by Jaymin Eve
“You’re lucky,” he said, “it doesn’t need stitches and shouldn’t scar.” Her skin was soft, like silk as his hand glided down her cheek. He had to physically force himself to pull away.
Melodee seemed to be holding her breath. She let out a puff of air as she answered.
“One more scar wouldn’t bother me,” she finally said.
Nathan shifted his head to the side. “Most girls with a face like yours would be worried about a scar.” She was fucking beautiful, her face completely devoid of makeup; she didn’t need any.
Her eyes hardened a little then; she pulled back from him. She moved to check on the baby. Nathan could see over Melodee’s shoulder that the little girl’s big blue eyes were open.
“Hello, little Jewel. Hang on, I’ll get you out of there,” Melodee said.
Nathan stayed near her back as she reached in to cradle the little girl in her arms.
“What did you call her?” Despite the quiet tone she used, he was sure she’d just said a name.
Melodee shifted to stand, the tiny weight cradled protectively against her body.
“I was sick of thinking of her as baby girl, so I’ve named her Jewel. Temporarily.”
Nathan smiled. “Because of the eyes, right? You’re a gorgeous kid, aren’t you?” He leaned into Jewel’s face and she smiled her big gummy smile at him. His expression faltered a little. “I’d hate to think she’s now all alone in the world. I wish I had some cell service, we really need to contact the authorities; she must have family worried about her.” He noticed then how pale Melodee had gone. She hadn’t liked what he’d just said and he had no idea why.
Melodee had to fight down the worry for Jewel. Nathan talked of the importance of family but she knew about having a family and about being alone. And she knew which one she preferred. But Jewel was so young and innocent. Melodee could not fathom how she would be treated if she ended up in the foster system. People did unfathomable things to children that were theirs by blood. It could be far worse for those adopted in. As Jewel reached out and captured her finger, pulling it toward her mouth so she could bite down – the softness of Melodee’s finger easing her poor little gums – Melodee knew she could not let her go into the system. If she did not have suitable family, she would have to keep her. The moment she had that thought she realized how ridiculous it was. No one in any government department would let a single, unemployed cage-fighter with no permanent address adopt a child. Hell, they’d be flat out against letting her adopt a hamster. She had to hope then that there was someone out there to love Jewel.
Or she’d have to run with her, and that was no life for a child.
Nathan’s gaze was direct, but in the flickering firelight, Melodee could not read his emotions. “So should we try and organize some food? Without Miguel it’s not going to be fancy, but we won’t starve.”
“I’m happy with anything edible,” she finally said. For some reason when he stood this close to her she found it difficult to think.
Why the hell was he wreaking such havoc upon her equilibrium? Yes, he pretty much looked like sex on legs. But she wasn’t naïve or innocent. She’d had a relationship of sorts for a while with another fighter, Garrett, who was very well known in the underground scene, tall, tatted and with muscles where they should not exist. And at no point during their ten month fling had she felt even an ounce of the attraction that Nathan was creating in her.
Heaven help her if he actually turned on the charm. Or touched her.
Nathan led them from the room. Melodee hugged Jewel close to her as she followed. It was dark outside, but Nathan could walk this house with his eyes closed, and the small emergency lights embedded high in the walls threw enough light to see any major hazards. The hallway ran most of the house, so it was quite lengthy. The closed doorways that spanned the long channel always seemed extra creepy in the twilight. Finally they stepped into the back of the house. Nathan loved the design of this part of the cabin. The dining room and kitchen were open plan, extending out onto the back verandah. His Gran always said the kitchen was the heart of a home. She’d been the best cook, and despite all of their money, had made every meal.
Melodee look entranced by the beautiful area they were standing in. The space was huge, and everything was dark wood paneled and had high ceilings, with beams running along in patterned intervals. It was stunning. There was more light in the kitchen area; another fire was lit in the big slow burner oven. Every appliance was state of the art, the kitchen had been designed by an award winning restaurant. It was huge, the wood themed with a stunning multi-hued timber island bench as the centerpiece.
