Grabbed by Vicious: 1

by Lopez, Lolita

  He laughed, the sound rough and pained. Apparently, she’d hit her mark. “I’m quite aware.”

  She cried softly next to Terror. Hot tears spilled down her cheeks and dripped onto Vicious’ shirt. The guilt would never leave her. She’d carry this man’s death on her shoulders until the day she died. How in the world could she face Vicious and lie to him day after day?

  She glanced down and saw the blood stains on his shirt. “What are we going to do?”

  Terror sighed. “I’ll get rid of the body and the bloody clothes before sunrise. You’ll clean my room while I’m gone. There are solutions in my bag created specifically to destroy blood evidence. Then you’ll shower and go to bed. In the morning, we wake up and pretend this never happened.”

  She turned to look at him. Sniffling and snotty, she asked, “Just like that?”

  He nodded, his face so stoic. “Just like that.”

  “How many times have you done this?”

  “Too many.” He shot her an encouraging look. “It’s always hardest the first time.”

  “I don’t want to ever do this again.”

  “Then we should probably stop going on vacation together.”

  Hallie couldn’t help it. She laughed. She sounded a bit hysterical, she was sure, but it felt good to release the fear and panic and pain. With her head pressed against the wall, she stared at the ceiling and chuckled. She wiped at her face and tried to get a hold on her wild emotions. “I’m okay now.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then I should go. I need to make some arrangements. When you’re done cleaning my room, lock your doors, Hallie. If I’m not back by breakfast, call Vicious and tell him you need an immediate extraction with full support. Do you understand?”

  She committed his instructions to memory. “I do.”

  “Good girl.” He rose and helped her stand. He gestured to her belly. “I need the shirt.”

  Though loathe to give it up, she stepped inside the bathroom and peeled out of it. She slipped into the robe hanging on the back of the door and handed the ruined shirt to Terror. She didn’t let go when he tugged. “Please be careful.”

  “I will be.”

  “You said that earlier.”

  “I’ll be even more careful this time.” He eyed her for a long moment. “Get dressed. I’ll leave the cleaning solutions on my bed for you.” His gaze dropped to her feet. “And put on some shoes, Hallie. There’s glass everywhere.”

  Nodding, she let go of the shirt and watched him leave. She pulled on some dark shorts and a tank top and slipped into her shoes. When she entered Terror’s room, he’d hefted his burden onto his shoulders. He glanced at his watch. “Hold still. We’re about to lose power.”

  She stopped moving. “Why are we losing power?”

  “So I can get this body out of my room unnoticed.”

  The lights blinked and went out. The hotel seemed unnaturally quiet. A quick, soft rap sounded at the door. Her stomach clenched.

  “It’s my fixer. Remember what I told you,” Terror hissed. “Now get down and hide until I’m gone.”

  She dropped to her knees and hid herself against the bed, putting the piece of furniture between her body and the front door. She heard the hinges squeal as the door opened and then Terror was gone. She waited for a few minutes, just to be safe.

  When she finally stood, the power popped back on and the room was illuminated. She took a long hard look at the destruction. It wasn’t the first time she’d had to clean up after the scene of a scuffle. She’d always been the one to clean up the broken chairs and shattered plates when her father lost his temper.

  Hallie worked quickly and quietly. She made sure every last piece of glass was picked up and wore the extra set of medical gloves to clean the bloody splotches from the floor and bathroom. How in the hell Terror planned to explain the broken balcony door was beyond her.

  Finally finished, she disposed of the dirty cloths and gloves in the biohazard bag in the med kit and left it on Terror’s bed, certain he would know what to do with it. She turned out the lights and fled his room for the safety of hers, making sure to lock the door behind her. She climbed into bed but left the lights on in her room. The thought of being plunged into darkness terrified her.

  Rolled onto her side, she hugged her pillow and wished it was Vicious’ hard body she was curled up against. She’d never needed him as much as she did right now.

  Soon, she’d be back on the Valiant and then what? Terror told her to pretend this never happened but how could she do that? How in the world could she lie to Vicious?

