by A. V. Asher
“How do you know?”
He didn’t. This was purely a hunch. But he had to sell it to Adam. “Because I know Sadie. She had safeguards hidden everywhere, and I found one.”
“You don’t know shit about her, but cool. Send me what you have. I’ll look it over and see if it’s what we need.”
Fuck you, motherfucker.
Jason’s jaw clenched tight, his words strained. “I know what I’m doing.”
“Sure you do,” Adam sighed. “If this is what we’ve been waiting for, the boss will be thrilled as fuck. But if not . . .” The unspoken threat registered loud and clear.
Jason’s heart raced. “It is. Get ready. We’ll want to move as soon as possible.”
“It’ll be you and me,” Adam said. “I’m not bringing the others in until I know it’s her.”
“We’ll need more than the two of us. If we fuck up, I don’t think I can get us another shot.”
“Then don’t fuck up.”
The phone beeped in his ear. Adam had hung up. Jason slammed the phone on the table. He allowed a moment for the rage to course through him. Then, he moved the inbox to the side and started his research.
He needed to be ready.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Alec wrapped his palms around his teacup, letting the warmth soothe the nerves needling through his fingers. It had been three days since he and Mercedes had moved to the river house.
Three days without the air he needed to breathe.
He was so fucking lost in love with her.
Every hour since that night tore at his resolve to keep it to himself. She’d become his everything and his kryptonite all at once.
Alec had almost told her earlier this morning. She’d looked so damn beautiful, curled up on the window seat in the sunroom, the light pulling a touch of auburn from her hair. A smile of contentment played on her lips. Knowing he had finally given her an ounce of peace was enough to make him hold his tongue.
Why should he put either of them through the heartache? Mercedes was going to leave anyway. She hadn’t verbalized her decision, but the dread in his gut told him it was coming.
So the truth had been silenced once again.
A gentle gust swept through the house, the notes of a violin spiraling along with it. In the afternoon, Mercedes liked to take it out to the riverbank to play. Alec wasn’t versed enough in classical music to know what pieces sang out from the instrument. He only knew the way it relaxed her shoulders, easing the tension she’d had since he’d first seen her in the coffee shop.
There was little doubt she was putting some distance between the two of them. The night they shared was a topic neither of them was willing to dive into. But the energy that arced between them was still there, sizzling below the surface. They ignored it, choosing instead to adopt the appearance of friendly flatmates.
Alec shot a glance out the window to where she was pacing circles in the grass. The violin was at her chin, her brow furrowed in concentration. Clearly, she was working something out, and it was frustrating her. He smiled, loving the way she scrunched up her face when she was deep in thought.
That was until she sucked in her lower lip.
Memories assaulted his senses.
His entire body clenched in unexpected arousal.
The smell of her hair. The feel of her body under his. How she cried his name as he lost himself inside her.
Bloody fucking hell.
Alec knew he was a stupid man.
A week ago, he’d thought—like an idiot—that maybe if he slept with Mercedes, it would make it easier. That somehow, it would shatter the mysterious allure surrounding her. Then he’d be able to go about his life with that crazed hunger for her satisfied.
He’d never been so wrong in his whole fucking life.
Mercedes was consuming him.
Nighttime was the worst. More than once, Alec had paused at the bottom of the steps, wondering what she’d do if he climbed them and knocked on her door.
“You doing alright?” Her voice broke through his spinning thoughts.
Mercedes was standing in the open doorway, the neck of the violin held in her grasp. When he didn’t answer, she tilted her head and frowned. “Alec?”
He cleared his throat. “Aye, I’m good. Just thinking about work.”
Did he really say that?
Mercedes seemed to accept his answer. She gestured to a file folder sitting in front of him. “Is that for work?”
Alec slid it across the counter to her. “Take a look. Actually, I wouldn’t mind your opinion on it.”
Mercedes smiled and flipped the folder open. “A property report for this house?” Her eyes shot to him. “I was only kidding the other day. I didn’t think you’d seriously consider buying it.”
“Maybe. It’s a beautiful place. I’d like it to be closer to London, but some clients wouldn’t mind being out here. Especially if they’re trying to get away.”
She thumbed through the documents. “Would Declan want it to be that far?”
“I might make it a personal investment. That way, I use it whenever I want and rent it to the company if needed.”
Mercedes scanned the papers. “I don’t see anything in here that would be a red flag. You’ll want a full title search, of course. They also gave you the numbers for the vacation rental for the last few years, so I can calculate the cap rate and analyze the market to make sure it’s a steady investment.” She flipped to the next page.
Alec bit back a smile. One second, she was playing some crazy Mozart piece; the next, she was talking about cap rates and market analysis.
Mercedes looked up and caught his gaze. Alec held it, his blood thrumming as her soft mouth turned up into a smile. She let out an exhale, sweeping her eyes away, a faint blush staining her cheeks. Standing up, she closed the file.
“I, um, should get ready to go.” She brushed past him on her way to her room. The scent of coconut lingered as a reminder.
Christ.
That look was meant only for him. He could feel it. His throat tightened. He had to do something.
