Betrayed by Blood (Betrayed #1)

by Victoria Renteria

  “Yeah, I have something I need to discuss with you all.”

  “Does this have something to do with that hot little piece you’ve been seeing?” Noah quips.

  Grimacing, I blow out a breath and let my eyes fall closed for a moment. Upon opening them, I see my brothers staring back at me with varying degrees of worry.

  “What’s going on, AJ?” Sam asks.

  “Kylee was attacked last night. She was working late and missed the bus so she walked home and some asshole started chasing her. I’m pretty sure he was carrying a knife based on what she told me.” Several moments of silence pass before Brighton decides to speak.

  “Is she all right?” His mouth is set in a tight line as he waits for my answer.

  “Yeah, she’s shaken up but she’s all right.”

  “Thank fuck.” He blows out a breath and tosses his head back to look at the ceiling. What the hell is that about? I’ve seen the looks between the two of them and now I’m wondering if I’ve pegged my goddess all wrong. Unable to hold my silence any longer, I take a step closer to Brighton.

  “Something you want to tell me, brother?” The words were meant to be a question but came out more as an accusation. Surprise registers on Brighton’s face for a moment before he hunches over, laughing uncontrollably. Straightening, he takes a deep breath, calming himself before he finally replies, “Jesus, AJ, you really are whipped.” Suppressing a growl, I open my mouth to speak but he stops me and continues.

  “You remember when we were on leave a few weeks ago and went to that club? I hung out with that hot little blonde? You and the rest of the guys were all otherwise engaged with your own conquests so you might not remember.” He pauses, looking to me for confirmation.

  “I remember. What of it?”

  “Well, your girl was there. Remember that guy I went after in the hallway? The one that attacked the girl? You and the guys showed up after and cleaned it up. AJ, it was Kylee that was attacked. She recognized me at the restaurant, realized it was me that helped her. Shit, with the way I left her friend, I’m surprised she’s even talking to me. Although, knowing what I do, it doesn’t surprise me. She’s not real big on confrontation. Seriously though, man, that damn girl is like a LoJack for trouble. That shit just finds her.”

  Fuck. She was there that night? How did I miss my little goddess? Sam clears his throat, causing me to dart my eyes in his direction.

  “I really hate to say this, AJ, but are you sure we aren’t the reason she’s being targeted?” Sam asks the question that’s been plaguing me since last night.

  “No, I’m not sure,” I say, moving to stand by the window.

  “The attack Stateside had nothing to do with us. It was a co-worker that wanted more than Kylee was willing to give him. Although, how she ended up here . . . your guess is as good as mine on that one.” Brighton quirks an eyebrow in my direction as if I have all of the answers.

  “Honestly, I didn’t ask her how she ended up in Korea but I can ask her over dinner tonight.” The team looks back and forth from one another before settling in and firing off questions one by one.

  “All right, so what do you need from us?” Noah asks.

  “We need to keep our eyes and ears open for chatter. I don’t know if it was a random attack from the local Kkangpae or someone targeting us through her. So, for now, we need intell and to make sure our cover hasn’t been blown.”

  Grimaces and tight lines mar all of my brothers’ faces. The stress and graveness of the situation weighs heavily on all of us.

  “You do plan on keeping an eye on her, right?” Sam arches his eyebrow at me.

  “You better damn believe it. We all are. We’ll take rotations when I’m not with her until we know for sure she isn’t being targeted because of our unit,” I say, looking over each of them for any sign of unrest. Some of the tension drains from my shoulders when all four of them nod their heads in agreement.

  “What if it’s not us, AJ? What if someone really is after her?” Cooper looks at all of us. The contents of my stomach begin to roll and rumble, clawing their way through the lining. Pushing my nausea back, I shake my head.

  “No, who would want an English teacher? What would the purpose be?”

  Cooper shrugs his shoulders in response. “Maybe someone saw her and thought she was hot. You know how things work here. They may have had someone following her to take her and do who knows what.”

  A feral sound rips through my apartment that’s so fierce it stuns me into silence and I look around for the source. My brothers’ eyes fall to me as it finally registers that the sound came from none other than myself. Pushing away from the window, I begin pacing the space like a tiger in a cage.

