Retribution Boxed Set (Books One and Two)

by Stark, Cindy

  Noah had no idea. “Nice try,” he responded. “No late night date. No hangover this morning. Just a headache.”

  His partner chuckled. “Okay, man. I just wanted to let you know the latest. Still no word on the missing Singleton woman?”

  “I haven’t heard anything new.” He hated lying, even if it was by omission, but he didn’t have a whole lot of choice in the matter.

  “I hope she’s in deep hiding. Apparently, when Castell walked out of the hospital, he said something about finally being able to go after what was his.”

  Sam caught himself before he swore again. “I hope she’s out of his reach, too. More than that, I hope we can nail this bastard before he has a chance to hurt anyone again.”

  Sam had barely finished his coffee and had figured out what he intended to say to Janie when his phone rang again. This time Ryan’s name showed on his screen.

  “What’s up?”

  “Glad I caught you.” Ryan’s southern accent came across the line. “Somebody just kicked up the heat in the case you’re working. Singleton’s attorney, a Ms. Conway has been desperately trying to reach Xander and Nicole since yesterday afternoon. Apparently, the judge in the civil suit against Janie is considering allowing service by publication for the summons and complaint since she can’t be located by phone or at Xander’s address. Xander asked me to keep tabs on his personal phone while they are away, and let me tell you, this woman is adamant. Ten messages within five hours. I would have called you sooner, but I didn’t check his phone until this morning. She said if Singleton doesn’t show, the case will still go forward. And you and I both know it’s in Janie’s best interest to show.”

  He cursed again. “Could this day get any worse?”

  “I don’t know.” His friend paused. “Could it?”

  “Not much.” Sam massaged his temple. “Thanks for letting me know. I may have to rethink my strategy.”

  * * *

  Janie woke late the morning following her kiss with Sam. She’d actually roused several times since sun up, but she couldn’t bring herself to get out of bed and face the day. Luckily, it was Friday, and she wouldn’t have to see Sam until later that evening.

  The allure of a moonlit evening the previous night had stolen her common sense, and, all though she didn’t regret their kiss, it did make things more awkward. She’d only known she wanted to be held in his strong arms and taste his sensual mouth, and forget about the ugliness in her life. Sam had been everything she’d dreamed about, but real life had to follow that kiss. The fact was, they were stuck in the same house together, had to see each other every day, and their kiss seriously complicated things.

  Sam was right. She wasn’t sure she was ready for the feelings and emotions that came along with a new relationship. And would there really be a relationship? She had every intention of leaving town as soon as the whole mess blew over, regardless of whether or not Paul ended up in jail. He’d get out eventually, and he still had plenty of contacts who could make her life hell. Or end it completely. She couldn’t stay in Portland and hide from Paul forever.

  Releasing a groan, she rolled from her bed, straightened the sheets and had the comforter pulled halfway up the mattress when a knock sounded on her door.

  She opened it, surprised to find Sam looking better than morning coffee, sexy in ripped jeans and a tight gray t-shirt. Her appreciation lasted a second before it was replaced by a sliver of fear. “Why are you home?”

  “I’m flexing the extra hours I’ve been working. I’ll be putting in some work time tomorrow, too.”

  With her anxiety quieted, her thoughts jumped back to the attractive man standing before her. Realizing she still wore her pajamas, she crossed her arms in front of her.

  He cleared his throat. “Can I come in?”

  Janie paused for a moment and then moved aside. Everything seemed sexually charged and awkward now. The constant electric attraction running between them made it impossible to relax. It was a relentless push-pull kind of thing that left her nervous, excited and uncertain. No wonder she’d caved to it the previous night. It was difficult to constantly fight such an overwhelming force.

  “Sleep in? Sam walked past her, stopping well inside her personal space. He seemed confident and in control, and she was sure he affected her far more than she did him.

  “Yeah. I had a restless…night.” She might as well have confessed that she’d thought about him into the wee morning hours. “Couldn’t sleep.”

