Black and White

by Cynthia Rayne

“Me too. Thanks for rememberin’ I like the peanut butter kind of pie.”

  He grinned. “You’re welcome.”

  His gaze followed her over to the fridge. Damn, she must look a sight and not in a good way. Her hair was pulled back into a messy ponytail, and she didn’t have a scrap of makeup on. Not to mention—she wore old, comfy clothes.

  So, what? This ain’t a date.

  One glance down at the stainless-steel stovetop confirmed all her worst fears. She looked like a college student who’d stumbled out of bed, on her way to class after spending hours cramming for an exam.

  So much for my powers of seduction.

  Rolling her eyes, Savvy cut him a piece and poured King a cup of coffee, and then handed it to him.

  He took a bite and moaned.

  Evidently, it was good.

  She tasted the dessert, and sure enough, it was delicious. Sugar and caffeine was pure magic together. Although, she was itching to make her own. While Savvy was here, maybe she’d indulge her inner Food Network Star. Keeping busy would be better than having a panic attack every twenty minutes.

  They smiled at one another, in the grip of an awkward silence.

  King licked a bit of whipped cream from the corner of his mouth, and she stifled a moan. Damn. Savvy had a craving for something a whole lot tastier than dessert.

  His pupils dilated.

  Something sizzled in the air between them.

  And I shouldn’t be sitting here, thinking these thoughts.

  Savvy was paying King for a service. Once the threat was gone, he would be to, and she couldn’t get attached to him.

  Time to turn this love ship around and find some rocky shoals to crash into. A little reality should do the trick.

  “Tell me about yourself.”

  King shrugged. “Ain’t much to tell.”

  “I don’t believe that. Besides, you’re riskin’ it all for me. I wanna know more about you.”

  “I’ll tell you a bit. But why don’t you go first?”

  “My story’s out there.” Countless magazine and newspapers had been printed about her upbringing, and how she’d gotten started in the business.

  “Yeah, but I wanna hear it from you.”

  She sighed. “Okay, but I’m keepin’ it short and sweet. I was the youngest of three kids, and the baby of the family, everyone’s darlin’.” Savvy had told the story many times over the years to countless reporters, so she had it down pat.

  “It must’ve been tough to support so many kids.”

  “Yeah, times were tough. My dad worked in the coal mines, and my momma cut hair at a beauty shop, but they made it work. My momma was a coupon queen, and we had a huge garden in the summer, so we canned lots of vegetables for the winter.”

  It had been a family affair, and she had fond memories of sitting on the porch when they filled up a crock of sauerkraut. Everyone got together, cutting the vegetables. Her parents had made it a fun activity, laughing and telling jokes, and old family stories while they worked.

  And then her father had died, and everything changed

  “We didn’t have much growin’ up either. I think it makes you appreciate success even more.”

  Savvy nodded. “I totally agree. I wore hand-me-downs all through school. It was a big deal whenever I got a new outfit. And it still is.” Savvy remembered every piece of clothing she’d gotten, either for her birthday or Christmas, and she’d treasured it.

  “Enough about me. You’re up.”

  “Okay, here goes. My dad was in the Navy, and my mom ran a daycare center. There was only me and my sister, Ellie. We didn’t have much either.”

  Her family didn’t have material wealth, but she’d never felt deprived.

  “When my sister was in high school, we both worked part-time jobs to pay for extras. It was really hard on my momma whenever my dad was deployed. Me and Ellie took up the slack. I cut the lawn, took out the trash, and raked the leaves, whatever needed to be done. Ellie learned how to make crock pot meals, so my momma didn’t have to cook when she got home.”

  King had come from humble beginnings too, and he’d also made something of himself. No wonder she felt comfortable with him. They had a lot in common.

  They’d both pitched in to help the adults in their lives, making it work for the family unit. Savvy just didn’t understand rich people, even though she was technically one of them now.

  “I liked helping out.” Savvy had wanted to make things easier for Barbara. “Especially after my dad died.” She swallowed. “There was a cave in at the mine.”