  Sam gets off the couch and closes the distance between us, clasping my shoulder. “AJ, we’ll get to the bottom of it.”

  Running a hand down my face, I search his features for the truth in his words and immediately find the sincerity I’m looking for.

  “You know there is one other thing we haven’t mentioned,” Noah says. The look on his face is so torn that I’m afraid to ask what he’s thinking. Reading the uncertainty in my eyes, Sam takes the reins. It’s times like these that I’m thankful for this team and my beta. We’ve been through hell together and survived, making us one hell of a force to be reckoned with.

  “What haven’t we thought of, Noah?” Sam asks.

  Looking uncomfortable, Noah scrubs a hand down his face before he says, “Fuck. Man, I don’t want to even say this much less think it.”

  “Spit it out, Noah,” I growl.

  Sam cuts me a look, telling me to reel it in. This is why women are bad. They’re a distraction and cause problems we can’t afford, especially in a unit like ours.

  “All right. Fuck. Have you considered she might have been sent here to distract you? I mean, the timing’s right. She just happens to arrive when we get in deep with this assignment, and let’s face it, man, she was at the Tenpro house. How do we know she isn’t a distraction put in place to keep you from getting to our target and completing our mission?” Noah throws himself back on the couch, a pained look crossing his face after having expelled everything.

  I turn my body to face out the window once more. His points are valid. The timing is questionable. It would make sense to send in a female agent to distract us. Something feels off about it, though. My mind drifts to her frightened look when I found her being chased last night, her fear of me being hurt. The scream that tore from her throat when she thought he had caught her. Instinctively, I rub my chest as it tightens, thinking of her being in danger once more.

  Shaking my head, I turn around and catch Brighton in a heated discussion with Noah.

  “She’s not an agent. It doesn’t fit her,” Brighton says vehemently, his nostrils flaring. His protective nature for Kylee is almost as strong as mine.

  “I’m just saying it’s a possibility. I don’t want to believe it, either, but . . . fuck, man, look at us. We’re all distracted because of her and we all know what happens when we’re distracted,” Noah replies.

  This discord in my unit sends chills racing down my spine. One thing is for certain, Noah is right. The distraction is there and it will get us killed if we aren’t careful. So the sooner we figure this out, the better. Stepping forward, I push all of my inner turmoil out of the way so I can smooth things over.

  “Look, Noah’s right about a few things. Distractions are bad and we all know that. We can’t afford them, especially not right now. Not when we’re so close to figuring this whole thing out. My honest opinion just from what I’ve observed is I don’t think she’s an agent. The reaction she had to being chased last night was too real. She actually feared for my safety, not her own. I’ve gotten pretty good at reading women with the shit that went down with Brina. Now I’m not saying I won’t keep my eyes and ears peeled, but I am saying I don’t believe it’s her. The sooner we figure this out, the better for all of us. First, we need to figure out who’s after Kyl
ee. That will tell us if they’re after her because they know who we are or because they want her.” I pause for a moment, my gaze never leaving my brothers.

  “The main thing here is to remain focused. No matter what, don’t lose sight of the mission. Keep working it. The thing with Kylee is just a minor excursion we’ll take as it comes. Do not under any circumstances get distracted and let them break us apart. That’s always the enemy’s goal: to get in our heads and fuck with us. We’ve been through worse scenarios than this and made it through with only a few scrapes.”

  Smirking, I continue. “So let’s stop arguing over whether she’s an agent. We have to stay on our toes, put our ears to the ground, and listen to chatter. I don’t believe she’s an agent but if she is, the chatter will prove me wrong. I’ll interrogate her during dinner and find out why she came to Korea, all right? Any questions?”

  Watching the faces of my team, I see the tension draining from their bodies as they process what I’ve said.

  Sam smiles as he walks toward the door and says, “Sounds good. We’ll work out the details and catch you up later.”

  “All right, dig up as much intell as you can. Let me know what you find out.”

  Nodding their agreement, the rest of the team stands and makes their way to the door. Brighton turns as he reaches the door, worry carved in the lines of his face.

