Heartthrob (Bennett Brothers Series)

by Ahren Sanders

“I’m going to help.”

  She nods again.

  “Ina, I need you to be strong here. Rocket needs you to be strong.”

  At this, she jolts, her hand coming to grip mine. “I lost one son today. A son who made bad choices earlier in life and I didn’t agree with. Everything Stefano did was for Carlos. I’m coming to terms with that,” she explains.

  There’s no time to dissect her statement because the EMTs shout our arrival.

  I go back to Carlos, whisper in his ear, and prepare.

  The van stops and chaos ensues. The doors open and I see him.

  Carlos is transported out. I briefly notice Dr. Cross waiting at the entrance, Ina scuttling out, and the police vehicles skidding in.

  My eyes are on his.

  Unshaven, blue eyes boring into me, his body strung tight. I try to take a step down, and the adrenaline high I’ve been riding vanishes.

  My knees give out, my vision goes dark, and the last thing I feel is Mathis’s arms catching me.

  Chapter 22

  Mathis

  I storm through the emergency department, searching for an empty room with Claire in my arms. My mind swarms with emotions and possibilities. The instant I saw her, standing in the back of that truck, I felt like I could breathe again. Time stood still as I took her in. So beautiful, so controlled, and so fucking alive. When her eyes met mine, I knew she was crashing and my primal instinct kicked in.

  She doesn’t stir when I lay her down and scan over her. My fingers locate her pulse, which is fast and strong, and her breathing is normal. I trace my lips over hers then kiss a trail to her ear. “I’ve got you, baby. You’re safe now.”

  “She fainted, but I think she’s fine,” I tell our families that have crowded behind me.

  Kelly and Mitch are at my side in less than a second. Kelly leans over Claire’s body and kisses her cheek, running her hand along her temple. “We love you. Please, wake up.”

  Nothing visibly happens, but Claire’s pulse speeds a bit. “She hears you, but her body needs a little rest.”

  Kelly glances up at me with tears shining brightly. “She’s okay?”

  “I’m going to do a thorough exam now.”

  “Would you like me to do that for you, Dr. Bennett?” The offer comes from a voice I don’t recognize, and I glimpse over my shoulder to find an ER nurse.

  “I’ll handle it.” My voice is harsher than intended, but she nods in understanding.

  “She’s filthy, I need a change of clothes.” From our brief conversation before the phone cut off earlier, I know what she went through with Carlos before being transported. There’s evidence of his illness on her scrubs.

  “Grabbed her bags before we left.” Jay drops them in the chair.

  “I need some privacy.”

  Kelly and Mitch look unhappy but step away without argument.

  “I promise to call you when I’m done.”

  After the room clears, I carefully begin to undress her, inspecting every inch of flesh as I go. When I get to her top, it’s easier to rip it open than pull over her head. Besides a purple bruise forming on her hip, there’s nothing visibly wrong with her.

  “Cold,” she shivers, wrapping her arms around her chest.

  I pull the blanket from the bottom of the bed to cover her, crawling in and folding her to me. “Wake up, beautiful.”

  Her eyes flutter open, taking in our surroundings. “Why are we in a hospital bed?”

  “You collapsed.”

  “Where are my clothes?”

  “I had to check you for injuries.”

  She tilts her face to mine, her hand sliding between us to cup my jaw. “I’m okay. No one hurt me.”

  “I needed to see for myself.”

  “Do you know what happened? Why he took me?”

  “I didn’t at first, but the pieces came together. Carlos Martinez is a sick young man.”

  “Stefan was driven by desperation and love.”

  “Are you defending him?”

  “No, I’m… I’m… I don’t know what I’m doing,” she ends on a whisper.

  “Stefano Martinez is a high leader in the Latin Kings. He’s a madman.”

  She bites her bottom lip, her eyes clouding with confusion. “I knew he was wealthy, powerful, and had an evil side, but I didn’t know that.”

  “Did he touch you, baby?”

  “No. Once I met Carlos, our entire focus was on his care.”

