by Sedona Venez
Then there was Bigsby, who was planning to kill me unless he got the ledger back—his little black book.
Fuck. My. Life.
I felt like someone had hit me in the head with an ax. Really. All I wanted to do was lie down. Everything I’d believed to be true was now called into question.
Since Dad—Ian—had died, I’d never had so much go wrong with my life in such a short span of time. And all of my bad luck, misadventures, and misfortunes centered around one man… Bigsby.
I peeked at Core. The muscles of his neck bulged as he clenched his jaw. I wasn’t sure if he was silent out of respect, giving me time to gather my thoughts about everything he’d just told me, or because he was plotting how many different ways he’d torture and kill Bigsby once he found him.
Turning my head, I stared out the window at the passing Manhattan landscape. I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do about Core or his deception.
On the one hand, I really did understand his burning desire to find his mother’s killer—Bigsby—and seek retribution for her death. On the other hand, he’d mercilessly used me as a pawn to get what he wanted—revenge.
Then there were the other things I now knew about Core. He was a very dangerous man who’d outright told me that he’d torture, kill, bribe, and manipulate to get what he wanted.
Can I really open up my heart to a man like him? Not to mention trust him again?
Is he even the one I can open my heart up to?
Shit. Is it even worth my while to spend more time with him to see where our relationship can go?
Damn. There were so many questions that I didn’t have the answers to right now. Not with my mind churning with all of the information about my biological parents and Bigsby’s ultimatum fogging my brain. But what I did know was if I did decide to go down the relationship rabbit hole with Core, there would be no going back. Any life with Core would be all-consuming and utterly dangerous.
I slid my eyelids closed to soothe the headache now emerging.
The sound of Core’s phone ringing echoed throughout his vehicle.
“What’s up, Max?” Core answered. “I’m with Sin and on my way to her place. She needs to pick up some stuff before we head over to the penthouse.”
My eyes snapped open. I studied him in silence.
“Got it. But…” Max started.
“Go ahead, Max. Sin and I talked, and she knows everything.” He glanced over at me. “So speak freely.”
Core pressed a hand to my thigh and squeezed. I pushed his hand off. His face tightened.
“We can’t find Jaxon,” Max’s voice boomed out. “We had a solid lead from his credit card purchases. There was a pattern of Uber rides to the same location in the span of a month.”
“And?” Core requested in a tense voice.
“I broke into the apartment he was renting, but it’s empty now. I suspect he was doing a stakeout in the joint; essentially, it was stalker central. And here’s the kicker… It’s only a few blocks away from Sin’s townhouse.”
“Oh God,” I mumbled. “This is bad.” My heart clenched and dropped into the pit of my stomach.
Core’s hands tightened around his steering wheel. His nostrils flared. “Did you try his parents’ house? Their law firm?” He frowned, his anger showing as he accelerated, passing the cars that had the audacity to go the speed limit.
My head got a little lighter from holding my breath. I kept thinking about what Max had reported.
“We can’t find Jaxon.”
Damn. Damn. Damn. I swallowed hard.
“Come on, bro,” Max replied. “Of course I did. I staked out both locations—their office and home. At the latter, there was no sign of activity. So I talked to the security guards and administrative assistants at their law firm. His parents aren’t even in town. They’re in Europe on vacation.” He paused. “But everyone I talked to said they hadn’t seen Jaxon. They said he was still in Europe.”
Core pressed his lips into a thin line. Several moments passed before he spoke again. “How do you know they didn’t lie to—”
“Core.” Max cut him off. “None of the people I interviewed today lied to me. For fuck’s sake, I’m a former Green Beret who’s faced all kinds of liars. Nothing slips by me… ever. You know that shit.”
“I want that stalker caught so I can show him exactly what I do to anyone who fucks with mine.” His hands clenched the wheel.
“Come on, man. Relax,” Max urged. “I know how bad you want to get Jaxon. We all do.”
