Avenging Kiss (Savage Security Book 2)

by Karen Tjebben

  Cole looked at Alisha and asked, “So, did you miss this guy?” He tossed a thumb in Mike’s direction.

  Alisha looked lovingly into Mike’s green eyes. “You know I did,” she replied confidently. She leaned in and gave Mike another kiss. “But Forrest kept me company.” Her little Yorkshire terrier played an important part in her healing process.

  Mike had been nervous the whole time he’d been away. It was the first time since her attack that she’d been alone for a night. He loved being her rock, but he was thankful that she’d healed enough to handle being alone. “I think I missed her more than she missed me.”

  There was no way that was true. Alisha had been scared. Each sound in the house creeped her out. She’d kept Forrest with her at all times, even though she knew he was a useless guardian. But she’d recognized the value of making it through the nights without Mike’s protection. That tiny step showed the progress she was making in her healing process. She was proud of herself for working through the trauma and getting back to her regular self.

  Alisha stood from Mike’s lap and slid her palms down her thighs, readjusting her skirt. She placed her hand on Mike’s shoulder and said, “I’ll be right back.” Leaning in, she kissed his cheek and then straightened. Grabbing her wristlet, she headed towards the bathroom.

  Jack waited until Alisha was out of earshot and asked, “So, who had it worse? You or her?”

  Mike’s shoulders rose as he harrumphed. “Not sure.” He looked across the crowded bar and watched Alisha open the restroom door and disappear through the doorway. Those few days had been tough on him. He knew she was safe, but he still dreamt about finding her covered in blood. “We talked each night. She put on a brave front, but I could hear the waver in her voice.”

  Jack nodded. “Guess that’s to be expected.” He could still imagine her lifeless body in the hallway as he hunched over the pervert that had abducted her. He was glad the bastard was dead. She didn’t need the hassle of a trial or fear his return. “She looks good.”

  “She’s working with a therapist,” Mike said. “She’s coming to terms with everything.”

  “That’s good,” Cole said. He took a swig of his beer and watched as Julia Romero took orders at a nearby table. The sexy Mrs. Claus costume was killing him. He thought she looked good in a t-shirt and shorts, but the red bustier pushed up her breasts and then tapered at the waist, showing off her curves. The short red skirt edged with white fur hit her mid-thigh, and sexy black boots finished off the ensemble. This may be his favorite Christmas yet.

  Jack wasn’t sure how much he wanted to tease his boss about his obsession with Julia. However, he wondered if he should point out to Cole the similarity between his own feelings for Bella, whom Cole had declared off limits, and how Cole felt about Julia, whom Mike had declared off limits.

  Jack disagreed with Mike’s stance regarding Julia. Cole was a good man, and she’d be lucky to get him. But Mike carried guilt for his sister’s death, and it haunted him that Julia had suffered also when Amy was murdered. Jack figured that if Mike really wanted to help Julia, he’d encourage the relationship between Julia and Cole instead of thwarting it. Besides, it was only a matter of time until Cole went around Mike and pursued Julia anyway. Perhaps if Cole realized how similar their situations were, he’d give the go ahead for Jack to pursue Bella.

  Jack fought back a laugh as he watched Cole eyeing Julia. Cole was usually better at observing people without being so obvious, but at this moment, Cole couldn’t keep his eyes off of her. “Hey, Cole,” Jack began, “what are you asking Santa for this year?” He laughed and made an obvious glance at Julia.

  “Patience,” Cole replied deadpan. He and Mike were going to have a talk. He’d made a decision, and he wasn’t going to let Mike get in the way. Cole’s lips curved into a smile as Julia turned towards their table. She caught his gaze and returned his smile. He’d chosen this restaurant for a reason, and he was looking at her right now.

  Julia stopped beside Jack and rested a hand on his shoulder. “Hey, Jack. What can I get you to drink?” she asked, her voice light and bubbly. She darted a quick glance around the table and then focused on Jack again.

  “Whatever’s on tap,” Jack replied. “I’m easy.” He gave a casual shrug of his shoulders.

