Luna wiped some stray hairs from Lexi’s brow. “Is this about the auction?”
“I don’t know. He only said it was important.”
Something about the doctor’s concerned expression made Luna’s pulse jump again. The way he averted his eyes could only mean one thing. Bad news.
Big snowflakes twirled to the ground as Oliver stared out the big office windows near the oval conference table while Derek and Max studied a file behind Derek’s big desk. Oliver could practically taste the tension rolling off his boss, and that should alert the hell out of him. But his mind revolved around Luna. The smell of her skin still lingered on him, and her words were circling through his mind. She wanted him back, and part of him wanted her back too. But his heart was torn, and he didn’t know if it could just be patched up as easily as his kidney or shoulder.
Whenever the darkness had fallen around him, she’d been there for him, close enough that he could almost feel her under his skin, pulling him back into the light. And she’d even seen to it that those dark places in his mind had been sealed shut by Fry. For that alone, he would always love her, but as much as he tried to forget and leave her betrayal behind them, he couldn’t just move on as if nothing happened. She was the same person he’d fallen for, but he’d changed. His feelings were still in lockdown, and it wouldn’t be fair to either of them to ignore that.
A sharp rap at the office door had him turn.
“Come in.” Closing a folder, Derek rose behind his desk, pen still in hand.
Bergmann stepped into the office and held the door open until Luna passed him before he let it fall shut with a soft click.
Oliver greeted Bergmann, and then he focused on Luna. Her gaze was open and relaxed. He took that as a good sign regarding her sister’s health. “How’s Lexi doing?”
“She’ll be all right.” She flicked a sideways glance at Dr. Bergmann who nodded in agreement.
Oliver was genuinely happy that Lexi was out of danger now. Although he couldn’t fight a bittersweet taste on his tongue at the thought of Luna and Lexi leaving GovCorp City. “That’s great.”
Giving Luna a thumbs-up, Max smiled. “Glad to hear it.”
Even Derek’s serious face lit up for a moment. “That’s good news.” He cleared his throat and addressed Luna. “Oliver may have already mentioned it, but we have a safe house in Connecticut where I’d like to move you and Lexi for the time being. I spoke to Lewis and made it very clear that he had better leave the two of you alone. But I’d rather be on the safe side. You won’t return to GovCorp headquarters. You’ll give notice via e-mail, and he’ll accept it.”
Though the color drained from her face, Luna nodded. “Thanks. I can’t even begin to express how grateful I am for everything the Committee’s done for Lexi and me.”
The corners of Derek's mouth lifted for the first time since Oliver had seen him today. “I’m glad it all worked out, and she’s safe now.” His jaw tightened again, and he started pacing, twirling his pen between his fingers. “There will be some drastic changes in the Committee, and I wanted you to hear it from me first.” He cleared his throat. “The Committee board found out about the deal I made with Lewis for the safety of this team. They also know that GovCorp created the rogues and that I withheld that info from them. They will not make this public because it would only worsen the current Fronter situation. But there will be consequences for me.”
Oliver couldn’t believe it. “Holy shit. How bad is it?”
“I’m suspended.”
Bergmann fiddled with the cuff of his white lab coat. “That’s ridiculous.”
Concern wrinkled Luna’s brow as she pressed a hand to her throat. “Suspended as in temporarily?”
A vein popped in Derek’s neck, and he shoved his hand into the pockets of his suit pants. “Suspended, as in until they get the paperwork ready to officially kick me off the board.”
Oliver’s heart rate spiked. This was bad. Derek had always been the driving force behind the Committee. But it was no secret that some board members didn’t agree with his unconventional methods. “Bullshit. They can’t afford to lose you.”
The air seemed to have lost all its oxygen. “Will you still be our team leader?”
Derek stopped pacing and shrugged. “For now. We have to wait and see how this plays out. But Commander Edmond could take over if push comes to shove. He’s a good man. He’d make a great team leader.”
Oliver crossed his arms. He wasn’t ready to work for a boss other than Derek.
Shifting from one foot to the other, Max didn’t look too convinced either.
