Keeping You: KJ Elite Inc.

by Kracek, L. K.

  KEEPING YOU

  K.J. Elite Inc.

  Book 2

  L.K. KRACEK

  For my mother.

  I’m lost without you guiding me.

  I miss you every day but know you’re here.

  For my boys, always.

  To Natalie, for never having too much to do that you can’t slap me back on track.

  To those of you who make it all worth it.

  ∞

  Preface

  Laying night after night with faceless women was getting old. All of them were starting to blend together. Settling down had never even crossed my mind. Enjoying myself was never dull, though it was unfulfilling. The idea of actually being able to love, to be loved…that possibility was sprouting at the base of my mind and I couldn’t shake it. Not that I was looking to. Even the women inebriated had second thoughts after really seeing me, and it had nothing to do with my dick.

  In the last six months, I hadn’t woken up next to some Jody, Jane or Sally. No, I was stuck in Betty – our command center – watching over our families and tracking down Dillon. Six months searching for the guy who was like a brother ever since we were all pre-teens; searching tirelessly for Jamie who we could only assume he had kidnapped. Jamie was a drop dead gorgeous model, Taylor’s roommate and only chick best friend. Disregarding our line of work, we had an obligation to rescue her solely because she was an extended part of our family. There wasn’t a moment spent thinking of anything other than her in what little spare time I did have. Her flawless chocolate skin was more of a brown sugar or dark caramel; one I had been dreaming of tasting - to see if it was as sweet as it looked.

  The secure line I was sitting beside rang, jarring me. I picked it up to hear my oldest brother, Mike, running and talking to someone beside him.

  “Noah.” I answered.

  “Round em’ up. Candace and I got some intel that sounds like our guy. We’re headed that way to verify. Be ready.” He huffed just before hanging up.

  And that was the phone call that led me to her.

  Chapter 1

  Taylor had been here, at home in Devine, Tennessee for about six and a half months. Ever since her dad was attacked and landed himself in a coma up at Brantley Regional - our local hospital. It turns out she had a deranged stalker and coincidentally, he and her father’s attacker were one in the same; more so, it was two separate stalkers. One had been an old boyfriend of Taylor’s, Leif, who was really fucking nuts. He thought that he was protecting her from the puppet master; a man who had been in their very own home since childhood. Dillon Harris had lost his parents when he was 12 and was Charlie, Taylor’s oldest brothers, best friend. Taylor’s parents, Nicholas and Victoria Jameson, had taken him in and raised him; he stuck around after graduating to help out on the farm while working in town as a volunteer firefighter and E.M.T.

  To everyone’s total shock, he was the kind of insane that truly took the cake. He had been stalking Taylor since high school, which he managed to blame on Leif (until he was “put away”) and then through her time in L.A. and New York City. Things became aggressive after a celebrity hit on Taylor and cornered her into meeting with him. Dillon had trashed her place, then managed to fly home and inject Nic with drugs – in the hopes of killing him. Nic pulled through but spent a couple of weeks in a coma which ultimately caused Taylor to come home; she was supposed to be transported to a safe place via a private security firm which just so happened to be…us. KJ Elite Inc. was a firm we had created after Mike and I got out of the military. Mike was the oldest brother. We went in jointly, expanded and put it in all of our names: Mike, me, Tommy, Luke, Charlie, Peyton and even Taylor.

  A week ago, Mike and Candace got a tip that led us to Dillon; he had been on the run and if the tip was right, he wasn’t alone. Leif was kind enough to squeal that Dillon had in fact kidnapped Taylor’s best friend/roommate, Jamie Wright. Jamie was a model with a very colorful past and a face made by the hand of God himself. If the rumors were true, she was completely and totally natural; no plastic or fakes on her body and she never wore makeup if she could help it.