  Julia laughed and her cheeks flushed pink. “I already know that. Mike’s told me tales about you,” she teased, biting her lip. “But I couldn’t help but notice that it’s been a while since you’ve left here with a lady.”

  Cole’s eyebrows scrunched together as he crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back in his chair. His jaw ticked as he surveyed Julia’s interaction with Jack. Was she flirting with Jack? Why the hell was Mike talking to Julia about Jack? And she’d touched Jack’s shoulder and gave him that sweet laugh. She never touched Cole’s shoulder. She certainly never giggled for him. Cole hadn’t seen this coming. He’d thought his biggest obstacle in his way was Mike, not Julia’s feelings for another man.

  Jack turned a little in his seat, resting his elbow on the edge of the table. He couldn’t help but smile as he did an obvious head-to-toe appraisal of Julia in her Mrs. Claus costume. “I’m flattered that a beautiful lady like you would notice my comings and goings,” he flirted back, lacing his voice with all the charm that in the past had ladies dropping their panties for him. He could feel the heat from Cole’s glare burning into him, and he loved every minute of it. He was going to have some fun with this. “Tell me, does Mrs. Claus have anyone in mind for me? A special someone I could cuddle by the tree?”

  Julia laughed again and felt her face flush a deeper shade of red. She couldn’t help herself. She stretched out her hand and rubbed Jack’s arm, gently squeezing his bicep. It was really hard for her to keep her hands off of him. He was so easy going and fun, and his arms were just so well-defined. Those bulging muscles called to her, begging for her attention like a puppy begging for a treat. At least that was what she told herself. She hoped she didn’t look like a pathetic puppy begging for scraps of his attention.

  “I’d never interfere in your relationships,” she replied, tilting her head a little and giving him another smile. “But I’m sure you could find someone here who would love to spend time with you.” She wanted to rub his arm again, feel the hard curve of his bicep, but that would look desperate and be way too obvious. And this group of guys tended to notice everything. And she’d probably already pushed her luck, so instead she gripped her pen and order pad more firmly.

  Cole couldn’t believe his eyes. Julia was flat-out flirting with Jack. No holds barred. He’d never seen her be so obvious in her flirtation with any man. Nausea churned his gut.

  “I’ll get right on that for you,” Julia said, and then bit her lip and blushed. She hadn’t meant it to sound so provocative. “The beer,” she rattled, quickly tapping the pen against the order pad. Then, with a deep intake of air, she got out of there as fast as she could.

  Jack leaned forward and rested his arms on the table. He stared at Cole and couldn’t help but smile as he raised an eyebrow. “She’s gonna get right on that for me.” He couldn’t help the low laugh that rumbled through his chest. Taunting Cole was very satisfying.

  Mike chuckled and took another drink of his beer. He knew Julia well. Better than the guys at the table, and she was usually pretty conservative. That outfit was the sexiest thing he’d ever seen her in, and after the nightmare she’d been through with his sister, she didn’t throw herself at men. She was painfully aware of the monster that lurked inside some men. Apparently she felt safe with his friends, and it appeared that tonight was going to be one to remember, but he still wished he was at home in bed with Alisha.

  Cole wasn’t sure what to say or think. He clenched his teeth as he collected his thoughts. “What was that?” was the best he could do. Then he turned his eyes onto Mike in accusation.

  Mike held his hands up and said, “Hey, don’t point your anger my way. This is news to me too.”

&nb
sp; Jack looked over his shoulder and caught a glimpse of Julia as she set drinks on her serving tray, then he leaned in and said, “I think that costume has given our Julia a little too much Christmas cheer. Looks like she’s aiming to be a naughty, little elf.”

  Cole scrubbed a hand over his well-trimmed beard as he reined in his frustration. “First, she’s not our anything. Second, don’t play with her heart.”

  Jack tilted his head to the side as if he were pondering the meaning of life. “Can I play with her other parts?”

  Cole wanted to leap across the table and slam Jack’s smart ass smile against the table. Apparently Jack realized that too because he leaned back in his chair and put a little more distance between them.

  Mike did his best not to laugh or get involved. They could hash this out for themselves.

