Steele Family Romance Collection

by Cami Checketts

  At least that tracker was out. If they got out of here, those men wouldn’t be able to find them again. Gunner knew just where he’d go next. Bella Jolie was screaming for a visit.

  He kept one eye on the iPad and one on where he was walking. They descended to the main level, and then down into the basement. Rushing through the basement, they entered a large garage.

  Klein pointed to a Humvee excitedly. “This thing will keep you safe through a battle. I assume you’ve driven one?”

  “A few times.”

  “Plenty of cash and a couple pistols in the compartment. Heavier weaponry in the rear.” He clapped Gunner on the shoulder and extended his hand for the iPad. “Keep your Sheila safe, eh?”

  Gunner glanced at the iPad before handing it over. The truck flew through the trees, straight at the fence and rammed into it. Sparks flew and the fence held, barely. “Klein!” The truck was backing up for another go.

  Klein grabbed it from him. “Oh, they’ll regret that.” He focused on Gunner again. “Go straight out the front gate. Don’t deviate off the drive for any reason, or a land mine will get you. Cheers.” Then he rushed back out of the garage.

  Gunner turned to Lily, who was watching him with wide eyes. “I guess we don’t worry about Klein?” she mumbled around the gauze.

  “I don’t think so.” Gunner ushered her into the Humvee, shut her door, and rushed around to the other side. Climbing in, he switched the Humvee on, waiting for the orange light. He cranked the engine by turning the lever to the right. All the military vehicles he’d driven had manual transmission and this one looked to be the same. He released the hand brake and shoved it into drive, easing past some restored cars, an Alfa Romeo, and a couple of Harleys that he wouldn’t mind taking for a ride. It appeared the shipping industry was very lucrative. The vehicles in the upper garage had been as high end as these.

  As they approached the garage door, it automatically slid open. Gunner drove up an incline until he reached the driveway. He pushed on the gas but didn’t dare floor it and draw attention to them. He wanted Lily far away from here. He’d get her to Sutton’s, leave her safety with him, Liz, Agatha, and dozens of competent security specialists who came and went from Sutton’s every day, not to mention Sutton’s personal security. Then Gunner was going to find her mother and bring her to justice. This whole thing was a setup, and she’d hired men to kill her own daughter. At the very least he could ruin the woman’s acting career and her name. He was hoping for jail time and some redemption for Lily as well. No wonder Lily lived like a nomad, freedom meant a lot to her.

  They flew down the driveway, not seeing anything out of the ordinary. As the front gate swung open, an explosion ripped through the air. Gunner whirled and saw a fireball appear through the trees, and felt the concussion even in the vehicle.

  Lily’s eyes were wide. “I guess that’s why you don’t drive off the paved roads?”

  Gunner laughed. He should’ve felt sorry for those men, but he didn’t. “Klein’s not one you mess with.”

  “I think you’re right, there.” Lily smiled bravely at him. “I suddenly feel a whole lot better though. I feel … free. Nobody is following us. There’s no way for my mother to track me.”

  He nodded. They pulled onto the road and though the drive was rougher than a normal car, he felt safe in the military-grade vehicle, as if he could drive over anyone on this road. He fished the phone out of his pocket and called Klein. “Confirmed hit?”

  “Yes, mate, only killed one of them. I’ve got the other one in … custody. I’ll turn him over to the police soon. You and Lily are free.”

  “Thank you, Klein.”

  “Sure thing! Tell that Sheila as soon as you get somewhere to rest for the night, you can pash all you want.”

  Gunner grinned over at Lily. He still didn’t know how their relationship could develop from here, but he couldn’t resist Lily any longer. “Pashing is definitely on the agenda.”

  Lily lifted her eyebrows at him. “I’m not a hundred percent on what pashing means, but I might be persuaded to participate.”

  Gunner chuckled and pressed down on the accelerator. He clicked end on the call and pushed on the number to check in with Sutton. With those men gone and no tracker, he felt free like he’d just been given a gift of time with Lily. Now, if he could keep Sutton from apprehending Bella Jolie before he got there and talk Lily into waiting for him.

