by J. L. Drake
“So, you don’t know for sure,” I manage to whisper.
“No. York won’t talk to us.” Mark steps toward me. “He’ll only talk to you.”
“Mark!” Cole snaps, and I jump.
“I’ll do it.”
“No!” Cole snaps again.
“Where is he, Mark?” I ask.
“Downstairs.”
Cole springs to his feet and lunges at Mark, sending Scoot hissing under the couch.
Daniel jumps up and gets between them.
Downstairs! Where?
“Cole, sit!” Daniel pushes him backward.
“Even if we did allow you to speak to him, it wouldn’t matter. We need to get you out of here,” Frank says, standing.
I stand too, shaking my head. I head for Cole’s office, where I know he keeps my file, having seen where he put it on the day I first met with him. I return with it a few moments later and hand the file to Frank. He looks puzzled but opens it.
“If you’re saying I need to leave here, then you can toss out my agreement, and I’ll go home.”
“No! Savannah!” Cole shouts, coming toward me. I hold up my hand to stop him.
“If you’re saying that me staying here is going to make it unsafe for these guys, and the location of this house might be compromised, then I want to go to New York.”
“I don’t think you understand how big this is,” Frank says, surprised by my reaction.
“You’re right, I don’t. I’d love some answers, if you’re willing to provide them.”
“Frank, give her some.” Cole looks pale. “She needs to understand how serious this is.”
Frank tosses the file down on the table as he sits. “Please, Savannah, take a seat.”
Cole reaches out and grips my arm, pulling me down next to him.
Frank lets out a deep breath and leans his arms on his legs as he studies at me. “Someone contracted to have you kidnapped. We’re not entirely sure who yet, but we have a few theories. One being your father’s right-hand man, Luka.”
I keep shaking my head. Luka has been like an uncle to me forever.
“The others?”
“I don’t want to go there yet.”
I feel like I was hit in the stomach by a hammer. My meal is threatening to shoot up my throat like one of those high strikers you find at the carnival to test your strength. “My father’s one of them, isn’t he?”
“Savannah, everyone is a suspect right now,” Cole says quietly.
Frank sighs. “After you were taken by Los Sirvientes Del Diablos, they found out something and decided to turn the tables. They were ordered to kill you after the first day, and that’s when we realized you weren’t involved.”
I jump to my feet. I’m pissed. “Pardon me?”
“There was the possibility that you and your father planned this. He’s up for re-election, and it gave him a ton of attention with the press, but—”
“Are you fucking kidding me?” I hiss, turning to Cole. “Did you believe that too?”
Cole shakes his head. “Savi, your case just keeps growing. Yes, before we got you, it was a possible thought. Once we had confirmation you were still alive and still under their watch, we realized there was something more going on.” I feel sick. “We’re sure they’re blackmailing your father with something.”
“Oh, my God,” I whisper, fighting the spins.
Frank clears his throat. “We’re not saying your father is involved with you being taken, but they have something they’re using to blackmail him, threatening to expose it if he doesn’t pay.”
“Wait!” I pace the floor, trying to catch up. “When did they start blackmailing him?”
“Over a month ago.”
“You mean right before I was rescued?”
“Yes.”
“Why start then?”
“We don’t know.”
“Maybe York gave them the heads up on your plans to rescue me?”
“That’s something we’re considering.” Frank nods. “Look, we don’t know who set up the kidnapping in the first place. We don’t know where Los Sirvientes Del Diablos or the rest of the Cartels are, but they have something they’re using against your father. We don’t know where The American is, but he’s a damn smart man and always gets what he wants, and he wants you. If you go back to New York, you’ll be taken.”
I run my hand through my hair then grab Cole’s drink off the table, downing the brandy in one swallow. Holy Christ, that’s strong!
“I’ll take my chances,” I mutter, and both Cole and Mark jump to their feet.
“No. I won’t let you.” Cole grabs my hand and pulls me to my feet. He wraps his arm around my waist, holding me tightly. “Frank, she’s just scared.”
“Frank,” Daniel says in a calm voice, “my father built and created Shadows. As of two days ago, I signed my company over to my son. I believe if everyone who’s employed in this house is behind having Savannah continue to stay here, then she should be able to stay, if that’s what my son wishes.”
“I do,” Cole answers without missing a beat.
Frank ponders the idea. “If everyone is on board, then fine, we’ll stand behind you. But think about what you’re risking if they find her or this place.”
“No, guys.” I swallow the lump in my throat. “Daniel, that’s incredibly kind of you, but I don’t want them risking all this just for me.” I fight back the tears that are threatening.
“Savannah, stop, please.” Cole grips me harder.
“Call a house meeting,” Frank says, watching the two of us.
Cole no longer cares who sees his affection for me?
“Frank, may I have a word with you in Cole’s office?” I ask, and Cole flinches. “I’ll be right back,” I say. “Please trust me,” I beg him with my eyes.
“Of course.” Frank waves toward the hallway.
Chapter Fifteen
Cole
Cole feels such a loss when she leaves his side. Watching her walk away, he wonders what in the hell they’re going to discuss.
Daniel calls over the radio to ask everyone to leave their post temporarily for a house meeting in the living room—ASAP.