The danger of her situation hadn’t passed, but it was time for them to work things out. He had to give her a chance to explain why she hadn’t waited for him. Maybe it was wrong to want a woman who’d stomped on his heart, but he was tired of pretending she wasn’t otherwise the most perfect woman he could imagine.
Tonight, I’ll say something.
The Kennisons had invited Mercedes to play with the family at tonight’s fireside. After they returned, he’d lay it all on the line. Ask for answers, willing himself to listen without judgement.
Did the past even matter anymore?
The fire crackled and popped, the air tinged with woodsmoke. The handful of guests were cuddled together under blankets to keep out the cool breeze. Rain clouds threatened, but the fire made the night comfortable.
Alec sat alone, undisturbed by the chill in the air. His attention was on Mercedes. Her eyes sparkled with the magic of playing for others. She was grinning at something the youngest Kennison said. When Gavin began his tale of the selkie girl, Mercedes accompanied the story with her music.
A sudden prickling at the back of Alec’s neck made him pause.
Someone was watching him.
What the fuck?
Out of his peripherals, he spotted the figure. Darkness shrouded him, but he was definitely a man, solidly built. The man wasn’t interested in storytelling. He was watching them. Both of them.
Alec’s pulse rose as he leaned forward, finding the hilt of his gun. He held steady, muscles tense with anticipation.
The figure stepped forward, his stance casual. The firelight illuminated his face, and the dancing blue eyes, so much like his own, came into view.
Breathing out in relief, Alec shook his head.
Declan sent him a crooked smile, clearly amused with himself.
A deep uneasiness settled in Alec’s stomach. What the hell is he doing here?
/>
Alec got to his feet, asking the pardon of the other guests as he made his way to join his cousin. They stood together, shoulder to shoulder, watching the show in front of them.
“Look at her,” Declan murmured. “Like nothing ever happened.”
Alec frowned. “Almost, but not quite.”
“How are things working out with you two? Any progress?”
“Not enough.”
Declan was quiet for a moment. Then he sighed. “You’re a moron, you know that?”
“Aye, I know,” Alec grumbled.
“Whoa, listen to that,” an enthusiastic voice said from behind. He turned to find Shake, his big brown eyes bright as he took in the scene. “She’s something, huh?”
Alec patted his shoulder and looked around them. “Where’s Cress?”
Shake’s gaze jumped to Declan, then he rolled his eyes and looked away.
Alec gave Declan a dark stare. Declan grimaced. “She drove her own car.”
Annoyance flashed in Alec. “You were supposed to stay with her. Keep her safe, remember?”
“She is safe.” Declan had the nerve to sound offended. “Mason’s with her. They were right behind us.”
Alec decided it was better to drop it for now. He probably didn’t want to know what happened anyway.
“You came a long way. Must be important since you didn’t call.”
“Aye.” Declan’s face was grim, and he turned his gaze once again toward Mercedes, who was playing the final chord. “It’s a game-changer, mate.”
Ice formed in Alec’s gut. Even Shake’s usually playful eyes were somber.
The storytellers paused for a quick break. Mercedes, having caught sight of the new arrivals, came bounding up, her eyes shining.
“I thought that was you!” she exclaimed.
Declan grinned and enveloped her in a hug. “Hey lass, damn good to see you.”
“You too. Now, why are you here?” Mercedes studied Declan’s face. The same apprehension in her eyes was churning through Alec’s veins.
Declan’s smile faltered, and he seemed to be doing his best to keep casual. “I missed this git so much I had to drive all the way here.”
“Uh-huh.” Mercedes’s lips quirked up in disbelief. She gave Shake a quick kiss on the cheek. “Makes sense to drive for hours just to say hello.”
Alec cleared his throat. “Dec and I are going to take a little walk. Shake will be here if you need anything.”
Mercedes’s eyes shot to his, and she opened her mouth as if to protest, but Alec stopped her. “It’ll be quick. Trust me.”
She pursed her lips. “Alright, then. Come on, Shake, let’s get you a seat.”
Alec turned and headed up the path to the walled garden. Declan fell into step with him, not saying anything until they found a secluded corner.
Alec sat on the stone bench and looked to his cousin. “Okay, what did you find?”
“It’s what we feared. Sadie was the mark.”
“Her work?”
“Aye.”
Alec closed his eyes. He’d known it. Men like Jason didn’t use corporate attorneys as a cover for their crimes. But the confirmation of it burned through him.
“There’s a wee bit more,” Declan said.
Alec waited.
“You were part of the collateral damage.”
Alec’s heart shuddered to a stop. “Me?”
Twenty minutes later, Alec was rooted in his seat. When Declan had said it was a game-changer, he wasn’t exaggerating. Every single thing they thought they knew had been spun on its head.
Everything had been a lie.
He folded his hands against his forehead and tried to focus his breathing to slow his racing heart. Declan was silent, watching him, a powder keg ready to spark.
“You’ve verified it?” Alec said, his voice thick with rage.
“Aye, Cress has all of it.”
