by Sable Hunter
“Have they been together long?” He rose to stand by her at the rail.
“For years, but what difference does it make? They’re gone now.”
“They sound like the kind of people who’ll come back around when they need money. I don’t want you to be in danger.”
“Well, I’m not. They’re gone, three hours away and I’m fine.”
“The next time they come around or you feel scared, you call me.” He wrapped his strong arms around her and pulled her close. “I don’t care where you are or what time it is. You call me, Madison.”
Madison looked up at him. Her eyes were blurry from the tears, but she felt completely safe in that moment, encircled by the protection Micah offered her.
Slowly, Micah leaned down to kiss her, placed his lips against hers and drank from her sweetness. The heat was there and the kiss was passionate, but the tone of caring was unmistakable. They watched the lights of the city twinkle in the distance until the ride was over. Once they were ashore and standing on the sidewalk near Mozart’s, Micah took her hand. “I want to take you home, Madison.”
“No, no, I’m good.”
“How did you get here? Did you call a cab?”
Lying to him didn’t seem right. “No, I took a bus.”
Damn! “I really wish you would let me drive you home, Madison.”
“No, I’ll be fine.”
She would’ve loved to be with him a bit longer, to have him walk her to her door, but the thought of him seeing where she lived and how she lived was too much for her to handle after the things she’d already told him. She hoped to maintain her dignity just a bit longer. Madison didn’t know a great deal about Micah yet, but something kept telling her that Rudy was right, she had no business being with a man like Micah. If he saw her place he’d be gone for certain. Selfishly, she wanted to hold on to this time with him for a little while longer. “I don’t want to put you out.”
“Taking you home wouldn’t be an inconvenience, Madison.” When she gave him a slight smile but said nothing, he knew there was no use to keep pressing the issue. She wouldn’t change her mind. “Well, I’m calling you a cab. And I won’t take no for an answer.” He picked up his phone and dialed the number, sitting with her until it arrived.
“Text me the minute you get home.” He gave her a tender kiss on the cheek. “Got it?”
Madison held the phone in her hand. “I might bother you from the cab just a little. For practice.”
“You’d never be a bother.” He kissed her one more time, holding her tight, loving how she felt in his arms. And when the cab came, he stood and watched as it drove off before heading to his car. Once he was behind the wheel, he sent her a text.
I had a great time tonight. If you ever feel unsafe, you call me. Goodnight, Madison Fellows.
Madison smiled as she looked down at his text. She was new to this texting thing and she had to retype her message a dozen times before sending it.
Thank you. For everything. Tonight you made me feel the safest I’ve felt in a long time. Goodnight, Micah Wolfe.
And as she promised, once she was home, she sent a quick message. Home safe.
He responded in kind. I’ll rest better for knowing. Sleep warm.
CHAPTER SIX
Making plans…
Micah couldn’t get her out of his mind. After the date, he’d gone home and jacked off in the shower, trying to find enough ease to sleep. This morning, her face was the first thing that came to mind. Unable to resist, he grabbed his phone to send her a text.
Good morning, sunshine. How are you this morning? He laid there with a smile on his face. In a few minutes, he heard the sweet sound of an incoming text.
Bah-ring!
I’m good. What’s up with you?
Don’t ask. I’m trying to be a gentleman here. But if you need a hint, I get a rise out of just thinking about you. He patted the wood between his legs.
You’re making me blush.
So, it’s Sunday. What do you have planned for the day?
Nothing special. How about you?
Well, I’ve got to drop off my stallion at the McCoy Ranch down near Kerrville. We’re trying to breed him to one of Jacob’s mares and their first union wasn’t fruitful, if you know what I mean. Since she came to him the first time, he’s going to be polite and go visit her today for round two.
Sounds…interesting.
Afterward, I’d like to drive into Austin and pick you up. How about it? I want you to come out to my ranch. I’ll grill some steaks and we can take a moonlight ride.
There was a pause and Micah was afraid she’d say no. Finally, she responded.