  “Me, either.”

  His admission sent her emotions spinning. She shifted on one hip, trying to appear nonchalant.

  “Paul’s out of the hospital.” His words punched through her false sense of security.

  “Oh…”

  “He appeared before a judge, but he posted bail.”

  “Do judges normally grant bail to dangerous men?”

  “As far as violence goes, he has a clean record. The DA tried to keep him behind bars, but with no priors and jail space tight, that’s hard to do.”

  She tried to ignore the tremors emanating from her gut. “Now what?”

  “They’ll set a court date.”

  She’d known this moment would come, but it still took her by surprise. Her head grew suddenly light, and she grabbed the doorframe to steady herself.

  He reached for her, but he didn’t actually touch. “He’s not going to find you, Janie. I won’t let him hurt you.”

  She met his gaze, wishing she could be as certain as he was. “I know.” She let go of the doorframe and stood straighter, needing to control something. “I wanted this. I wanted to be away from him. I’m not going to say he doesn’t scare me, but I’m determined to be free of him.”

  “Good. Stay strong and stay smart. Men like him are counting on their victims to be weak.”

  “I’m not a victim.” How many times did she have to say that? “I’m more than capable of taking care of myself.” Though she’d done a poor job up until now. Emotion welled from within, and she sunk her teeth into her bottom lip hoping the pain would override her fear and keep her from embarrassing herself further, but it wasn’t helping.

  She’d already painted herself as a pathetic person who allowed others to control her. That’s what people saw when they looked at her. But she was not that person. She’d been looking for the unconditional love that had eluded her for most of her life, and when she’d first met Paul, she’d believed he could have been the person to give it to her. She’d been committed to their relationship, and he hadn’t started out as such a beast. They’d had some good times, before times turned bad. Unfortunately, no one knew this side of things but her.

  “Thanks for letting me know.” She turned away, hoping he’d leave.

  “Hey.”

  She looked at him, trying to smile, but failed.

  Shit. Every bit of what she’d been through during the past weeks reared its ugly head, and she could tell by his expression she wasn’t hiding it very well. The pretense of being strong had been a poorly-built façade.

  This time, when he reached for her, he didn’t hold back. He took her hands and tugged, but she resisted.

  She wanted to fall into his arms, to hide there for a bit, but that would be showing even more weakness. “I’m fine.”

  “You’re not fine. I can see it.” He tilted her chin up, delving into her soul. “It’s okay to be scared, you know. It’s okay to let me help you.”

  “I’m not very good at that.” She hadn’t had much support throughout her life, and then the one person she did trust turned out to be someone she shouldn’t have. She blinked rapidly, feeling herself caving to his persistence despite her will. She slipped her hands from his and headed to the desk where she’d placed her phone. She sat, needing something to steady her, something to help give the impression of control. “I’ll be fine.” She tightened her emotions before looking at him again. Her lips couldn’t produce a smile, but at least she wasn’t crying. “It took me by surprise. That’s all.”<
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  He looked like he wanted to argue, but she’d left him no choice. “If you’re sure…”

  She nodded quickly. She wasn’t sure about anything other than needing space to give her time to regain her equilibrium. Everything about Paul seemed to knock her off balance. But it wouldn’t always. She’d move beyond this.

  A few seconds of silence passed between them. He acted like he wanted to say more. Finally, he sighed and said, “Look, I have to go into the office today for an hour or so. I won’t be gone too long. When I get back I wonder if you’d be opposed to getting out of this house for a while. I think it would be good for you, and God knows I wouldn’t mind blowing off a little steam.”

  Escape was exactly what she needed. “Where would we go?”

  “I don’t know. I’ll think of something. Just dress casually. Good shoes, and I’ll see you in a couple of hours.”

  After Sam left, Janie fought to keep from worrying about the latest turn of events.

