“So, what the hell happened after you dropped us off?”
“I was just about to leave the truck and I got rammed in the side and pushed into the lake. I almost didn’t make it out of the truck. I passed out on my way to the surface, but an older man saw me go in and waited to see if anyone would come out. He must have seen me because he was the one that pulled me out of the water.”
“Is he going to be a problem?”
“I don’t know. I gave him all the money I had left and asked him to keep it to himself, but who knows. That’s why we need to leave ASAP. If it gets out that someone walked away, they’ll be coming after us again.”
“I’ll go find you some clothes. Give me ten minutes and I’ll be back.”
I heard the door snick shut and then felt a warm body snuggle under the covers next to me. Prying my eyes open, I saw Mark looking at me in question. I gave him a soft kiss as I gazed into his eyes.
“I’m sorry I said those horrible things to you.”
“I’m sorry I left,” he said gruffly. My hands drifted over him and I realized that he wasn’t wearing any clothes. He shuddered as I ran my hands over his chest, glad that I finally had him back in my arms.
“What’s going to happen when we get back to Pennsylvania?” I asked.
He shook his head slightly. “Let’s get there first and then worry about what happens next.”
“Are you going to leave?”
“I don’t have a job there anymore.”
“What if I came here?”
“What would you do? My job keeps me busy for days at a time, sometimes weeks. You would be all alone here.”
It didn’t sound as if he was too hopeful about our future, so I kept my mouth shut and just laid next to him. Sean walked in a few minutes later and tossed a bag of clothes on the bed. “I got you new shoes, too. Figured you wouldn’t want to walk around in wet ones.”
“Thanks, man.” He sat up and headed for the bathroom in just his boxers, taking the bag with him. I couldn’t help but ogle his body as he walked away. He was perfectly sculpted. I didn’t know what would happen from here, but I knew I didn’t want to waste another minute wondering what the future held. I climbed out of bed and scrambled to the bathroom. I could hear the shower running already, so I quickly stepped inside and undressed. When I pulled back the curtain, Mark was leaning with his forehead against the shower wall, letting the water cascade over his body.
Stepping inside, I wrapped my arms around his large frame and pressed my cheek to his back. His large hand wrapped around mine and squeezed. Grabbing a washcloth off the towel bar, I added some soap and started washing his body. He had a jagged cut across his bicep that looked like it might need stitches and he had multiple bruises forming across his torso. I washed him as gently as I could, but I didn’t miss the occasional wince.
He turned around and looked into my eyes for a moment. I wished he would say something. I wished he would tell me what was running through his mind, but instead he leaned forward and kissed me gently on the lips. I felt his erection against my belly as he pressed himself closer to me. As the kiss grew more heated, I ran my hand down his happy trail and gripped his erection. He hissed as I slowly pumped him up and down, and he gripped my hair tightly as I worked him to orgasm. His breathing sped up when I grabbed his sack and slowly massaged him.
“Damn, Lollipop.” My heart practically burst open at the nickname. It was strange no doubt, but it made me light up inside. He groaned as hot semen shot out into my hand. His hips bucked once more and then he released my hair and pulled me in close. His heart pounded against my cheek and he slowly ran his fingertips along my spine like he was trying to soothe himself.
Then his touch turned sexual as his fingers gripped my waist and he kissed me deep. His tongue stroked mine as he brought a hand to my face to hold me to him. He kissed down my neck and then lifted me so he could take my nipple into his mouth. His hands gripped the backs of my thighs as he held me against his mouth. My pussy clenched as he sucked and teased my nipples. I moaned as he took my mouth once again and pushed me up against the shower wall. I let one foot fall to the floor to support myself as his fingers slid through my heat.
“Oh, God.” I moaned as he pushed a finger inside me and slowly slid it in and out. When his thumb brushed against my clit, I practically screamed, but he swallowed my cries with his mouth. He bit and nipped at my neck and ear as he pumped his fingers harder and harder inside me.
“Fuck, Lollipop. Come all over my fingers.” I was panting as he rubbed my clit with his thumb, so close to falling over the edge. Electricity zapped through me as my body clenched around his fingers. “That’s it, squeeze my fingers. God I wish you were milking my cock right now. I’m already hard for you again.”
I was trembling as we stood under the hot water and I was just about to tell him that we should definitely take care of that when someone pounded on the door.
“Enough fucking, it’s time to go.” Mark smiled at me as I covered a laugh. “Christ, I can’t believe I had to hear that,” he muttered as he walked away.
“Another time, Lollipop.” He gave me a kiss and then handed me a towel. I hadn’t actually cleaned myself, but my hair was soaked. After quickly towel drying it, I got my clothes back on, which felt absolutely disgusting, and stepped back into the room. Vanessa was sitting on the bed smirking at me as I walked out with a red face.
“Did you really have to do that with me in the next room?” Sean asked.
“Buy some fucking ear plugs,” Mark said as he walked out of the bathroom. I stuck my tongue out at Sean and he shuddered.
“It’s getting dark out, so we should probably hit the road,” Sean grumbled.
