Hard as Steel: Book four ( Surviving Series )

by Virginia Wine

  “I hope so.” Then turns to leave the room, but she cried out. “Thank you for the glasses.” He shrugged nonchalantly before stepping out the door.

  “Glasses?” I ask.

  “See?” Grace held up her black rimmed glasses and slid them on. “I know I had a pair just like these, Flynn brought several strengths today so I could choose the one that was right.”

  “Another memory?”

  “I guess.” She shrugs, and I begin to consider their connection, felt only moments before. I wouldn’t be thrilled to discover he was developing feelings for her that went beyond what brought us here. A job to do, nobody cared more about injustice than Flynn, and under that hard-exterior lays a heart of a lion, protecting his cubs at all cost.

  “I should be going Grace.” Her brows lifted over the black rims. “Can I bring you anything?” I offer.

  She nods towards the table where a bag of M&M’s sat, a couple cokes and a can of Pringles. “I’m good, but thanks.”

  I left sorting out the newfound leads, racking my brain trying to come up with any logical scenario that made sense, the fact that the clues were years ago, didn’t work to our advantage. I was left feeling inept, a feeling that didn’t settle well with me.

  I didn’t want to be alone tonight, I reached for my phone as the car roars to life.

  “Steel.” Her face flashed in my mind the moment she answered the call and my nerves jumped, with excitement.

  “Busy?

  “Not really, I can lose myself in my work.”

  I had expected no less from her, we shared the same drive. I was beginning to feel myself moving towards her in a deeper way I’ve ever let anyone in before. It wasn’t long ago that I let myself feel again, but this time was different, there was no going back now.

  “Hungry? We could meet for a late dinner.”

  “I haven’t eaten all day, I’m starving. There a place around the corner, Charlie’s if you want to meet there?”

  “Sounds great, I’ll be there in twenty.”

  Moments later I merged onto the highway towards town, the sky had grown darker, clouds hid the moon as I drove in silence, allowing my mind to imagine a future unafraid of the dangers that attach themselves being involved with me. From the first moment I laid eyes on her I saw the world in color, for years I lived my life in gray, going through the motions, absent of any real feelings, numb. She not only fit in my world she opened the cold empty place where my once beating heart rested, now it was unrecognizable. Blooming like a fool, she rocked my world and I desperately wanted to return the favor.

  Why had I never noticed all the possibilities, throw away the doubts, the fears and concerns. She’s going to be mine one way or another.

  I park in the darkened lot and begin to cross the asphalt, I looked her way when her car door opened. A slight chill in the air was a welcome relief as the heat turned up a notch and my body awakened. I draw a calming breath and make my way towards her. As if stalking my prey, I approached with confidence and determination. She could see the burning in my eyes, and she stilled, frozen in place curious as to what my next move would be.

  It didn’t take long to reach her. I pressed my body against hers now subdued against her car, both arms caging her. “We’ve been here before.” She challenges me, her mouth curved into a smile.

  “Not like this.” I circled her wrist in my hands, lifting them over her head. As a sudden breath escapes from her. I hold both in one hand forcing her to arch her back, her breast an offering. With breathless urgency my mouth finds hers. My tongue stroking into her mouth with bold caresses. As she races to catch up. My free hand closes about around her breast coaxing her peek to bud under her starched white shirt.

  Charged with excitement I break the kiss, only to nuzzle her ear. “The day I’m buried in your sweet heat is the day you’ll be mine, understand?” I whisper, panting between my words. “Answer me.” My tongue trailed up her neck, then a deep primal moan escapes. “Nichole.”

  “Yes, yours all yours.” My hard erection pressed against her damp quivering thighs as I rubbed against her, she struggled against me freeing her wrists, and slid her arms around my shoulders pulling me down, her mouth reaching for mine as my lips met hers with such passion.

  “Get a room.” The stranger yelled. Our lips turn from passion to giggles instantly. Prompting me to clear my throat. My forehead softly lands on hers.

