by A. L Long
As I sat in the lounger, I looked out to the city, seeing only the tops of the skyrise buildings. I kept thinking that there had to be another way to find out who may have introduced Josh to Morris Gallo. Racking my brain for answers, I felt the warmth of Charlie’s hand as she raked her fingers through my thick hair. She must have taken a shower, because I could smell the scent of cherry vanilla on her skin the minute she took a seat beside me on the lounger. Placing her wine glass alongside mine on the small table, she snuggled into me and laid her head on my chest. Even though her hair was wet and cool to the touch, it didn’t matter. I loved it when she was close to me like this. I felt like I was her protector.
Kissing the top of her hair, which smelled like strawberries, I held her close in the silence, just taking in her amazing scent. Reveling in my paradise, I could have kicked the person who was calling me on my cell as it began to vibrate. Pulling it from my front pocket, I looked at the screen to see that it was from a number I didn’t know. Taking a chance that it might be important, I swiped the screen with my thumb and answered candidly, “Hyatt, can I help you?” just like I would have at the shop.
At first there was only silence. I was just about to chalk the call off as a wrong number when a male voice came on with a seemingly frightened tone. “Josh, is that you? Where are you at?”
Pushing up into a sitting position, I looked at Charlie while placing my index finger across her lips. “This is Ryan Hyatt, I’m his brother. Who is this?”
Once again there was silence, like the caller was debating on whether or not to tell me who he was. “I will only talk to Josh,” he advised.
“I’m afraid that isn’t possible,” I began, getting more annoyed by the minute. “Now tell me who the fuck you are.”
I knew the caller was still on the other end by the way he was breathing. I also knew I needed to get control of my temper. Standing to my feet, I walked over to the balcony and said calmly, “Look, let me help you. I don’t want you to end up like my brother.” Just like that the line went dead. I could have tossed my phone over the edge, but what good would that have done? The only thing I could do was hope that the caller would call again.
Walking back to the lounger where Charlie was looking at me with concern, I sat beside her and said uneasily, “Let’s hope this guy calls back again. He may be our only lead to finding Gallo.”
“What did he say, Ryan?” Charlie questioned.
“He didn’t say a whole lot of anything, but I could tell in his voice that he was scared. That’s why I’m pretty sure he will be calling back,” I assured her.
“Well, there isn’t anything we can do right now. I’m hungry.” Charlie rose to her feet, giving me a small glimpse of her perfect ass.
Looking at her with a smile, I could think of a lot of things that I was hungry for, and right now the only thing on the menu was her. Following her inside with our empty glasses in hand, I headed back to the kitchen to refill our glasses while she went to the living room to grab the takeout menus that we had left on the coffee table the night before.
“So, will it be Chinese, Italian, or Mexican?” she yelled over her shoulder.
“Since you weren’t a choice on the menu, surprise me.” I replied with a smirk that she couldn’t see.
“You know, that could be arranged.”
I was pleasantly surprised by her comment, but not as surprised as she was when I flung my body over the side of the couch and pinned her to it. The look in her eyes told me everything that I needed to know. She was hungry and it was for more than just food. Placing my lips on hers, the sweet taste of her mouth met mine as our tongues began to twist and twirl together. The passion that we shared was more than I had expected. Even though I didn’t come right out and say it, I knew that the feeling I had for her was more than desire, it was love. Positioning my body between her legs, my hand glided down her silky leg and beneath her sundress. Cupping the heated area between her thighs, I began using my index finger to part her folds through the sheer material of her silk panties. I could feel the moisture mounting, bring my own arousal to the surface.
