the medicine cabinet cleared out before I hear Garrett cuss loudly in the living room. “Holy fucking shit.”
“What is it?” I bring the small box of toiletries and tuck it in a larger box. I stand behind him and look over his shoulder at the mass of code on the screen. “Did I get a bad virus?”
Garrett snorts. “Way more insidious than that. It’s monitoring software. Someone is logging your every keystroke, and” — he places his thumb over the camera lens — “is controlling your camera. Got a piece of tape or a Post-it?”
What? Shit.
I rummage through a desk drawer, happy I haven’t packed the desk yet, and pull out a pink sticky note.
Garrett slips it under his thumb to cover the little dot at the top of the screen. “You haven’t pissed off the FBI have you?”
I grin. “Not that I’m aware of.”
“Well, this is some professional code, right here. I’ll strip it.”
I still his hands on the keyboard. “No, don’t. Not yet.”
Spinning to look at me aghast, he creases his brow. “Why the hell not?”
I drag up a kitchen chair to sit beside him. “Can you tell who it is?”
“Um, no. The best I can get is the IP address taking the feed.” He types quickly on the keyboard and then highlights a string of numbers. “They’re right here in Denver.” I write down the numbers.
“Neighborhood?”
He shakes his head. “Let’s see. It’s a central router.” He taps more keys. “Located in the Tech Center.”
“What else can you tell from the code?”
Garrett grunts. “Who are you? Veronica Mars?”
“Today I am.” I grin. “I’m not worried. I haven’t done anything wrong and I only did homework on this thing. All my banking and finances are through my phone.”
“We’ll want to check that, too.”
“Okay, Wallace.” I laugh at my Veronica Mars joke.
Garrett rolls his eyes, but laughs. Together, we garner as much info as we can — it was installed exactly three days after Val ran away, he further pinpoints the IP address — noting that it’s probably a phantom and that the signal is being rerouted from there, and says again that the code is professionally done rather than an amateur or teenager.
“Now can I clean it up and install some anti-spyware to keep it from happening again?” Garrett takes another slice of pizza.
“No. Leave it.” A plan starts to formulate in my mind. “I’ve got my eye on a spiffy new Mac anyway. I think it’d be great fun using this clunker to fuck with the person who did this.”
“Oh no. I don’t think that’s wise.”
“Why?” I shrug, trying to be nonchalant. Someone wanted to spy on me and, who knows, they and this could be linked to Val in some way. I need to follow this breadcrumb, not delete it.
“It could be a serial killer or rapist.”
I shake my head. “No. I think I know who it is.”
“Who?”
“An ex.” I lie. “Want a beer to wash down the pizza?” I distract Garrett.
We drop the computer topic for a while. Garrett asks me about my job hunt. I answer vaguely and distract him again with questions about Jelly U. He asks where I’m moving to.
“Oh, I’m crashing with a friend for now.” I don’t go into details.
Garrett eyes my old laptop. “Don’t do anything foolish, okay?” He looks genuinely concerned.
“I promise.” I smile and fold down the screen. “How hard is this kind of spying thing to set up?”
“Easy, way too easy,” he grunts. “Some even bypass virus protection.”
“Oh?” I swallow a bite of pizza. “It sounds like even I could do this to a computer.”
Cruz’s computer.
“With the right code, you could.” Garrett squints his eyes. “Why?”
Lie.
“It’d be sweet revenge to bust him or her at their own game.” I smirk, knowing Garrett is all for getting even.
Sure enough, a smile slowly spreads across Garrett’s face.
“Will you help me?”
“I rather you do that, then fuck with ‘em. We might even catch the creep and turn him in.”
Probably not, but I nod in agreement.
“I’ll work on some code,” Garrett says.
“Is it possible to get the mic, too? I think audio might be even more useful than video.” Francisco could call rather than email Cruz.
“That’s even easier,” he says. “I could also try to reverse this code.” He hooks a thumb to point at my old laptop. “Perhaps see who’s on the other side.”
&
nbsp; I widen my eyes. “Now that would be an impressive feat.” I reach for another slice of pizza. “Could I get the audio portion of the code sooner? Like in the next couple of days?”
It’d be wonderful to have it my first night working at the Dollhouse.
“Sure. I’ll have it by tomorrow afternoon.” He smiles.