  “Gunner,” Sutton’s voice was apprehensive. “Where are you?”

  “The chip’s out, we’re in Klein’s Humvee headed south. The men came, but Klein killed one and captured the other.”

  “Klein told me. Head to Idaho Falls, it’s a couple of hours. I’ve got a private charter to fly you out at six a.m. That was the earliest I could find. I’ve booked you a suite at the Residence Inn. You can get a few hours rest.”

  “Thank you, sir.” Gunner glanced over at Lily. She leaned her head against the seat and smiled softly at him. Kissing her sounded more important than sleeping. He’d forgotten quickly that he needed to stay focused on the job, but with those men out of the picture and no chip in her cheek, he could let his guard down and let Lily be the focus. She didn’t seem like the type to sit at home and wait for her “military boy” to go on jobs then come back to her, but maybe they could figure something out. He tried to slow down his thoughts but with Lily it was hard not to want to race ahead to some kind of future, at least the possibility of getting to know her better and spending any extra time he had with her. First, he needed to make sure her mother and her men weren’t a threat any longer.

  “Sir?” He focused back on his boss.

  “Yes?”

  “I know you’ll go after Bella Jolie. I get dibs on that assignment.”

  “That’s our problem currently.”

  “What’s that?” No problems. He would get Lily to safety then he’d hunt down her miserable excuse for a mother.

  “When I cleared everything up with the police, they promised they would take her in for questioning. The problem is … she’s disappeared.”

  Gunner’s gut clenched. Bella Jolie had fled. Would they be able to catch her, or would she get away with trying to kill her daughter and framing Gunner and Sutton for it?

  “Get here in the morning; Lily will be safe with Liz, Agatha, and my security team. You and I will go hunting for that diva monster.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  “Cheers.” But Sutton sounded anything but cheery. Gunner understood. He wasn’t feeling too cheery about Bella Jolie escaping. He set the phone on the console and got a glimpse of Lily’s face as a passing car’s headlights lit up the interior of the Humvee. Lily. She was the only happy and bright spot in this mess.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Lily fought it, but she nodded off as they drove to Idaho Falls. You’d think with all the adrenaline and stress she’d be wired, but she’d fallen asleep on the way to Jackson Hole as well. She stirred as the Humvee exited the freeway, seeing the river and the lights of the small city.

  “Sorry, I’m not a very good travel companion today.”

  Gunner smiled. “It’s okay. I’m glad you could rest. Is your cheek okay?”

  “It’s still a little numb, but the bleeding has stopped. Is this the spot?”

  They pulled into a Residence Inn by Marriott.

  “Yes, ma’am, luxury accommodations.”

  Lily laughed. “I didn’t realize the military boy was so spoiled.”

  “Good point. It’s better than a cot or the ground in Iraq.”

  They parked, and Gunner took one of the pistols from the compartment and slid it into the back of his pants. He helped her from the vehicle and escorted her into the hotel. Sutton had apparently already checked them in because they didn’t ask Gunner for anything besides answering a few questions to prove who he was. They took the elevator to the third floor and walked quietly to their room.

  Lily suddenly felt apprehensive. Klein had interrupted what might have b
een some dynamic kisses. Could they pick up where they’d been interrupted? Maybe she was being dumb to trust him again. She felt as if his interest in her was genuine, as if he was genuine, but what would happen once his assignment was over? Would she just become a memory to him or did they have any chance at a future together?

  Gunner unlocked the door and held it for her. The room was pretty typical for a hotel, but luckily, there were two bedrooms off the main area. They wouldn’t have the awkwardness of having to share one room. The main area had a kitchen, small table, couch, television, and a little bit of open space.

  The door closed behind them with a loud click, and Lily’s nerves ratcheted up.

  Gunner turned toward her.

  “I bet you’re exhausted,” Lily rushed out, wringing her hands together.

  His eyes trailed over her face. “Lily …” he said in a soft voice full of meaning. “This might be the only time we have alone for a little while.”

  “Why?”