  There’s a surge of relief that washes through me knowing he didn’t violate her.

  “Are you okay?” Her thumb skims across my jawline. “You’re trembling.”

  “Losing you was a living hell that rocked me in a way that is going to take time to recover. I’ve never been so scared in my life.”

  “I’m really okay. It’s over now.”

  “Yes, but bear with me if I don’t let you out of my sight for a fuck of a long time.”

  She smiles, her eyes brightening as she lets out a small laugh and cuddles into my chest, laying her cheek over my heart. “Where is everyone?”

  “Waiting down the hall for me to call and tell them you’re awake.”

  “So, in actuality, they’re probably all crowded around the door ready to pounce?”

  “Probably, along with a few officers who want to talk to you and an armed police guard.”

  She stiffens, her fingers gripping at my shirt. “Dare I ask about Carlos?”

  “I have no idea what’s happening with him.”

  There’s a long silence, and I wonder if she’s fallen back asleep when she talks softly. “Do you want to talk about it?”

  “Of course, but I can wait.”

  She scoots back, lifting her head, and slides her hand to where her cheek was lying. “You’re heart is racing.”

  “Not surprising.”

  Her mouth comes to mine in a soft kiss that ends way too soon. “I was scared at first, then things changed. I’m not sure if I can explain how I felt, but the fear was a different kind.”

  I fight to control the rage simmering with her admission. “We’ll get you help, the best therapist available to deal with kidnapped victims.”

  “You misunderstand. I was scared for you. When I woke up, I had no idea what was happening, but then the purpose became clear when I saw Carlos and heard his story. Things were tense, and the first night I didn’t sleep. It seemed unfathomable he’d take me for the sole purpose of caring for his brother. So many thoughts crossed my mind of his plans for me.”

  Every muscle and nerve in my body strains tight thinking of him touching her. Knowing he didn’t doesn’t calm the wrath brewing inside thinking of her alone in a room waiting for the unthinkable to happen. Possession and protection become one in my mind as I grip her tighter until she whimpers, bringing my mind back to her.

  “Mathis, sweetie, you need to listen. Look at me and listen,” she urges, now caressing the back of my scalp.

  I do as she asks, instantly mesmerized by her glistening blue eyes. “He never gave me a reason to be frightened. My room was safe. I had a purpose. Twelve hours a day, I spent with Carlos, following a routine you outlined and knowing he was receiving a care plan from the best doctor in the world. When he was awake, we played games, joked around, and talked about his life. Stefan joined us for short stints, making sure we were taken care of and offering whatever needed to make Carlos comfortable. He never ever touched me inappropriately or spoke to me harshly after the first day. When we met for Carlos’ lab results, he valued my opinion and followed my advice. He took every night shift, allowing me time to decompress, and stocked my room with books, magazines, and privacy. I cried myself to sleep at night, thinking of you, my parents, and everyone else… chanting over and over I was okay and hoping you could feel it.”

  “Jesus Christ, baby. I felt it. The terror was never far from my mind, but I felt it every time I laid down in the bed, took a shower, or looked around our condo. In my bones, you were with me every second of the day.” I lay
my forehead against hers, pressing her close.

  “The minute I saw you, the guilt set in and crippled me. That may be why I passed out.”

  I shoot back, one hand moving to thread through her hair, the other splaying on her back to keep her close. “Why the fuck do you feel guilty?”

  “B-b-because I was fine,” she stammers and tears puddle in her eyes. “A-a-and I can understand why he did what he did.”

  My jaw clenches, teeth grinding. Hearing her sympathize with the man who put me through the worst hell in the world is almost too much to take. The wrath and rage explode, and before I can stop myself, I lose the little control I was holding on to. “He took you from me and all the people you love. The image of you being tossed into a van unconscious will forever plague me. For hours, we waited for a call for ransom until we linked into his motives. Even then, I was forced to keep my mouth shut and not reveal everything to the press to try to find you. I was helpless. We all were helpless!” I shout a little too loud, her body jerking.