  Paul was free. He was back on the streets, and he’d be looking for her. If not because of the information he thought she might have, then definitely because she’d defied him, not to mention, she’d stabbed him. He’d be looking for round two in their fight, and there was no doubt in her mind, only blood would satisfy him.

  That would have to be his problem. Not hers. She firmed her resolve as she headed for her closet to find something appropriate to wear. He might want blood, but he wasn’t getting hers. Not if she had something to say about it.

  She’d told Sam she wasn’t a victim, and she wasn’t. She had brains, and she had options. First chance she got, she’d have Christian take her to the bank, and she’d get the items from her safe deposit box. She’d drain her bank account so she’d have plenty of cash in case she needed to get out of town fast. Then she’d wait to see what happened with the case.

  Waiting for Sam to arrive back home was hell on Janie’s nerves. Christian was still asleep after being out most of the night at his bar, and she hated doing nothing. Idleness gave her fears time to fester, and she wasn’t having any of that. She dragged out ingredients for a flourless chocolate cake they could all eat for dessert that evening.

  Sam walked in just as she pulled it from the oven. She’d tensed when she’d heard the door shut. Probably would every time until Paul was behind bars or until there was enough miles between them. But the security alarm hadn’t sounded, and it only took Sam a few seconds to find her.

  “Something smells good,” he said with a huge smile on his face. She loved that she could bring joy to people through her creations. In return, their reactions brought her happiness as well.

  “Chocolate cake.”

  He walked toward her. Every inch of distance he closed between them increased her pulse. His arm brushed hers as he leaned in and took a great whiff. “Should we eat it now?”

  She laughed. “No. We’re going to have it after dinner.”

  He stood, looking down into her eyes as another shiver raced through her. She didn’t particularly want to feel attracted to him, to any man for that matter, but there it was.

  “We might not get back until late.”

  “Then we’ll have it then.” He was so close, and all she could think about was the taste of his kiss. Would he ever kiss her again, or would he maintain his distance? Right now, there wasn’t much space between them. If she reached out, she was pretty sure he wouldn’t push her away.

  “Fine.” He surprised her by placing a quick peck on her lips. “Give me a second to let Christian know that you’re with me, and I’ll be ready to go.”

  She stood, stunned, but the gentle wings of happiness fluttered inside her.

  A few minutes later, he reappeared. “Let’s go.”

  “Did you decide where we’re going?”

  “For a ride.” He took her hand and led her to the garage, holding the interior door open for her. She headed for the passenger side of the Charger.

  “Uh-uh. Not that kind of ride.” He grabbed her hand again and tugged her past Christian’s Mustang. A sexy-looking black motorcycle sat waiting for them on the other side.

  She raised her brows, and he nodded.

  Chapter Fifteen

  “I’ve never ridden a motorcycle,” Janie said, eyeing the intimidating bike.

  Sam grinned. “You’re going to love it.”

  “Is it safe? She’d heard of many accidents where the drivers hadn’t walked away.

  “Nothing’s ever guaranteed to be perfectly safe. But I’m a good driver, and I promise not to go too fast.”

  She hesitated. The idea sounded thrilling, but she still wasn’t sure.

  “The way I see it, you can own your life and live it the way you see fit, or you can hide scared in the house.” Passion flared in his eyes, and she realized she wanted a taste of that kind of living. Of that kind of freedom.

  “Okay.” A spear of excitement shot through her now that she’d made up her mind.

  Sam grabbed two leather jackets from hooks on the garage wall. He helped her into one, and she was surprised at how well it fit. “I get the feeling I’m not the first lady to take this ride with you.”

  His brows shot up, and he paused for a moment as though trying to remember. “Actually, you are.”

  She raised her own brows in disbelief. “So, I’m to believe you have a lady’s leather jacket hanging in your garage, but you’ve never given a ride to another girl?”

  He laughed then. “That’s Nicole’s jacket. She and Xander take my bike sometimes.”