“Tell Kevin to stay on the trail. I don’t care how much money it costs for more intel. And I need you to meet me outside Sin’s townhouse. I’ll be there in a few.” He pressed a button on his steering wheel and ended the call. “You okay?” he asked, glancing over at me.
My lungs relaxed into an exhale. This is what breathing feels like.
The restricted feeling had gone away.
“With Jaxon loose? Hell no,” I sputtered, glaring at him.
He scowled, and his voice dropped to a rumble. “Sin, you’re safe.”
“I’ll never be safe,” I pointed out. “Not with Jaxon stalking me.”
“We’ll catch him and then get rid of him—permanently.” His voice was matter-of-fact.
“You’re going to kill him?” I finally replied after moments of uncomfortable silence.
His features clenched as he drove down the street. “After everything I’ve told you about him, do you really care if he lives or dies?” He was silent for a while, allowing me to contemplate and consider his words.
It didn’t take a genius to figure out that Jaxon was a big problem for me.
“No, I don’t.”
Not after everything Jaxon had done to me and now that he was back to stalking me. He had to be stopped—by any means possible.
I stared out at the passing city scene of looming glass towers, along with spectacular architectural sights like Grand Central Terminal, the Chrysler Building, and the Seagram Building.
Before long, we pulled up in front of my house with Core parking behind the SUV Max was leaning against. He stood up, striding over to us, and waited for us to get out.
Turning off his car, Core unbuckled his seat belt and then reached over to the glove compartment, unlocking it. My eyes widened when he pulled out a gun.
“Are you expecting trouble?” I asked.
“I’m always expecting trouble, darling.” He threw open his door, hopping out while simultaneously holstering the gun, hiding it underneath his jacket. It didn’t take long before he was at the passenger door, opening it for me.
Max grinned at me. “Hey, sweet cheeks!”
“Hi, Max,” I replied, taking off my seat belt. I stepped out, ignoring the hand Core held out for me to grab.
“Eventually, you’ll forgive me, Sin,” he answered in a deep, velvety voice.
“Overly confident, aren’t you?” I replied as he pressed his palm to my lower back, ushering me up the stairs with Max pulling up the rear.
I became hypersensitive to the way Core’s firm hand pressed into my back. His thumb lightly stroked me, and I liked it—too much.
“No, just realistic.” When he spoke, his warm breath brushed lightly against my ear.
For a brief moment, I thought about all of the wicked, sensual things his talented lips and tongue had done to my cunt just yesterday morning.
Sin, focus.
Ruthlessly, I pushed all the sinful thoughts out of my mind.
Turning around, I poked him hard in the chest. “Well, I think you’re aiming too high, McKay. I’m not so forgiving. In fact, I’m a card-carrying vengeful woman, and you are now on my To Be Shanked list. So if I were you, I’d sleep with one eye open,” I stated coolly before whirling around to resume my climb toward my front door.
“Damn,” Max grumbled. “I like her.” He laughed huskily.
“What’s not to like?” Core countered. “She’s a pit bull in a skirt with an amazing ass.”
“Keep your eyes off my ass, McKay.” Pulling my key out of my mini clutch, I pushed the key into the lock and then opened the door. I felt both Max and Core present behind me. “Okay, I’ve got it from here.” I turned around to eye them. “You two wait outside. I don’t need your help.”
I felt secure that if Jaxon were to do a stalker drive-by, he wouldn’t even think about stopping after the mere sight of a muscular, scowling Core and hulking Max standing outside my door like warrior sentinels.
Core frowned. “That shit is not happening.” He gently tugged me back, pushing his bulky body in front of mine. “Sin, let me go inside first.”
He nudged the door, and both he and Max stepped over the threshold.
With them both tall and built like a wall of muscles, I barely squeezed around them to turn on my lights.
With eagle eyes, they scanned the area.
I remembered the last time Core had been at my place—when we found out the break-in had occurred—and the door had been open when we arrived. So I felt pretty sure everything would be fine while I gathered my things.
“Will you both leave? You’re hovering, and I need some space.” I eyed Core. “Especially from you.”
