Slay Bells Ring (An FBI Romance Thriller Book 12)

by Morgan Kelley

  Then he stopped.

  Something wasn’t right.

  In fact, her face said it all.

  She wasn’t laughing. Instead, Elizabeth looked concerned.

  “Wait. What happened? Why do you look like you want to cry?”

  Elizabeth told him everything. She knew that Callen needed to know. They might have a long road ahead of them, and he might have to help her bear the weight.

  “He cried?”

  She nodded. “The only time I’ve ever seen him really break down was when Timothy died, or our children were born. Ethan isn’t exactly one to weep.”

  Callen was a little concerned.

  “Lyzee, I don’t know what to say.” Callen knew his brother, and he was pretty sure that the ‘rape’ was the part that was going to get them buried in a shitload of issues. Ethan was a gentleman, especially since he wasn’t in their youth. He wore it like a badge of honor.

  “I’m scared shitless.”

  “He didn't hurt you, did he?”

  “Hell no! It wasn’t his suavest of moves in the bedroom department, but trust me when I say that I got off too. Only, how do I get him to believe that?”

  He put himself in his brother’s place.

  It wouldn’t be easy.

  Neither man had ever physically hurt a woman. Elizabeth was the one they fought valiantly to protect. If Ethan thought he actually raped her, he’d be a mess.

  “We have to keep him from losing it.”

  He agreed.

  “How about we take a break from all the insanity and talk case in the morning? We’ll wait for him to wake up and shower. Then Ethan won’t feel left out. It’ll give him something to focus on.”

  She agreed.

  “Can I ask you something and not piss you off?” Callen inquired.

  “Well, I am pregnant, so you know that it’s ask at your own risk. What?”

  “Today, you and Dakota were talking about pickle chips. Why didn't you tell us?” he asked. “I thought we shared everything. I mean, you trust me, right?”

  “I do, Callen. Both you and Ethan are the two people I trust most in the world.”

  “Well, then why didn't I know you liked them? It may seem silly, but it’s bugging the shit out of me.”

  Elizabeth sighed. “Honestly, I’m ashamed.”

  “Of deep friend food?” he asked, pulling three egg rolls out. “Then can I have yours?” he teased, trying not to stress her further.

  “Do you really want to know why I didn't tell you anything about him?”

  “Yes.”

  “Right now, are you Callen my husband or Callen my best friend?” she asked.

  “Best friend, if that’s what you need.”

  She weighed her options, and then finally went for it. After all, this was Callen, and he was the one person on the planet she usually told everything to.

  He was her confidant.

  “I don’t like to think about Dakota.”

  “Why?”

  “I broke his heart. I knew after the first time we kissed that he wasn’t the one. Yet, I still stayed in the relationship. It was nice having someone to talk shop to, and he was away a lot of those six months, and so was I. It was an easy relationship to fall in and out of when need be. We’d call, meet up, have sex, and go our separate ways. When he asked me to marry him, I was pretty freaked out.”

  “Why?”

  “I didn't love him, and I couldn’t believe I’d let it go that far. He obviously felt more for me, and I was so absorbed in my job that I didn't notice. I should have. Contrary to popular belief, I don’t like to hurt people.”

  “So, when he proposed?”

  “I was sick over it. It was in the middle of this nice Italian place, and he was on his knee. There was this big dopey grin on his face, and I had to either make him happy, or break his heart.”

  “You didn't love him. That’s not your fault.”

  “You know that and I know that, but he didn't. I had to say no, and when I did, it was ugly.”

  He could only imagine. He’d only asked two people to marry him, and both had said yes. Only, Callen wished the first one turned him down. He’d only proposed to Desdemona to forget that he was in love with Elizabeth and couldn’t have her.

  “Did he lose it?”

  She laughed. “Oh, yeah, he did.”

  “I’m sorry, Lyzee.”

  She shrugged. “I deserved it. I broke his heart. I stayed away from men after that. It took me a while to trust myself.”

  “Who was next?”

  She shook her head. “Oh, I have a bad track record. After him, I hooked up with my partner. I was lonely and wanted to forget the life I’d chosen. I’d convinced myself that cops shouldn’t marry. My father was the prime example of that, and I believed that as his daughter, I was too. It was my legacy of screw-ups. ”

  Callen kissed her.

  “I broke his heart, and I had to live with that, Callen. I hated myself over it.”

  “If it didn't bother you, then you’d be a bad person. Knowing that you hated doing it, shows that you’re a good person with a big heart.”

  She shrugged. “I still broke him, so I don’t think about it. I try not to recall what his face looked like when I ripped his heart out, stomped on it, and then walked away. Plus, I wasn’t the same after Livy left the FBI. I had to watch my partner give up her career, and that haunted me. I wasn’t doing well. I wanted to focus on my job, especially since I broke the law when I took ‘The butcher’s’ life.”

  Callen got it. While she may pull the trigger easily, it still weighed on her soul like a stain.

  “Well, Livy left to marry Gabe and have kids, right?”

  She shook her head. “That’s what they said, but the Boston Butcher rattled them both. We never told her that I killed him. Only you, Ethan, and Gabe know. Thank God for that. Prison garb is unattractive on pregnant women.”