  “Take care of her, AJ. She’s been through a lot.”

  Meeting his gaze, I reaffirm my intentions. “I plan on it.”

  After a few moments of silence, he slaps me on the back then jogs to catch up with the rest of the team. Standing in the doorway, I watch them disappear around the corner. Some of my earlier apprehension fades, knowing in the back of my mind that my team will be there to protect my goddess no matter the cost.

  Smiling to myself, I trudge up the stairs for a quick shower and a change, knowing my goddess is waiting. Noah’s words haunt me as I get ready for the evening. Unease grows within me and I have to pause and wonder . . . what will I do if my goddess was sent to be my distraction?

  A LOW GROWL ERUPTS FROM me as I pace in front of her door. Questions dart through my mind as I take each step. A distraction? Could she really have been placed here to distract me? Her skill level isn’t what I would associate with a highly trained operative, which means one of two things: she’s either really damn good or not an agent. Intuition tells me she isn’t an agent sent to distract me, which means she’s in danger. Tightness forms in my chest as I think of the potential danger Kylee could be in.

  Reaching up, I begin rubbing the spot just above my heart and cock my head to the side, listening for sounds of her moving around. Sighing, a frown creases my brow as I’m met with silence. “Man up, Alex,” I mutter, wiping my hands on my pants before placing three swift knocks on the door.

  After a few heartbeats of silence pass, the door finally opens and my breath catches in my throat. Biting my tongue to keep a groan from sounding, I let my eyes wander the length of her body. Kylee is every bit my goddess tonight, wearing a black wrap dress that dips down low, plunging between her breasts. Flowing black material wraps around her slender form, clinging to her hips, stopping just above the knee, giving me a generous view of her long sexy legs.

  Dark brown hair hangs in loose waves framing her delicate body. Visions of us tangled together in a sweaty mess cause my dick to immediately swell in my pants. Shifting uncomfortably to relieve the pressure, I watch as my goddess’s heated gaze roams over my body. Continuing her perusal, her eyes dip lower, reaching my erection. They widen just a fraction and her breath hitches in her throat. Seizing the opportunity, I take a step forward, breaking the spell. Kylee lifts her head, meeting my lustful stare with one of her own.

  Fire explodes in my veins, igniting my blood with desire. Taking a deep breath in through my nose to calm my raging lust, I groan as her cherry scent floods my senses. Pink flushes her skin as a shy smile graces her face. Kylee’s smile transforms her from a delicate beauty to a lustrous goddess, leaving me momentarily distracted by her radiance. Truth be told, I’m not really sure how long I stand there devouring her with my eyes. A giggle bursts from her lips, drawing me out of my thoughts.

  “Hi, Alex.”

  “Hi, gorgeous.” She flushes a darker shade of pink at my comment.

  “You look absolutely amazing,” I say as my eyes drift the span of her body once more.

  “You don’t look so bad yourself.” Lust flares brightly- in her chocolate colored eyes.

  “If you keep looking at me like that, Goddess, we’re not going to make it to dinner.”

  Flushing bright red, she sucks her lip into her mouth as she drops her gaze to the floor. Reaching forward, I grab her hand, pulling her to my chest then tip her head back so that our eyes meet once again.

  “Don’t be embarrassed to take what you want or ask for what you need, Goddess. Right now, I’m having one hell of a time controlling myself around you.” Dipping my head down so that our lips are but a breath apart, I watch as her eyes fall closed and her breathing becomes labored. A grin spreads across my face as my goddess begins squirming impatiently. Shifting, she leans in deeper, rubbing against my strained erection.

  Uncontrollable desire comes roaring to the surface, pulsing to life, overriding all of my senses. I press my lips to hers in a gentle kiss, tasting . . . sliding against one another. Kylee lets out a low, sexy groan and parts her lips, opening up to me. In that moment, need consumes me, cracking my last bit of restraint.