Max replied, “Damn. Zuri was right. She’s the perfect match for you, Core. I’m loving her take-no-shit attitude.” He clapped him on the back. “It’s going to be interesting seeing her keep you in check.” He stared at me. “Core’s one lucky man. Do they make more like you?”
“You wouldn’t be able to handle another of me. But my bestie, Jade, is a ballbuster like me and will give you a run for your money.”
“Many have tried,” Max revealed, “but I’ve yet to meet a woman who can handle a man like me.” With a gleam in his eyes, he added, “But I’m willing to give Jade a shot.”
I scrutinized his tough military demeanor.
Shit. He looks like he could bench-press a car—easily.
I was intrigued about a possible hook-up between Jade and Max.
Would it be fireworks? Or oil and water?
Knowing Jade, probably the latter. She liked her men pliable and ready to succumb to her every whim and demand in and out of the bedroom. But something told me that shit would never work with Max.
Max’s cell rang. He scanned the caller ID and relayed, “It’s Kevin.” He turned to Core. “I’m out. Core, I’ll meet you outside.” Then he left.
Core strode over to me. He wasn’t smiling, but he didn’t look angry, more contemplative than anything. “Now back to us.”
I rolled my eyes. “I’m sorry if you haven’t gotten the memo.” I gestured between us. “But the whole us situation has been put on hard pause… by me.” Jamming my hands on my hips and looking him up and down, I continued. “Like I said, I need my space. So I’m going to need you to exit left.” I wasn’t budging on my position. I needed alone time to decompress before I was shuttled over to his place for God knows how long.
He lowered his head to mine, eyes open, almost daring me to look away from him. It was predatory, determined… and primal. He was letting me know that he was top dog and what he said goes.
In the bedroom, I’d allow him to dominate me.
But outside? Hell no.
And it would be my pleasure to set his ass straight.
“Does your mean-mug expression actually work on other people?” I asked. “Because all it’s doing is annoying the hell out of me,” I sassed.
“You can have your space while I wait right here,” he explained. “And pack enough clothes for a couple of weeks. It might be a while until we wrap up this Bigsby and Jaxon situation.”
I scoffed. “Weeks?”
“I’m hoping sooner,” he replied grimly. “Do you need help with moving your packing along?”
Okay, that’s it. His “Me, Tarzan; you, Jane” attitude is pissing me off.
“Out, McKay.” Marching over to the door, I yanked it open. “I don’t need your ass micromanaging me while I pack up my shit.” I desperately needed the time alone to come to grips with my feelings.
His eyebrows lifted in amusement, and then he shook his head. “Damn, your dirty mouth is making me so hard right now.”
He’s not making adulting easy at all.
I pointed at him. “Is that your attempt at sweet nothings?”
Core tilted his head as he considered me. “Yes. Is it working?” He gave me an honest-to-goodness, panty-melting bad-boy grin.
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “No, it’s not. And as far as you and I are concerned… you’re on a pussy diet.” I pointed to the door again.
He stared at me with his mouth open.
Look at that. I got him quiet.
He swallowed the distance between us, and when he spoke, his warm breath brushed against my lips. “No pussy for me. And no cock for you.” His voice was low and sensuous. “It’s going to be a rough couple of days for both of us, huh?” He leaned in and kissed me. He didn’t move when he finished. He kept his lips gently pressed against mine.
A few moments passed before he kissed me again, more commanding, hungry, urging a response that I freely gave before my brain caught up with what my body craved. Quickly, I put a hard stop to Core’s seductive play by breaking our kiss.
“Don’t worry about me, McKay.” I softened my voice to saccharine sweet. “My vibrator, Beast, and I will be A-okay.”
He licked his lips, as if still savoring my taste. “Normally, I don’t share when it comes to you, but I can definitely get with a threesome—you, me, and Beast. Can’t wait for our date. Say… in three days? In my bed, when you’re not so pissed off at me?” He winked at me.