  “Tomorrow we’ll fly to Sutton’s, and you’ll stay with Liz and Agatha while I go with Sutton to find your mother.”

  He’d told her that Bella Jolie had disappeared. Lily wanted the woman brought to justice but at the same time she simply wanted her gone. If her mother hid in some South American country for the rest of her life, Lily thought that would be pretty great punishment for her, especially if she couldn’t be recognized. Bella Jolie lived for fame.

  Lily pushed thoughts of her mother away. Right now was about her and Gunner and if they had any possibility of a future. “Gunner Steele, look me in the eye and tell me something.”

  Gunner’s gaze was steady on her.

  “Can I trust you?”

  His gaze didn’t waver. “You can, Lily.”

  She studied him. She wouldn’t have minded him clasping her hands, falling to his knees, and professing that she could trust him with her heart and her life, but this was Gunner. His words were enough.

  “If you leave, will you come back for me?” she asked.

  Gunner pulled the gun out, set it on a side table and took a step closer. Somehow him setting that gun aside was symbolic to her, as if he was not only preparing for some serious kissing, but he was making a pledge of faith to her also. Lily’s heart leapt.

  “You don’t know me that well,” he said. “Do you want me to come for you?”

  Lily nodded. “I like what was developing between us, especially before those men appeared.”

  “Me too,” he admitted. “Maybe I can buy a trailer and follow you around the country.”

  Lily grinned. “Now you’re talking.”

  Gunner’s smile slid away, and he groaned. “Aw, Lily, no woman has ever tempted me like you have, but … I don’t know that settling down is in the cards for me. I’ve always known I needed to serve and protect.”

  Her smile slid away, and a spark of anger rushed in. “Then why have you been acting … like you like me?”

  “I do like you.” His jaw tightened. “But you don’t seem like the type to sit around waiting for me to return from missions.”

  She pinned him with a challenging glare. “Maybe I could just go with you on your missions.”

  Gunner’s eyebrows lifted. “I don’t like the thought of you in danger.”

  “And I don’t like the thought of you being away from me,” she threw back at him.

  A muscle worked in his jaw for a second, and then it relaxed. “Ah, Lily, you really are unique and impressive.” He lifted his arm and gently trailed his fingers along her jaw and into her hair. Stepping closer, he tilted her head up toward him. “And I can’t get the idea of ‘pashing’ with you out of my head.”

  Lily didn’t know that either of them were ready for a commitment, no matter how drawn they were to each other. She was a wanderer, and he was a warrior, but with his commanding and irresistible presence so close, she had a hard time not wanting to “pash” as well, and dream about a future together, somehow, someway.

  She blinked up at him. “Did you ever get a definition of pash?”

  Gunner’s other arm wrapped around her waist, and he pulled her in tight. His deep brown eyes seemed to sear into her.

  “Gunner Steele,” she murmured. “I didn’t know you were capable of a smoldering look.”

  He chuckled. “Don’t let it get out. My brothers would never let me live it down.” His hand tenderly massaged her scalp. “Lily …” His voice was deep, beautiful, and awe-inspiring. “May I … pash with you?”

  Lily couldn’t hide her smile, but her throat was so dry and her pulse pounding so fast she could barely squeak the words out, “Sure if you can show me what pash is.”

  He grinned. “I’ve imagined it over and over again with you.”

  Her stomach swirled with heat.

  “In my mind it goes something like this.”

  He bent swiftly and captured her mouth with his. An explosion of desire and fulfillment rushed through her. Lily pushed onto tiptoes and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. She returned the kiss, and then some. Her mouth parted and as Gunner deepened the kiss, she felt as if she were soaring with joy. She knew she’d never felt this way kissing any other man and as serious and focused as Gunner was, she knew he wasn’t the type to just kiss every girl or tell them he liked them.

  He wrapped both hands around her hips, lifted her off her feet and set her on the nearby counter. Lily ran her fingertips through his soft hair as he trailed kisses along her cheek and down her neck. The softness of his beard tickled her, and she laughed.

  Gunner looked up swiftly, his eyes full of passion and longing. “You liked that?” he asked with a small smile.