  “I guess he’s not into voyeurism.” I say, my grin filled with wicked thoughts.

  I reach for her hand and she entangles her fingers with mine. “That’s right, I was supposed to feed you.”

  “That was the original offer.”

  “Is that right?’

  “It is.”

  She looped an arm through mine as we walked across the parking lot and entered Charlie’s. I held up two fingers, and we’re ushered to a booth in back.

  Once seated across from one another my unobstructed view magnifies her alluring presence. I began to appreciate her beauty one feature at a time. Her skin flawless, the simplicity of her make up allowing her natural glow to shine through. Her gaze meets mine, and her smile softens her attributes.

  My God, her brown eyes sprinkled with flecks of gold were simply spellbinding, her long chestnut hair smooth and silky. She radiates intelligent beauty, with confidence in every move.

  Perhaps her beauty from within was enhanced because she was unaware of her prettiness. If you stripped away the FBI uniform, replacing it with a softer more feminine look, she could grace a billboard. But then, it wouldn’t be Nick. Her natural appeal had the ability to see into my soul, and I was more determined than ever to bear it all, give her all of me.

  “You saw Grace, today?” Diverting my thoughts, that seem to be bursting at the seams.

  “Yes, several leads, her memory is coming back in spurts.” I told her everything that had happened. She mulled it over carefully.

  “Do you believe these are valid memories?”

  “I do, although whatever happened recently it scared her enough to keep those experiences well hidden. It’s possible her subconscious mind is protecting herself from the more recent, horrific acts she went through.”

  “But, that’s what we need if we’re ever going to solve this mystery.”

  “Agreed, as awful as they are, we need to allow Grace to come upon her memories in her own time.” The waiter approached, we ordered a couple of beers and once she returned, Nick ordered a grilled chicken salad, and I ordered steak and potatoes.

  “My boss’s boss was intown today, not a fan.” She offered, peeking my curiosity. Why did I have the feeling I wasn’t going to like this. “The Deputy Director.”

  “Andrew Quentin?” I offered as my stomach rolled.

  “You know him?”

  “I know of him, there’s a difference.” His reputation was clouded with accusations, and a litany of other allegations. He was a player, a user, and a liar.

  “Meaning?”

  “Meaning, watch your back, trust your instincts.” I forced his image out of my mind as jealously crept up my spine like molten lava. Figures, he couldn’t be a some ole’ fart with really bad breath, he was a high figured playboy with good looks, power and money. But, this was her career, I would tread lightly.

  “I’m up for a promotion, he has the power to approve or decline, his influence holds a lot of weight.”

  “I may be bias, but I’m sure you deserve it, he’ll see that.” Concern crossed her features as her expression changed, displaying a troubled look.

  “Unless…” Her gaze meets mine, and I read her like a book. “Just what I thought, he made advances didn’t he?” Her silence only confirming my suspicions. “What did he do?”

  “Nothing…really.” She sighed. “It was the manner in which he talked with me, as if there was an underlining conversation going on, one that was much different from the words spoken.’

  “Predators do that Nicole.”

  “Steel, I’m a woman worki
ng in a man’s world, I’ve been here before, no need to fix it, I’m only sharing.”

  “I’m sure you have, okay, I trust you’ll figure it out and if not, promise me you’ll let me know.” There was a long pause before she answered. “Nick?”

  “Fine.” She said. “If it gets too much you’ll be the first to know.”

  She meant business, she didn’t need a caveman, she needed a partner, I’ll need to work on that. And then, I tried not to think about it.

  It wasn’t until I reached for her hand, felt her fingers lace with mine that my heartbeat settled. I wouldn’t let my insecurities get the best of me. Some things were worth fighting for, even if the battle was an internal one. I would encourage her to spread her wings, without my help. Despite the fact it was killing me. I admired her passion, her strength and her drive, undermining that would not deem well for the impending relationship I envisioned.

  “I have an early meeting tomorrow.” She says, immediate cause for concern raced through me. Dreading it started with Andrew Quentin, but kept that to myself.