“Don’t hold your breath, McKay.” I countered, even while my cunt tingled and my nipples puckered as I envisioned a gloriously naked Core lying between my legs, pressing Beast against my slit while he finger-fucked me.
Oh, sweet Jesus… I’ve found the trifecta—a man with a big cock and a wicked tongue and who loves playing with sex toys. Damn. Damn. Damn. It’s like Christmas and my birthday wrapped into one. Surprise!
As if he could read my sexy, dirty thoughts, he grinned. “I’ll be right outside, waiting.” He leaned into me, his voice dropping to a low purr. “And don’t forget to pack your toy, darling.”
Dammit. Focus. Eyes on the prize. Give him hell for betraying my trust. He’s an asshole—a sexy one, but an asswipe nonetheless.
My racing thoughts revved up my anger all over again.
He strode out the door before I could launch my final shot.
“Whatever,” I clipped out before closing the door but leaving it unlocked. I knew no one had a chance in hell of getting past him and Max—two mixed-martial-arts-looking fuckers.
I padded over to the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of sparkling water from the refrigerator. The cleaning company did an excellent job. I leaned a hip against the kitchen counter and stared at the rows of empty racks that were in part of my townhouse. Racks that had once held around twenty outfits, ranging from shredded organza dresses with flowers at the hem, cobweb gowns that fluttered from neck to floor, crystal tank tops over short sequined skirts, to peacock-print silk dresses tumbling off one shoulder.
I’d have to make the outfits again. Trying to calm the anxious ball of energy bouncing around in my stomach, I took a deep, cleansing breath. It didn’t help.
I wasn’t a quitter, and despite the daunting task of starting over, I’d do it because being a fashion designer was my life and getting my designs into major retailers was a dream I’d never let go of.
“Okay, Sin,” I muttered, “no wallowing in sadness. Get your shit together.” Pushing away from the counter, I made my way upstairs, mentally cataloging what I needed to pack for my stay over at Core’s place.
Finally in my bedroom, I kicked off my stilettos before walking over to my dresser. I started pulling out my neatly folded lingerie when I heard something drop in the hallway right outside my bedroom door.
I rolled my eyes. “McKay,” I
yelled over my shoulder, not bothering to stop what I was doing, “what part of ‘I need my space’ didn’t you understand?”
There was no response. I sighed heavily. My back was facing the door, but knowing Core, he was probably standing there with his usual I’m the king of the world glare.
I huffed. “I’m not going to move any faster with you cracking the whip. So go on. Get.” Gathering my stacked pile of bras and panties with one hand, clutching it against my chest, I swiveled around to face him, my resting bitch face firmly in place.
I screamed. The muscles in my arms went slack, everything in my hand dropping to the floor, as I watched with disbelief and then horror as Jaxon, dressed in all black, strode toward me with a knife held in one hand.
Panic quickly took over the darkest parts of my mind, and the fear blossomed into terror. I had to escape.
He was blocking the path to the door—the only exit. I spun on my heels, running to the left, where my bathroom was located. If I could just make it inside, lock the door… I’d be safe.
He grabbed me. There was a sharp yank on my hair and then the burn of strands being ripped out of my head as he jerked me backward.
Damn. He caught me.
I still fought the backward momentum by pressing forward, ignoring the sting of my hair being pulled out at the roots, courtesy of his brutal tug. My head throbbed, but I didn’t give a shit about the pain because I knew Jaxon had much worse planned for me.
Slamming me against his hard body, he pinned my back against his chest with one muscled arm. My fight response amped up, and I was immersed in survival mode.
“Let me go.” I snarled, wildly swinging my arms, scratching and punching and kicking. I felt like a rabid animal foaming at the mouth until I felt the cold, sharp prick of his knife against my throat.
“Cut it out, or I’ll fucking slice that pretty little neck of yours.” His words came out in a growl, his anger was blistering, and the muscles of his arms were taut.
I froze. Oh my God, he’s going to kill me.
How the hell am I going to get out of this mess?
And where’s Core?
The headache from stress was raging.