Pulling down the strap of her dress, I soaked up her skin by brushing soft, wet kisses down her neck to the curve of her shoulder just above her covered breast. Lowering her strap even further, her breast appeared, smooth and soft with the firmness of her nipple ready to be taken. Consuming her, I flicked my tongue while making circular movements around the hard peak. Charlie filled the space with her moans of pleasure as her hands scraped through my hair, assuring me that she wanted more as she urged me closer. Dipping my hand beneath her soaked panties, I slowly pushed them down her legs. Assisting me in my effort, she moved her legs back and forth until her panties fell to the floor. That had to have been the sexiest thing I had ever witnessed. My hunger for her was growing beyond belief and needed to be fed. Pushing her dress up, I brought my head to her sex, lapping and caressing her clit with my tongue, giving her only a sample of what was to come. Freeing my rod from its prison, I lowered my jeans and positioned it where I knew it would find its freedom. Charlie’s legs were parted, ready and waiting for me as I gently began pushing inside her warmth. I could feel her walls take hold of my shaft as I thrust deeper inside her channel. When her legs wrapped around my waist and cinched tightly, I knew she was close. Feeling my own release surface, I plunged inside her one last time as the heat of my manhood exploded into an inferno. The love I was beginning to feel for this woman was beyond anything that I had ever known. It was beautiful.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Charlie
Ash showed up at the apartment well after one o’clock with Nick. It was so nice to have him back and staying at the apartment, even though I could tell that Ryan would have preferred he stay at the safe house just outside of Manhattan. It was only after I convinced him that if we were going to need Nick’s help, it would be better if he was here with us that he finally agreed to let him come back. Giving Nick a big hug, I took a good hard look at him, which reassured me that he was back to good health.
I was catching up with Nick to find out how he was doing when Ryan let me know that he didn’t want to stay and chit-chat. He excused himself and went straight to his office. I knew he had a lot on his mind, but I also thought it was impolite for him to do so. I only wished that whatever problems they had with each other could be put behind them. It would be nice if they could get along instead of just tolerating each other. Nick could really be a great help to us, even though Ryan thought otherwise.
As much as I wanted to continue visiting with my brother, there was something that needed to be done, and that something was finding out what was going on with Ryan. Before entering Ryan’s office, I knocked lightly on the door and waited for him to turn to acknowledge my presence. As I took a seat on the leather loveseat, I kept my eyes on him, noticing the tension clearly visible on his face before he turned back toward his computer. I guessed the stress of finding the men that killed his brother was really having an effect on him. I wished there was something that I could do for him.
Leaning forward, I pulled on the back of his chair, allowing it to roll closer to the loveseat. Spinning it around until he was facing me, I was only greeted with an annoyed look on his face. There was something about his eyes that told me he was dealing with so much more than what happened to his brother. Taking him by the hand, I tried to comfort the unspoken pain and anguish that had taken residence in his once-beautiful brown eyes. Cupping his cheek with my hand, I asked softly with concern, “What is it, Ryan?”
When he lowered his head, I knew then that it was something bad. Then his words came out in a whisper. “Someone destroyed Josh’s memorial. The plaque, the tree, all gone. Destroyed.”
Falling to my knees in front of him, I placed my head on his lap. I could feel my own pain as my tears begin to surface, not because of what had been done, but because of Ryan. The memorial was the only thing left to remember Josh by, and now it was gone. “Who would do such a thin
g and why?” I cried, wanting nothing more than to catch the insensitive bastard who did this.
“There’s only one person that would do this,” Ryan cursed.
Nothing more was said as Ryan pulled me to my feet and placed me down on the loveseat. I wasn’t sure what just happened, but he was gone. He was angry and was about to explode. I had to stop whatever he was planning on doing. Jumping to my feet, I hurried out of the office, yelling his name. As soon as the front door slammed shut, I knew he was gone.
****
As much as I wanted to search for Ryan on my own, Nick insisted on coming with me. I really didn’t think it was a good idea, especially Gallo was still looking for him. When we pulled out of the parking garage, I had no idea where to look for Ryan. The only two places I could think of where he would go were the shop and Willow Crossing. Calling Peter didn’t provide me with the information I wanted. Ryan wasn’t there, but at least the guys were on board with searching for him, especially after I told them about his state of mind. Trying to save precious time, we set out for Willow Crossing. As we drove out of town, I remembered another place he might have gone. Taking a left, there was a chance, no matter how slim, that he would be at his favorite bar. It was definitely worth checking.