  The night we moved in and captured Dillon, rescuing Jamie, my entire world stopped on its head. Pictures had nothing on the stark, natural beauty that was this woman. Even through the broken psyche and cracked skin, she held hope and fight – that in itself was breathtaking. Jamie was brave and unyielding to Dillon, despite the knife at her throat, when we showed up guns drawn; the moment Matt (Taylor’s agent-recently-turned-publisher slash best friend slash crazy ninja warrior) and Mike restrained him, she fell to her knees and sobbed out her relief – and fear. Mike, Candace, Tommy, Peyton, Charlie, Luke and I were complete strangers who had come to take her. It didn’t matter that we were coming to save her, she didn’t know us, just as she didn’t know Dillon when he kidnapped her. Only when Jamie spotted Matt, did she really know that she was safe. Unfortunately for her, I couldn’t let anyone else touch her and I didn’t know why. The very second I saw her, made eye contact with her, it was as if God had put a spotlight on her. A voice in my head resounded, “MINE!” and I knew she wouldn’t be out of my reach so long as I could help it.

  The time it took for Doc aka Jessica, to check her out in the back bedroom (underground of Betty) was the longest hour of my life. I couldn’t wait any longer and hopped into the elevator cart with Peyton. As the doors opened, Peyton nearly ran head first into Tommy who was leading Taylor and Jamie into the elevator. Taylor reintroduced us to Jamie who had jumped back a foot. Peyton slipped away and I stepped back against the wall, giving them space to enter. If she was going up, so was I.

  Tommy got Jamie settled in while I helped Taylor clean up after supper and pour a few

  drinks.

  “I just can’t imagine what she went through.” Taylor shook her head as a silent tear rolled down her cheek. “All because of me.”

  I leaned over, crowding her space, and wiped the tear away. “This was not your fault. I mean, the last I recall, you didn’t actually ask Dumbass A or Psychotic Shit B to stalk you and then kidnap your best friend…did you?” I squinted my eyes at her with a silly look on my face, effectively making her laugh.

  “Of course not.” She leaned into me for a hug.

  This was our thing; we were close, always had been. Taylor and I flirt, Tommy growls, we laugh, he barks and then it’s over. He resembled a feral dog that way.

  I engulfed her in a bear hug and laid my cheek on top of her head. I could kill Dillon all over again for everything he put Jamie and Taylor through. Hell, even what he did to Nic. But mostly, Jamie. That realization tickled me in a way I didn’t know what to do with.

  “Listen, I know you guys are just getting back together, but I need to ask a favor.” I mumbled into her hair.

  “Anything, No. Anything.” Taylor sighed.

  “Do you think maybe I could hang around for a while? I want to keep an eye on her and make sure everything is alright.” Just saying the words out loud felt like a kick to the gut; I had never admitted that a woman held any power over me – aside from ma. Taylor would know exactly how I felt about Jamie.

  “I was thinking that might be a good idea.” Tommy agreed, from the doorway. He strutted over and pulled Taylor into his own body.

  “Me, too.” Tay agreed.

  “I set you up in the room next to hers. Adjoining bathroom.”

  “Good. Uh…” I wasn’t sure how to ask, after having just asked that big favor.

  “There’s plenty of room for Diesel, too. Taylor made me buy him a fuckin’ bed.” Tommy laughed as he was already leaving the kitchen with Taylor draped across his body.

  “Thanks, brother.” I said in a low tone.

  I heard h
im chuckle in response.

  Not ready to leave her yet, I text Peyton who was rooming with me while he built his house.

  Me: Hey. Gonna be with her tonight, can you feed Diesel and let him out?

  Pey: Yeah, no prob. Bacon and beer good?

  Pey: LOL I’m jk

  Me: If you give my dog beer, you better have a nice bitch for him later or he’ll piss in your shoes. And bacon… sure.

  Pey: Deal.

  I laughed and then headed up to the second floor, making myself comfortable outside of her door; getting down onto the floor was a bit of a struggle for me, even still, but I could do it. It wouldn’t take a genius to figure out she had the door locked and it wouldn’t surprise me if she had a chair pushed up against the knob. More than anything I wanted to be in there, holding her, running my fingers all over that delicate cinnamon skin. Considering how she still shakes when I’m within two feet of her, that probably wouldn’t be happening any time soon.