  “I’m taking off early tomorrow, Jordon asked if I would stop by to check on her house.”

  “Her Mom’s old house? Why?”

  “You didn’t hear, Alex convinced Ben and Madison to join them on an excursion to Africa, the same trip Alex took a while back.”

  “That’s commendable.” I throw a fifty-dollar bill on the table and escort her out to her car. “I’ll join you.” She looked my way, I could see the wheels turning.

  “Nick, when are you going to realize I just want to be with you, no ulterior motive.” She presses her key fob, as her lights blink in response. I pull her into my body and hoover over her ear, her hair the scent of flowers. “I confess, any ulterior motives are purely sexual.” Her breath caught as a soft chuckle escaped filled with erotic promises.

  I cupped her face between my hands and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. “Tomorrow.” I say. Then rubbed my thumb over her bottom lip imagining all sorts of clever ways I could bring her pleasure.

  “Tomorrow, call me.” I wait until she’s safely in her car, and starts out towards the exited before I climbed into my SUV.

  I stopped at the ATM, withdrawing two hundred dollars, I placed the crisp new bills into my wallet and took the receipt, then came to a sudden halt. When the balance read Five hundred and eleven thousand four hundred and fifty dollars. Five hundred thousand too much.

  I didn’t understand, confusion swirled as the ground swayed, spots appeared as my arm reached for my car steading myself. A million scenarios raced through me, not one involved the bank making an error.

  I called Flynn, my hands shaking as I held the phone. “Sir.” Answering immediately. I turned and leaned against the car door, examining the scrap of fragile white paper. Reading it again as if I had made a mistake.

  “Can you explain why I have Five hundred thousand dollars in my personal checking account?” I waited, the long beat of silence persists as my pulse picks up speed.

  “Are you serious?” He says, his tone filled with concern. “Steel, you do the payroll.”

  “I’m well aware of that.” I pinched the bridge of my nose, as thoughts raced, could I have deposited the business’s income into my personal account? It’s possible, but not likely.

  “Steel, I suggest you go into the bank tomorrow, they will have a paper trail. You’ll find out what happened then. Banks don’t make five hundred-thousand-dollar mistakes, trust me.”

  “I know it, you know it.” Sending unease down my spine. “Can you meet me here at nine am?”

  “Of course.”

  “Thanks.” Ending the call. The brisk air had a bite to it, as I slid in behind the wheel and headed toward the mountains, home. Yet something told me things were about to go very wrong. Worry hanging heavy in the air as I entered my house, Whiskey greeted me at the door. “Hey buddy.” I patted his head, and he followed at my heels. Grabbing a beer, I sat in silence. It was well past midnight, I knew sleep wouldn’t come.

  Nine O’clock on the dot I rolled into the parking spot next to Flynn as we both climb out our vehicles and silently approach the double doors. U.S. Bank of Nevada displayed above the door. We walk across the room to customer service. “Hello, I’m Steel Archer.” I lay the receipt on her desk, pointing to the balance. “There’s been some mistake.”

  Her gaze darts to mine.

  “I see.” She replies.

  “Mr. Archer, may I see proof of identity please?” I pull out my wallet and place it open on her desk. She nods confirming I am who I say I am.

  “That is, indeed your balance.” She says, checking the computer against my receipt.

  “I assumed as much, but what I need to know is who deposited the money into my account.” She looked confused, then holds one finger up.

  “There’s a problem.” She says and hangs up. “I believe our manager may be more helpful, her security level is the highest at this branch, you can have a seat right over there.” Pointing to the generic office chairs lined together against the window.

  After only a few minutes a woman approaches, I witness the stranger’s eyes holding their gaze a second longer than suitable. She is beautiful, too pretty for your average bank teller, no offence. But her dark hair, her bronzed skin spoke of Latino roots. Her gate commanding confidence as she moves towards us.

  “She works here?” Flynn whispers. “Is there a pole in the back?”

