by Morgan Fox
Then he heard it and knew that he was no longer alone.
“So what’s the little slut charging these days?” The stranger’s voice called out from behind him. “I hear she’s pretty tight, for a whore.”
Rounding, Stone took note of the three large men blocking his retreat, and then he felt the presence of a few more filing in on the other side. Inclining his head over his shoulder, he confirmed three more men. All wore black from head to toe.
Shit! A covert slaying, and I’m the slayee.
He prayed that Gracie had enough sense to keep the door locked, no matter what she heard or saw. She’d do him no good if he had to worry that they’d get to her before he could do anything about it. Unless she was packing an M16, it was best she stayed behind secured doors.
Stone wasn’t about to back down, and he sure as hell wasn’t about to let them anywhere near her. The rush of adrenaline pumped through him like lava tearing down a mountainside. He watched everything, heard everything, and prepared for the unexpected. As long as he breathed, he’d protect her. The instinct was primal and powerful. A fevered rush was driving him as skills he’d learned in the military surfaced.
Sarcasm had a way of making him feel slightly more focused and relaxed in high-pressure situations. Sounding like Robert De Niro, Stone asked, “You talkin’ to me?”
“Yes, motherfucker, we’re talking to you,” one of them said with an unappreciated glare.
Seriously? Who uses motherfucker anymore? Is that even in style? Whatever happened to good old fuck face or douchebag?
Licking his dry lips, Stone warned, “You should do yourselves a favor and leave town while you can. From what I hear people don’t take too kindly to assholes stinking up the place.”
Another bandanna-wearing punk took a step forward, eyeing Stone as if he were ready to pounce. “You’re a real funny guy, baldy.”
Baldy? I bet if he took his damn bandanna off, his scalp would be scraped clean. Stone rubbed his hand over his head. “Yes, it’s the latest in pretty-boy fashion.”
Stone knew he could hold his own in a fair fight. He also knew he could hold his own against a few who didn’t fight fair, but six? No, he was sure he was about to get his ass handed to him, but he was going to make them feel everything he had before he went down.
“You picked the wrong girl to shack up with,” the guy with the tattoo on his cheek said, peeking out from the back.
Correction, make that seven thugs to kick my ass.
As the tattooed leader stepped forward, the vein in Stone’s neck pulsed, and he remembered what Gracie had told him about the drug dealer wanting to take out the payments owed to him on her. Given the right opportunity, he’d love to see a guy like him suffer for being a dick.
“What do you want with Gracie?”
Now in front of the others, the tattooed leader said, “We’ve got business to discuss. So you’d be wise to get the fuck out of our way before we have to include you in our discussions.”
Not an option. He was not about to let them anywhere near Gracie. They were here to make an example out of her. Seven men to one woman were odds he couldn’t stomach. Hopefully she had put a call out to Clay because things were about to get ugly.
“I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I can’t leave.”
“Then it’s your funeral,” the leader said with a snicker and then indicated with two fingers for his men to move in on Stone.
Ready for action, Stone tossed his extra clothes onto a parked car and ran for the center of the parking lot. He didn’t want to be cornered or pinned. His eyes were laser sharp, searching for each attacker. Then, like a hammer, the first two pounced, slamming themselves into him, tackling him to the ground. The air whooshed from his lungs.
Sucking in a painful breath, he jumped to his feet and elbowed one guy in the face and uppercut the other, sending his fist so hard into his face he heard the sound of bones snapping. Two more were on him before he could even get a solid footing. His ribs and gut took the brunt of the assault, his air fleeing his lungs with every punch. The two who had first attacked took hold of his arms, pulling him back as the other two drilled into his chest and stomach. Over and over again they rammed their hands into his body with a force that left him numb and breathless.
Keeping his body limp, he let them pummel him, wearing them out, all the while praying he would have the physical strength and will to overpower them. Within a few short seconds, he surged to his feet, knocking the two holding him off balance. His feet squared off. Kicking with all his might, he sent one of them sailing back onto the ground. The other tasted the rubber of his boot as he planted it across his jaw and mouth.