  Savvy still remembered her momma waiting for them on the front porch. Her face had been ashen, and she kept wringing her hands.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Me, too.”

  “So, are you close with your sister? I hardly see my siblings.”

  His face clouded. “We used to be very close, but things are a bit strained.”

  “What happened?”

  King didn’t answer her straight away.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.”

  “You aren’t. She took up with Dave, and I didn’t approve.”

  “Dave?”

  “Her live-in boyfriend.”

  “And you don’t like him?”

  “No, I hate his guts. He doesn’t treat Ellie right.”

  “What do you mean?” Was he abusive? Did he cheat on her?

  “It ain’t physical. Yet. But he loves to flap his gums and put her down.”

  Savvy laid a hand on his arm, offering him the same comfort he’d given her. And King rested his hand over hers.

  “I’m sorry. She won’t talk to you?”

  “Early on, I made the mistake of tellin’ her I had misgivings about the man, and she was so in love with him, Ellie couldn’t see straight.”

  “So, she chose him over you.”

  “Yeah, I still don’t understand why she stays with him. I’m not blamin’ her for the situation, but I’m frustrated. I can’t help Ellie until she helps herself.” He sighed. “I’m sorry, you’ve got enough on your plate without hearin’ about my troubles.”

  “It’s okay, I don’t mind.”

  King rubbed the back of his neck. “I wish it wasn’t so damn hard to keep the women in my life safe.”

  Savvy doubted he was only talking about Ellie. What about his wife? Had King failed her? And what about Savvy herself? King seemed to collect damsels in distress.

  King locked eyes with her, and she didn’t lower her gaze.

  “Am I one of the women in your life?”

  “Yes.” He grinned. “For the time bein’.”

  Savvy didn’t want to think about walking away from King. They hadn’t known each other long, but she liked him, had gotten used to having him around. She wondered if trauma had forged a bond.

  “Well, we should probably get some shut eye.” King stood and stretched his arms over his head. “The team’s gonna meet and we’ll discuss your situation, come up with a plan of attack.”

  “A plan sounds like a step in the right direction.” They’d been playing defense and getting nowhere. “Can I go to the meetin’?”

  “I don’t see why not. You can give us some added details.”

  They headed to the staircase, and King stepped aside, so she could go first. Although she had a sneaking suspicion, he was checking out her ass as she vaulted up the stairs. Or maybe it was only wishful thinking on her part.

  And then they were outside her bedroom door. Once more an awkward silence swelled between them.

  “You aren’t stayin’ in my room then?” She flushed as soon as the words left her mouth. Jesus. Did that sound like an invitation?

  “Why?” He raised a brow. “Will you miss me?”

  “No.”

  Just to annoy her, King chuckled. “This place is fortified, so I’m not as concerned about a breach.” He pointed to a door across the hall. “I’m right over there if you need me.”

  “Right.”

&
nbsp; “Right.”

  And neither one of them moved.

  King groaned, long and low. “We shouldn’t do this.”

  “Do what?”

  “You know what. Don’t play games.”

  And the next thing she knew, Savvy launched herself at him.

  Savvy wasn’t even sure how it happened. One minute, she was standing beside King, and the next she was in his arms.

  Savvy had him by the lapels, tugging his head down and he went willingly. It was a slick, wet, sensuous kiss, all tongues, and hot need. King grabbed her ass and lifted her, rubbing his jean-clad erection against her belly. It was hard and swollen, and it felt like an iron brand.

  Savvy moaned into his mouth, desperate for more of King.

  Her nipples had pebbled, poking through the thin cotton of her shirt and she’d gone all swollen between the legs. King pressed hot kisses down the line of her throat and dragged her against the wall.

  “No, we can’t do this.” She pushed him away, and King reluctantly released her. “I’m sorry.” Any second, she’d lose the will to stop. She wobbled back across the hall on rubbery legs.

  “Well, that makes one of us.”

  “Wait a second. Why am I the only one who’s apologizin’? I wouldn’t have been able to kiss you if you hadn’t bent down.”