“Can we grab something to eat soon? I’m starved,” Vanessa said as she rubbed her belly.
“Yeah, but we should stick to drive thrus until we put some distance between us and this place.”
As long as we stuck to drive thrus I would be fine. There was no point in telling anyone that my meds were now at the bottom of the lake with my purse and Mark’s truck. There was nothing that could be done about it and I didn’t want everyone watching me, waiting for me to freak out.
“Alright, Sean, stay here with the girls while I go get the truck. I shouldn’t be more than ten minutes.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. I think we should all go together so we can take off,” Sean said. “We need to stick together now. Besides, unless you picked up some weapons along the way, we only have one gun.”
Mark nodded and grabbed my hand. “Alright, let’s get a move on.” He pulled me toward the door and held up a hand for Sean to stay where he was.
“Lollipop, I need you to stick with Sean and do whatever he says. I trust him one hundred percent, but Vanessa is my responsibility right now. I need to be the one guarding her. Besides, if someone comes after her, you’re safer away from us.”
I nodded and walked over to Sean, knowing that my big brother would protect me. As we walked outside, the fear of everything really started to hit home and I gripped Sean’s hand hard. With every step, my heart pounded faster in my chest. The usual feelings of nausea started to swirl and now I understood what the doctor was talking about. This was nothing like daily anxiety. This was one of those times that my fast acting pill would really be appreciated.
We walked along the littered streets toward the corner parking lot that was just another block away. Someone stepped out of an alley up ahead and stood there for a moment before turning and walking toward us. Bile rose in my throat and spots danced in front of my eyes. This wasn’t the time to black out, but I could feel it start to take over my body. My legs were turning to jelly as the man approached and as he passed, I swore his eyes bore a hole in my head.
Sean gripped my arm under the elbow to try and hold me up, but it was too late. I was going down, but I never actually hit the concrete.
“Shit,” Sean swore as he grabbed me under the legs.
The sky
spun above me as Sean hoisted me into his arms and carried me the rest of the way. It felt like we were moving faster now, but my eyes were fluttering open and shut and I couldn’t be sure what was happening. My head lulled back as we seemed to come to a stop.
“Did you find it?”
“Got it.”
I was placed in the backseat and then Sean was there with me, holding my head in his lap as I finally let go and passed out.
✯✯✯✯✯
“Is she okay?”
“She’s fine, Sinner. Just get us the fuck out of here.”
I couldn’t have been out for long because the truck started up moments later and we were driving down the road.
“Is she still out?” Mark sounded anxious and I didn’t like him sounding so worried about me.
“I’m okay,” I mumbled.
I tried to get up, but Sean held me down. “Just relax, Cara. Take it easy.”
“Lollipop, you okay back there?”
“I’m okay, I promise.” I felt ridiculous now and I was sure Vanessa was thinking I was a lunatic. She was the only one that didn’t know what was going on. As if she read my thoughts, she turned around to face the backseat.
“If it makes you feel any better, I pass out if I have to speak in public.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, you know, most people suffer from something and if you talk to people about your issues, most will instantly feel more relaxed and open up to you about what bothers them.”
“Cara’s issues aren’t quite so black and white,” Mark said.
“They never are, but everyone has problems.”
She turned around and stared out the window at the dark sky.
“I don’t think anyone’s following us, but we’ll still have to change vehicles when we get out of state.”
“Does Cash have vehicles set up for you along the way?” Sean asked Mark.
“He will, I just need to let him know how we decide to get back home.”
“What were you doing in California?” Vanessa asked. “Are you working out there now?”
“Yeah, I work for Owens Protection and Security.”
“So, you don’t work for Reed Security anymore?”
He gripped the steering wheel tighter as he answered. “No.”
I sat up and held my head as my headache became more pronounced. “What did you mean earlier when you said that you lost your job because of me?”
“Let’s not talk about this now, Lollipop. I really need to concentrate and I can’t do that if I’m ready to murder someone.”
That was ominous sounding, so I rested my head against Sean’s shoulder and let myself drift off to sleep.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Sinner
WE PULLED INTO a motel three days into our trip and stopped at yet another run down motel where we could pay in cash and stay hidden for another night. After checking in, Sean headed out to get us all dinner while Vanessa took a shower. Sean had gotten everyone some clothes after we stopped the first night, so at least we didn’t all reek to high heaven.
I looked at Cara as she laid on the bed with her eyes closed. We hadn’t really gotten a chance to talk since everything went south. She had been quiet for most of the drive and I couldn’t blame her. This had to be hard on her and then to find out that she didn’t have her pills with her, I was worried that she would freak out at some time. The good news was that Sean seemed to have stepped up and now knew how to better handle her when she got anxious. At least it was one less thing for me to worry about.
I laid down on the bed next to her and watched her for a few minutes until she turned to me and looked me in the eyes. Neither of us said anything as we laid there, but I couldn’t help myself as I brushed my thumb across her perfect mouth. I needed to touch her. Through everything, I still wanted her more than anything.
“What did you mean when you said you lost your job defending me?” she asked.