When we entered the bar, it took a minute for my eyes to adjust to the darkness. Stepping up to the bar, I got the bartender’s attention and waited for him to come over. Leaning against the bar, I asked eagerly, “Has Ryan been here today?”
Focusing his attention on me, he placed the glass he was cleaning with the others and replied, “Yeah. You just missed him. He and another guy left about ten minutes ago.”
Thumping my fingers against the bar, I urged, “What did he look like?”
“He was kind of scrawny looking. He also looked like he might have been coming down from something. Seemed to be really nervous. I did overhear them saying something about paintings and protection. I think Ryan might have been headed to the security company that he works for, but that is only a guess,” the bartender informed me.
After thanking him for the information, I headed back to the car where Nick was waiting for me. As I got in, he looked at me and said, “Well?”
“He thinks Ryan went to the shop. He left with some guy,” I replied.
Pulling an illegal U-turn, I headed in the opposite direction towards the Jagged Edge shop. Even though I wasn’t able to reach Ryan on his cell, at least I had a pretty good idea where he went. I just didn’t know about this guy and what Ryan was doing with him. Accelerating my speed, I saw Nick out of the corner of my eye, debating on whether or not he should comment on my driving. If he hadn’t known that I was in a hurry, he probably would have. I was driving like a madwoman instead of a woman on a mission.
Pulling up to the shop, I took in a sigh of relief when I saw Ryan’s Charger parked next to Peter’s Camaro. Rushing through the door, I headed to Peter’s office only to be stopped by Ash’s voice. “They’re in the back room with Chavez.”
Nodding my head in appreciation, I knew Ash knew why I was there. Maybe now I could finally get the answers as to what was truly going on. With Nick on my heels, we proceeded down the hallway to the back room. When we got to the door, I wasn’t sure if I should knock or just go in. Technically, it was only a storage area, even though Mike Chavez made it into his own little office. Hesitating for just a moment, I turned the knob and pushed the door open. Ryan, Mike, Cop, and Peter were gathered around the computer along with a pencil-thin man who look as though he hadn’t eaten for a while. The guys were so deeply engaged in what they were doing that they didn’t notice that we had entered the room.
Nick and I began walking towards them when Peter finally looked over to us. When he tapped Ryan on the shoulder to get his attention, Ryan smiled at me, which was totally unexpected. I thought for sure that he would be angry with me for showing up, but instead he just kissed me on the forehead and brought my body close to his.
“Nick,” he said as if to greet him.
“Ryan,” Nick responded in a deep voice to show his masculinity.
I don’t know what was worse, the way they greeted each other or the fact that they were trying to show each other who was the alpha. Breaking the hard stare they had on each other, I cleared my throat and asked, “Why did you leave like that? I was worried.”
“I know, I shouldn’t have left like that. I should have called you back to let you know I was okay, but after I left I got a call from Aaron, and I wasn’t sure what I would be facing,” Ryan confessed.
“You should have told me where you were going then,” I replied.
“You would have come with me, and I couldn’t risk you getting hurt.” Ryan’s eyes said it all as he held me close
After we finished our little disagreement, I followed Ryan to where the other guys were standing. I knew everyone except the lanky-looking guy standing next to Cop, who I assumed was the Aaron guy he was referring to. Making the effort, Ryan introduced us. “Charlie, this is Aaron Brooks. Aaron, this is my girlfriend Charlie Winters and her brother Nick.”
“Wait a minute, I know you,” the skinny guy known as Aaron observed as his beady little eyes focused on Nick.
It wasn’t the fact that Aaron knew Nick, but that Ryan had called me his girlfriend that had me speechless. Just the thought of him saying “my girlfriend” made my heart jump for joy. When I finally came down from my high, it hit me that this guy knew Nick. Looking over to Aaron, I blurted, “From where?”