  We stare at each other for long seconds, both of us trembling for different reasons. Tears continue to fall while her eyes swim with worry and then clear to the most brilliant blue. Then she does the only thing possible in this world to soothe me and ease a touch of the tension at the same time.

  “I love you, Dr. Delicious. You’ve never been helpless. I know this is hard for you, and I’ll do whatever it takes to erase that memory. I’m yours, and we’re going to get married, and this is going to be a blip of our pasts that we move past. Together.”

  At the mention of marriage, I release her back and yank the chain from my neck. “Give me your hand, baby.”

  She senses my intentions and eagerly does as I ask. The ring’s radiance seems to shine brighter once it’s settled on her finger. I blow out a deep breath, more tension easing.

  “Is it time for you to finally kiss me?”

  My mouth crashes to hers, tongue sliding between her parted lips and curling around hers eagerly. I growl at the first taste of her in a week. Without breaking contact, I gently roll her to her back and cover her body partially with my own, threading my fingers through her hair and tugging the hair tie from the ponytail. She hums, tossing her thigh over mine and locking her ankle behind my knee. I’m hard instantly with the slightest contact of her hips rocking with mine. Need ignites in my bloodstream, but it’s not driven by sexual energy. This is the primal instinct of having her back in my arms safe.

  The fury and fear lessen with each stroke of her tongue with mine as she gives me control. Her fingernails scrape along the back of my neck and into my hair at the same time her back arches, eliminating any space between us.

  Without words, she’s telling me what I need to hear. Her body is communicating through actions. The beat of her heart matches mine, pulsing against my chest. The warmth of her body tangles around me, every inch unharmed and untouched. Red-hot energy races up and down my spine when she purrs slightly, the sound vibrating on my tongue. I vaguely forget where we are, clutching onto her until she tilts, sucking in air.

  We stay locked together, our lips touching, breathless and panting. Her eyes flutter open, glowing in a way that confirms what she’s been saying.

  She’s okay.

  My chest seizes with the confirmation.

  There’s a knock at the door followed by the rattling of the doorknob. “Mathis, are you done?” Kelly’s worried voice travels into the room.

  “Yes, be there in a second,” I call back.

  “I really want a shower.” Claire loosens her grip on my head.

  “Then let’s get you to the shower.” I swing us around, carry her to the bathroom, and reluctantly set her on her feet. The instant she undrapes herself, the possessive beast returns.

  “I’ll help you.” My fingers undo the clasp of her bra and slide it off. When my hands move to her hips, she stops me.

  “Sweetie, go to them.”

  “I’m not leaving you.”

  “Didn’t you say there is an armed guard? And won’t you be on the other side of the door?”

  I nod.

  “Then go talk to them. Tell them what they need to know.” I read her loud and clear, knowing exactly what she’s asking. It’s up to me to assure everyone she’s okay and ease their fears before they smother her.

  The last thing I want to do it leave her, but this is what she needs from me right now. “If you need me, I’m not far.” I kiss her softly.

  Claire was right; when I step into the hallway, everyone is gathered around the door, waiting anxiously. The air is thick with tension, and I feel it seeping back into my bones.

  “She’s absolutely fine.” I proceed to tell them what she relayed, fielding questions, and watching confusion on their faces when I explain her guilt.

  “I’m going to see her.” Kelly tries unsuccessfully to barge by, obviously done with me shielding her from Claire.

  “I think all the girls should go in, but I ask that you refrain from the dramatics. Don’t bombard her with tears and questions. Claire needs normalcy right now.”

  “I know what my daughter needs!” She scoffs, her face flaming red.

  “I don’t doubt that Kelly, but Claire bonded with Carlos. She’s fighting a sense of guilt we can’t understand.”

  Mitch steps in, whispering in her ear, but keeps his eyes on mine. Her body deflates and she nods, giving in.

  My gaze goes to Bizzy, who’s grinning approvingly. “You have all of ten minutes before I’m back in there. Her bags are on the chair. If you need me, I’ll be here.”