Tasting blood, Stone pulled his arms up to guard his chest. He tucked in his elbows, preparing to fist fight anyone who approached him. Without warning a hand struck out, slamming against the side of his head. He stumbled back, collapsing onto the ground. Once again, Stone was punched and kicked in the midsection, grunting from the force. His entire body had been riddled with blows and hits that left him boneless.
So much for being the badass Marine, he thought hazily, struggling to focus. Sheer pain flooded his mind.
Everything moved so quickly. One moment he was standing, fighting with all his strength, and the next he was flat on his ass, clawing to find his footing. Never in all his life had he been beaten so badly. These boys were planning to kill him, he knew as much when he saw the knife in the hands of one of them.
Shaky and weak, he blinked a dozen times to clear his blurry vision. He backed up slowly, hoping to buy enough time that help would arrive. Using himself as a shield for Gracie had been his intentions. Surely the cavalry was on its way.
A quick glance around showed him the four men who were attacking him, and that left three more unaccounted for. Searching, he found them hovering in front of Gracie’s hotel room with a fire-engulfed trash can burning bright. Suddenly, two of them picked up the receptacle and chucked it through the front window. The sound of glass exploding as it struck.
Gracie screamed!
His heart raced. Bile and fear choked him. He had to get to her, had to get her to safety.
By some miracle, the sound of heaven drowned within his ears. Sirens! Help had finally arrived. Dropping to the ground, he heard the men around him fleeing, scurrying away like the rats they were.
Gracie! His mind awakened with the sound of her cries. Scampering to his feet, he charged toward her hotel room. The front was scorched in flames. Running as hard and as fast as his injured body could, he circled around back to the corner unit, punching his fist through the window of the bathroom. Smoke billowed.
“Gracie,” he yelled, but there was no reply. “Gracie!”
As he prepared to enter, he felt her frail hand brush over his arm. Immediately, he clasped his hand around her wrist and yanked her up and out of the window, hauling her into his arms. Her head fell back, her eyes rolling in their sockets.
Weak but determined, he carried Gracie around to the front of the hotel. His eyes focused on the paramedics while his feet pounded onto the hard earth, heavy and rhythmic.
Spotting him, the medical team rushed to render aid. Dropping to his knees, Stone laid her flat on the ground. The medics pushed him aside, focusing on Gracie. As he watched them, his heart beat fast in his chest, slamming against his ribs as if it prepared to launch out. Time didn’t seem to move. The air ripped from his lungs as if he were still being assaulted.
The world spun so fast, his eyes couldn’t keep up with its hurried pace. He rolled to his back, staring up at the stars above. Gasping for air, the darkness took him.
* * * *
Gracie’s chest squeezed tight as she stared down at the man that had fought to keep her safe. He was her hero and friend. She thanked her lucky stars that he had been there to protect her, but guilt quickly consumed her as she eyed his bandaged body, knowing he sustained those injuries because of her.
“Stone?” Gracie called out. “Stone, can
you hear me?”
His eyes fluttered open, his gaze jumping all over the hospital room. His teeth clenched tight as he tried to shift in his bed. The pain in his body must have been unbearable. Finally, his eyes settled on her. “Where am I?”
She smiled. The sound of his raspy voice warmed her straight to her soul. She feared she might never see him again. The idea chilled her to the core. “You’re in the hospital, but you’re going to be okay.”
He winced. “What happened?”
She brushed her fingers over the scar on the side of his face. The uneven ridges of tissue were soft and coarse to the touch. Colorful bruising around his eyes and cheek were starting to show. “Well, yesterday you decided to take on four lunatics in hand-to-hand combat while the other three tried to burn me out of my hotel room.” She leaned over and kissed his lips. “You saved me, Stone. You pulled me out of the window.” She kissed him again, lingering for a long moment. “Thank you.”
