by Calinda B
Drew nodded. “I know how you live your life, your values that you hold close. You aren’t going to want to be involved in this.”
“I’m not letting you do anything alone. I want to make sure you’re safe. Don’t ask me to sit back and do nothing.”
23
What were these two planning? Logan’s nerves and imagination were running rampant. “Spill.” He sat back and crossed his arms over his chest. His eyes went from one to the other as he watched some silent understanding pass between them.
Drew inhaled deeply. “There is so much you don’t know about what I do. I’ve always kept my secret and only a very select few know about it. Ramsey is one of the few.”
Logan felt something akin to jealousy course through him as he motioned for her to continue.
“There is a very elite part of the Diamond Club that few people know about. I need your solemn promise, on everything you hold dear, that you will never breathe a word of what I am about to tell you to anyone.”
“I promise.” What the hell is this woman into? Logan wondered if he was making a mistake to even listen to her.
“I steal jewels from people. I do it for the thrill of doing it. I obviously don’t need the money. None of us need it. And I’m very good at it.”
“Wait. What?” He felt his eyes practically bugging from their sockets.
“There is a group of us who do jewel heists for clients. We protect each other and have a special code we live by.”
“What the hell does this have to do with Scott? Is he in the group?” Logan stood and started pacing his kitchen.
“No, he isn’t. He was someone I agreed to take an emerald from, just to see if it could be done. He bragged his collection was safer than the money in Fort Knox.”
“So that is what got you in trouble with him?” Logan shook his head. “For a smart woman who is good at what she does…” He laughed, the sound hollow in his ears. “Guess you got caught?”
“No, I didn’t get caught. I took the emerald, and then I put it back because of how he started acting.”
Logan slammed his hand on the table. “Then why did he take you? Did he find out somehow?” When he saw the look on her face, he felt terrible. He sat down and took her hand. “I’m sorry. Go on,” he whispered.
“He took me because he is insanely jealous of you. He had it in his head that I tossed him aside for you. So he told me he was going to make me pay and make me realize that I wanted to be with him.” Tears spilled down her face.
Logan reached over and gently wiped them away. “He took you because of me?” His heart thumped against his chest. “Drew, did he rape you?” His voice sounded sad to his own ears.
“No. He hadn’t gotten that far, thank god. You and Ramsey came just in time.”
“I’m confused. How is any of this going to get Scott behind bars?”
“I’m going to get Scott to think about accepting some stolen jewels. He’ll get caught. The prize is so big that he’ll be locked up in federal prison for years.” Ramsey sat back and smiled.
“No Ramsey, I’m not letting you be mixed up in it. This is my mess, I need to fix it.”
“Drew, you can’t fix it. Scott wants you because you scorned him. Ramsey is right. It has to be someone other than you who entices him into doing this.” He turned to Ramsey. “But I don’t think it can be you, either. He knows someone helped me get her last night. It has to be someone else to convince him of it. Someone that he couldn’t connect to Drew and me. I saw you all together at the club. If I saw you, how can we be sure he hasn’t seen you as well?”
Drew’s eyes were wide. “He’s right. We have to be careful about this.”
“I don’t want my hands on it, nor yours or Ramsey’s. I don’t want to see you hurt. I don’t like this, but I want him behind bars. So I’ll help. How do we find someone to convince this idiot?”
Drew smiled. “I think I might have an answer to that, but it can’t come from me.” Turning to Ramsey, she continued, “We’ll have to find someone we can trust, maybe one of your connections from out of town. Also, there is a new woman who has been coming around and doing some ‘shows’ with some of the clients. I’m pretty certain she’s an undercover police officer. You know how I have the uncanny nose for that, Ramsey.”
“Yes you do, and I know who you’re talking about. It was discussed at one of the backroom meetings. She’s got the look of a cop. We could make sure she gets an anonymous tip from one of our sources.”