  That didn’t mean if I thought her nightmares got too much or something sounded off, I wouldn’t break the damn door down. These feelings of possessiveness and the intense need to protect and nurture her are so inexplicable; so fresh and unexpected. There were only three women in this world I would lay my life down for, beyond a shadow of a doubt, with no rhyme or reason – My mother, Taylor and her mother.

  Now to feel that way about Jamie was…electrifying. It felt as if all my molecules were zapped and shaken, then reformed in this new pattern that only matched her. I didn’t need any kind of proof to know that Jamie Wright, somewhere along the way, had ruined me for all other women without even touching me or acknowledging me in any other way than being fearful of my towering presence.

  I was fully awakened by the light sounds of Jamie trying to sneak down the hallway. She was trying her hardest to be silent; the way she tip-toed was actually cute. I thought I had heard her stirring behind the door, but didn’t dare move too quickly when she tried to slide out of the bedroom undetected. Not that sneaking behind her was much better. She whirled around and the look upon her sweet, terrified face made me die just a little more on the inside.

  “Don’t scream. I’m sorry I scared you.” I put my hands out in surrender.

  “I won’t scream.” Jamie said as she shook her head. And I knew she wouldn’t.

  “Can I go with you? I’m starved.” I asked, sliding my hands into the pockets of my jeans. Trying to seem harmless, I gave her my best smoldering look from under my lashes.

  Jamie’s face pulled as she struggled with wanting to smile while wanting to scowl.

  “I don’t know, can you?” She shrugged her bony shoulders and I couldn’t help it. I chuckled before giving her the response she was obviously looking for.

  “May I?”

  She might have been a victim, but she still had a little bite left.

  “It’s a free world.”

  Good for her. She turned away from me and continued on to the back staircase.

  It was smart of her really; every few seconds, she would turn her chin to her shoulder and look back for my position. Pride hit me places I didn’t even know could feel anymore. To give her that sense of security she needed, I remained behind her at a fair five foot distance. Regardless of my selfish need to hold her, I wouldn’t push her. Not yet.

  “Did you get to take a shower?” I sounded like some flustered fucking teenager who couldn’t handle silence.

  “Yes, thank you for asking.”

  I couldn’t help it.

  “You’re very polite for someone who went to hell and back just hours ago.” I picked.

  “I…” Jamie paused, searching for some kind of defense.

  “Sit, please. I’ll get something for us to eat.” I asked, opening and closing cabinets.

  “I would rather do it. Please?” That didn’t surprise me much, honestly. She needed to take back some control. But I couldn’t exactly let a woman who struggled just to stand up straight, cook supper alone.

  “Okay, but do you mind if I help you?” It was weird to feel so…unsure. My demeanor was trained to remain confident and steadfast but inside, I was struggling.

  “Um, I suppose.”

  We stood side-by-side, cooking random bits to make a large collection of everything. As we dirtied any dish, I rinsed it and loaded it all into the dishwasher. Less for Taylor to do tomorrow, no guilt or extra work for Jamie. She ate a little of each thing and as she snubbed it to the side, I’d either wrap it or toss it in a Tupperware. I noticed her noticing me but didn’t point it out.

  Jamie got a glass of water and began back upstairs. I needed a minute to talk myself into staying in the hallway for the rest of the night. Also, I figured she’d appreciate me not shadowing her every step back to the bedroom. When her weightless body touched the top stair, I headed after her only to find her waiting just a foot or so from the stairs.

  Hmm.

  “Are you going to sleep on the floor all night?” She asked me, meekly.

  “Yes.” I answered her, instantly.

  “Doesn’t that hurt?” She winced a bit in sympathy.

  “I’ve slept in much worse.” I remained solid on the outside while the slideshow of shitholes I’d ever visited flew behind my eyes.

  “Me, too.” She whispered. My face felt sour just for the memories she was suffering.

