by J. A. Owenby
The sound of the plane door opening broke through my whirlwind of chaotic thoughts. Sutton exited and hurried down the stairs toward us. She was stunning in a bright, multi-colored maxi dress and designer sandals. Her long blonde hair flowed down her back, and a warm smile lit up her blue eyes.
“Hi!” She hugged Mom, then Dad. “I miss you guys so much. Why don’t you two come up next week for dinner?”
“That sounds so nice,” Mom replied, a sad smile easing across her heart-shaped face while her attention landed on me. She self-consciously patted her dark-brown curls, her attention scanning the plane. “Text me a date, then I’ll check the calendar.”
Sutton glanced at me and grinned. “Okay. I’ll do that after I get Claire settled. I hate to cut everything short, but I’ve got to get back to work. I’ll be making some phone calls on the plane while we fly to Spokane. Plus, Claire and I have a lot to do over the next few days.” She winked at me, then planted a kiss on my forehead.
Tears stung my eyes the second I looked at Mom as she held her arms out to me for a third hug goodbye.
“Are you sure you’re going to be all right?” She smoothed blonde strands of hair from my face and placed her warm hands on my cheeks.
“Do you know how many bodyguards will be around all the time?” I attempted a laugh. Even though I was ready to leave Portland behind me, I loved my parents more than my own life. They’d always provided for me, supported my choices, and placed Sutton and me as a top priority. Anyone who ever thought kids didn’t get in trouble if they had good parents should think again. I had a damned good home life, and I still got sucked into the darkness.
“I know, honey, but I’m going to miss you terribly.” Mom dabbed the corner of her eye, her shoulders slumping forward.
“Don’t forget she’s only an hour away by flight,” Sutton said, reassuring Mom.
“Since you’ve offered to help Claire get a fresh start in Spokane, then we should have a family dinner at least once a month,” Dad suggested. His light-brown hair had greyed considerably over the last year, but he was still handsome. Sutton had taken after him in the height department, but I’d topped out at five-three, the same as Mom. “We need to find time for each other, and since your husband has his own plane, there are no excuses.” Dad’s eyes fell on Sutton, his expression growing serious. “I’m trusting you to take care of her.” He cleared his throat, attempting to hide the fear in his tone.
“I promise, Dad.” Sutton threw her arms around our father’s neck, and I swallowed over the tightness in my throat.
I’d planned on leaving home for years. Why was this emotionally gutting me at the moment? Even growing up, I hated seeing Mom or Dad upset. I always rushed in to try to fix whatever was hurting them. But this time … if I tried to stay …
“I’m sorry. We have to go. I have a phone meeting in ten minutes.” Sutton hugged Mom, then looped her arm through mine. “We’ll see you in a few weeks.”
I gave Mom and Dad a last little wave, then grabbed one of my bags while Sutton took the other one. Thank God for wheels. The bags were heavy as hell.
“How long can I stay?” I asked, without looking at my sister. I couldn’t take the chance of her seeing the anxiety in my expression.
“For as long as you want. There’s no time limit.” She pushed the handle down on the luggage and left it at the bottom of the stairs. “Leave your suitcase here so they can load it for you.”
“Oh.” I hefted my overstuffed backpack on my shoulder and followed her up the steps and into the plane. “Holy shit!”
Sutton laughed. “You’re flying in luxury, Sis.”
“Jeez! I’ve seen Pierce’s … your Portland penthouse, but I had no idea planes could be this nice.” My manners fled the scene while my mouthed gaped open, and I took in the cream-colored chairs and the plush dark-brown carpet. “Can I be nosy?”
Sutton’s smile lit up her bright-blue eyes, and she nodded. She stepped back, allowing me to move past her. I ran my fingers over the dark-brown buttery leather of the couch, then spotted the full-sized bedroom and bathroom. A low whistle escaped my lips while I bounced on the bed. “I bet you and Pierce have some fun on this baby.” I barked out a laugh, and Sutton’s cheeks burned pink.
She crossed her arms over her chest, signaling the topic wasn’t up for discussion. “Do you want a drink?”