Like the starving students we are, the two of us eat all but one slice of pizza and each have one more beer. As we do, Garrett checks my phone for malware — there isn’t any. He then recommends the type of Mac laptop he thinks I should get.
On his way out, I give him a hug at the door. “Thank you, Garrett. I love you to pieces.”
“Mutual, babe.” He kisses my cheek and heads out, closing the door behind him.
Turning, I pick up the pizza box and empty beer bottles.
Within seconds, and without knocking, Nash lets himself in. He must have been waiting for Garrett to leave.
The door clicks shut and Nash simply stands there to stare at me. “Was it him?” He indicates the door.
I raise my eyebrows. Was it him, what? Oh. My supposed attacker.
“Garrett? No.” I scowl at Nash. “Would you like the last slice of pizza?” I open the box.
Nash shakes his head. “I heard you’re moving in with Ben. Are you sure you want to do that?” His throat moves as he swallows hard.
Shit. He’s going to be angry. I soften my voice.
“It’s a free apartment — a gorgeous free apartment. Not much to consider.”
Ben had me at ‘Cruz lives next door.’ Through a break in the trees that ring that side of Ben’s estate, and just across the posh community boulevard, was Enrique Cruz’s home with a clear view of the gate — perfect for watching who comes and goes.
Talk about an unexpected bonus. The apartment is free and close to the two people who are most likely to lead me to Val. Thinking wasn’t necessary. I acquiesced right away.
“If you’re sure,” Nash says.
What? Why isn’t he angry?
“We should set some ground rules,” he says.
Oh, here it comes. I laugh. “Like what sort of rules?”
“Just be careful with him, Shavone.” Nash squints, the shutter darkens over his expression.
“Are you saying I shouldn’t trust your cousin, Nash?”
“He’s one of the most reliable men I know. One of my best friends,” Nash murmurs reluctantly.
That’s a bit of knowledge to tuck away.
“Then, I’m perfectly safe living over his garage.”
“Ben is on the fringe,” Nash qualifies. “He’s involved with some stuff that you wouldn’t like.”
“Like what?” I fish for more info, hoping it has something to do with Val.
Nash doesn’t answer. “Shavone.” His frustration shows with a rapid head rub. When he lifts the second hand to scrub down his face and closes his eyes, I know his uncertainty runs deep.
“You’re worried that I’ll sleep with him.”
Nash narrows his eyes.
Wow. That crack last night about men thinking with their penises threw me for a loop. Now this. Is Nash jealous?
“Ben is pretty hot.” I test my theory.
Nash growls.
I laugh. This is interesting. “Yes. I notice things like that. I’m a grown woman with a sex drive.” One that has awoken after a long dry spell.
His expression softens. “That’s the problem in a nutshell.”
“Me growing up or me having a sex drive?”
“Both. On so many fucking levels.” Nash frowns, studying me.
There’s something more than concern in his eyes, yet he says nothing else. I sense that a profound thought is going through his head. Maybe that his little Shavone is all grown up? Didn’t he say as much last night? That I’m complicated?
Shit. Here I go getting my hopes up again that Nash has anything but brotherly feelings for me. I want him to share whatever it is he’s thinking, so I continue — push him.
“Women crave physical touch, too, you know,” I say softly. “Including me.”
His eyes widen as though it’s the first time he’s considered that. Oh, yes, this is interesting. I push him further.
“I have erotic fantasies and desires that would shock and amaze you.” I wink and grin broadly at him.
“Stop.” Nash covers his ears and screws his eyes shut in an embarrassingly big brother-like reaction.
Well, so much for wishful thinking. I smirk wistfully before taking mercy on him.
“You can relax, Nash. There hasn’t been anyone since Dillon.” Thoughts of Dillon’s sweet smile and soft kisses erase all other thoughts for a few seconds. He was such a gentle and patient lover — the perfect first love. I blink rapidly to chase away sudden moisture.
Nash cocks his head in compassion. “I just need to keep you safe, Shav. That’s all.”
“I know. And I love you for that.” I smile as contritely as I can. “But I’ll be even safer moving into that crazy estate. I’m certain his mansion has a kick-ass security system.” I raise my eyebrows. “Am I right?”
“Yeah.” Nash snorts angrily. “Just don’t do anything rash with Ben.” Looking away, he rubs his head in exasperation. “I’ll help you move.” He glances around. “Looks like you’re done packing.”
“Almost. I’ll be ready tomorrow.”