  “Trust me, queen, kissin’ you wasn’t optional.”

  Savvy didn’t even know why she’d done it. It’s not like she made a habit of lip-locking with strange men. Perhaps it was instinctual, an ancient female coding in her DNA. Yeah, that’s it, it was biological. Her body had merely recognized a strong protector.

  It had nothing to do with the way he looked in those jeans, or the hard-sculpted wall of his chest, or the way he’d kissed her like she was the only woman on the planet.

  Who knew I could blow smoke up my own ass?

  “As a matter of fact, if you ever feel like doin’ this again, have at it. Consider it an open invitation.”

  “I thought you said we couldn’t do this.”

  “If you check the transcripts, you’ll note I said we shouldn’t.”

  “Right, because it’s a terrible idea. We have a professional relationship. There should be distance and boundaries between us.”

  “Exactly.”

  Why do I get the feeling a big “but” is headed my way?

  “But I don’t think I can turn it off. Can you?”

  Savvy didn’t respond.

  “I didn’t think so. Goodnight.” And then he slipped into his bedroom.

  Savvy was left in the hallway, pressing two fingers to her kiss-swollen lips, and wondering if she’d made a colossal mistake by kissing King.

  Or the best decision ever.

  Chapter 7

  “Did you put birdseed on my toast?” Zane asked, peering at his plate.

  King was at the breakfast table, surrounded by the team. It was five in the morning, and everyone was awake, including Savvy.

  She sat across from him, taking it all in. He’d introduced her to everyone, but she seemed a bit overwhelmed. King had to admit, they were a handful.

  He couldn’t stop thinking about the kiss.

  King shouldn’t have touched her last night, but he hadn’t been able to help himself. King would do anything to have her hands on him again. His desire to be professional was dwarfed by his need.

  Now that he’d gotten a sample, King wanted everything.

  Storm scowled, bringing King’s attention back to them.

  “You said you wanted to eat healthier. And to answer your question, the brown speckles are chia seeds, which are high in omega threes, so they fight inflammation and their heart healthy.”

  “Then the answer is yes. I’ve got bird seed on my wheat bread.” He pointed to the green stuff. “And what’s the gunk?”

  “It’s avocado.”

  King grimaced. He liked avocado on his tacos. End of sentence.

  “Aw, man. What happened to butter?”

  “Avocado is better for you, it’s a healthy fat.”

  Zane groaned.

  “At least taste it and tell me what you think.” Storm sat down beside him with a deep purple smoothie bowl.

  King bit into his sausage with relish. He’d made the same breakfast for Savvy, although she’d tried to talk him into letting her cook.

  Zane took a bite and promptly spit it out. “Ugh. It’s gritty and crunchy.”

  Savvy choked on her laughter.

  “You have to give your taste buds a chance to adjust,” Storm said.

  “To that shit? Nope, there ain’t no way. Here boy, want some?” Zane asked.

  Bomber perked up, sniffing the air and Zane offered him a bite, which he smelled and then tried to bury.

  Everyone laughed.

  “I rest my case, Storm. Even the dog won’t eat it, and he licks his own butt.”

  Savvy snickered, turning to King. “Are you guys always like this?”

  “Pretty much.” King shook his head.

  In the military, it had been their way of dealing with stressful situations. Humor lightened the load.

  “So, Savvy, what’s next for you? After this is all over, I mean. Will you go back on tour?” Annie Foster asked.

  Annie was a former Federal Marshal, and she’d joined the team a few weeks ago. She’d also been chasing the fugitives Black Star was hunting down. She had long brown hair, dark eyes, and an athletic build.

  Annie and West were an item these days. One look at her and West had been a goner. King hated to say it, but he envied their happiness. Sometimes, he felt so alone.

  “I think so,” Savvy said. “I’ll have to speak with Adam.”

  King grunted and took a sip of his coffee. Savvy could find a much better manager, someone willing to let Savvy explore her artistic inclinations.