The bold stare had her blood warming. “All in a day’s work, ma’am,” he said with a chuckle and then took hold of his chest, his face cringing from pain.
She immediately reached out to help him, her hands soothing his partially naked body. White bandages covered his ribs while a thin sheet rested over his hips and down his legs. “Easy, you’ve got a few broken ribs and lots of bruises.”
“Great,” he breathed.
She placed her hand in his, glad that she could still feel the warmth of his touch. Her heart swelled at the thought of him sacrificing himself to save her. No one had ever done something so brave or stupid on her behalf.
She didn’t understand why he would even bother. He barely knew her, but it felt like she’d known him forever. Being with him simply felt right.
“You could’ve been killed,” she whispered.
He reached out for her, grunting as he held his ribs. “You really need to stop crying. I really can’t stand it when you do.” He pulled her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “You are my friend, Gracie, and I care about you. I would do it again, if it meant saving you.”
Her chin quivered as she fought the tears that threatened to spill. She was blown away by his compassion and heart. For such a rough-and-tumble man, he was nothing more than a giant teddy bear.
How did I get so lucky to meet him?
“I’m going to let you rest awhile, but I think you’re going home as soon as a doctor clears you. “
“Good,” he said, shifting his weight in the bed and groaning as he did. “I’ve had enough with hospitals to last a lifetime.”
I can only imagine.
She figured he was referring to the time he’d spent in the rehabilitation facility after he’d been burned, but she wasn’t going to ask now. Later. Later, she would take the time to truly get to know Stone, the man that was chipping away at her heart and showing her where true temptation could be found.
As she prepared to close his door, he called out to her, “Gracie? Don’t think this means we’re not finishing our previous conversation. It’s time you and I learned a little more about each other than just having—”
She knew what he was about to say. As much as she enjoyed sex with Stone, the kind where it was her choice, she understood that he wasn’t looking for just a sexual relationship. His friendship meant the world to her.
“I know, Stone. Rest up. We’ll talk more later,” she said, closing the door as his eyes drifted closed.
The moment the door shut, she turned and saw James heading her way. His intense stare sent a wild flutter to her belly. Strange how she felt warm and tingly all over when she saw him. Maybe it was the fact that he was the only one who knew her secrets and kept them, at least for now.
“Gracie, are you all right?” James asked. The concern in his baby-blue eyes rocked her. “Were you able to get any sleep?”
Nodding, she told him, “Yes, James, I’m fine. I caught a few hours of sleep in the most uncomfortable chair in Stone’s room.” She indicated with her thumb toward the door directly behind her. “It’s funny how you can sleep anywhere when you’re exhausted enough.” She cleared her throat. “Have you found Bullet or the others?”
He frowned. “No, but don’t worry. We’ll find them.” He glanced toward Stone’s door. “Is he doing all right?”
She gave a stiff nod. “Yes, he should be out of here soon.”
Just then, a nervous flutter sank to the pit of her stomach. What would happen once he was out of the hospital? Where would he stay? When would she see him again?
“Good,” he said, bracing his hand up against the wall, his other on his hip. “Gracie, I’d like for you to stay with me until you can get your living arrangements squared away. I’d feel a hell of a lot better if you had a little protection while we’re hunting down Bullet and his crew.”
Instantly, her mind raced with thoughts on how that might not be such a good idea. With all they knew about each other and the dangers of her past, she wasn’t sure why he would do that for her. He was putting himself in harm’s way. “Oh, I don’t know,” she said, stammering.
His brow sprung up high on his forehead. “Would you prefer to be alone after what they tried to do to you?”
“No, I couldn’t,” she muttered.
“Gracie,” Stone’s voice blasted from his room. “Do you have to do everything the hard way?” Slowly, she opened the door and stared at him. “Stay with the man. He’s a freaking cop for crying out loud.”
Her brow furrowed. “What about you? Where will you stay when you finally get out of here?”
