SAGE

by Jessica Caryn

  “Do you think this is a set up?”

  “Yes, and I don’t think Billy stole the real painting.”

  “Ramsey...”

  “Tell me later darlin.”

  The erotic tone in his voice made me want him.

  I knew Scott would watch what happened next.

  I turned and Ramsey grabbed my arm.

  He pulled me close.

  I tried to push him away.

  He grabbed my wrist.

  My face was close to his.

  I wanted him to kiss me.

  God I needed it.

  I smacked him hard across the face.

  He let me go and gave me a cold stare.

  I stormed away.

  Scott stood next to Billy.

  He saw the show. Good.

  I walked over to them.

  Billy flinched and Scott laughed.

  I shoved past them.

  I threw my middle finger up over my shoulder.

  I needed time to myself.

  My body felt flushed.

  Ramsey still looked the same.

  I sighed. Damn if I didn’t want him.

  The truck sped up beside me.

  The back window slid down.

  “C’mon. I’ll give you a ride.” Scott said to me.

  “No, I’m fine.”

  “I’m headed up there.”

  I shrugged. “I guess I’ll see you when I get there.”

  Scott laughed.

  “Hey, how about you punch Billy in the face.”

  I glanced at the truck.

  “And hit yourself while you’re at it.”

  The truck cut me off.

  “Please get in.” Scott opened the door.

  I slid into the back seat and he closed the door.

  I knew this would be the longest short drive ever.

  I told Scott to shut the fuck up five times in my head. It didn’t help. He talked anyway.

  “Are you alright?” He asked.

  “Why would I be?” I shook my head. “Where’s Billy?”

  “He’s at one of the cabins.” Scott said.

  “He didn’t know how much the painting was worth.”

  “Like that matters.” I stared at him.

  “There was no reason for Billy to steal.”

  “Hmm. You don’t know do you?”

  “What?” I asked.

  He didn’t answer but gave me a smile.

  I’m sure most women thought was amazing.

  “I want to hurt you Handsome.” I said honestly.

  “I would love it.” His eyes slid over me.

  “I need a woman like you.”

  “Yeah, like you need a hole in your head.”

  Scott laughed and I ignored him.

  We reached the top of the hill.

  I got out of the truck.

  I didn’t have to wait for him.

  I went in the cabin and lost my damn mind.

  I jumped on the guy closest to me.

  I punched him in the jaw.

  His friend tried to grab me.

  A hard elbow to the chin slowed him down.

  They were about to draw their guns.

  “What’s wrong with both of you?”

  I heard Scott’s voice over my shoulder.

  “Boss, she attacked us!”

  “Yeah, you’re counting money on her bed.”

  The men looked confused.

  “Money and your outside clothes are dirty.”

  Scott sighed.

  “You’re contaminating where she sleeps.”

  “But boss, you said count the money.”

  Scott glared at the men. “You were supposed to take the money to the cabin and then count it.”

  “Sorry bout that Boss.”

  Scott glanced at the pile of cash.

  He noticed the broken bands.

  “Did you un- band the money to count it?”

  “Yeah, Boss.”

  Scott cursed. He took a deep breath.

  “How much was in each stack?” He asked me.

  “Twenty thousand in small bills.”

  Scott groaned.

  “Put the money in the bag, suitcase, or whatever and take it to the cottage to count it.”

  Scott stared at the men.

  “Now!” They scrambled to get the money together.

  “I’m sorry about this.” Scott said.

  “It’s so damn hard to find good help these days.”

  He picked up a banded stack of cash.

  “It’s amazing what we’ll do for this.”

  Scott held it out to me.

  I laughed and shook my head.

  “I am not moved by your generosity. You want to give me what was mine. What a gentleman you are.”

  “Is the money yours?”

  “Yes, I stole it fair and square.”

  He smiled. “I really need a woman like you.”

  “Scott, what would you do with me?”

  I asked sweetly. “I mean, if you had me.”

  My chest rose and fell under my shirt.

  His eyes dropped to my cleavage.

  I touched his hand and took the money.

  “You didn’t answer hmm. Scott?”

  I wanted to get a rise out of him.

  I glanced down. Well that didn’t take much.

  I winked at him. “You know money is dirty isn’t it?”

  I ran my fingers over the bills. “Dirty… Sexy.”

  I flicked my wrist and fanned my chest.

  “But if you knew me, you’d know…”

  I said breathlessly.

  “What?” His eyes locked on me. “Tell me...”

  “I don’t really... “I leaned in close to him.

  I let him breathe me in.

  I saw when my feminine scent filled his head.

  “I really…” I looked him in the eye.

  “Don’t give a fuck about money.” I said.

  “I’ll toss it right into the fucking flames.”

  I motioned to the cast iron stove.

  “Now get your men and get the fuck out.”

  I tossed the money at him.

  It bounced off his chest.

  “Keep it.” He smiled. “I’ll return to take you to dinner.”

  “And if I say no?” I crossed my arms.

  “You won’t because little brother needs you and you always come to his rescue.”