  “Why don’t you go home?”

  “This is my home.” I replied. A stiff nod and then I whispered, “Now” mostly to myself.

  “Well, if you’re going to sleep here why don’t you take the spare room over there?” Jamie motioned towards the room beside hers.

  Eventually, sug. But you’ll be in there with me when that happens.

  “I’d rather be closer to you, not farther. In case you need anything.”

  And so I can hear you try to sneak out of the room. No one comes in, no one goes out – not without me knowing.

  “So you’re taking on the task of bodyguard?” Jamie’s eyebrow lifted, curiously.

  All I could do was shrug my shoulders. I was taking on the task of “If you even fucking look at her sideways I’ll rip your fucking throat out and feed it to my dog”. So, yeah, you could just call me her new bodyguard.

  Jamie nibbled her lip as she thought something over but whatever it was had her shaking. She gave a small jerk of her head and stepped closer to the bedroom door.

  “Can I at least get you a blanket and a pillow?”

  “Only if the pillow is yours, sugar. And I don’t need a blanket.” My head tilted to the side. I should have kept my mouth shut but I couldn’t help it.

  “My pillow?” She furrowed her brows.

  “Yes.”

  Jamie just unlocked the door, retrieved the pillow and a blanket, and brought them to me.

  I gave her my best grin, taking them from her and settling onto the floor against the banister.

  “Thank you, Jamie Wright.” I winked.

  A blush tinted her cheeks and she was gone, swinging the door shut quickly.

  I couldn’t help the throaty chuckle that escaped me when she played with the knob; locking, unlocking, locking and then unlocking it one last time.

  Baby steps.

  She was going to need baby steps.

  Good thing I had all the time in the world; It’s good to own your own, very lucrative, company.

  * * *

  Sleeping was so painless, effortless – peculiarly so. My last conscious thought was of Noah camped just outside; keeping guard over me of his own free will. That and that alone warmed me to the bones as I slid into a slippery slumber. I was awake but hadn’t opened my eyes yet. Noah’s protection seemed to lay over me like a blanket but once I opened my eyes, I could no longer pretend anything. As I rolled to my opposite side, I heard a grunt and every fiber of my being went on high alert. The warmth that I felt over my body was still there but it wasn’t exactly from thoughts.

  Now was when I wished I possessed a more durable weapon than a house shoe.r />
  One, two, three, four…I counted to calm my nerves before I peeked one eye open.

  Oh no.

  This was much worse than a deranged, psycho, kidnapper – it was a dog.

  A very big dog.

  And holy crow he was heavy.

  I tried to move again but he whined and shimmied into me, trying to get closer.

  A small whimper escaped my throat and the door burst open.

  Hand at the small of his back, Noah charged in, ready to pounce. He swept the room with his gaze and then grinned when his eyes landed on me.

  Just as he burst through the door, the animal that had been attempting to crush me to death, had jumped up on all fours and bared his teeth.

  I wasn’t sure who scared me more…the savage dog or the sexy fine man.

  “Heel.” He commanded.

  Noah took a step forward, let go of whatever was behind his back and pointed to the ground.

  The dog’s lips came down but the only move he made was to sit on my legs.

  Great.

  “Diesel, come.”

  I waited, but nothing happened.

  “Seriously, dude?”

  The dog’s head lowered and he laid half-on-top of me, head on his paws.

  “Please get this thing away from me.” I cried, trying to be strong.

  If there was one thing in this whole entire world that scared me more than the dark, small spaces, pimps, kidnappers or belts – it was dogs.

  “Please!” I half shouted, panicking.

  “Calm down.” He soothed me, raising his hands again. “It’s alright. He won’t hurt you.”

  “Just get him.” It was everything in me, not to scream bloody murder.

  “Diesel, she’s scared, look at her.” Following that command, the dog looked back at me with big eyes the same color of my skin; a warm caramel color. His fur was golden with a black on his face and underbelly. I couldn’t deny he was beautiful, but he still scared the tar out of me.