  *

  “Sir?”

  “Yes?” Vicious didn’t even look up from the field report displayed on his tablet screen.

  “Your wife’s shuttle is within docking range. You wanted to be alerted.”

  His fingers tightened around the tablet. For three days, he’d fought the rage that her betrayal had ignited. The pain of it left him aching and empty. He’d been so upset he’d even dodged her calls. He just couldn’t do this over a vid screen.

  Having to face her now presented him with quite the dilemma. He silently swore that he wouldn’t touch her in anger. She might have betrayed him and hurt him worse than anyone ever had but he’d never stoop so low as to physically harm her.

  “I’ll be out of the office for the rest of the afternoon and evening.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Vicious glanced up in time to catch the private smirking. The younger man obviously had the wrong idea about what would keep Vicious so busy. “You have something to say, private?”

  The man paled. “No, sir.”

  “Dismissed.”

  The private fled as Vicious shut down his workstation. He’d played out various scenarios for how this would go. None of them ended well. Still, he’d never been the kind to shrink from danger or pain. He summoned his courage and left his office. Whatever happened, he’d know that he’d always behaved honorably toward her.

  By the time he reached the docking station, Hallie’s transport ship had already arrived. She stood with Lenny Hawk. Both women searched the small crowd for familiar faces. When Hallie spotted him, she grinned and waved. Even though his chest ached, he raised his hand and waved back at her. She said something to Lenny and then rushed through the crowd to meet him.

  His arms opened before he could stop them. She hopped onto him, her small weight resting comfortably in his arms as he lifted her a few inches off the ground. Against his better judgment, he buried his nose in her soft hair and inhaled her familiar scent. His body responded as it always did to the feeling of her supple curves pressed against him. He couldn’t believe his traitorous dick.

  “I missed you so much, Vicious.” Hallie squeezed him so tightly he could barely breathe. She seemed overcome with emotion. Guilt, he imagined.

  “I missed you too.” His words didn’t carry much feeling. She must have noticed because she dropped down to her feet and gazed up at him in confusion. He grabbed her hand and spun on his heel. “We need to talk.”

  “All right.”

  She scurried to keep up with him. For once, he didn’t slow his long, fast strides for her. She’d stomped on his heart and spit in his face. If she had to run to keep up, so be it.

  The elevator ride was excruciating. Thankfully, Hallie was smart enough to know to keep quiet. She’d obviously sensed his anger and disappointment. Next to him, she kept her gaze on the floor, her shoulders rounded in defeat. Some part of him hurt to see her so despondent. He quickly buried those sympathetic feelings and replayed the conversation he’d overheard.

  She fucked Terror. She fucked your best friend.

  His sympathy vanished. Anger and betrayal blazed through him. They stepped out of the elevator onto their private hall. He dragged her behind him and into their quarters. When they reached the living room, he dropped her hand but kept his back to her. Pain lanced him. He inhaled a shuddery breath and turned to face her. “
I know what happened.”

  Her eyes widened. Her mouth opened in shock. “How?”

  “So you don’t deny it? At least I can respect you for not lying to my face.”

  “Please, Vicious,” she begged. “You have to believe me. It was an accident.”

  “An accident?” He shouted in disbelief. “You expect me to believe that was accident?”

  She bit her lip and finally nodded. “You’re right. It wasn’t.”

  “Why?” he demanded. Maybe there was some reason, something she could say that would help him forgive her.

  “I didn’t have a choice. He needed me.”

  “He needed you?” Vicious saw red. “I need you, Hallie. I love you. I almost gave up my career for you. How do you repay my love? By fucking my best friend!”

  She recoiled as if he’d slapped her. Her features contorted. “What? I didn’t—you think I slept with Terror?” She put both hands in front of her and swept them outward. “I didn’t sleep with Terror.”

  “I’m sure there wasn’t much sleep going on in that bed.” He frowned at her. “Why are you lying now? You just admitted—”

  “I thought you were asking about—” She stopped and shook her head. “Vicious, I did not have sex with Terror. You are my husband and I love you. I love you. You’re the only man I want touching me.”