  Jack held his hands up and said, “Don’t worry, Cole. I won’t touch her. But I can’t be held responsible for when she touches me.”

  Cole shifted in his seat. “Yeah? You’re just being an ass. I’m not worried. We both know that you’re not interested in her.” He leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. Besides, he knew there was no way Jack would make a move on another man’s target.

  Jack nodded in confirmation. He realized that Cole must be pretty pissed if that was the best he could do. “Well, it may be true that I’ve been somewhat interested in a different lady, but I’ve been told she’s off limits. So?” Jack shrugged his shoulders, still baiting Cole.

  “That one’s off limits too. Don’t forget, I’m your boss. It would be a mistake to piss me off,” Cole barked. “Or you’ll get all the shit jobs.” His Christmas cheer had stormed away, and now he was left with a heart two sizes too small. He really needed another drink. This time maybe something stronger than a beer.

  Jack held his hands out, palms up in mock exasperation. “I’m already saddled with Mike. What more can you do to me?” Jack couldn’t help but smirk. The night was turning out to be better than he’d hoped, and Bella hadn’t even arrived yet.

  Jack watched as Julia headed for their table with his beer. As much fun as it was to annoy Cole, he wouldn’t lead Julia on. That would blow up in his face and make him a huge prick.

  3

  The moment Jack had been waiting for finally arrived when the restaurant door opened and in walked Bella. Jack took her in. Her petite form was sheathed in a red dress that hugged her in all the right places. The plunging neckline accentuated her firm breasts and the skirt cradled her ass. He’d never seen her wear anything like that to work.

  Bella’s smile radiated joy, and her eyes sparkled with happiness. Her long black hair with the pink tips fell beautifully over her shoulders. She was Jack’s weakness. He wasn’t sure which part of her called to him more. Her sweet personality that brightened every day at Savage Security, or her fantasy worthy, smoking hot body. Those two traits combined made her the most desirable woman he’d ever known. From the moment they’d met, he’d recognized the sincerity and kindness in her eyes. In his line of work, he didn’t see much of that. He dealt with the dregs of society, and when he’d met Bella, he realized that she was the antidote to the cynicism that orbited him. And now as he took her in, he knew that he either needed to get over her or claim her as his own.

  Bella looked over her shoulder and reached back with one hand. Behind her, a man reached out and locked hands with her. She smiled at him as he stepped beside her. Jack’s brows pulled together as the man’s body brushed against hers. Jack’s blood turned molten. He stared at them as they made their way towards the Christmas tree to drop off the toy she carried.

  Cole couldn’t have been happier as he watched Jack’s reaction to Bella’s friend. If he’d realized Bella would show up with a man, he would have taken out his phone to record the look on Jack’s face.

  The air around Jack thinned. He struggled to catch his breath. It felt like he’d been sucker punched by a gorilla.

  Bella looked happy. With a man.

  Jack shook his head in shock and finally remembered to breathe. “Who the hell is that?” Jack sneered. Irritation laced his words. His night had gone from promising to miserable in the period of a heartbeat. With each step the man took, Jack studied the intruder. The man’s short cropped blond hair stood in a messy, spikey jumble on top with the sides cut short. A short-trimmed beard and mustache completed his look. His clothes fit him well, the style current and fashionable. He looked like he’d stepped out of a magazine photoshoot after being prepped and perfected by professionals.

  This male version of a fashionista’s relationship with Bella was not going to continue. Jack would definitely put an end to this man’s dreams of bedding his woman.

  Mike watched the happy couple stroll to the Christmas tree. This was a new development. He hadn’t heard Bella talk about a man. Did Alisha know about this? He’d be sure to ask her.

  Jack tore his eyes from Bella and looked at Cole. “Did you know about this?” He subtly pointed towards Bella and the mystery man on the other side of the room. “Did you know that she was bringing a friend tonight?”

  Cole chuckled low. His shoulders rose and fell as his chuckle strengthened into a laugh. “No, but I think the night just got a hell of a lot better.” At least Cole suddenly felt much better. It was clear from Jack’s reaction that he didn’t need to worry about Julia. Jack’s OCD was about to be unleashed on the stranger who’d dared to put the moves on Bella. He knew it was going to kill Jack to watch her with a man tonight, especially one that may go home with her. He almost started to feel sorry for him.