  Tilting her head back to give me better access, I dive in further with more force than necessary. An overwhelming craving to brand her as my own drives me. The once gentle kiss now becomes a living breathing thing, wild and sexy. Placing her hands at the nape of my neck, Kylee threads her fingers through my hair and tugs, ripping a growl from me. Grazing her lip with my teeth, I feel her body pulse with desire as she moans and licks my bottom lip. “Goddess . . . you . . . taste . . . fucking amazing,” I say between sucking and nipping on her plump lips.

  Kylee’s stomach growls, interrupting our kiss. Her laugh echoes through the hallway, diffusing some of the sexual tension.

  “Come on, Goddess, let’s feed you.”

  Kylee is silent as we walk to the hibachi around the corner. Emotions flit across her face, making me wonder just what she’s thinking. With her lost in her thoughts, I take the opportunity to scan the streets for any apparent threats. Seeing nothing, I relax as we enter the restaurant. Taking a table toward the back, I sit facing the door so I can see anyone coming and going. Kylee sits and stares at the table in silence. Catching the waitress’ attention, I order a bottle of plum sake before reaching over and lacing our fingers together. Raising her gaze, the fog clears from her eyes and she smiles tentatively.

  “Welcome back.”

  “I’m sorry. I do that sometimes.” She frowns, looking down at the table once more.”

  “No need to apologize. It happens. I just thought you’d get lost in me tonight.” Winking, I watch as pink flushes her cheeks. Using my thumb, I begin stroking her knuckles and am thrilled when I see goose bumps show up on her arms.

  “Are you hungry?”

  “A little.”

  “What would you like?” Kylee’s eyes come alight at the question.

  “Do they have those amazing short ribs on the menu tonight?” Her tongue moves across her lower lip in anticipation. She reminds me of a kid in a candy store waiting for her favorite treat.

  Chuckling, I respond, “Yes, those are on the menu.”

  “I don’t care what else we get as long as I can have some of that beef in my mouth again.”

  My mouth hangs open. Her comment can be taken so many different ways. Judging by the look on her face, she doesn’t even realize what she’s said. Unable to stop myself, my sarcastic ass comes out.

  “So you want some of that beef in your mouth again, huh?”

  Kylee’s eyes grow large as recognition of what she said occurs. Gasping, she cover
s her mouth with her hands before erupting into a fit of laughter. I watch with amusement as she gains control of her laughter before inhaling deeply and meeting my eyes.

  “I’m so sorry, Alex. I wasn’t implying anything. That’s not what I meant,” she rambles.

  A smile tugs at the corner of my lips as I listen to her. She’s so fucking adorable. Wanting to be closer, I lean into her ear and whisper, “If you wanted my beef all you had to do was ask.” Her breath hitches and her eyes partially close, her lashes fusing together.

  Just as I’m about to say more, the damn waitress interrupts to take our order. Placing our order, I sit back on my pillow and allow my eyes to drift back to Kylee. Her skin is flushed pink with color, eyes full of lust are partially hooded. My cock stirs, causing me to shift uncomfortably. The waitress brings our order and we both fall silent for a few moments while the ribs are being prepared. Grasping the bottle of sake and two glasses, I finally break the silence.

  “So, Goddess, what made you decide to come to Korea?” I say, handing her a shot glass full of the plum sake she likes.

  Grimacing, she grabs the shot glass and downs it before handing it back to me. Refilling her glass, I slide it across the table.

  “That bad, huh?”

  “You don’t want to know, Alex,” she says, averting her eyes.

  “Hey, you can tell me anything,” I say, popping a piece of short rib in my mouth.

  “It’s embarrassing,” she says before taking a bite of her food.

  “Oh, now you have to tell me.” Teasing, I point one of my chopsticks in her direction.

  “It’s not really the funny kind of embarrassing.” Tears shine in her eyes as she turns to face me. Dropping my chopsticks, I reach forward, grabbing one of her hands to link our fingers together.

  “It changes nothing. No matter what it is, it changes nothing.”

  “You say that, Alex, but I wonder how much even you can take.” Kylee’s sad eyes bore into mine as she takes another bite of her food.

  Her response jars me. Does she really think I’d just walk away? Is it that bad? Noah’s questions are brought to mind once again as I search her face for answers.