Logan glanced from one to the other before standing up and pacing the room. “What am I doing? Are you two for real? Thieves, undercover cops, jewel heists. What the hell else goes on in that club? How many people are in this elite club of yours?” He ran his hand through his hair before throwing his hands in the air. “Never mind, I don’t want to know.” He walked out of the kitchen and paced the hallway. “Damn it to hell. I thought Tim was bad for sleeping with whores. What the hell am I getting myself into? I’m a fucking football player.”
Ramsey called, “Calm down kid. Drew and I can discuss the details later so you aren’t involved any further.”
“Not involved? I’m so far involved right now, it isn’t funny. That dick could call the cops and press charges against me for assaulting him,” Logan hollered.
Ramsey’s big booming laugh caught him off guard.
“What’s so funny? I could ruin my career being involved in this.” He stormed into the kitchen.
“Scott’s not calling anyone. He knew right after you left that Drew was gone. He’s trying to figure out who helped you. He’s pissed, but he’s not calling the cops. He’d have to explain why you were there. He sure as hell doesn’t want Drew or you saying anything or the cops showing up with a warrant to search his house. Oh no, trust me, he’s going to lay low and try to formulate a plan to get back at you both. So we need to move as quickly as we can without raising any flags with him.”
“Can’t you just get someone to plant something in his house?” Running a hand through his hair, Logan picked up his cup of tea before setting it back on the table.
“No. We need him to get himself caught. What reason would we give the cops to suspect him and show up with a warrant? Won’t work. We’re going to set something in motion that he can’t resist, sit back, and watch his entire little empire crumble under him.” Ramsey rubbed his hands together.
“Do I even want to know?” He looked up to see Drew watching, her bottom lip pulled between her teeth, tears flowing down her cheeks again. He was next to her in a couple of strides, kneeling down and taking her face in his hands. “Don’t cry. I’m going to keep you safe while you two do whatever it is you are going to do. I won’t ask questions, and I won’t intervene unless you put yourself in harm’s way.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “But Drew...”
“What?” She glanced, up her eyes still full of tears.
“You have to make some choices. I can’t condone your lifestyle. I won’t live in fear of you doing things that could get you sent away, and me in trouble for being in a relationship with you. I told you when we first met that I’m an honest man. I can’t live a life of lies. I’m not asking anything of you right now but for you to let me keep you safe. I’m falling for you, but I won’t live like this. You think about it, promise me?”
“I promise. Don’t give up on me yet. Let us get through taking care of this bastard and we’ll talk.”
“All right. But unless you decide you can walk away from this lifestyle, there won’t be anything to discuss.” Wrapping her up in his arms, he kissed the top of her head. “Let’s go to bed and worry about this later. We’re all exhausted.” He glanced over his shoulder at Ramsey. “Stay here with us. We’ll see you later.”
24
Drew slid into bed and snuggled against him. Her heart was beating rapidly in her chest as she wondered what hold this man had on her. She was feeling way too comfortable with him, and it shocked her that she even considered giving up part of her life because
he gave her an ultimatum. No one had ever done that before. A few weeks ago, she would have laughed in his face and walked away. But the thought of him walking away from her, if she couldn’t change, made her feel very strange. What the hell is going on?
“Drew, calm down and get some rest. I promise we’ll talk later. I have to get some sleep, and I think you do as well. We’re safe here.” He rubbed small circles on her back.
His voice calmed her, and his hand felt so soothing on her skin. She moaned and his hand stopped.
“Are you okay? Did I hurt you?” he whispered in her ear.
“No. I was just thinking how right it felt to be here with you. How you calm me in ways I didn’t know I needed calming.”
“I’m glad to hear that. I want you to know you can trust me.” He scooted her even closer.
“It’s hard for me to let anyone in. As close as I am to Ramsey, there is much he doesn’t know about me. But I’ve never been good at talking or sharing.”
“I know,” he whispered softly, running his hand through her hair as he pulled her head closer to rest on his chest.