The gym bag was on the stainless steel bench-top and the contents had been spread out by Nathan when he’d brought it through a few minutes earlier. Jewel started to babble as they stepped closer and Nathan wondered how old the baby was. He’d guess four or five months, but with the smiling and babbling, maybe she was even older. Hell, he’d been around babies so rarely, she could be ten months for all he knew.
“I think that soup might be safe,” Nathan said as he shifted through the items. “And instant coffee or tea.”
Melodee nodded, she was hungry enough to eat anything at this point. Nathan scooted around to the island bench and pulled out a tall stool with a high back on it.
“I’m sure you’re sore, so you and little J can have a seat here while I personal chef myself for you.” With a brilliant smile he gave her a wink and went across to the slow burner stove.
Melodee sucked in deeply. No one ever thought of her, but it was obvious that Nathan wanted her to be comfortable while he cooked. She watched him for a moment. What was his agenda? What did he want from her? As she crossed the large slate tiles, she decided that she needed to get her guard back up. Nathan disarmed her, and if she wasn’t careful it would hurt badly when his true colors were revealed. She was done with being used and abused.
“Thank you for your hospitality,” she called to him. Whatever his end game, he was going out of his way to be kind right now.
She was too small to easily climb onto the stool with Jewel. She tried awkwardly, but before she could even have a decent shot at it, Nathan was back at her side. He reached out and before she could protest lifted them both onto the soft leather surface. Melodee sighed as her aching muscles sank into the luxury. Jewel reached out again, playing with Melodee’s fingers, cooing her sweet baby talk. Nathan turned to grab two tins of soup, a loaf of bread and the carton of milk.
Nathan started to talk while he expertly moved around the dimly lit kitchen. “So tell me about yourself.” Melodee didn’t answer, watching as he pulled out a cast iron pot which went onto the stove.
“What do you want to know?” she finally asked.
He flashed his stunning eyes in her direction. In this light they looked more green than blue.
“Who are you? What makes you tick? How did you end up in Doug’s car?”
Nathan’s actions stilled and his face fell as he mentioned his friend’s name. The heaviness descended over the room, bringing with it the renewed knowledge that two people had lost their lives tonight.
Melodee focused on his questions. For some reason she didn’t feel like lying to Nathan, but there wasn’t much about her life that was easy or worthy of revealing.
Nathan’s voice broke the silence. “I’ll start then. Nathan Sinclair, twenty-three, six feet three, in my last year of a business masters at Syracuse, but most likely will have a shot at pro basketball.” He laughed, the deep masculine sound washing over her. “Well that’s what coach tells everyone anyways.”
So this was the Nathan that the town raved about. Melodee could see his athletic grace and lean but well-defined muscles were very apparent in the fitted, long-sleeved black shirt. Yeah, with his height, basketball made sense. He was stirring two pots, completely comfortable with his role in the kitchen. Melodee realized he was watching her, his head tilted to the side, his eyes lazily assessing her. His lips turned up in the
corner.
“Your turn,” he ordered.
Melodee buried her face in Jewel’s black curls, giving herself a few minutes to think.
“Melodee Lee,” she started, lifting her head. “Doug and I live … lived … in the same building, and he demanded I drive home with him. I’m twenty-three, five feet two, no college education and …” she hesitated, should she reveal how she made money? It was underground, illicit, but there was no way he could pin anything on her. “I’m an underground cage fighter.”
She just couldn’t find the will to lie to Nathan. Besides she wasn’t ashamed of her life, it was safe and no one controlled her.
He didn’t answer straight away, just continued stirring the pots. Finally he turned around, a bowl in each hand. He placed one in front of her and the other sat opposite. He quickly and without fuss deposited sliced bread and three cups before her. One held coffee, the second hot tea and the third cocoa.