  “That’s mature.”

  Once upon us, she greets us with a warm smile. “Good morning gentleman, I’m Peyton Ramirez.” We both stand, but seeing her up close only reinforced the truth, somehow, I just knew, she was a tornado capturing men, then spitting them out. Danger lurked behind those caramel brown eyes. She may indeed have been crafted by angels, but somewhere along the way, the devil recognized her gifts and subdued her into submission. Don’t ask me how I knew, I just knew.

  She escorted us to the only private conference room inviting us in. “Have a seat.” Her spine stiffened as she settles into the head chair housing the only computer. I place the receipt on the table and slid it towards her.

  “You’re questioning your balance?”

  “No, not exactly, I’m questioning the Five hundred-thousand-dollar deposit.” I turn to Flynn, his gaze bewitched for all the wrong reasons.

  “Here’s what it shows.” As she turns the laptop forwards us. “One deposit, in one lump sum, three days ago.”

  “From who?

  “From you, sir.”

  “That’s incorrect.”

  “From your off-shore account, see.” Pointing to the bank name I read aloud, in utter shock.

  “Barbados International Bank of Cayman Islands. Steel Archer.” Big mistake. “That’s not mine.” For all she knew I could be lying, but why? What would be my motivation to point out there’s too much money in my account.

  “Flynn?”

  “It’s a set up.” He says and proceeds to stand. “Thank you for your time, you’ve been most helpful.” He yanks on my arms forcing me back to reality. We cross the bank and walk out the double doors. “I have a thought, and you’re not going to like it.” Flynn says.

  The old neighborhood told stories of years gone by, and Jordon’s inherited cottage held a character found only in a time we lost. Steel’s been unusually quiet the entire drive over, but denies anything was bothering him. Did he have lingering feelings being back at Jordon’s house? Maybe.

  Steel and I start off across the street, the combination of the cool breeze and the sun warming my face is diminishing some of the confusion surrounding Steel today. Men…I said I was done, or so I thought. Now I’ll be eating those words because Steel is a good man. When it comes to relationships we’re both lacking in experience, but at this point I would rather try with Steel than remain alone.

  We approached the door. I insert the key, and pause.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “The front door’s unlocked.” As the adrenaline spi
kes in us both. We know the procedure, it’s second nature as he moves behind me, guns out. I quietly turn the knob and we both enter in silence. “Clear right.”

  A woman’s scream followed by glass breaking when she turns about, her face filled with shock, her cheeks burned red, her hands held high.

  “Steel?” She peers around me, focusing on the man glued to my back.

  “Jordon’s friend?” I watch as recognition comes into focus.

  “Jules.” She says then glances at the broken glass at her feet. “Sweet Jesus, didn’t you think trying the doorbell, before you came in guns blasting?”

  “I wouldn’t say guns blasting, exactly.”

  “Uh huh.” Squatting to pick up the bigger pieces of glass.

  “We thought there was an intruder.” His jaw muscles tightened, but that doesn’t stop him from getting a broom and helping her with the mess. “What are you doing here?” He asks but stays focused on the job at hand.

  “Jordon asked me to check on her house. And you?” Her gaze shifts to me. I can’t help but wonder why I felt an unwarranted animosity towards me.

  “I’m Nichole, Jordon asked us to swing by when we had time.” She stills as if processing the words. Then turns her focus to Steel.

  “What if you accidently shot me?”

  “I’m pretty sure that’ll never happen.” I could see how she grated on his nerves. And when he stood placing the broken pieces in the dust pan. I watched in amusement, letting her gaze roam down the length of him, enthralled by his physique. “Next time, we need to coordinate.” He offers. “You can’t come traipsing around any time you feel like it.”

  “Oh, pardon me.” She said. “Thank you for clarifying the house rules.” The back door slammed shut as I heard Steel dump the glass into the garbage can in back. He was in a mood today, that was clear by the tone in his irritated voice. Unfortunately for Jules, she was on the receiving end.