Exhaling, Derek clasped his hands together. “As I said, there’s not much to be done about it right now. But I do have some good news too. IT was able to trace the black auction back to Kazakhstan. “Max and Commander Edmond will be leaving for Kazakhstan ASAP.”
He threw a quick glance at Oliver. “Are you up to join them? Or would you rather take it slow for a few more days considering your previous injuries?”
Oliver shook his head. This was the kind of distraction he needed right now. “I’m good to go.”
Derek threw Bergmann a quick sideways glance.
To Oliver’s relief, the doctor nodded. “No objections from my side.”
Derek knocked on his desk. “All right. Commander Edmond is already on his way to the airport. Get your gear, the plane is ready when you are.”
Then he dropped his pen on his desk and turned toward Luna. “It would be best if you started packing too.” His eyes met Dr. Bergmann. “I want you and Lexi to leave GovCorp City as soon as Dr. Bergmann says she’s cleared for travel.”
Bergmann scratched his beard. “She’ll be good to go as soon as she wakes up. Two or three hours max.”
Derek’s gaze jumped from Bergmann to Oliver. “All right. Now regarding Oliver’s erased memories. Is there something you can do about that?”
Bergmann grimaced. “I’m still trying to locate someone who might be able to help.” Giving Oliver a tight-lipped smile, he added, “I’ll do my best, but I can’t promise anything.”
Tapping his fingers on the conference table, Oliver inclined his head. “I appreciate that.” Chances were probably less than slim, but he knew the moment he shot Fry that his memories might have went to hell with the scientist. But he wasn’t sorry. He’d do it again.
Derek sat back down behind his desk. “All right, I’ll tell Edmond you’re on your way.”
“We’re on it.” Max opened the office door and left, tossing Luna a quick smile.
As Oliver followed Max outside, she placed a hand on his forearm. “Be careful.”
He halted for a moment, drinking in her lovely features one more time. “You take good care of Lexi. And yourself.”
She bit her lower lip and whispered, “I will. Thank you for everything.”
An iron fist clutched his heart painfully, and all he could do was nod. “Goodbye.”
After a two-hour drive from GovCorp City, Oliver parked the Committee SUV in front of the Connecticut safe house that was Luna and Lexi’s temporary home. Adjusting the collar of his jacket, he walked up the narrow stone path to the ivy-covered ranch-style home. He hadn’t seen Luna since he left for Kazakhstan two weeks ago. He’d dreamt about her almost every night, but being away from GovCorp City for a while had helped him get a grip on his emotional life again. Just as he climbed the first of three steps to the bright blue front door, it swung opened and Lexi appeared.
With a tiny piglet. On a leash.
His eyes jumped from the gray spotted animal to the red-haired girl. “Seriously?”
“Hey, Oliver.” She laughed, and a blush tinted her fair skin. “Don’t worry, Rosie’s from the animal shelter down the street. She loves to go for walks. We’re taking her and her two sisters to Kendra’s rescue ranch on Sunday.”
So, he would have met them the following weekend anyway. His brother Jake and his girlfriend Kendra had invited him over too for a little “finally bac
k home dinner” as Jake had phrased it when they talked on the phone this morning. While Kendra’s brother Nate had remained in Germany, she and Jake had returned home the previous day, as had Oliver.
But coming here was the right decision. For what he had to say to Luna, he wanted her alone, without an audience.
As he walked up to the entrance, he studied Lexi’s open face. She seemed happy, and her skin held a healthy glow. “So, how are you doing? Feeling better?”
She spread her arms. “Better? I feel like a new person.”
The piglet sniffed his boots as he came to a halt in front of Lexi. “Good. Is GovCorp leaving you and Luna alone?”
The girl’s face suddenly scrunched up. “Uh-huh. They are. But...” She lifted her arms, and her voice pitched. “I’m so sorry for all this mess. I know Luna had to hurt you, and it’s all my fault. She sacrificed her own happiness for me. Always trying to keep me safe. Never caring about the implications for her. She is a good person, the best you will ever find. And she loves you.”