  While he didn’t have a creative bone in his body, he’d encouraged his wife to express herself freely, and Savvy deserved the same chance. He’d enjoyed seeing her grow as a painter. She’d taken so much joy in her work when she wasn’t depressed.

  He shook his head, deliberately scattering the thoughts. Thinking about Nicole, and all he’d lost only brought him pain. It was best not to dwell on it.

  “We’ll try to resolve this situation as fast as possible,” West said. “We know you have a busy schedule.” He sat beside Annie. His shoulder brushed hers occasionally, as though he couldn’t bear to be out of contact with her.

  “Thanks. If you’d like, I can get your team tickets to whatever show you wanna see, whenever you want to go. It’s the least I could do for guardin’ me.”

  “Great.” West bobbed his head, trying to be polite. “Thanks, that’s really nice of you.”

  King smothered a chuckle. Once West told King, that Savvy sounded like somebody strangling a cat.

  Savvy caught on pretty quick. “You don’t like my music, do you?”

  Nobody spoke up.

  West flushed to the roots of his hair. Eyes dancing, Annie turned in her seat, to watch him squirm.

  “Um, no ma’am. I don’t mean to be rude…”

  King bailed him out. “It’s my fault, queen. I’ve been blarin’ your songs for years.”

  “Gotcha, the market’s oversaturated.”

  King knew exactly what she meant. Occasionally he heard a song so often on the radio, he felt like it was chasing him, and he couldn’t stand to hear it anymore.

  Savvy continued on. “And don’t worry, West, you aren’t bein ‘rude. My music ain’t for everybody. People’s tastes are subjective, so I don’t take it personally. If I did, I’d never go online.”

  “No?” Mack asked. “I’d think you’d be offended.”

  “Nope, I grew a thick skin a long time ago, or I wouldn’t have lasted in Nashville this long.”

  She wasn’t lying. King had read some vicious music critic reviews. People treated her like she was a product, not a person.

  “Anyone who isn’t a fan is missin’ out,” King said gruf
fly.

  She beamed at him.

  King was dumbstruck for a moment.

  Her smile could be a lethal weapon. It gutted him. It made King want to scale mountains, slay dragons, and fight her battles.

  The fantasy got away from him.

  After he’d killed the son of a bitch who was after her, he’d throw Savvy over his shoulder and take her upstairs.

  He’d lay her down and spread her thighs wide open and bury himself between them. King would spend an hour there. He’d lick every inch of her until she was pleading with him for more, desperate for his cock. And when she was exhausted, he’d thrust his dick inside her. Fuck her until she screamed his name. Again and again.

  King bit the inside of his cheek, to keep from moaning.

  Okay, it’s time for our meetin’.” West clapped his hands together, startling King away from his lustful thoughts.

  “Aren’t you comin’?” Savvy stood.

  He cleared his throat. “In a minute.”

  King hid his lap beneath the table, until the erection died down, before joining the group.

  ***

  “Okay, something’s been bugging me about the situation.” Stormy frowned, crossing his arms over his chest.

  West had called the meeting to order earlier, and they were all seated around the table.

  “And what’s that?” King asked.

  “Assuming the shooter is a pro, and we are, right?” He glanced around the room, and everyone nodded in agreement. “Then why the fuck, does he keep missing?”

  “I’ve been wonderin’ the same thing.” Nox said. “And I don’t think he is.”

  Logan Knoxville had coal black hair and piercing blue eyes. The man was fit, around six feet tall like the rest of them. And he had a penchant for loud, kinky sex, and no boundaries.

  Before joining Black Star, he’d been an Army Ranger and a lethal sniper, taking out members of Al Qaeda and ISIS all over the Middle East. King had recently found out an extra juicy piece of gossip about the man. His nickname didn’t have a thing to do with his surname.

  Nox was a female Roman deity, a child of Chaos, and the personification of night. She’d given rise to many children, including Pain and Death. There was nothing remotely girly about Nox, but in King’s opinion, the nickname was an apt description.

  “You’re sayin’ he deliberately missed?” King scratched his chin.