  “Stop lying, Hallie.” Vicious took a step toward her. She fled back against the wall, the movement reminiscent of their first night together. It cut him deeply to see her flee. He stopped instantly and sucked in a steadying breath. “I’m angry with you but I will not put my hands on you.”

  “Vicious, I didn’t have sex with Terror.”

  “Stop,” he pleaded, his throat burning. “Just stop. I heard you.”

  “Heard us?” She closed her eyes. “The call reactivated?”

  “Yes.”

  Eyes open and imploring, she said, “Vicious, what you heard is not what you think it was.”

  He guffawed rudely. “You must think I’m stupid, Hallie. ‘Terror, take off your pants and get in bed.’ That’s a hard one to mistake.”

  She cringed. “Please, it’s not—”

  The doorbell chimed. Vicious swore but made the mistake of glancing at the console mounted on the nearest wall. The screen displayed Terror’s face. He’d been planning to kick Terror’s ass someplace else but this was as good a place as any.

  He fixed Hallie with an angry glare. “You sit. Now!”

  She scampered to do as he’d ordered. He stormed to the door and jerked it open. Terror met his gaze. His face twisted in shock as Vicious grabbed his friend by the shirt and hauled him into the apartment. “You son of a bitch!”

  “What the—” Terror’s head snapped back as Vicious planted his fist right in the man’s face. Dazed, Terror shook his head and wiped at his bloody nose. “What the fuck is your problem, man?”

  “You touched my wife.” Vicious flew at Terror and clocked him again. “I’ll kill you!”

  Terror sidestepped and punched Vicious in the gut. “You’re out of your mind, Vicious. I held her hand. That was it.”

  His rage faltered at Terror’s insistent reply but before he could muscle down the jealousy that clouded his judgment to reconsider the situation he’d overhead, Terror lunged at him. Vicious reacted on reflex and hit first. He caught Terror around the waist and drove him into the wall. Terror grunted at the impact but didn’t hesitate. He pounded Vicious in the temple until he was forced to let go and move back. They stared at one another and walked a slow circle.

  “I don’t know what you think happened, Vee, but you’re wrong.”

  “Vicious, please!” Hallie had left the couch and now stood too close to them. “Stop.”

  “Get back!” Vicious worried she’d be inadvertently harmed. “Go back to the—oof!”

  Terror took him down and straddled him. He put his forearm against Vicious’ throat and shoved hard. “Stop fighting. Listen to me. I didn’t fuck your wife!”

  Vicious stopped thrashing and stared into Terror’s one eye. He’d known his friend a long time. What he saw in his face was truth.

  “Damn it, Vicious!” Hallie grabbed Terror by the back of his shirt and jerked him back. “Terror, get off my husband now! You’re bleeding again!”

  Vicious sat up and coughed to clear his compressed windpipe. Hallie shoved Terror into the wall. “Sit. Now!”

  His friend did as told and slid to the floor. Hallie turned angry, tearful eyes on him. “Get the med kit. Go!”

  He noticed the bloody splotch on Terror’s thigh and scrambled to his feet. He grabbed the kit from the kitchen and brought it back to Hallie. She quickly opened the box and fished out the scissors. He watched as she cut open Terror’s pants and revealed the nasty gash that had been sutured. Some of the stitches had been popped in their battle.

  Guilt soured his gut. “Why didn’t you tell me you were hurt?”

  “Oh, shut up, Vicious. Just shut up!” Hallie snapped at him and shoved the med kit into his hands. “You don’t get to blame the victim. Now find the suturing glue for me.”

  His cheeks burned with the humiliation of being talked to in that way in front of Terror. He did what she asked and found the glue. Hallie made quick work of cleaning the wound, fixing it with the suturing glue and giving Terror a quick shot of antibiotics.

  She narrowed her eyes at Terror. “I told you to go to the med bay when we got home.”

  “I tried but then I found out Vicious had dragged you back to your quarters. I had a feeling he was going to do something stupid.” Terror fixed him with a hard stare. “I tried to get here as quickly as possible. I could hear the shouting from the elevator.”