Text me right before you get here and I’ll meet you out front. I like the idea of moonlight, but what kind of ride?
Micah laughed. This should be fun. Give me your address and the answer to your question is horses. Ever been on one?
Another long pause. Was little Miss Madison having second thoughts?
No, I’ve never ridden a horse. I’m not sure I’d be very good at it. And why don’t I meet you at Angel House? That way you won’t have to come all the way to the East Side.
Nope, we’re not doing this again. If you want to see me and I pray that you do, because I can’t get you out of my head, I’m picking you up this time. No argument. I’m putting my foot down. And as far as the horse goes, I’ll take care of you. No worries.
On the receiving end of the conversation, Madison let out a yelp of frustration. “Arg!” Okay, I give in. But you have to promise me ahead of time that you won’t look around and judge me by how little I have.
This squeezed Micah’s heart like a vise. I hate to break it to you, Fellows. But I’m not interested in your money. I’m interested in you. I’m after that sweet little ass of yours…and those soft lips…and your smile…and the promise of a few kisses. And more if he could get it.
All right. 412 E. 32nd.
Got it. I’ll text you once I’m on the road to Austin. And, Fellows?
Yes?
Thanks for seeing me again.
I’m looking forward to it. I’ll make some cookies for dessert.
Perfect. Just like you.
Micah did a fist pump before rising from the bed. It was going to be a good day.
In Austin, Madison jumped up and began to spin in circles. She needed to wash her hair and shave her legs. Heck, she needed to bake cookies!
Feeling overwhelmed, she sat back down on the bed. “Breathe, Madison. Breathe.” She could do this–she’d do anything to see Micah again. “Yay!” Falling back on her bed, she pounded the mattress on either side of her in sheer excitement. She had another date! And what he’d said… that he wasn’t interested in what she possessed–he was only interested in her. Those were beautiful words. Madison didn’t know what the future held, but she was happier at that moment than she’d ever been in her life.
Thanks to Micah.
A few hours later, Micah drove under the Tebow Ranch sign, pulling his horse trailer behind him. Jacob was waiting, and his stallion was prancing in the big silver trailer, making it rock from side to side. He was excited, the horse knew exactly what he was here for. Micah understood the feeling. If he didn’t get inside Madison Fellows soon, his cock was going to explode from pure frustration.
“Wolfe. How are you?” Jacob came out to his truck to greet him. There were several ranch hands and a vet waiting with him. There was always activity at Tebow.
“Good. Hopefully we’ll have better luck this time.” Micah glanced around. He’d been at Tebow Ranch several times, but the place never failed to impress him. The rolling green hills nestled by the blue Guadalupe was a sight to behold.
“Maybe. Although I don’t think these two will complain.” Jacob patted his anxious mare.
“No, this is fun and games for them.” He helped Jacob’s ranchhand back the stallion clear of the trailer. “I’m going to leave him here for a few days until you’re sure of the results.” The big ho
rse huffed as he stepped back gingerly.
Micah had no more than got his horse unloaded before Jacob’s cell rang. It didn’t take but a second or two before it became clear something was terribly wrong.
Jacob motioned for his men to take over and help the vet. “Come up to the house with me,” he told Micah, “we’ve got a situation.”
“What’s wrong?” Micah fell in step beside him as they walked from the big two story barn next to the road to the sprawling ranch house that had been the McCoy’s home for nearly thirty years.
“Noah’s mother is on the phone.” Jacob stated flatly.
Micah’s jaw dropped. “What?”
“Yea, talk about unbelievable.”
When they reached the house, Libby let them in. “They’re in the library.” Her expression said it all.
Micah had heard all the stories. Over the past few years the family had been put through the wringer. Their parents had died in a flood, leaving Aron and Jacob to step up to the bat of responsibility to help raise their younger brothers. Aron had tried to solve their problems by marrying someone he’d thought would help him out. The woman had done her dead level best to destroy the whole family. It was only when Libby had entered the picture that they began to heal.