  “Fuck Billy.” I said calmly. “I should’ve cut him loose.”

  “He said you’re not his real sister.”

  Scott looked at me. “Your real parents died.”

  I shrugged. “Sometimes people die.”

  “Or deserve to die for the things they did.”

  I didn’t expect him to say it. He knows.

  “Well seems you know all there is.”

  I turned away from him.

  His men finished with the money.

  “Jolene is your adopted name.”

  Scott motioned to his men.

  “But I won’t find any information on her will I?”

  I ignored him. I was done.

  “Well I tried.” He glanced at me “There was nothing.”

  He turned to leave.

  “I’ll send someone to change your bedding.”

  He stopped and turned around.

  “Oh, I couldn’t find anything on the other name either.”

  I stared at him.

  “But I like the name Sage. It’s natural. Beautiful.”

  Scott left with his men.

  I shook my head.

  Damn it Billy.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  RAMSEY

  Damn it feels like it should with Sage.

  My face stung from her love tap.

  I saw it in her eyes.

  She knows where home is.

  I watched her ass bounce while she walked.

  She was still thick in all the right places.

  God I miss her.

  She’s upse
t but we’ll get through this.

  If she was in a relationship. It’s over.

  I doubt the guy came with her.

  It didn’t matter. She was mine.

  Sage elbowed Billy as she walked past him.

  I shook my head.

  He knew it wouldn’t stop.

  She walked past Scott and threw her middle finger up at them. I smiled. She was vulnerable.

  She needed time to herself.

  Scott said something to her.

  My jaw tightened.

  He watched her leave and then glanced at me.

  We’ll talk soon.

  Billy gave me this pitiful look.

  He left with the men.

  Scott got into the truck. He was about to follow Sage. Yeah, I would have to fuck him up soon. I knew which cabin Billy would be in. The cute blonde at the front desk told me. She had all their license info on file. There was nothing for Scott and his men were from different states. They were all half assed but I noticed the designer suits. Their boss had long money and I needed to find out who it was. I went to my cabin and called Brian. I told him I talked to Sage. He wanted me to grab her and leave. I laughed. She’s a little hell cat. I can handle her but she’ll make it hurt. Brian ran into a dead end. He didn’t have any info on the buyer or the person Billy stole the painting from. He agreed the situation looked shady as shit. A priceless painting wouldn’t be in a warehouse with weak ass security. Billy should‘ve known and turned down the job. But he’s him. I asked Brian to check on a “Scott.” No last name yet. I haven’t talked to him but Sage has.

  Brian chuckled and asked if I had competition.

  I knew he wanted to bust my balls.

  Sage is mine. End of story. I gave him my location. I needed a vehicle that was untraceable. I asked Brian to reach out to the local boys. I needed a transport to New Orleans for my motorcycle and Sage’s truck. Brian said he’d take care of it and track down Milo. He would know about Billy’s last job. I ended the call.

  Now it was time to get answers. I left my room, locked the door behind me, and went to the cabin. I knocked and some big guy answered. I asked to see Billy. He got gruff. I lost my patience. I forced the door open. It hit him. Big guy charged me. We crashed into the wall. He threw his weight against me. I was locked in a bear hug. I pounded on him until he lost his grip. He hit me. I shoved him and gave him a hard jab to his gut. His knees gave out. I grabbed him and told him to breathe through it. I took his gun and said I wanted to talk to Billy, that’s it. He could keep watch outside or we could sort it out however. I let him decide. He stumbled to the door. I waited until the door closed. I put the gun in the back of my pants.

  Billy was on the sofa.

  His eyes darted to the door.

  I wanted him to try it.

  I grabbed a chair, turned it around, and then sat. I leaned forward and rested my arm on the back of the chair. “We’re short on time. I gave you 350,000 and I know you probably hit your sister up for cash too. This shit was unnecessary, so talk.”

  Billy knew I didn’t do threats. When I came for him it would be swift and painful. He told me he blew the money on cards, women and partying with his friends. Sage sent him eight hundred every month. It wasn’t enough so he had to do the job. I shook my head. I should end him right here. “Tell me about the job.”

  Billy ran his fingers through his hair.

  “It was simple. We had the security codes.”

  “Names.” I told him.

  “Oh, Milo was with me. He knew the guards, well his buddy worked for the company. So we knew when the shift breaks would be.”

  “Yeah, I’m listening.”

  “We got inside the warehouse, snatched the painting and put it in trash bags. It rained heavy that night. We left the painting in the van.” Billy’s voice shook. “When I took it out it was fucked up. I don’t know but I swear it was supposed to be worth like 250,000!”

  “The real painting is priceless but you didn’t steal it.”

  “What?” Billy looked confused.

  “Why would they want a fake?”

  I ignored the question. “Who was the buyer?”

  “We didn’t have a name just a drop off point.”

  “Number.”

  “They used a burner phone. I called and told them the painting was messed up, they ended the call. I tried to call back and the number was disconnected.”

  “What happened next?”

  “I was at Milo’s place. Scott and his men bust in and took me. I called Sage and that’s it.”