Blinking, she suddenly went still, and embarrassment flitted over her blushing features. “Ugh. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to rant. I should be grateful. You put your own life on the line to save me, and you didn’t have to do that.”
Her little outburst made him chuckle. “I’m glad you’re okay.” He pointed at the half-open door. “Is Luna there?”
Cheeks ablaze, she nodded and yelled inside, “Luna. Visitor.”
He rubbed his temple. He had to give it to her, the girl had a good set of vocal chords.
Turning, Lexi gave him a meek smile and led the piglet toward the street.
Stepping into the hallway, Luna could already make out Oliver’s tall silhouette in the doorway. Her pulse pounded in her throat as he walked toward her.
His eyes pierced right through to her heart, and their gazes colliding took her breath away. She hadn’t heard from him since he’d left for Kazakhstan. Entwining her clammy hands in front of her body, she croaked, “Hey, Oliver. Come in.” She gestured toward the doorway to the living room, and he followed her inside.
Although he shoved his hands in his jeans’ front pockets, the corners of his eyes crinkled. “How are you?”
Without him? A mess. “I’m fine. No more panic attacks. Lexi’s back safe and sound, and… no more lies.” Her shoulders tensed. She was happy to see him. She’d missed him so much, but she also felt unprepared for this encounter. She knew why he was probably here. She hadn’t signed the new set of divorce papers yet. “So, how are you?”
“Good. We found a lead to the winning bidder for Anderson’s research. Max is still at the Kazakh/Chinese border. He and the Committee’s Chinese contacts have taken over from there.”
“That’s really good to hear. What about your memories? Did Bergmann find anybody who can help restore them?”
“No. Not yet.”
She bit the inside of her cheek as sadness coursed through her. She’d hoped for a different answer.
After looking around the safe house’s small, but cozy living room, his eyes lingered on the burning stone fireplace for a moment. “It’s nice here.”
“Yeah, we like it. Lexi’s quite happy to volunteer at the animal shelter down the road.”
He drew up his eyebrows. “Obviously. I met her. With a pig.”
An involuntary laugh escaped her. “Right. Would you like something to drink?”
“I’m good.” He rubbed the back of his nape. “My lawyer said he sent you a new set of divorce papers?”
“Yes. I got them.” Her stomach coiled. Small talk was apparently over. Time to face reality. Somehow, in the back of her mind, she’d been trying to keep up the illusion that they’d have another chance. “I’d just hoped… I mean, I still have to sign them.”
His eyes lit up and his mouth curved into a smile. Did he find her stammering amusing? Sadness settled in her chest. She couldn’t blame him for thinking she was a moron to expect him to forgive and forget. “Just a second. I’ll get them.” Her feet felt like there where bricks chained to them as she walked over to the sideboard next to the fireplace and pulled the papers from the upper drawer.
When she turned, Oliver walked up right behind her and snatched the papers out of her hand. Nervously, she twisted the wedding ring on her finger.
His gaze fell on the ring, and his brow furrowed. “Don’t you think it’s about time to take that off?”
She inclined her head. “You’re right.” It symbolized a lie. But it also stood for her love for him, and that would always be real. Reluctantly, she slipped the ring from her finger and placed it on the sideboard.
Oliver picked it up and turned it between his thumb and forefinger. “Did you choose it?”
“No, it was provided by GovCorp.”
Regarding the plain golden band, Oliver huffed. “I thought so.”
Before she could fathom what was happening, Oliver flicked the ring into the crackling fire.
His brow furrowed, and he took a deep breath. “Luna, you'll always be my winter girl. And I’ll love you no matter what.”
Her shoulders sagged under the weight of the big, looming “but.” Everything screamed inside of her until her ears started ringing. She didn’t want to hear it. She didn’t want to hear him say that it was too late for them. That it was over.
A rustling sound pricked her ears and directed her gaze to his hands. He crumbled the divorce papers into a loose ball and sent it after the ring. The pages lit up brightly as the flames crumbled them into burned parchment.