Mark grips Cole’s arm and pulls him off to the side. “I wanted Frank to tell her about the blackmail. It might trigger something for her. Plus, we don’t want her going back to her father yet. Something still isn’t adding up there. I’m sorry about the York comment. I thought maybe she’d stay if she could help with the York investigation.”
Cole nods. He knows Mark is trying to help, but he hates the idea that Savannah might go looking for answers from York.
“You’re up, son.” Daniel nods at the crowd now gathered in the living room.
Cole moves to the fireplace, and everyone stops talking—waiting to find out what’s going on.
“Thank you all for coming in so fast. Here’s the situation. As of right now, we’ve discovered York may have been in communication with The American’s people. We now know The American had other plans for Savannah.” Cole swallows the bile in the back of his throat and continues. “It seems he was planning on taking her for himself and has stepped up the hunt for her. Frank Brandon is here and wants to take Savannah back to Washington for her own protection, but Savannah won’t go. She wants to go back to New York rather than put Shadows at risk.” A light roar sounds among the crowd.
“No! She’ll be killed!” Abigail shrieks, holding her stomach.
“Here’s my plan.” Cole holds up his hand to get their attention again. “Frank will allow her to stay here as long as everyone is in agreement and understands the consequences that come with protecting her here at Shadows. This could get bad, so if you’re not okay with it, please let me know, and I’ll lay you off temporarily until this is over—no judgment passed. With a show of hands, who is not all right with Savannah staying here?” No hands are raised.
“I think I speak for all of us when I say Savi isn’t going anywhere.” Keith’s voice b
ooms throughout the room.
Cole gives him a nod, and relief spreads over him. Now he just needs to convince Savannah.
“If you don’t mind,” Mike tugs at his jacket, “I’m sweating in my gear, and I would like to get out there and watch for that sick son of a bitch.”
“All right, go. Thanks, guys.” Cole waits for the crowd to leave then leans his forehead on the mantel, taking a breather and wishing this would end.
“Oh, dear,” Sue rubs his back, “your father just filled me in. I’m sure she’s just scared and worried about all of you. Give her some time. You know this is a lot for her to process.”
“I don’t know what I’ll do if she leaves,” he whispers.
His mother steps around to face him.
“We had quite the talk in the car on the way home. She really cares about you, Cole.”
“Mention the part about the fritters, Sue,” June says as she eavesdrops while walking by.
Sue tries to hide a smile. “Yes, well, the aunts,” she nods toward Abigail and June, “got confirmation that she does want kids.”
Oh, Lord! Poor Savannah. He could only imagine the firing squad of questions that were thrown at her. Although the idea of having a little one running around wasn’t as scary as he thought it would be. He shakes his head. What the hell is happening to me? I’ve only known this woman for two months!
“Son.” Daniel nods toward the hallway where Savannah is shaking Frank’s hand.
“I’ll see you all tomorrow,” Frank calls before he disappears out the door.
Savannah walks into the living room, and he can see she’s been crying. He can’t help but wonder what is going on in that pretty little head of hers, but knows he has to give her some space. He doesn’t say anything.
“I have until tomorrow to decide,” she says, not meeting his eyes.
“Come and sit, Savannah,” his mother says as she puts her arm around Savi’s shoulders and walks her to the couch, draping her favorite blanket around her. “Can I get you anything?”
“No. I’m all right, thanks.”
“What did Frank say?” Daniel asks as Mark leaves the room to answer his cell phone.
“He just filled me in on the risks if I stay or leave. He answered a few more questions, and in turn, I answered a few for him. I will not go to Washington…the idea scares me more than going back to New York. Trusting people doesn’t come easily for me anymore. I’m just really confused.” She rubs her head. “I don’t think of New York as my home anymore, and after what I learned tonight, I feel like I can’t trust anyone there.” She starts to cry. “The worst part is I have mixed feelings toward my father. What does that say about me? I’m a horrible person. I’m sorry,” she says, standing. “I really need some time to think this all through.” She looks over at Cole. “I promise—no woods.” With that, she turns and heads upstairs.
Cole jumps to his feet, pacing the room and ignoring the low hum of voices in the background. He knows he can’t let her leave. Needing to prove how much he cares for her, he takes off toward her room with his mother’s protests to give her more time ringing in his ears.
Marching down the hallway, he throws open her bedroom door then locks it behind him. The shower is running, so he strips off his clothes and heads toward the bathroom. He does not hesitate as he opens the shower door and steps in.
“Cole!” She jumps, letting her gaze travel down his body. “Oh!”
He grabs her around the waist and lifts her up against the wall.
She lets out a squeak as her legs wrap around him.
He likes her this way. She can’t run, and he has full access to her long, slender neck. He leans in and kisses her below her ear, feeling her pulse quicken. “What is there to think about, Savi?” he whispers hoarsely.
She runs her hands through his wet hair and lets out a sigh. “Cole, I can’t stay.”
Oh, hell no. He positions himself at her opening and slams in.
She screams, gripping his shoulders.
He nearly doubles over, she is so tight and ready for him. “Does that feel good?”