The next tragedy had been when Joseph wrecked his dirt bike and broke his back, becoming paralyzed from the waist down. Only a miracle in the form of Cady Renaud, now Cady McCoy, had saved him.
Jessie Montgomery, a stranger, had waltzed into Jacob’s life, informing him she was pregnant with his child…and she was a virgin. Nathan had almost drowned and if Jessie hadn’t been there, he would’ve died. A tangled mystery and a killer almost robbed Jacob of the miracle that was Jessie and the little boy he would claim as his own.
Nothing was simple. The family almost split over Isaac’s secret. Not only was the McCoy’s black sheep in love with the local preacher’s daughter, he was also a sexual Dom.
Even when the family achieved peace after the elder three McCoy’s found love, it hadn’t lasted. Aron McCoy had gone missing on his honeymoon and it had been months before the family and the Equalizers had rallied to rescue him from the clutches of a female drug lord across the border in Mexico.
Then to top it all off, Noah McCoy, the most straight-laced, hard-nosed of the bunch had learned he wasn’t even who he thought he was–Sebastian McCoy had brought him home, his bastard son, for his wife to raise. At first, the truth had almost killed him, but the family rallied around Noah, convincing him that he belonged and that he was as much a part of their family as any of the brothers named McCoy. Once he’d come to terms with the truth and fell in love with Skye, he was able to focus on what was important.
Finding his mother.
Apparently that very thing had happened. At this very moment, Noah McCoy was talking on the phone with his mother.
Jacob led the way, Micah following close behind. When they reached the library, they found Noah sitting at the big desk flanked by Aron and Isaac. Skye sat on the couch, her eyes anxious. When she saw Jacob and Micah enter, Skye came to meet them. “Noah’s shook up. This has come as a shock.”
“Well, I guess so.” Jacob muttered, putting his arm around his pretty sister-in-law. “What can we do?”
“I don’t know yet.” She looked back over her shoulder with a worried expression. “The phone rang and he just happened to answer it. He said ‘hello’ and the next thing he knew, a woman’s crying voice came over the phone. All she said was, ‘My son. My son.’ I thought I was going to lose him there for a minute.”
Noah looked up and saw them. He wiped his eyes. “Mother, I’m going to put you on speaker phone. Everyone needs to hear this. No, it’s okay. There’s no one here who isn’t thrilled that you’ve called.” He punched a button. “Okay, now you tell them what you’ve told me and then continue on with your story.”
“Hello, this is Sofia Estrada. I am so glad to speak to Noah’s family. I know I have no right to call and start asking favors, but I don’t know where else to turn.”
“You’ve done just what you’re supposed to do, Mrs. Estrada.” Aron spoke. “This is Aron and I’m Noah’s older brother. We’re family.”
Micah folded his arms over his chest. He realized he was watching something both intimate and earthshaking for this family. Although he shared this type of closeness with the Equalizers, he’d not had it with his own family since his mother passed. His father had shut down and gone bitter. Nothing Micah could do put things right.
“Thank-you. I know you’ve been seeking me and I apologize for making it so difficult. You have to understand that I just couldn’t see how my presence in Noah’s life would be a good thing. I’ve brought nothing but shame to him.”
“Don’t say that, mother.” Noah’s voice shook. “I needed to find you.”
“There is much to tell, but in the last few years I have tried to help young women who find themselves in the same hell that I was forced into.”
Skye went to Noah and put her hand on his shoulder. “Tell us where you are, we’ll come get you.” Noah said, probably not for the first time, if Micah knew Noah.
“I am in Juarez. I am staying in a rented house not five miles from the border. I’ll give you the exact address.” She did and at least three people wrote it down. “I can’t leave right now though, not in good conscience. I’m so close, you see.”
“Close to what?” Noah asked.