  Callen understood.

  “Then something happened.”

  “What?”

  “I met Ethan Blackhawk.”

  Callen grinned. “Your life got flipped, huh?”

  She laughed. “Boy did it ever.”

  “What happened?”

  “When I first kissed Ethan, it was the most amazing feeling in the world. Here was this sexy Native man, and he wanted me. I couldn't help but fall in love with him. He was so strong. He was a Fed and understood what I had lived through. Then he cooked for me. No one’s ever done that. When he dropped to his knees, over Italian, it was like my whole past was repeating itself. Only this time, I wanted to be married. I wanted the life he was offering me, and I craved it with him. That’s how I knew.”

  Callen listened.

  “I knew at that first kiss that he was the one. I never felt that with Dak.”

  “And me?”

  She stopped chewing her shrimp. “When I kissed you, it was the same thing. I re-experienced that same feeling all over again. I loved the way you smelled, and that night you took Desdemona out while we were on that case, I was jealous. I didn't want to share you with anyone else. I knew I couldn't have you, but still...”

  He loved when she was honest with him. “Had you told me you didn't want me to go, I would have stayed. I would have died to make you happy—even then. I wish you did tell me, and then I could have saved myself the pain of dealing with her abuse.”

  Elizabeth carried that guilt too.

  He’d only been with that woman because his heart longed for his other half. His soul mate was taken.

  It had been brutal.

  “It all worked out. You figured it out. What do you think granddad thinks about our tribe?”

  “He’s probably thrilled. We did him proud.”

  “Yeah, we really did.”

  “If it matters, I still stand by my assessment. You’re a softie.”

  Elizabeth laughed. “Am I?”

  “Yep.”

  She leaned over and met his mouth with hers. The kiss they shared was a
mazing. It heated her body, and surely warmed his.

  “I hope you’re horny this entire pregnancy. I could use seven more months of this.”

  She elbowed him, but didn't stop from smiling. “Perv.”

  He was well aware.

  When Elizabeth got quiet, he stopped eating. “What’s wrong?”

  “Now you have me thinking.”

  “About Dakota?”

  “No, about deep fried pickle chips. They’re so damn good. I could eat about a thousand of them.”

  Callen snorted. “There’s my sexy momma to be. She’s off and thinking about grease—the other food group. That sounds about right.”

  She smiled sweetly at him.

  “Uh oh, what?”

  “Um…can I have some of your beef? Your child is starving. I may eat a house.”

  He handed her his container. “We’ll eat Ethan’s. I don’t think he’s going to want it. Tomorrow, he’s going to have one hell of a hangover.”

  Callen was right.

  “Can I ask you something else?”

  She kept chewing but noticed the worry in his eyes. “Yes, always, my love.”

  “I know I asked if you were okay, but I need the truth. He really didn't hurt you, right? I mean…I will kick his ass if you tell me to, but that’s awkward when we get naked and take turns with you.”

  She snorted. “No, I swear I loved it. Well, the carpet burn on my ass is something I could live without, but you know what I mean.”

  Callen got quiet.

  She was focused on the container. “What did you get him?” she asked.

  “Tell me the truth, and I’ll make sure you get all his chicken and broccoli.”

  Elizabeth licked her lips. “It’s mean to use food against a pregnant woman.”

  He didn't care. Callen needed to know that she’d not been hurt. He loved his brother, but still…this was their woman. There was no doubt he was going to have to have a talk with Ethan, and her answer would set the stage for the tone of the conversation.

  “It was rough, but nothing bad. I swear. If he hurt me, I would have stopped him. I was fully engaged in the sex. I like it rough, and you know that.”

  Callen accepted that because he knew his woman wouldn’t lie to him. He also was glad he wouldn’t have to bitch at his brother.

  “Stop staring at me like I’m food. We already have two crazies in the town. I don’t need a cannibal wife.”

  She stopped. “Uh, that sounds ominous, and I don’t think it was really directed at me. What happened?”

  They weren’t going to talk about it, but he did let it slip, so he gave her a tiny preview. “Let’s just say I think I found the missing penises.”

  She stopped chewing.

  “Did someone deliver them in a festive box?”

  He started laughing. “No, definitely not.”

  “Then how?”

  “Let’s just say they had an untimely demise by the hands of a killer and blender.”

  She stared down at the Beef.

  “Please tell me that’s a joke.”

  He shook his head. “Trust me, I wish it was. Merry is testing the liquefied mess to give us a definite. Rarel, do I like to say penis, blender, and liquefy in one sentence. It makes my skin crawl.”

  “Well, that proves one thing.”

  “What?”

  “We’re definitely dealing with a sicko. Who does shit like that?” she asked. “This isn't the average, run of the mill, fruit loop.”

  Callen agreed there, but enough was enough. They weren’t going to think about it.

  “Want to decompress? I think we should turn on the TV, cuddle up, and watch a Christmas movie. There has to be something on.”

  “Not the one with the leg lamp. God knows we have enough appendages lying around. I’ll be seeing that in my nightmares.”

  Callen laughed. “Sure thing, angel.”