“God, yes! Again!” She wiggles her hips. Her chest pushes into his face. Sweet Lord, she’s beautiful! He pulls out and slams in again, nearly buckling. Christ, she feels amazing. He takes a minute to control himself—it’s been a long time since he has been with a woman. He slams again, making her shoot up the wall.
“Yes!” she shouts and claws at his skin like she is starving for him.
He slows the pace, teasing them both with short little thrusts.
“Cole, please,” she begs, wiggling to get more friction. “Please.”
“If you leave, I’ll never see you again. You told me you were mine.” She starts to whimper as he thrusts up hard. “This is where you belong, baby, with me—nowhere else.”
She leans forward and seals her lips over his, kissing him deeply.
Oh, this woman is going to kill him. He returns to his rough movements, giving her everything he has. He’s completely lost in her…his mind is spinning with all her gasps and moans.
“Cole!” she calls out. He can tell she’s close.
“Give it to me, baby. Give in.”
She screams as her entire body shakes and squeezes him like a glove. His vision goes cloudy as he loses all control, emptying himself into her.
They are both panting as they come down from their high. She’s like jelly in his arms, completely spent. He washes her, having to hold her up with one hand. He wraps her in a towel and puts her to bed. He quickly dries himself off, chucks the towel in the basket, then crawls in behind her, their naked bodies giving each other comfort.
It’s pitch black, but he can tell she’s still awake; her breathing is uneven. He kisses her shoulder, his lips lingering on her silky skin. “I’m not letting you go, Savannah,” he whispers. She doesn’t say anything, but she pushes herself tighter against him.
Savannah
I tap my fingers on the railing, watching the numbers light up one by one. Fifteen more to go.
“Savannah!” Luka calls out as I step out of the elevator on the twenty-sixth floor of the Maxwell building. “What are you doing here?” He gives me a hug.
“I’m meeting Dad for lunch.”
He looks at me oddly, and I know what’s coming. “He must have forgotten. He left about ten minutes ago.”
I curse inwardly.
“Third time in two weeks—a girl could get a complex,” I joke, giving him the best smile I can muster. “I guess I’ll head back across town.”
Luka squeezes my arm. “Sorry, sweetheart. I’ll let him know you were here.”
“Thanks.” I click the button a few times then decide I’d rather write my dad a Post-it and stick it to his monitor so he will see it when he gets back. I race off toward his office. Margo, his receptionist, is away from her desk, so I slip inside, grab a pen, and quickly write, ‘You forgot again…you owe me three lunches- S’
I post it to the monitor and let myself out.
“Oh, hello,” a woman with straight blonde hair cut in a bob greets me. “Savannah. right?”
“Ah, yes.” I smile. “Where’s Margo?”
“Her father is sick, so she had to go visit him in Philly.”
Later on that evening, my father finally calls me.
“Hey, Dad,” I say, rubbing my eyes.
“Savi, sorry I forgot about today.” I hear a woman’s voice in the background.
“Dad, do you have company?” I grin.
“Don’t be ridiculous, Savi, it’s just Margo. She came over to drop off a file.”
“Right.” I laugh, walking over to grab a blanket off the chair.
“We’ll reschedule for another day. Got to go. Good night, Savannah.”
“Have fun, Dad.” I’m still laughing as I hang up. I stop suddenly when my eye is drawn to someone standing across the street. He seems to be looking directly at me. He is holding what appears to be a folded newspaper, and when he turns
away, I note how the light reflects on his boots…they look odd, like they turn up at the tips. How strange.
My eyes open as my heart pounds out of my chest. I look at the time—four thirty. Cole is wrapped around me, so I gently try to move his arm, but it locks around me.
“Why is your heart racing?” he whispers against my neck. Crap.
“Bad dream. I’m sorry I woke you.”
“You didn’t.” He rolls on his back and pulls me against his side so my head rests on his chest.
“You haven’t slept?” I feel terrible.
“What were you dreaming about?”
I sigh as he dodges my question.
“I remember another time I saw The American. He was outside my condo, watching me.”
Cole doesn’t say anything, he just stares at the ceiling. What I wouldn’t give to know what he is thinking. When I can’t take the silence anymore, I roll on his stomach and straddle him. The only light is from the full moon, so it’s hard to read his expression. I trace paths down his stomach with my fingertips, and it flexes when he folds his arms behind his head. I know he is upset with me, but I haven’t had time to really think since I passed out after our shower encounter. I shiver when I remember the feeling of him inside me. I push my weight on my knees to get the angle right then sink down before he has a chance to stop me.
“Savannah!” He jolts forward and grabs my hips. “Fuuuuck.”
I shift my body, adjusting to his size. He lies back down as I start a slow, lazy pace.
His hands press over his face as he sucks in a deep breath. “Christ, woman!” He grabs me, holding me still as he shoves his hips up and tries to get deeper, faster.
I push his hands away, smiling. I am in control this time.
He shakes his head and groans as I set the pace, again running my hands down his front, stopping in all the right places. Payback is going to be fun.
I pull him almost all the way out, but only take him back an inch.
He hisses out a puff of air.
I pull up again and slam down, knowing I can’t take much more.