Then he paused, both hands resting on the wooden bench top, his muscular arms bunching up as he stared at her. His expression was serious.
“Let me get this right,” he said slowly, “you expect me to believe that you’re … only five feet two.” He grinned suddenly, and Melodee almost fell off her seat. He continued to watch her.
“I’ve always enjoyed the mainstream cage fighting scene,” he said again, the grin never leaving his face. “And I have no idea why I believe you, but the way you move reminds me of my uncle, and he was a boxer.”
Melodee didn’t know what to say, she honestly thought that his reaction would be crazier, but he just accepted her words. Was he the first person ever to see past her looks to the true nature and capabilities she held?
“Don’t let it get cold,” he said again, pointing toward the food.
Melodee used her free hand that wasn’t around Jewel to pull the bowl a little closer. She grabbed the spoon sitting in it and brought a full load to her mouth. It wasn’t boiling, so she hungrily gulped it down, tasting a meaty vegetable flavor. As she went for seconds, Jewel captured the spoon, pulling it to her mouth. Within seconds she was happily munching on the end.
“That’s probably got some nice flavor, doesn’t it, little sweet?” Melodee cooed to her. “Sorry, I don’t know if you are too young for solid food, so a taste is all you can have.”
Another spoon was placed before her, so she didn’t have to steal back from Jewel. For a rich, privileged jock Nathan was amazingly considerate. Again Melodee wondered what his story was. They ate in silence, and Melodee found herself drinking all three of the beverages. She had always been a big fan of variety. She liked to try lots of different things.
“You don’t talk much, do you?” Nathan said bluntly.
She shrugged. “I’m alone a lot, I’m fine with silence. But if you start a conversation I’m sure I can keep up.” She gave him a fleeting smile, and it seemed as if his eyes darkened.
“I’m sure you can,” he muttered.
Melodee was full now, so she pushed forward the empty plate. It was hard with Jewel to wash them, but she’d hope to clean up before she left. Although, judging by the opulence of this place, they probably had cleaners.
“Can I ask you something?” Melodee finally said, her thoughts unable to be contained any longer.
“Anything,” he said, “except Shakespeare. I really have no clue what that old guy was on about.”
Melodee had to smile again, she’d probably smiled more today than in the last few months combined. And considering she had been in a major accident where two people lost their lives. That was … unexpected.
“Have you been able to call anyone about Doug and the girl?”
Nathan’s face hardened. “Lines are down and cell reception seems to be knocked out completely. Trust me, I have a satellite hookup and I’m getting nothing.”
Melodee’s voice lowered. “I hate thinking of them out there in the cold.”
“I know. Doug had a loud mouth, but he was a good man deep down and … shit … I can’t believe he’s gone.”
Jewel turned then, rubbing her eyes, and buried her face in Melodee’s shoulder.
“Little girl is tired again,” Nathan said, straightening to grab the empty bowls.
Melodee jumped off the chair, landing lightly and barely jostling the child cuddled in her arms.
“I wonder if Jewel has any family that are missing her?” she said.
Dammit, why did it feel so right hugging her into her shoulder? She could not get attached. She had to keep reminding herself that the moment the storm was over, someone would be coming to find her. And Melodee had lost enough, her heart was battered and bruised; there may have even been a few cracks on it. She couldn’t lose anything else.
Nathan was suddenly at her side. “As soon as the storm dies out, I’ll call in the forces. We will find her family.”
They moved back toward the room with the fire. “And what happens if she has none?” Melodee busted out. The foster system made her want to hyperventilate. She knew lots of children got lucky, but that wasn’t her experience.
Nathan must have caught the catch in her voice, he reached out and brushed a hand down Jewel’s back. “I guess we deal with that if it happens. My family is very powerful, we have lots of contacts, and I can make sure she finds a good home.”
“And what if I want to keep her?” Melodee cursed herself as soon as the words left her mouth. Had she suddenly gone crazy? She reminded herself again; she had no education, no home, nothing to offer Jewel. Okay, not technically true, she could offer love and safety, and they were important factors too.