My brows knitted together in confusion. “As in alcohol? You do realize I’m nineteen and not twenty-one yet, right?” I stared at her, my eyes narrowing. What was she up to?
“You’re an adult, and as long as you act responsibly, Pierce and I don’t care if you drink … in moderation. There will be some rules, but you’ll also have a lot of freedom. We want you to feel safe again. Live your life. It’s important that you’re confident enough to explore and find out what you want and what next steps feel right for you.”
I flew off the bed and flung my arms around her. “Thank you.” I stepped back and laughed. “Not for allowing me to drink, but … I just want to move forward. I’m tired of my past controlling my future.” A crushing weight settled on my chest as memories of the kidnapping bombarded my mind. The therapist had called it PTSD. I didn’t care what clinical name they conjured up for it, it fucking sucked. Focusing on Sutton, I reminded myself to stay in the present moment, and right now, I was safe.
“We’re here to help in any way we can.” She squeezed my shoulder, reassuring me.
“Mrs. Westbrook?” the pilot said from behind her. “You’ll need to take your seats in five minutes.”
“Thank you, Fredrick.” Sutton faced me again. “Let’s go get those drinks and get settled in. When we’re in the air, we can move around.”
Nearly two hours passed from the time we took off from the Portland airport to when we pulled onto a winding, heavily wooded road that eventually led to Sutton and Pierce’s sprawling acreage and brand-new log house. I was eager to see it for the first time, but even more relieved that no one would find me there.
“Welcome home,” she said, lowering the window of her royal blue Audi R8. “I’ll get you set up on the security system later this evening.” She paused as the facial recognition confirmed who she was, then the iron gate opened slowly.
“Shit. I thought those gates were only in the movies.” Peace flowed through me. I wasn’t lying to myself like I had over the last several months. I really was safe. I released a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding and sank back into the plush black leather seat. “I can’t believe this is your … your …” I frowned and stared at her. “I obviously don’t have the words right now.”
“It took me a while to get used to the homes, cars, and money. For some reason, I thought it made people greedy or just assholes, but it doesn’t change anyone. They are who they already are; we just might not have seen the behavior before. It’s like when someone is really drunk, then they start expressing what they think about a situation. The truth comes out. It’s the same thing. I’ve not changed. Pierce hasn’t changed. We’re just us.”
Sutton sped up the driveway, tapped a button on her rearview mirror, then zipped into the four-car garage the second the door opened all the way.
“Leave your bags. I’ll have Jeffrey unload them and bring them to your room.” She grabbed her purse and hopped out of the car. I followed behind her while she opened the door and led us into the house.
The light, shiny wood floors extended as far as I could see into the living and dining area and up the stairs. A grey stone fireplace stretched toward the vaulted ceiling, providing a beautiful contrast to the log walls. Ceiling fans circulated the air on low, cooling the room to a comfortable temperature.
Laughter floated in the air and I glanced upstairs, wondering who the sound belonged to. Although the house was larger than any I’d ever seen, a warm, comfortable feeling settled over me. At times, I had wondered if I would ever feel relaxed again. With constant nightmares and rarely leaving the house alone, fear had quickly become my new b
est friend. I’d just never confided in anyone.
“I’ll take you upstairs in a little while. Are you hungry?” Sutton slipped off her sandals, then padded through the living room in her bare feet. She’d always been the most comfortable without shoes.
I removed mine as well and hurried after her. “I’m starving.” My stomach growled in agreement.
“Me, too. Some days, I’m so busy I forget to eat. Pierce made some steaks last night. I tucked a few back for a salad. Does that work?” Sutton took a sharp left and disappeared.
“Don’t lose me.” I giggled. Joining her in the kitchen, I stopped abruptly and released a low whistle. The stainless-steel appliances, black granite countertops, large island, six-burner gas stove, breakfast nook, and windows that offered a stunning view of rolling hills and snowcapped mountains stole my breath. The late-afternoon sun blazed across the sky, filling it with streaks of pink, orange swirls, and an iridescent blue. I approached the back door and lost myself in the beauty.