  An odd feeling rushed through her. She’d thought she’d known Nicole so well, but really, she supposed she hadn’t spent that much time with her since her friend had gotten engaged. Nicole had been riding bikes and hanging out with these gorgeous men who apparently had become like her family, and Janie hadn’t had a clue.

  Sam stepped close to her, rubbing his hands up and down the leather covering her arms. “You’re the first.”

  His statement made something clench inside her. A piece of her she didn’t want reacting to the sexy cop standing before her. She could handle the lustful feelings that kept cropping up inside her every time he was near, because those were shallow and related more to the sensuous curve of his lips and the fire that sparked in his intense brown eyes. But this was something more, and honestly, it terrified her.

  She’d recognized the hole inside her before she’d ever moved to Oregon. She knew that most people had had someone fill, or at least partially fill, that spot with some kind of unconditional love. A mother or father. Boyfriend or girlfriend. Husband or wife. Perhaps her grandma had given her some, but she’d died when Janie was still pretty young, and Janie had spent much of her youth looking for someone else to make her feel whole. Or loved.

  That hadn’t happened. It was a vulnerability of hers. She knew this. Paul had found a way in. Or maybe she’d let him in, even though she’d sworn to herself no one would have access to that spot inside her unless she was absolutely, perfectly sure there was a high possibility that person would truly love her.

  Now, it felt like Sam was knocking on that same door. No, he’d gone past knocking. His charismatic smile and kindness to her had allowed him to crack it open. She swallowed, not sure how to react.

  She opted for a light-hearted laugh. Pushing things back to flirtation seemed much safer. “I guess this ride will be a first for both of us then.”

  He watched her with a discerning eye as though he could read her very thoughts. “It will.” There was no doubt there was a hidden meaning in his words. She just wasn’t sure exactly what he was thinking.

  He handed her a helmet and donned his own. “Let me get the bike outside the garage and shut the door before you get on.”

  The garage door lifted with a mechanical sound, and then Sam walked back to her and the bike. There was something so damn self-assured about him, and she found herself a little jealous. He knew who he was and where he was going. Personal demons wouldn’t dare enter his life. He’d
strike them down without a second thought.

  She could learn something from this man.

  He kept his eyes on her as he straddled the bike, and something about the way he moved made her mouth go dry. Did he know how attractive he was in his leather, climbing aboard a powerful beast? Was this what women of the past felt like when they watched a man mount his horse?

  Her heart raced faster. She blinked and focused on the bike instead of the magnetic man who sat astride it. Apparently, thinking lustful thoughts wasn’t much better than going to that dark place inside her.

  He turned the ignition, and a loud rumble emanated from the tailpipes. She couldn’t help but smile. Something about the sexy beast called to her, and suddenly, she couldn’t wait to get on and go riding, nothing between her and nature.

  He revved it again, and she realized he was watching her reaction. Her grin grew bigger despite the fact that she was trying not to focus on him. “Like that?” he asked over the noise.

  She nodded and stepped closer. She ran a finger over the leather seat, the texture sensitizing her skin. The dash contained many gadgets, and overall, the beast appeared as though it would be hard to handle. “When motorcycles are on the road next to me, they don’t seem so big,” she said. “Up close is a different story. Is it hard to drive?”

  “No.” He searched her face, and she still felt like they were having a secondary, unspoken conversation.

  “Is this one of those Harley bikes? She spotted the logo as soon as she asked the question. “They’re supposed to be the coolest.”

  He laughed. “I guess it’s time to show you exactly how cool it is.” He nodded toward the outside driveway, and she made her way there as he drove the bike out and shut the garage.

  The sun shone over the private neighborhood, giving her glimpses of the upscale homes between the thick trees. Sam revved the engine again, gaining her attention. He gestured with a nod of his head that she should join him.

  “Hop on,” he said, his eyes flashing.

  She looked at the seat, realizing how closely their bodies would be together on this ride. “Now I know why you wanted to take the motorcycle.”