  I step aside, and in a rush, six women fly past. One of them squeezes my forearm gently, which I suspect is my mom.

  “Dr. Bennett, we need to talk.” Detective Flores flips through a notebook. “Stefano Martinez has vaporized without a trace. Our team is scouring his home right now with no clue where he’s gone. But he left something for you on his desk.”

  He hands over an envelope with my name scribbled on the front and the flap sealed. “You didn’t open it?”

  He shakes his head.

  I tear it open, my nerves shooting back into overdrive. I make a silent vow to get Claire home and lock us away until I’m no longer at risk for a stroke. My heart may never recover from the last week.

  Mathis,

  This is over. You have my word that Claire is now, and always will remain, safe. There is no more threat. In my eyes, she will forever be the fairy angel who brought hope to my family in a time of despair.

  Claire deserves a life of beauty and happiness. I’m counting on you to give that to her.

  Stefano

  There’s a set of rumbling over my shoulder, and I find Shaw and Nick eyeing the letter.

  Without a word, I hand it back to Detective Flores, who scans it quickly, snaps a picture with his phone, and slips it back to me. “We’ll need to talk to Claire.”

  “You’re going to have to wait in line.”

  “Why don’t we start with you, then.” His shoulders square and eyes narrow, body language screaming disapproval.

  “What’s on your mind?” I return his glare.

  “We’re not real keen on a hotshot daredevil plowing into our investigation.”

  At the term Hotshot, my eyes fly to Shaw, who’s chewing on his lip to hide his grin. Nick’s focused on the ceiling, his own lips curled upward.

  “I’m not too keen on playing the politically correct slow boat and living in hell. My fiancée was being held in a compound in South Miami for almost a week with no leads. I played it your way, followed your rules, and sat on my ass until I thought I’d go insane. I took matters into my own hands.”

  “This could have had a fatal and tragic turn. We were getting close.”

  “Well, good thing an angel of mercy came to help you along.”

  “I don’t think you understand the consequences of your actions. This is going to compromise our invest—”

  “Stop right there and save your breath. There are no compromises
or consequences. The woman I love is behind this door,” I throw my thumb over my shoulder for emphasis, “and you get to talk to the reporters and tell them she is home safe and unharmed. You can mention you worked with a third party or not. I don’t give a shit and neither does my guy. You get the credit of a happy ending.”

  “That’s not how this works,” he argues pompously.

  “Hell yes, it is. That’s exactly how it works today. Because if you even try to put my family or me through any bullshit, I’ll personally walk out there to the waiting reporters and steal your glory with Claire by my side. It took a few days for my mind to clear, but when it did, I saw what was happening. You may have been worried about Claire, but you were working with the Florida Bureau to leverage a case on Stefano for his criminal activity. She wasn’t a priority.”

  His eyes flame with anger, and the detective at his side mumbles under his breath. I know I’m skating a thin line, but it feels good to finally let loose on the information Shaw discovered a few days ago.

  “So you know, that angel of mercy contacted me. He knew your game, queued in three days after she went missing. He doesn’t have to play by bureaucratic rules, and lucky for me, paid attention to the clues. Make your choice. Take the ass-kicking like a man and receive all the credit or force my hand.”

  Laser beams fire my way and I gladly return them, hoping he calls my bluff. If I end up in jail for obstructing an investigation, Shaw will have me out in a minute, and Nick will unleash his power on social media. This is not a game they want to play.

  My dad, brothers, Mitch, Carl, Logan, and Roy all take my back, the threat hanging in the air. Detective Flores isn’t budging, clearly ready to take me on.

  The scent of coconuts waifs through the space, and I twist my head to find Claire in the open doorway. Her wet hair is braided, hanging over her shoulder. She’s wearing athletic shorts and a tank top that I’ve never seen before, and my stomach knots with the knowledge that Stefano bought them. When we get home, everything in that fucking bag is history.

  “Sweetie, is everything all right?” Her question is filled with determination, fearlessness, and an undeniable spark, telling me she’s heard everything.