She wasn’t sure why it mattered so much to her. In a short period of time, she’d grown very fond of Stone. The thought of leaving him alone felt wrong, but for whatever reason, it did matter to her where Stone was going to be. Honestly, she’d prefer they stayed close to each other.
“I’ll be fine,” he said, eyes heavy with sleep. “I’ll call Clay. I’m sure he has a place I could crash for a while.”
James ran a hand through his hair, his gaze dancing all around the ground. Finally, he spoke up. “Stone, why don’t you and Gracie both stay at my place? I’ve got a two-bedroom house and a pretty comfortable couch.”
Stone’s eyes drifted from her to James and back again. She knew he couldn’t argue after telling her to buck up, and who says he had to sleep on the couch. Her big, strong teddy bear would need lots of healing attention. Not to mention cuddle time, something she could use a ton of herself.
“I guess I can’t really be choosy now, can I?” He winked at her. “Thanks, man. That would be great.”
James inhaled deeply, releasing it slowly. Even though he’d offered to take Stone in, he didn’t seem thrilled. “I’ll check with the doc and find out when he thinks you’ll be released.” He stepped away from them and headed down the hallway.
Making sure James was out of earshot, she asked, “Are you sure you’re okay with this arrangement?”
Stone’s mouth was tight as he replied, “Sure, why wouldn’t I be?”
She shrugged. “Just checking,” she replied, wondering if he was telling the truth. She didn’t know why, but she got the strangest feeling that Stone wasn’t exactly crazy about James and vice versa. Sure, they were cordial to one another, but each one acted a little funny around the other. For the life of her, she couldn’t figure them out.
“I’ll be back to bug you later,” she said with a smile and closed the door again.
James was talking with the doctor at the nurses’ station down the hall. His wavy blond hair, broad shoulders, perfectly round ass, and long, lean legs had her heart skipping. It was funny how time hadn’t changed her reaction to him.
James had always been attractive, the boy from south Texas who looked like a movie star. When they were in school, he had been the boy she’d fantasized about. A schoolgirl’s crush, James had been the one to capture her heart. He was also the one she’d pretend was making love to her as she sold her body to strangers. He was the one who took her from the horror of h
er actions, and he never even knew it.
James Ryan had been her lover before she’d even set foot in Temptation. Even now, she found herself thinking back to all those nights she’d dreamed about him, wished on every star that he’d save her from the nightmare that was her existence.
Life was funny, she thought. How she’d managed to pick a town where she’d find him of all people was beyond her. Smiling, she wondered if that was a sign, or maybe she was just being a silly girl rekindling a few fantasies. Regardless, James still made her heart do a strange flip, her breath catch, and her blood warm.
Her belly rumbled, pulling her from her wandering thoughts. Glancing down at her watch, she noted it was right at noon. Turning her gaze back to James, he was still in a deep conversation with Stone’s doctor. Not bothering to wait for him, she made her way down to the cafeteria.
The line wasn’t as long as she thought it would be for this time of day. She grabbed a tray and headed for the hot meals, selecting the roast beef and mashed potatoes. She could eat buttery mashed potatoes every day for the rest of her life if it were possible. Just before she checked out, she grabbed a glass of iced tea and headed for a table in the far corner of the room. Very few people lingered. Most were finishing up and heading back to work, decked out in their multicolored scrubs and uniforms.
Devouring her food in record time, a fast eating habit she developed in a house with four brothers, she suddenly felt a thud sink into the pit of her stomach. The fine hair at the nape of her neck rose to a tingling alert, and her palms felt clammy. The sensations had nothing to do with the food she ate, but it did have everything to do with the eerie woman in black staring at her from the far side of the cafeteria.
Chapter Seven
Swallowing the rising bile that burned her throat, she rose to her feet, collected her plate and cup onto the tray, and dropped the items off at the return window. The cold chill that raced up her spine was more prominent as she noted that the dark-haired woman with penetrating eyes also stood and began moving in her direction.