I knew she wouldn’t let this go, so I answered her.
“Sebastian is just like everyone else; he thinks you’re broken. I took offense to his assumptions and we got into it. I just couldn’t stand to hear people talk that way about you. He thought I was going to fuck you up because he assumed that I didn’t care about you.”
“And do you?”
“Cara, I care about you so fucking much that I considered sticking around just to see if you would ever want me again. I wanted to fix things between us, but I just couldn’t bring myself to stay so close to you and not see you. You made it pretty clear what you thought of me.”
“I didn’t mean it. I was angry and I didn’t want to admit that you were right. If I could take back everything-”
“Let’s not talk about this anymore. I can’t be thinking about what’s going to happen with us and do my job. I need to concentrate so I don’t get us killed. We’ll talk when we get back.”
She nodded and closed her eyes. Against my better judgement, I pulled her closer to me and held her tightly to me. I didn’t want to send her mixed signals, but I needed this small comfort for now.
✯✯✯✯✯
My head was a fucking mess. We’d been driving for days now and I was ready to just get home, or back to Pittsburgh. We had to go south toward Texas first because it was winter and it was too dangerous to drive through the mountains this time of year. That was the faster route, but it just wasn’t worth it.
Cash set up motels for us to stay at and had vehicles left for us at random truck stops. We were now about two hours away from home and I was losing my fucking mind. I needed to talk to Cara, but that wasn’t possible until I dropped off Vanessa. I had to be one hundred percent focused on the job right now. We had eaten fast food all the way home because we couldn’t risk Cara freaking out in a restaurant and drawing attention. She said she could handle it, but she had been off her meds since my truck ended up in the lake and none of us knew how she would respond.
“So, where am I going once you drop me off with Sebastian?”
“He’ll set you up in a safe house somewhere. You’re sure you can’t think of any more details?”
Vanessa shook her head and sighed. “I wish I could. I wish I would have gone through his study before I left, but I just had this feeling that I had to get out.”
“You’re lucky you left when you did. You might not have gotten out. Don’t worry. We’ll figure this all out.”
“Will you be staying with me?”
“I’m probably headed back to California. My boss will expect me back within a few days.”
“How’s Sam doing?” she asked as she wrung her hands.
“He’s getting better. He’s going through physical therapy right now. From what I understand, he’s not walking yet, but he’s getting there.”
“I feel so bad that he’s going through that.”
“You shouldn’t. We all know what could happen when we take a job like that. It’s what we do.”
“Still, I would like to see him and thank him.”
“Maybe you’ll get your chance.”
Sean, who had been sleeping since he drove the first leg of today’s trip, woke up with a yawn. “Fuck, I’m ready to be out of this car.”
“Tell me about it. This has ruined things for all future road trips.”
“I’ve never been on a road trip,” Vanessa said.
“Really?” I looked at her out of the corner of my eye in question. “How have you never been on a road trip?”
“My father only traveled in style. I don’t think taking a car across country was the most luxurious way to travel.”
“How much longer before we’re home?” Cara asked as she stretched in the back seat. My eyes scanned her breasts as she raised her hands over her head. A horn honking had me quickly jerking the wheel back into my lane.
“Eyes forward, Sinner,” Sean grumbled from the backseat.
I cleared my throat and responded. “Not too much longer. I have to go to Reed Security first, so you�
��ll have to come along.”
“That’s fine. I just want to get out of the car.”
We drove in silence the rest of the way, but I needed a distraction. One look at Cara’s tits and I was rock hard. I still had no idea what was going to happen once we reached Reed Security and I didn’t know where Cara and I stood. Now that I had another job, I wasn’t sure I wanted to quit. My options weren’t that good if I stayed in Pennsylvania, but I wasn’t sure that she could make the move to California. She’d be alone a lot and that wouldn’t be good for her anxiety. If I gave up my job, what the fuck would I do with my life?
I pulled into Reed Security and was granted access after my license was checked. I never thought I would be stepping foot on this property again or see Sebastian Reed again.
“Derek, it’s good to see you, man.” I gave him a man hug before turning to Cara and Vanessa.
“This is Vanessa Adams and you remember Sean?”
“Yeah. It’s good to see you.”
“And this is his sister, Cara.”
Cara nodded and I knew she was uncomfortable around Derek.
“So, you guys decided to hitch a ride with this guy, huh?”
“We were in the neighborhood and it looked like he needed a hand,” Sean grinned.
“Yeah, I heard you parked your truck in the lake.”
“I loved that truck. I better be getting a new one. You know, hazard pay and all.”
Derek rolled his eyes. “Yeah, I’m sure Cash will just hand over the keys to a new truck as soon as you get home.”
My smile dimmed a little at that. For just a second, the easy banter with Derek made me forget that I still had to go home.
“Anyway, let’s get you guys up to see Sebastian. He’s in the conference room with Becky trying to track down a lead.”
I entered the conference room with Vanessa, Sean, and Cara in tow. Sebastian looked up with relief.
Sinner: A Reed Security Romance Page 18