  Bella squeezed Eric’s hand. She was thankful that her dry spell was over. It had been a while since she’d been with a man. Sure, she was surrounded by macho, manly-men all day, and her friends were jealous that she worked in the midst of all that sexy testosterone, but they didn’t know the downside.

  She was surrounded by all that testosterone.

  The men she worked with were intense. Not the ‘their favorite team is playing their rival so they turn into madmen for a few hours’. No, everything about her coworkers was hardcore. They took everything seriously, and even their presence could be intimidating. Sometimes she felt as if she worked in a pressure cooker. She figured the men were probably sitting in the restaurant right now assessing threats, probably had been since they’d entered and probably would until they left. They never let their guard down.

  She’d never been in the military. She’d never been responsible for lives. She was an office manager. She organized meetings, took calls from perspective clients, and took care of the mundane details of work. When she’d worked for the accounting firm, the worst thing she could do was spend too much money on paperclips or sticky-notes. But at Savage Security, the costs of a mistake were so much greater. Although she didn’t know the details of their jobs, she still felt like her job performance could impact their lives, and that made her nervous. She couldn’t shake the fact that their jobs were dangerous. They’d done and seen things that would make average people huddle in a corner and cry.

  Whenever Bella thought about what happened to Alisha, she felt a tsunami of guilt. The men had wanted to guard Alisha, bring her to Savage Security to protect her, but Bella had discouraged them. She’d reminded them of the downside to kidnapping a woman, even if it was for the woman’s own safety. It had sounded so logical at the time. But when Bella learned about Alisha’s attack, guilt overwhelmed her. She never should have thrown her opinion into the mix when she didn’t have a clue about the dangers they faced.

  Eric leaned in close and breathed Bella in. “You look beautiful,” he whispered in her ear, letting his lips brush against her soft skin. Her perfume teased him. He wanted to slide his hands over her body and bury his face in her silky hair.

  Bella giggled. The warmth of his breath on her neck sent goose bumps trailing over her skin. She’d missed this, the warmth of a man against her. She turned to face him and gazed into his eyes. The swirling flecks of green and b
lue captivated her. “You said that already. But I’m glad you like what you see.” She knew she liked what she saw.

  Eric took the present from Bella’s hand. “Allow me.” He knelt and placed the gift under the tree beside the “Toys for Tots” box. He craned his head upwards and looked at her legs. He wanted to brush his fingers against the silky skin that was only inches from his face. He wanted to caress the gentle shape of her calves as he moved his hands higher, inching up her thigh. He wanted to feel those legs wrap around him and pull him close. He hoped that tonight would be the night they took their relationship to the next level.

  Jack narrowed his eyes as he watched the man’s gaze slowly slide up Bella’s body. He knew what the man was thinking. He’d thought those very same thoughts. Only this man was an intruder, and Jack didn’t take kindly to intruders. He was about to get all up in that man’s business.

  Alisha shot a smile to Mike as she joined the men at the table again. This time, instead of sitting on Mike’s lap, she slid onto the chair beside Mike. “Sorry that took me so long. I ran into a friend from work.” She gazed at Jack and Cole. Their attention was obviously captured elsewhere. Alisha noted the grumpy face on Jack, which wasn’t a natural look for him. He was usually more relaxed. “Jack, what’s wrong?” Alisha asked, her voice tinged with worry. She’d clearly missed something while she was gone.

  Jack darted his eyes to Alisha and said, “Nothing. Just thinking about everything I’m thankful for at this holiday season.” Did Alisha know anything about this man.

  Cole laughed, raising his beer in a toast. “Merry Christmas,” he said. “Life is good.”

  Jack raised an eyebrow at Cole. “If one thing is off the table, then the other, more available thing becomes pretty damn awesome.” There was no reason he shouldn’t let Cole think that he wouldn’t go for Julia. If he was going to sweat, Cole should too.