“What…?” She stammered as something reflected the fire’s brightness in her peripheral vision. Tearing her gaze from the flames, she focused on Oliver again, and her mouth dropped open.
He held out a platinum ring to her. Its matte finish was studded with tiny nano-edged diamond snow crystals that took her breath away.
He tilted his head. “I don’t want to live without you. I think we can work this out, if you still want to be my wife?”
Her heart raced. Had she heard right or was she daydreaming? Bubbles of joy floated through her bloodstream. “I do. There’s nothing I want more. But will you be able to trust me again?”
He caressed her face with his warm, slightly calloused palm. “I did some hard thinking over the last two weeks. Somebody once told me I could do anything I choose to do.” He poked her shoulder lightly and smiled. “And I decided she was right.”
He raised his eyebrows. “So, do you want to stay married to me?”
Pure happiness lifted the corners of her mouth. “Absolutely yes.”
He slid the ring on her finger, and it fit as if it was destined to. “It’s stunning. We’re going to have to pick a ring for you too.”
He pulled her into his warm embrace. “I know. I just wanted to wait for your answer.”
“My answer to you will always be yes.” Beyond happy, she slung her arms around him and pressed her lips to his for a long moment, relishing the heat of his body against hers. “Love you.”
He kissed her brow. “Love you more, baby.”
“Finally.” Turning into the Reed Ranch’s driveway, Luna tossed a big smile over to Lexi in the passenger seat. The piglets in the SUV’s back were too cute but had also been quite vocal during the drive over from Connecticut. And although their transport boxes were lined with a generous amount of litter, you didn’t need a track hound’s nose to know they apparently didn’t have a peeing problem.
Drinking in the vast snow-dusted paddocks and pastures in the sunset, Lexi beamed. “Wow, they’ll have it so much better here than back at the overcrowded animal shelter.”
“I bet they will.” Soft snowflakes activated the windshield wipers as they passed a giant oak tree. Luna steered the vehicle all the way to the end of the path and halted in front of a big, ruby-red barn, which matched the little farmhouse across the driveway in color. The screen door swung open, and Kendra pulled her scarf tighter as she and Jake walked over to meet them. Buttoning up her color
ful coat, Aly followed them a few seconds later.
“Hey! It’s so good to see you guys.” Relieved that she’d already talked to them on the phone and neither Kendra nor Jake seemed to hold a grudge against her for what she’d done to Oliver and the Committee, Luna jumped from the driver seat. She gave them all a quick hug before she gestured for Lexi, who’d also gotten out of the car, to come closer. “I want you to meet my sister, Lexi.”
After exchanging hellos and introductions, they all moved toward the back of the SUV, and Jake unloaded the piglets’ transport boxes.
Beaming, Kendra gestured toward the barn’s half-open sliding door. “They’ll get a pen inside.”
Each carrying one of the boxes, they all followed Kendra into the bright, sun-lit building. Bales of hay and straw lined one side of the barn while the wall they passed held hooks with horse leads, blanket holders, and various equipment. Soon, a mix of sweet-smelling hay, wood, and sawdust tickled Luna’s nose.
As they went farther inside, Lexi’s face lit up with a happy smile. A small door in the barn’s rough wall at the back of a large pen had caught her attention. “Is this where the piglets will stay?” She pointed at the door. “Can they go outside?”
Kendra put an arm around her shoulder. “Of course, we’ll let them settle in tonight, and tomorrow I’ll open the door, and they can access a paddock outside where they can run free and play in the snow all they want.” With a wink, she added, “And when their little hooves get cold, they can come back inside and huddle in the straw.”
“I already love this place.” Stepping into the pen, Lexi helped Jake open the transport boxes, and they all watched the piglets pour out and run sniffing from corner to corner.
The sound of a car outside snagged Luna’s attention. “I think Oliver arrived.”
While Lexi remained with the piglets, everybody else ventured toward the barn’s exit.
Swiping some chaff from her green flannel jacket, Kendra asked, “So, Lexi mentioned on the phone that you were planning to move to Miami?”
Adrenaline Heat Page 19