  “I like you,” she admitted.

  Gunner’s expression turned serious, but he quietly admitted, “I like you too, Lily Bella Jewel-Jolie.” Then he met her kiss with a hunger and adoration that showed her he truly meant his words. Lily had always hated her last names, as she’d never felt like a beautiful jewel. In Gunner’s arms, she felt like a priceless treasure worth much more than her nightmare of a mother and uninterested father had ever made her feel.

  The door burst open behind them.

  Gunner whirled to face the intruders. Lily’s eyes widened as her mother strode in, accompanied by two burly-looking dudes with all kinds of guns, bullets, and knives strapped on them, as if they were soldiers going into battle in the Congo or something. They shut the door behind them, not smiling, or showing any expression at all.

  Gunner stood bravely in front of her. The gun wasn’t close enough for him to grab discreetly, and what could one pistol do against two men with all that firepower?

  Lily slid off the counter, wanting to hide behind him, but knowing she had to face her mother. She came around to Gunner’s side. He held out his arm and tried to push her back.

  “I need to face her,” Lily said quietly.

  Gunner shot a glance at her, his dark eyes full of determination. “I won’t let them hurt you.”

  “I know you won’t.” She squeezed his hand and then glared at her mother. “So what kind of a publicity stunt is this? Are the cameras rolling?”

  “Not for this scene.” Bella Jolie gave them her million-dollar smile. She looked beautiful, if you liked fake everything, plastic skin that didn’t move, and gobs of makeup. “I knew eventually you’d serve a purpose, my darling.” Her smile turned snake-like. “My men are going to kill both of you and frame your handsome boyfriend.” She put a hand on her chest, sighing dramatically. “Of course, I’ll be distraught, my darling daughter. It’ll be the best acting of my career.” She winked at Gunner. “Pity to waste such a beautiful man, but sacrifices must be made.”

  “How’d you find us?” Gunner ignored her drama.

  She tilted her head to the men. “These two were waiting for you outside the gates of the house in Jackson. While the other two tried to infiltrate, they watched the front gate, and even though the tracker didn’t move Jon was convinced he’d seen Lily leave in the Humvee. They fol
lowed you here, and directed my pilot where to land.”

  “Why?” Lily asked.

  “Why?”

  “What does killing me do for you?”

  “Attention, darling, do you have any clue how hard it is to succeed in Hollywood at any age, but especially when you’re … maturing?”

  “You’d risk your daughter’s life, to get some publicity?” Gunner ground out.

  “Risk her life?” Bella Jolie cackled. “No, darling, she’s going to give her life, to bring me loads of sympathy and fresh publicity. I’ve already tried the rehab schtick, dating a younger man, dating an older man, and bashing the President. Those barely made a blip on Twitter. My agent’s phone was silent. So I tried the drama of a stalker and hiring the infamous Sutton Smith. Duds for getting me a lead role as well. This is a story they won’t be able to ignore, and it’s all thanks to my poor, innocent daughter who wanted nothing more than to be left out of the public view. It’ll be the only thing she’s done worthwhile in her life.”

  “She’s worth more than a washed-up, pathetic excuse of a woman like you could even understand,” Gunner flung at her.

  Bella Jolie’s eyes narrowed and she said between tight lips. “You can’t use the guns until the end, and unfortunately you can’t cut him. It has to look like he sadistically killed her then killed himself. Tie him up and make him watch as you carve her up, then make it look like he shot himself. All the trauma from serving in the military just made him snap, and my daughter’s beautiful face, body, and soul was sacrificed in the process.” She tsked. “Sad.”

  Lily’s stomach was tumbling, and bile rose in her throat. She choked it back down, refusing to show her mother how disturbing her words were. She’d known Bella Jolie was evil, but not to this extent. She’d torture and kill Lily and Gunner … to get publicity because roles were harder to come by for an older actress?

  “Excuse me, darlings,” she wrinkled her nose and lifted her delicate shoulders. “Blood makes me squeamish. Ta-ta, my beautiful daughter.” She blew a kiss at Lily and brushed past the men, the door slamming behind her.