“I’m not sure cage fighting is a suitable occupation on the adoption check list.” Nathan’s tone was light. “But something tells me that if you’re determined, nothing will stop you.”
His hand, which had been resting on Jewel’s back, moved to grip Melodee’s wrist. “And I’ll help you in any way I can.”
Chapter 4
Holy shit.
Nathan wondered if he was losing his mind. Did he just seriously offer to help Melodee out with adopting Jewel? Damn, they weren’t even sure that the kid had no family, but something about Melodee turned him into a mindless dick. He was all gallant, wanting to save her, rescue abandoned children and probably wrestle wolves or something equally asshole worthy. It had to be Melodee, there was something so unique about her. She had what his gran liked to call ‘that special something’. It was women like Melodee who got his socialite mother’s bitch claws out: intelligent and effortlessly beautiful, no need for make-up, Botox, or whatever other shit women pumped into themselves.
Nowadays, Nathan avoided those women; they were more trouble than they were worth. Not to say he hadn’t taken advantage of their numerous offers over the years. Shit, they threw their underwear at him when he took the court in the big games. Though he never understood why the fuck women thought he’d want their underwear. But lately he hadn’t been able to stomach the drama that came with college girls. He was in his longest stint alone and his teammates joked he was going to lose his slam dunk title. But scoring on the court was starting to feel more important than scoring off it.
“So tell me about cage fighting?” he found himself asking.
Despite the fragile air Melodee wore and the way this aroused his fiercely protective instincts toward her, he actually thought the fact she was a fighter was sexy as hell. He was pretty familiar with the cage fighting scene. One of his old friends, Mark Martini, owned a string of clubs through Manhattan and he liked to dabble in part of the underground fight circuit. Nathan often attended the events but he had never participated, despite the fact he was trained in Brazilian jujitsu and was a black belt. And he had never seen Melodee there, he would have remembered her for sure. He wondered if Mark had heard of her.
“I like the anonymity, I like the money, and I’m good,” she said simply. Jewel was asleep over her shoulder, Nathan wanted to offer to take the weight from her, but he knew she would refuse.
; “I get that, but how did you even get involved?”
“I don’t really remember,” Melodee said, her brow wrinkling. “I started after I left my last foster home at sixteen, I think. I needed money and fighting was my only real skill.”
He had never been so curious about a person before. She was clean cut, her clothes were expensive and quality. Not to mention she had all of her teeth, an unbroken nose and spoke with intelligence. Not your typical cage fighter. In the front room the fire had died off a little so Nathan threw more of the cut logs on top. As he turned, he noticed Melodee had placed Jewel back into her seat.
“It’s the safest sleep surface we have for her at the moment,” she explained.
Nathan nodded. He didn’t have a clue there were unsafe sleep surfaces, unless you counted the edge of a cliff. Any kid left with him would be lucky to survive. Although he could phone his old nanny, she’d pretty much raised the boys.
The howls of the wind rose then. Nathan could almost feel the cabin shaking from the foundation up. This was an epic storm, and Mother Nature could be a real bitch when she was riled up. He hoped his brothers weren’t lost in this shit. Most likely they’d decided it was safer to stay wherever they’d been. He also hated that Doug and the unknown girl were still out there. It felt wrong to leave them behind, even though there was no helping them anymore.
Melodee interrupted him. “Are you okay, Nathan?” Her sapphire eyes examined him closely.
“Call me Nate,” he said with a grin. “Just thinking about Doug and worrying about my brothers. They were supposed to meet me out here to help with the storm prep.”
He noticed her forehead crinkle, and figured she too couldn’t stop thinking about the car accident and the end result for Doug and Jewel’s mother, and hoped nothing like that had happened to his brothers. “Don’t stress, they’re pretty unreliable assholes, they probably forgot.”