She lay still, listening to the steady thump of his heart against her ear. The heart she was starting to fall in love with. The deep, beating rhythm calmed her as nothing had ever done before. For some reason, at that very moment, she realized this man was the one person she could trust with her life. He would protect and love her if she could only find the way to let him in completely, to trust him fully. She lay still in his arms and listened as his breathing deepened and slowed. She knew he was falling asleep again. Finally, she took a deep breath and let herself relax and drift off.
Drew woke alone. For a moment, she felt the panic start in her chest just as the bedroom door opened. She flipped over, drawing the sheet over her chest before she realized he was coming back in the room. She dropped back and let out the breath she was holding. “You scared me.”
“I’m sorry. I had to get up, and you were sleeping so soundly, I thought I could slip out, check on Ramsey, and get back before you woke. Damn, I hate that you’re so afraid.”
She felt the bed dip as he sat down and lifted her into his arms. “It’s not your fault, it’s mine. I guess I wasn’t as good at reading him as I thought I was.” She snuggled against his strong chest and inhaled the smell that was distinctly his. “I could get used to waking up to you every morning.” She felt him stiffen. Lifting her head, she glanced into his eyes. “What’s wrong?”
“I would love to get used to it as well. But, until I know you are going to give up the foolishness, I can’t allow myself to want that.” He gave her a squeeze and let go as he stood up. “Come on. I think there is a lot we have to discuss and figure out. The sooner we are rid of him, the better.”
Drew instantly felt the loss of him. The hurt was so evident in his voice and manner; it was like a sword piercing her heart. She quickly got up and slipped into his robe, wondering if she should shower and dress before heading downstairs, and then she remembered she had no clothes. Slapping her hand against her forehead, she laughed at her predicament. Now what? She’d have to call and have some clothes packed and brought to her. Wait. Does he want me to stay here? She heard a noise, turned, and saw him leaning against the doorframe with a big smile playing over his mouth. Raising her eyebrows, she felt the corners of her mouth turn up. “What?”
“You look cute fighting with yourself. What were you thinking about?” His eyes held hers, waiting for her response.
“I was going to take a shower and get dressed then I remembered I have no clothes here. I was going to call and have clothes brought over, but then I didn’t know if you wanted me here.” She felt the tears pool in her eyes again. “I don’t know where I’m going to stay right now or what I’m going to do.” She turned away so he wouldn’t see her shame in admitting it. Suddenly, his arms were around her, tugging her against him.
“Drew, you’re staying here until that bastard is behind bars. I already told you that. I called your driver when I got up earlier. I know you trust him. He had one of your staff pack you some clothes and bring them here. I asked him not to tell anyone why or where you are. Ramsey assured me the man would not betray you. He should be coming around shortly. He is driving his personal vehicle just in case that idiot is watching for your limo. I refuse to allow him the means or access to get to you.”
“Thank you,” she whispered as she laid her head against his chest. “Why are you doing this for me?”
“Because I care.” He cleared his throat. “Come on, Ramsey is fixing what smells like a pretty amazing lunch for us.”
When she made her way into the kitchen, Logan and Ramsey were deep in conversation. “Wow, something smells great. What magic are you whipping up this time, Sir Ramsey?”
“All your favorites.” He hurried to her and enveloped her in his arms. “We have to get this plan moving as quickly as we can, so we can get that little prick out of play.”
She heard Logan chuckle, glanced over, and saw him shaking his head. “After we eat, I’ll leave you two alone to formulate your plan. I have to go to practice for a few hours.”
Drew’s eyes flew to his. “You’re leaving.” She felt the panic rise as her breathing quickened, and she sat down quickly on one of the chairs. Leaning forward, her arms dropped, and she put her head down between her knees as she felt herself become lightheaded.
“Hey, slow your breathing down. That’s it, nice and slow. Your safe here, remember that.” Logan’s hands moved slow, steady circles around her back. “That’s it, I have you.” He pushed her back against the chair.