Alec stood, his limbs heavy. “We should get back before she worries.”
“You alright?”
“No.” The tightness in Alec’s throat made it come out as a growl. “Fuck them.”
“Aye.”
“Christ, Dec. Just this morning, I watched her, thinking how at peace she was here. How ready she was to move on with her life.” His gaze met Declan’s, and he shook his head. “That’s not going to happen, is it? There is no normal life for her.”
The reality of her situation was becoming frighteningly clear.
“That fucking bastard is going to destroy her world again.”
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Relief washed over Mercedes when Alec and Declan walked out of the shadows. That was until she caught the look on Alec’s face. The expression in his eyes was that of someone who had learned a beloved family member had died.
It terrified her.
When the last tale had been told, Mercedes rushed to put her violin in its case. Her hands shook as she secured the bow under its clip. By the time she returned to him, Alec was alone, his expression stoic as he stared at the ground.
He stood as she approached, giving her a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Ready?” he said.
“I am. Where are the others? I thought I saw Mason and Cress. Are they here too?”
“Aye, they are. I gave them the keys to the cottage. They had a few things to set up.”
Neither of them moved. Mercedes searched his face. “It’s that bad, huh?”
Alec looked away, his jaw clenched tight. Anger and pain were fighting for dominance on his features. His blue eyes were hard when he returned his gaze to her.
“Aye,” he said gruffly. “We should go.”
The drive back to the cottage was quiet, Mercedes’s mind spiraling. Since finding out Jason wasn’t who he said he was, her thoughts had made up all sorts of scenarios he could be involved in. It turned her stomach to think he might have been trafficking children or running drugs while he slept next to her each night. That he might have used her to cover his crimes.
Alec pulled the car into the drive at the river house, parking next to two other cars. Mercedes got out and walked to the door.
“Sadie, wait.” Alec took her hand, and she looked up at him in surprise. In the dim light, she could see his pained expression. “No matter what happens, I’m going to be here. Whatever you need.” He paused, the next part coming out strained. “And I would have been there for you before . . . if I had known.”
Mercedes frowned up at him. “I don’t understand.”
“You will. Just remember, okay?” He pushed the door open.
She shivered. “Okay.”
Mercedes wasn’t sure what she expected, but the chorus of greetings that came when they entered was a surprise.
“Hey, beautiful lady,” Cressida said, wrapping her in a warm hug. Taking a step back, she looked Mercedes over. “Jesus, look at you. You look amazing!”
“Well, the last time you saw me set the bar pretty low.”
Cressida snickered. “You have a point.”
Mason was the last to greet her, handing her a glass of whisky as he released her from his embrace. “You’ll want this.”
“Doctor’s orders?” she said, taking the crystal glass in her hand.
“Something like that.” Mason flashed a smile at her. “It may not make things better, but it’ll take a little of the sting away.”
She clinked her glass on his and walked to the loveseat. Alec had taken up a spot on one of the other sofas.
“Alright. Let’s do this. Who wants to start?” She strummed her fingers along the indentions of the crystal glass.
Declan cleared his throat. “We want to confirm a few things first if that’s okay. I have a few questions that might be a little uncomfortable.”
Mercedes nodded. At this point, she didn’t think she had many secrets from these people. Nevertheless, the next words from his mouth couldn’t have surprised her more.
“After Luke and Charlotte’s wedding, you and Alec carried on a lo
ng-distance relationship. Is that right?”
“What? What does that have to do with anything?”
“Bear with me, lass.” Declan looked like this was the last thing he wanted to be discussing. “The two of you were talking a few times a day? There was talk of him coming to the States for a visit?”
“Yeah.” Her pulse rang in her ears.
“Can you tell me what ended things between you?”
A flush crept up her face, and she shot a glance at Alec. His gaze was boring into the glass in his hand. He obviously didn’t like these questions either.
Mercedes hedged. “I don’t know how this matters.”
“Lass, we all have a good idea what you might say. But I want to hear your side of things.”
She took a large, burning swallow of her whisky. Mason was wrong. It wasn’t doing anything for the sting.
“He stopped returning my calls. My texts went unanswered for a week or two. Eventually, I took the hint and stopped trying.” She shrugged. “I figured the long-distance got to be too much.”
Declan’s head bobbed in confirmation. “Do you remember the last time you talked to him?”
“Um, yeah. It was the morning of my birthday. I was going to go to dinner with my sister and Luke, so I told him I’d try to call him when I got home that night.”
“And did you?”
“I did. He didn’t answer, so I left a message. I figured he was sleeping. It would have been around five in the morning for him. He always called when he got up.”
“But he didn’t call back?”
She shrugged. “I never heard from him again.”
“And you didn’t block his number or make any changes to yours?”
Mercedes frowned. “No.”
Declan looked at Alec like he was asking for permission. Alec gave a single nod, his body tense.
Declan grimaced in a silent apology. “So, you didn’t fall for another man and break it off with Alec?”
Her mouth dropped open. “What? No! What the hell’s going on?”
Alec abruptly got up from his seat and paced into the kitchen, his body tense and angry.