  “What did you tell Scott?”

  Billy looked uneasy. “Not much, I told him she wasn’t my real sister and that her name was Jolene.”

  “Tell me the rest.” I warned him.

  “I said something about her parents.”

  “Did you tell him what they did to her?”

  “No, I wouldn’t do that.” Billy said quickly. “I said they were dead and she lived with me since I was a baby. I told Scott that my parents were alcoholics and she raised me since I was ten. That’s it.”

  “Keep your mouth shut from here on out.” I told him.

  “I will but can you talk to her.”

  I heard noise outside the door.

  “Not a fucking word.” I turned in the chair.

  I pulled the gun and pointed it at the door.

  Two men came in with Sage’s worn out suitcase.

  They drew their guns.

  Big guy came in behind them.

  “Close the door.” I told them.

  “Get your boss on the phone”

  They called, spoke with Scott and tossed the phone to me. I said I didn’t like my time being wasted. Either he needed something or he didn’t. We could leave Billy with him and let it be even. He said we’ll talk and that his men would let me leave. I laughed because I didn’t need permission. He ended the call but not before I heard the feminine voice in the background.

  I stood up and held the gun out to the big guy.

  I told him no hard feelings.

  He could shoot Billy if it would make him feel better.

  I left the cabin.

  I walked to my motorcycle.

  I sent Brian a message.

  I told him to find Milo quick. He was at the last job.

  I put my phone in my pocket and took out my keys.

  I got on my motorcycle, started it, and took off in the direction of the luxury cabins. I knew which marker road it was. I should’ve stopped in to see her last night. I thought it would be better to wait. I didn’t want to rush it. When she called I knew she needed me. I would’ve come for her regardless. I saw the marker and turned onto the private road. If Scott was with her it would be what it was. Sage was with me. It was fine if she needed me to remind her through Scott’s pain and suffering. I would do whatever works. I pulled up to the cabin and the truck wasn’t there. If he took her somewhere I’ll kill him.

  I saw the curtain move.

  She was there but he better not be.

  I cut off the engine and got off my motorcycle.

  I headed to the cabin.

  Like I said it would be what it was.

  CHAPTER SIX

  SAGE

  I’m glad Scott was gone.

  I was between a rock and a real hard place.

  The twenty thousand left wouldn’t get me far.

  Yeah my love for Billy hurts deep sometimes.

  I heard a knock at the door.

  It was a lodge attendant. She came quick. I picked up the money and tossed it in my shoulder bag. I took a deep breath, put a smile on my face, and then opened the door. She came in with fresh linens and bedding that smelled like morning sunshine and crisp fresh air. She made the bed fast, left extra linens, and then refused my tip. She said gratuity was included.

  I locked the door behind her.

  I had time to think.

  I took the banded stack of money out my bag.

  I should give it to Ramsey for hi
s trouble.

  I tossed the money in a chair.

  It bounced and landed on the floor. I left it there. It wasn’t like it would go anywhere. I washed my hands and then put the little tea kettle on the cast iron plate. I loved this cabin. I bit my lip. I thought about Ramsey. He looked good in the fitted thermal shirt and dark denims.

  His jet black hair was longer.

  It curled around his collar.

  I wanted to grab fistfuls of it.

  He could fuck me against his motorcycle.

  I felt the familiar tingle between my legs.

  I thought about the almost kiss.

  His lips were still sexy.

  His scent was familiar.

  I loved that sandalwood and earthy spice.

  I felt the heat in the snug part of my jeans.

  I closed my eyes and remembered how he did it.

  My panties were wet at the thought of him.

  I had to touch myself.

  I couldn’t help it.

  I unbuttoned my jeans and yanked them down.

  My nipples hardened.

  I took off my clothes and sat down in the chair

  I spread my legs and touched my swollen clit.

  I caressed it. I felt the heat. It didn’t feel like Ramsey. I wanted him. I increased the pace. I needed him. I was frantic to come.

  My thighs were wet.

  I felt it.

  The sensation grew.

  I had to rub harder.

  I was about to.

  I needed it.

  I heard the sound.

  My eyes flew open.

  I sat up as the sound grew louder.

  I went to the curtain and peeked out.

  Ramsey parked and got off his motorcycle.

  Damn it! I picked up my clothes.

  I heard the knock on the door.

  I threw the clothes on the chair.

  I grabbed a sheet and tucked it around me.

  He knocked harder.

  I unlocked the door but kept it cracked.

  “Let me in.” His voice was edged with anger.

  “I can’t.” I said. “Did something happen?”

  “Open the door.” His eyes locked on mine.

  I stepped behind the door and opened it wide.

  Ramsey came inside.

  I’m sure he noticed I didn’t have on clothes.

  He ignored me and went in the bathroom.

  The kettle whistled. I set it aside.

  Ramsey walked over to me. “Where is he?”

  “Who?” I gathered the sheet tighter.

  He glared at me.

  Oh now I get it. “Scott isn’t here.”

  Ramsey came for me.

  I stood my ground.

  “I can smell you.” He growled.