  Vicious winced at the knowledge he’d made this so public. He dropped to his ass and stared at Hallie, who moved closer with a wet wipe from the kit. She started to clean away the blood on his face. Her touch was angry and hard. “I can’t believe you’d think I’d cheat on you. That doesn’t say much for your trust in me.”

  His heart ached as he saw the pain on her face. “Hallie, I’m sorry.”

  “You have to tell him.” Terror grimaced as he moved into a more comfortable position and dropped his head back against the wall.

  “I know,” she said and sounded so sad.

  Dread settled into his chest. “Tell me what?”

  Hallie lifted her teary gaze to his face. “I killed a man.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Vicious blinked. Hallie’s statement circled in his head. Her face crumpled and he reached for her. He hauled her onto his lap and hugged her tightly. “Oh Kitten. It’s all right.”

  “It couldn’t be helped.” Terror looked grim. “Our hotel rooms were adjoining. She heard me fighting with him.” His Adam’s apple moved. “She saved my life, Vee.”

  Torn between comforting Hallie and screaming at Terror, he chose the latter. “What the hell were you thinking? Were you on a job?”

  Terror nodded. “I tried to find another way to get onto Jesco colony but working escort for the new general’s wife was too good to pass up. I had to make the meeting with our man on the inside. He had time-sensitive information.”

  “You son of a bitch.” Vicious really wanted to kill him now. “I was almost sorry for kicking your ass. Now I’m sorry I stopped.”

  “I never wanted to put her in danger. The attack on me wasn’t even directly related to the mission. It was an old foe catching up to me.”

  His heart skipped a beat. “Dodson?”

  Terror nodded. “Who knew he’d take it all the way from the prison to here?”

  Vicious looked down at Hallie. His Hallie had killed that madman? “How?”

  She wiped her eyes. “I just grabbed Terror’s knife and…you know.” She made a stabbing motion. “I had to do something. The man had a belt around Terror’s neck. His lips were blue when I rolled him over. His eye is still bloodshot.”

  Vicious took the time to actually look at Terror. He’d been so fur
ious earlier he’d overlooked the signs. Even his neck was bruised beneath the high collar of his uniform shirt.

  A terrifying thought struck him. He embraced Hallie even closer. “Is she safe?”

  Terror nodded. “I took care of the body and her bloody clothes. No one knows but us three. I didn’t even report it up the chain of command. Officially, he was never in my hotel room. My fixer on the ground knows I carried a dead body out of the rom. He knows nothing of Hallie’s involvement. We’re the only three who know the truth.”

  Vicious figured that was some small consolation. He glared at Terror. “I’m still angry with you. I can’t believe you abused our friendship in this way. She’s my wife, Terror. My wife.”

  “I overstepped. If you’d like to challenge me in the ring when I’m healed, I’ll be there.”

  “No, he won’t.” Hallie frowned at both of them. “This stops here. I mean it.”

  Terror snorted. “You know, I told her she’s too bossy. You really should toss her over your knee more often and paddle her backside.”

  Hallie grumbled under her breath and climbed to her feet. “Just remember that this bossy butt saved your life, Terror.”

  She left them sitting there on the floor. Vicious sensed she wasn’t okay. “What happened, Terror?”

  “He was waiting on the balcony when I got back to the hotel room. I let my guard down. We wrestled. We broke the glass door. I fell. He looped a belt around my neck. Hallie must have heard us. She came into the room, grabbed my knife, and stabbed him in the neck.”

  Vicious wiped a hand down his face. “Shit.”

  Terror nodded. “He would have killed her if he’d finished me off. She had no other choice.” He hesitated. “She acted with surprising calmness. I expected her to fucking lose it but she held it together. I was still gasping for breath on the floor while she was trying to wrap up the body and keep it from bleeding all over the place.”

  Vicious grimaced. “And when I heard you telling her not to tell me about your secret?”

  Terror paled. “You were on a call?”

  “We had been. It was interrupted and reconnected. I heard her asking you take off your pants and get on the bed. I assumed…”