  As they flicked through the channels, they settled on one with Bing Crosby. The music reminded Callen of the crime scene, but he wasn’t going to let it ruin the moment.

  Elizabeth was cuddled against him, her hand under his shirt. As her fingers drew circles over his abs, he wanted to forget about the day.

  They deserved it.

  “Mmmmm…I love you, Callen James.”

  “I love you too, beautiful.”

  As they sunk down into the bed, cuddling, Callen was pretending to watch the movie, only he was thinking about one thing.

  Elizabeth was one hundred percent right.

  These two killers were bat shit inane.

  * * * B l a c k h a w k - W h i t e f o x * * *

  Outside Motel

  Midnight

  He wasn’t quite sure what was going on.

  He followed the one Director to the seedy motel.

  He went inside.

  What shocked him was that the woman who answered the door was his sister-in-law.

  Up to that moment, he believed that Ethan Blackhawk was aware. If he was, why were they meeting there?

  They had that cabin.

  This piqued his interest.

  He was going to have to dig deeper.

  Seth Denton could smell a story, and it was right below the surface. When he found the truth, he’d share it with the world.

  This was a prize winner!

  He could smell it.

  Chapter Seven

  Thursday Morning

  When he woke, his head was pounding, his mouth was dry, and he felt like he’d gotten the hell beat out of him. Ethan’s whole body ached from not moving the entire time he was passed out.

  Granted, most of his night was nothing more than a booze soaked blur. Ethan Blackhawk recalled buying some Jack and then heading to the sleazy motel to drink his anger away.

  That part was crystal clear.

  Then from there on out, it got foggy.

  That was, until she showed up. That’s when his self-induced bender became a clusterfuck of mass proportions.

  When Elizabeth knocked on that door, he prayed she’d go away, or he’d have the strength not to open it.

  Unfortunately, neither scenario worked out in his favor. Bits and pieces were rushing back, and he was horrified.

  Him pinning her to the floor.

  Her clothes being ripped away.

  The way he forced himself into her body.

  The nausea welled up.

  There was no way he could forgive himself for what he’d done. When it was all said and done, he’d abused her, and their trust.

  It was black and white.

  He’d raped their wife.

  Ethan Blackhawk wanted to crawl into some deep dark hole and die. Without Elizabeth and Callen, he had nothing, and the second he opened his eyes, it was over.

  Everything he’d worked hard for the last five years was shot to shit because he lost control. He’d become that man he once was, and he was ashamed.

  There was nothing left to do but face the music.

  Ethan could hear the slow in and out of breathing not far from him, but he was still scared shitless to open his eyes.

  He’s crossed one hell of a line, and he knew that he had to pay for it.

  If he was lucky, he wouldn’t lose them.

  Maybe she’d forgive him.

  Hopefully, Callen would.

  What it came down to was that he had to beg his wife for forgiveness. It would be their call.

  In his mind, he began replaying it all, praying for some miracle. There, in his own head, he could see himself taking her in some wild, sweaty romp.

  He’d forced himself into her body, and she didn't deserve that. In fact, if she left him, he had no one to blame but himself.

  Ethan prided himself on being cool, collected, and steady under fire, but Dakota Rakin, the case, her pregnancy, and everything else had him rattled him to his core.

  He knew keeping it in was what ignited it. Add booze to the mix, and he’d made a lethal cocktail.

  This wasn’t like him.
>
  He was better than this.

  Ethan wasn’t a stupid man, but last night…he’d crossed a line. Now it was judgment day.

  Opening his eyes, he saw them not far away. Elizabeth was cuddled against Callen, and his eyes were open.

  To make it worse, he was staring at him.

  Ethan wanted to begin apologizing, but his brother didn't give him a chance.

  Pointing at the door, Callen gave him the hand gestures. It looked like he was going to be meeting his brother outside.

  This wasn’t good.

  Someone was getting their ass handed to them, and it was happening outside for the whole world to see. So much for forgiveness.

  So it began.

  As he sat up, his head throbbed, and he didn't even curse it.

  This was his punishment for being a dumb ass.

  And he deserved it.

  There was no doubt about that.

  * * * B l a c k h a w k - W h i t e f o x * * *

  Reservation

  Cabin # 3

  One of the things that Broderick and Johanna enjoyed more than anything was running together. As Feds, they had to keep in shape.

  So, by taking that morning run, it always heated their bodies.

  So much so that when it was done, there was always a quickie before work. Who didn't like a slippery partner in a shower?

  Broderick sure as hell did.

  As they stripped out of their clothes, he watched her. Joey’s body called to him. She wasn’t too thin, and she wasn’t too curvy. She was in the middle, and that was perfect for him. He didn't want a woman who was all sticks and bones.

  The gentle glide of flesh over wickedly dangerous curves made his heart pound.

  If she lost that, his heart would break. He loved everything about her.

  When she stood naked in their rented cabin, he couldn’t help but think about having his way with her. The last three months had been heaven.

  Again, the ring was on his mind, and Brody wanted nothing more than to ask her to be his wife.

  Only, this seemed like a bad time to do it.

  It wasn’t romantic.