“I know you’ve heard of all the women who have gone missing or found murdered in Juarez.” She didn’t wait for confirmation. “I am very close to finding out who is responsible. These girls aren’t seeking this life willingly. They are kidnapped, grabbed off the street, snatched from their homes. And it’s not just prostitution. These women are being used, abused and discarded, like so much garbage.”
“Are you saying they’re being murdered for entertainment, Ms. Estrada?” Jacob asked, walking closer.
Micah wasn’t surprised. Marisol had been right.
“Yes, that is exactly what I’m saying. I think the men are using a club called Hidalgo’s for their blood-sport. I’m going to try and get a job in the club as a maid or a dishwasher so I can get the proof I need.”
Noah exploded. “No! No! You will not put your life in danger. You let me get a team in place. We have people trained in these types of operations.”
Sofia didn’t immediately respond. They could hear another voice talking with her. A male’s voice.
“Who is with you, Mother?” Noah asked, obviously upset.
“This is Mateo.”
There was more noise, then a man’s voice came on the line. “I am Mateo. Your mother saved my life and I’ve been trying to save hers ever since. She has no fear. She is committed to saving these women and she doesn’t seem to want to understand that these men will kill her without a second thought. You must…”
“We must do this, Noah.” Sofia’s voice came back on the line. “Mateo convinced me to call you. He said you were a powerful man with powerful friends and you’d know who to talk to, who to make listen–that you’d know some way to right this horrible wrong!”
“Mother, you listen to me.” Noah leaned down to the phone and spoke as clearly as possible. “I’m coming down there as quickly as I can. I’m going to get you to a safe place and then we will deal with this situation. Mateo is right.” He looked straight at Micah. “I have friends who know what to do and how to do it. You just hold on. I’m not going to lose you again.”
Micah backed out of the room, his phone in hand. He needed to call Kyle so he could coordinate this mission with Aron and whoever else they wanted involved. If Marisol had the names and Sofia had the location, there was nothing standing in their way. All they needed to do was put together a small army as they’d done when Aron had been rescued.
Jacob followed him out. “Will you call Kyle?”
“Of course. I don’t know what the plan will be, but it sounds like this will be our second Mexican stand-off.”<
br />
“True. After Noah gets Sofia out safely, we can take our time, find out exactly what we’re dealing with.”
“Maybe, unless they think these guys might go into hiding.” Micah blew out a long breath. God, this was a lot to take in. “Look, I’ve got to go. There’s a pretty girl waiting for me and I don’t want to stand her up. I’ll be ready to do anything that needs to be done. You take care of Noah and if it’s okay with you, I’ll just leave the trailer here until I come back to pick up Romeo.”
“That’s fine, Wolfe. And thanks. You’re a good friend.”
“Yea.” Wolfe gave him a salute as he dialed the Thunderbird. “Good thing I like to live dangerously.”
Getting to know you…
Madison sat on the edge of her seat, her fingers tapping on the arms of the chair, checking the clock on the wall every few minutes. Micah had texted her an hour ago, saying he was halfway there from Kerrville. Hearing a noise outside, she jumped up, peeked out the window and saw a dark red truck. She watched long enough until the door opened and she could see it was him. Dang! She didn’t want him to come up. Grabbing her macramé purse, she started for the door, then realized she’d left the cookies. Crap!
Running back to the cookies which were still cooling on the counter, she found they were still a little soft. “Oh, shoot,” she lamented as she tried to place them carefully into a plastic container. She was keeping Micah waiting longer than she’d intended. She finally closed the lid on her container, drew the strap of her purse over her shoulder and started out the door. “Shoot, shoot, shoot.” Fumbling to lock the door as quickly as she could, she dropped her keys and had to pick them up to try again.
“Hey, hey, there’s no rush. Give me those.”
Oh no, Micah had come up to get her, this was the last thing she’d wanted. Madison felt her heart constrict with embarrassment. She’d cleaned up the best she could, but nothing could hide how cheap and shabby her little place looked. “Thank you.” He took the keys and she watched him put the key in the lock and turn it. “How was your trip?”