“You want help with the rest?”
“Sure. If you’ll finish the kitchen” — I can’t resist one last tease — “I’ll do my underwear drawer.”
He chuckles. “Oh, baby. You are something.”
“I wouldn’t want you coming across my personal toys.”
He blanches. I meant it as a joke, but apparently, that was a step too far.
It takes me a moment to realize the horrible banging isn’t in my dream — a sexy, risqué dream about Ben. The banging is real and regretfully wakes me at a tantalizing moment in the dream.
Rolling over, I check the time on my phone. Six in the morning. Who the hell is pounding down my door at this hour?
The knock echoes through my head, again. I drag my behind out of bed. Staying up until one in the morning to prep for the move seemed like a good idea at the time. I yawn.
I’m halfway to the door when the knock becomes more insistent.
“Wake up, kitten.” It’s Ben, shouting through the door. “Your personal Mr. Van Lines is here.”
I smile despite being woken so horribly. I hurry the rest of the way and throw the door open.
chapter sixteen
HOLY FUCK. WHO the hell answers the door like this?
My eyes rove over Shav’s body, coming to rest on her tits, the nipples pushing at the thin fabric of the top. If those are pajamas, I’m Tiny Tim.
Glad I’m standing behind Ben. He hides my suddenly rock hard cock.
“I didn’t expect you so early, Mr. Van Lines.” Shavone smiles at Ben. Her smile falters when she looks at me.
“Rise and shine, my lady.” Ben bows, also raking his eyes over her.
She stretches and yawns, pulling the cloth tighter across her chest. I can see dime size areolas and those sweet hard pebbles.
Stop, baby. Unless you want me on my knees right here.
“The sun isn’t even up yet, Sir Benjamin.”
Ben scans her body, again. “I sure the hell am.” He smirks, staring at her chest for a moment before looking at her eyes.
I smack him, hard, on the back of the head.
“Ow. What the fuck?” Ben complains. He turns and chuckles at me. No idea what he thinks is so goddamn funny.
“That’s no way to greet a lady.” I push by Ben, stepping through the threshold.
Shav widens her eyes at me. She’s mad I smacked Ben. Tough shit. She should know better than to flash her tits at a couple of wolves.
Ben smiles and winks at her as he comes in. Hands on her hips he plants a light kiss on her lips.
“Good morning, temptation,” he murmurs, gazing at he
r chest, again.
So help me god, I’ll take him out.
Closing the door, she turns to us. She smiles at Ben, not at me.
“It’s called flirting, cuz. You should try it sometime. Maybe you’d get laid more often.” Ben’s giving me dating advice. That’s rich given most of his dates arrive in cuffs and a gag device in their mouths.
“Shavone isn’t like the usual sluts you date,” I say. My mood softens when I look at her. “Don’t treat her like one.”
Despite being upset with me, she give me a small smile.
“You’re right.” Ben looks contrite. The asshole turns on the southern drawl. “I apologize, Miss Shavone.”
Damn if his eyes don’t wander all over her, again.
“Can’t help it, though. Christ, you look delicious — your hair all mussed up from bed, no bra” —
I flex my biceps and fist my hands. “I’ll punch you for real.” Ben winks at Shavone and scoots out of my reach.
“You boys are so easily distracted. I’ll put some coffee on to brew and get dressed.” She grins.
She likes this kind of flirting? Can’t beat ’em, join ’em.
“Thank you, Shavone.” I let my eyes rove up her body, stopping for a long time on her luscious tits. By the time my eyes reach hers, I’m hard enough to hammer nails. “It’s not that we’re so easily distracted as it is you being a beautiful woman.” Not moving my head, I lower my eyes to look her over again, lick my lip while staring at her breasts. “Extremely beautiful.”
Her mouth gapes open.
Yeah, I want you. You will be mine. Got it, baby?
She blinks and closes her mouth.
“Quit hitting on my girl, Nash. You’re making her uncomfortable.”
“Just taking your advice, buddy.” I scowl at Ben. Turning to Shav with a grin, I add, “Maybe I’ll get laid.”
“What?” She whispers.
I pick up a box and jam it into Ben’s arms. “You start loading, I’ll make the coffee and lovely Shavone here” –– I eye her again –– “can go change into something less distracting.”
Opening the door, I shove Ben out. He snarls, throws the box down and steps back inside going chest to chest with me.
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