“It’s gorgeous, isn’t it?” Sutton said from behind me.
“Can we eat outside?” Hope rose inside me while I pointed out back, where an extensive patio with a hot tub, outdoor eating area, and grill beckoned to me. Sitting outside to enjoy a meal and drinks hadn’t been possible since I’d returned home. Every car that drove by my parents’ house or strangers that strolled up our sidewalk sent a shockwave of panic through me. My intuition had continually nagged at me that the danger wasn’t over yet, and I’d been right. Thank God Coen had warned me.
“Claire,” Sutton said, placing her hands on my shoulders and turning me toward her. “Mom told me you rarely sit outside on the porch anymore.” She pulled me into a tight hug, and silence settled over us.
Tears pricked my eyes, and I squeezed them shut. I was so tired of not living, but now, thanks to my sister, I had a chance again. At home, I never felt safe to reinsert myself into society, but here I thought I could.
Sutton stepped back, her gaze assessing me. “It’s almost dinnertime. Why don’t we order something instead? There’s a fantastic sushi place downtown. I’ll have Jeffrey pick up whatever we want and grab your bags from the car. For now, I’ll grab a bottle of wine, and we can enjoy the beautiful weather outside.”
“Claire.” A deep voice boomed through the kitchen, sending me skittering backward, plastering my back against the door. My hands grew clammy as I felt the blood drain from my face.
“Pierce, you scared the crap out of her.” Sutton closed the gap between her and Pierce, then she rose onto her tiptoes and greeted her husband with a gentle kiss. He caressed her cheek while his expression softened.
Pierce’s presence filled any room he occupied, but so did the love he had for my sister. The strong bond and emotions they shared were infectious, and I’d nearly swooned a few times, but I would never admit it to her. There was no mistaking who had the upper hand in their marriage, but Sutton sought balance and never took advantage of him.
Sutton had scored big. Not only was he gorgeous, with dark hair and brown eyes, but he was also six-two and a solid mass of muscle that any female would love to run her hands over. Until last year, when his father passed away, he’d worked as a bodyguard, but now he owned the company. On occasion, he assisted the FBI with cases. He and Sutton had brought down one of the largest trafficking rings in the Pacific Northwest, the same one that had abducted me. My disappearance had also brought my sister back into Pierce’s life. At least a few positive things had happened during all the hell.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you, Claire. I’m still adjusting to the echo in this house. But welcome home.” He released his wife and strolled over to me. “I think this is the best view in Spokane.” He slid his arm around my shoulder and beamed down at me. “It’s really good to see you. Let me know if you need anything at all.” His gaze connected with mine, assuring me things would be okay. But he didn’t know the truth.
“Man, I’m starving,” a voice said from behind me.
I spun around, my attention landing on Vaughn Reddington, Sutton’s best friend and one of the bodyguards that worked for Pierce. From what I recalled, they had attended high school together and trained in martial arts under the same sensei.
He waltzed into the kitchen, rubbing his stomach with one hand, and made a beeline toward the refrigerator. I’d never been a fan of basketball shorts and T-shirts, but he had just changed my mind. My attention wandered up the most gorgeous, rock-hard body I’d ever seen. Vaughn had worn a tux at Pierce and Sutton’s wedding, and even though it was obvious that he was a solid wall of muscle, this was a pleasant surprise.
My heart fluttered. I’d not seen him in almost ten months, but who was counting? He ran his fingers through his short blonde hair, his bicep muscles rippling, as his eyes landed on me. One blue. One brown. My insides quivered while I held his gaze. No man had ever reduced me to a trembling hormonal mess with a single look—until I met Vaughn.
“Oh, hey, Claire.” His attention drifted to Pierce, who tightened his arm around my shoulders.
Thick tension was palpable in the air. Vaughn nodded slightly, then smiled as though they hadn’t just had a silent conversation about me while I stood between them.
“We’re going to order sushi. I already know what you want, Vaughn. Why don’t you grab a few more bottles of wine from the cellar and meet us out back?” Sutton flipped open a cabinet and pulled down four wineglasses. “Babe, do you want wine or scotch?” she asked her husband.