“From the alley. You were the one who saw my brother slit Jason’s throat. Now he’s dead, just like Jason.”
The more I listened to them, the more I realized that this Morris Gallo was a ruthless killer and he was creating a bloodbath with the men by whom he felt threatened. It turned out that Aaron was also on the run from him. Not because he double-crossed him, but because he was a loose end, and based on what he said about Gallo, Gallo had every reason to be threatened. From the way it sounded, Gallo’s operation had taken over a decade to create. He would enlist men who were at their lowest to come work for him and then make them feel special, worth something. Each of them would go through intensive training on how to negotiate with potential buyers. They were even required to see how the other half of his operation worked, by watching his hired artists go to work on creating flawless paintings that to the human eye looked authentic.
According to Aaron, what happened to Josh during his exchange was a misfortune. The art buyer knew the minute Josh walked away with his $250,000.00, he was sold a fake. Josh should have never taken off the way he did. He should have lied, like they were told to do, and pretend he didn’t know. When Josh contacted Aaron for advice, he should have taken it, and given the money to Gallo. Those men would have never chased him and Gallo would have dealt with the buyer. Now, because of this one mistake, it would be only a matter of time before Nick or even Aaron were next. One thing we knew for sure, Gallo needed to be stopped.
****
I knew that it was going to be a long night as the guys tried to devise a plan to get Gallo once and for all. While they were putting their ideas together to come up with the best plan, I decided to go to the kitchen and make some coffee and let them hash it out. As I headed to the kitchen, I began to think about the Jagged Edge team and the close connection they had to one another. Even though Nick and I were close, there was something extra special about the men of Jagged Edge. It was like they got each other. They knew exactly what each other was thinking. Maybe that was why they were considered the best and hired for every dangerous job. And maybe it didn’t have so much to do with security, but their experience while serving. Just this thought made me wonder if the security company was just a front for what they really did. Some of the things that Ryan had shared with me about the missions he went on seemed very dangerous. Somehow, though, they managed to always come out on top, earning the reputation they had now. So, losing Josh wasn’t just hard on Ryan, but just as hard on the rest of the guys as well
. They were all brothers, not by blood, but by trust.
Leaning against the counter watching the brewed coffee fill the pot, I must have been focused on the flow of coffee rather than hearing Ryan enter. The minute his arms wrapped around mine, my focus shifted to the closeness and comfort of his body pressed to mine. Turning to face him, I pushed up on my toes and pressed my lips to his. His tongue traced the fullness of my lips before it gently dipped inside. The touch of his mouth on mine made my nerves sing with joy. All I wanted was for him to take me, release all the stress that we both built up over the past weeks.
Thinking that we were alone, I heard the clearing of a deep voice, which broke our display of affection for one another. Still on my toes, I looked over Ryan’s shoulders to find Ash standing in the doorway. He had a smile from ear to ear, which told me that he had caught us red-handed. Focusing my thoughts back on the coffee pot, I grabbed a stack of Styrofoam cups, cream and sugar, and placed them on a serving tray along with the pot of coffee. Making my exit, I left Ash and Ryan alone in the kitchen. It seemed to me they had a lot to talk about and it was better if I wasn’t there.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Ryan
I would have much rather continued pressing my lips to Charlie’s soft lips than hear what Ash had to say. It didn’t surprise me that Aaron didn’t want to be involved in the plan, fearing that he would end up a dead man just like his brother and mine. I think this was my cue to try and talk him into changing his mind. Catching up with Charlie, I took the tray as the three of us headed back to the back room with Charlie leading the way. As we walked to the back, I had no idea what I was going to say to convince Aaron to help us out. He really didn’t need to do much except tell Gallo that he had a friend that was interested in making some money, namely me. Gallo had no idea who I was, so it wouldn’t be a problem of being recognized.