She looked up to see the worry in his eyes as he checked her pulse. “I just panicked. I guess that’s what it was. I’ve never done that before.” She shrugged and leaned to look around him at Ramsey, finding him smirking and shaking his head. Drew realized Ramsey thought she was acting to get Logan’s attention. I am such a bitch. Of course, he would believe that. When had she turned into such a needy girl? What the hell was going on?
Glancing up at Logan, something else dawned on her—she wanted to be in his life. She’d never felt so loved and protected before or so vulnerable in her entire life. She needed these two to help her out of this fix, and then she’d walk away from the lies she had weaved her entire life and start living the truth. Even if she didn’t end up with Logan, the truth of what her life had become was sad. She wanted more for herself. Taking a deep breath, she stood and hugged Logan. “Go to your practice. We can’t have you letting down the guys. Ramsey and I have this.”
As soon as they finished lunch, Logan left and the two of them sat down to figure out how and who should approach Scott about the jewels. “What about my daughter?”
“Hell no! Do you not remember what just happened to me? Come on Ramsey, you’re smarter than that.”
“What the hell was that damsel in distress move you pulled with Logan earlier?” He leaned back in the chair, watching her intently.
“Just for your information, smart ass, I didn’t ‘pull’ anything. I panicked. Something I have never done in my life. I don’t want to talk about it.” Pushing her chair back, she went to the coffee pot and poured herself another cup. When she turned around, Ramsey was watching her with his jaw hanging open. “What?”
“Oh my god. You like this one. You truly like this one.” Throwing his arms up, he glanced at the ceiling. “It’s about damn time.” He stood and rushed to her side. “Finally, I think you might be falling in love!”
She dropped her eyes. “I think I already have. But I don’t think I’m good enough for him.”
“Bull shit! You are. We just need to get the little prick behind bars, and you can walk away from the life, free and clear. Trust me, Princess, I’m going to get you out of this, if it’s the last thing I do.”
“We’re going to get me out of this.” She gave his hand a quick squeeze. “Let’s get this game plan ironed out before Logan comes back.” The doorbell rang just as Drew’s phone pinged. She sli
d her finger over the screen, waking it, and instantly relaxed as she saw it was from her chauffeur. It’s me at the door. Mr. James told me to text you.
“It’s my driver with my clothes.”
“I’ll get it. Logan said to keep you away from the doors and windows just in case. We can’t trust Scott after what he pulled.”
“Be careful.”
“Hey, he doesn’t have any idea we are connected. Relax. Let me handle this as much as I can.”
Drew took a deep breath and exhaled loudly. Reaching across the table, she took his hand in hers. “Okay. You and Logan win. I’m going to do something I’ve never done in my life. I’m putting my trust and my life in your hands.”
25
Logan knew he wasn’t putting one hundred percent into practice today. His thoughts kept going back to Drew and Ramsey, wondering what they were discussing and what was going to happen. Suddenly he found himself being hit hard as he was flung flat on his back.
Tim growled in his ear. “Get your head out of your ass. Coach is getting pissed. What the fuck is going on?” He jumped up and stuck his hand out to pull Logan up. “Get with the game.” Tim ran off to get back in formation just as Coach yelled.
Logan snatched off his helmet and ran to the coach. He saw the questions in coach’s eyes and also saw how pissed he was. Yeah, I’m getting benched.
“What the fuck, James? You’ve never played this badly before. Where’s your head? You could get hurt out there playing like this. Do I need to bench you for the rest of practice today?” He spread his legs and crossed his arms over his massive chest. “Answer me.”
“Sorry, Coach. I’ve got some personal stuff going on, and I guess my head isn’t here today. I’ll do better.” Logan hung his head. “Fuck. I’ve never missed a practice before, and I’ve always given everything for this game and this team.” He looked up at Coach and watched as a range of expressions made their way over his face.