Pierce dropped his arm while Vaughn left the room, then he joined Sutton. “Wine is great, thanks.” He leaned down and kissed her. “I need to talk to Vaughn. I’ll join you ladies outside in a little while, and I’ll start a fire in the pit.”
My eyes narrowed as I watched Pierce leave the kitchen, his shoulders visibly stiff with tension. “What the hell was that all about?” I walked over to the island and leaned my elbows on the cool granite, staring a hole into my sister.
“I told you the bodyguards are off-limits, but you are to them, as well, Claire. You’re beautiful, young, and available, but that was Pierce’s one request. We brought you up here to heal, not to be pawed at.”
I jutted my hip out, my anger simmering right beneath my calm exterior. “You’ve had this conversation with me already. What just happened between Pierce and Vaughn?” I asked, almost choking on the lump in my throat. Had Vaughn told Pierce about our brief encounter at the wedding? My pulse climbed rapidly as I pictured myself on my knees with the tip of Vaughn’s cock in my mouth. My core ached with the memory. I’d had a few too many glasses of champagne at Sutton’s wedding and assumed it would be okay to have some fun. For most of the ceremony and reception, Vaughn had stood alone toward the back of the property. Although he was working, he was drinking and would join the large group for a few minutes, then return to his post. All the bodyguards had done the same, allowing them not to miss all of the festivities.
“What is it? You look pale.” Sutton opened the cabinet and removed the last few bottles of wine.
“I’m fine.” I squared my shoulders. “I’m grown. Please tell Pierce that I won’t be a problem. The last thing I need is to mess this up.” Suddenly, a glass or three of wine seemed like an excellent idea.
Sutton released a heavy sigh. “It’s not you, Claire. Vaughn is … He’s my best friend, and I love him like a brother, but he’s a player. And I realize he’s hot as hell and single. The guys work long hours and dedicate their lives to protecting people. I don’t blame him for blowing off steam and having fun, but he’s not allowed to break your heart.”
A player? He’d shot me down faster than I’d slid his dick into my mouth.
Sutton removed the cork from the Malbec and began to pour four glasses.
“All of them are off-limits?” I asked, hoping to redirect her focus. “I was more interested in Zayne.” I had just lied to my sister. Granted, it wasn’t the first time I’d not been honest with her, but the guilt had always gnawed at me
.
Sutton slid a drink toward me and smiled. “Yes. All of them. Drool and fantasize about them all you want, but no touching.”
I rolled my eyes dramatically and giggled. “You’re absolutely no fun. I understand, though. I’m just having fun messing with you. I’m not interested in anyone. Not since … Tucker.” My voice trembled slightly with his name, and I took a large sip of wine.
Sutton didn’t say a word while she moved around the island and hugged me. “I love you, Claire. I’m not sure what’s going on in your life, but I’m here when you’re ready to talk.”
“I know. I Love you, too. Thanks again for moving me up here for a while.” I just hoped like hell it was long enough to keep me out of hot water.
Black-and-red basketball shorts caught my attention, and my focus wandered over to the doorway. Vaughn’s eyes slowly drifted to mine, meeting my gaze. Compassion, then guilt, flickered across his expression. He cleared his throat as he strolled toward Sutton and me with several bottles of wine in his arms.
3
Dinner sucked. The food and wine were amazing, but Vaughn did everything in his power to ignore me. He hadn’t even tossed a glance in my direction. Whatever Pierce said to him had apparently rattled his cage.
If Vaughn had confessed to Pierce that I’d given him a blow job, Pierce would have sent Sutton to talk to me in private, and that hadn’t happened. No way in hell would he ever ask me about it. Thank God. Discussing my sex life with my brother-in-law would be beyond awkward.
Jeffrey had joined us outside for a drink after carrying my bags upstairs to my new bedroom. I’d met him briefly at Sutton and Pierce’s penthouse in Portland. From what I could tell, he was Pierce’s right-hand man who kept the company running smoothly, but he had the demeanor of a bodyguard. All business. His personality was a bit warmer, though.