by Stone, Piper
I snickered at my inner thoughts. Snake had been all for it, determined to root out the enemy and take them down.
At least after a few seconds, the near panic attack passed. Grabbing the pillow, I tossed it on the arm of the leather sofa, lying down, a haze forming over my eyes.
Get a grip, soldier. You’re a strong, brave, well-trained machine. That’s how you must remain the rest of your life.
Machine.
Yeah, I was a killing machine.
I closed my eyes, still able to see Snake’s face. This wasn’t going to do. I’d never get any peace tonight. Shifting, I yanked out my wallet, digging out the single picture I’d kept with me. As I unfolded the photograph, I was finally able to smile. All six of us standing together after graduating boot camp, grinning like stupid fools, but we were so damn happy.
And proud.
And fierce.
We were ready to conquer the world. Too bad it managed to conquer us. After a few minutes of lamenting, I finally lay down, forcing myself to close my eyes. At least I could rest my aching body.
“Move. Move. Move!” Hawk snapped, hissing under his breath.
“We can do this,” Mustang yelled as the sound of gunfire erupted all around us.
I crawled through the muck, breaching the fence and heading straight for the dilapidated building housing the prisoners. Nothing was going to stop me from reaching Snake, my mind foggy with the need for blood.
“They’re all around us,” Reaper snapped.
As if I gave a damn. I pushed on, moving to a crouched position, taking aim as a number of insurgents tried to reach us in the darkness.
Pop. Pop. Pop. Pop.
I released a spray of gunfire, the blasts hitting their targets. Then I rushed toward the building, prepared to go inside.
“Something’s wrong,” I heard one of the men say.
A series of vibrations occurred under my feet, but I refused to stop, the padlocked door only a few feet away. Go. Go. Go.
Boom!
Giggle.
Attack.
I jerked up, prepared to fight the enemy.
Only to see the face of a little girl staring back at me a few inches away. I took a deep breath, still disoriented, trying to get my bearings. What the fuck?
When her little arm reached out to me, using just the tip of her pinky to trace one of the tattoos on my chest, I finally managed to realize where the hell I was. After a few seconds, my vision came into focus and I was able to give the sweet child in front of me a slight smile.
She darted her blue eyes into mine before continuing her exploration, running her finger across the inked dragon before sliding the tip down the creature’s tail.
“You must be Ashley,” I said softly.
Nodding as only an eager little girl could do, she giggled once again before yanking her hand away. “You’re a painted man.”
“I am.”
“Ashley. What did I tell you about bothering our guest?” As Hawk entered the room, he shook his head several times, scooping her into his arms, swaying back and forth.
“Daddy. He’s beauful,” she half whispered.
I’d certainly never been called beautiful in my life. As I moved to a sitting position, swinging my legs to the floor, I reached for the hoodie. Daddy. Hawk had sworn he’d never have a family. To see him with Ashley, the happiness in his eyes, was both amazing as well as another stab into my heart. He was a lucky man.
Hawk chuckled as he walked away from the couch, still swinging her back and forth. “She’s a very curious little girl. This is Vader, honey.”
“As in Darth Vader? Really?” she squealed.
“I do have some moves like Darth Vader,” I said, unable to keep a smile from my face.
“Oh, Daddy! My favorite.”
“She loves Star Wars,” Hawk murmured, kissing her on the forehead then easing her to the floor.
As I moved to a standing position, I realized the photograph had slid to the floor. Sighing, I snagged it, embarrassed I’d actually fallen asleep with it in my hand. I placed it on the table before reaching for my wallet.
My buddy noticed the picture immediately, pulling it into his fingers, a moment of sadness crossing his face. “Ashley, why don’t you see if Mommy is ready to make breakfast. I think our guest is hungry.”
“O-tay, Daddy.”
As she skipped away, humming some little tune, I took a deep breath, studying the way he was looking at the photograph. As if a ghost had entered the room.
Very slowly, he handed me the picture, shifting his hand into his back pocket, retrieving his wallet. When he pulled something from inside, I knew instinctively what he was going to show me.
“I’ve carried this with me every day,” he said in such a quiet voice I had to strain to hear him. In his hand was the same photograph. “It’s important to remember every day, every experience.”
Important.
Maybe he was right. Then why did I feel like tossing the picture into the embers?
Chapter 4
Francesca
“Are you okay, Senator?”
I opened my eyes, immediately reaching for coffee number three. Okay wasn’t a word that I could use in my vocabulary at this point. When I finally glanced at Janine, the assistant who’d been with me the entire tumultuous time I’d been a senator, she appeared sheepish, which wasn’t like her. “Why do you ask?”
Janine sighed. “Did you have a bad night?”
A bad night. If you mean because I picked up a stranger on a lonely road and followed his command to have rough and filthy sex at a cheap motel that burned to the ground, then sure, it was a bad night. I resisted rolling my eyes given my inner voice picking at me, which it had done for hours. “I just couldn’t sleep very well. A lot on my mind.”
“I understand. At least your schedule isn’t that busy today, although you do have a meeting with the Montana Ranch Association.”
How could I forget about another nasty meeting with a group of old farts who demanded that taxes be lowered on their ranches? Uh-huh. Like that was going to happen. Granted, they were powerful men in the state, but I was through kowtowing to anyone. “I didn’t forget. I’ll be there with bells on.” I grabbed the television remote from my desk, flipping on my usual news station. “No burning calls? No fires to put out this morning?”
Fires.
I hadn’t been able to watch the news before leaving the house. The reason? I’d remained in bed long after the alarm had gone off, trying to rationalize how I could have been so reckless. An image of the roughhewn man rushed into my mind, the clear image of his buff body and thick cock more like a masterpiece of sculpted art.
The second I leaned forward, I was reminded of the very harsh punishment I’d received, the redness glaring at me in the reflection of the mirror before my shower. Even my nipples ached after the incredible abuse they’d received. But the experience had been hot as Hades, delicious in its dysfunction. The second I pulled my arm to my nose, Janine squinted, her mouth twisting.
His scent had continued to remain all over me even after a hot shower.
“No. Nothing out of the ordinary. Just the usual requests for things that are out of our jurisdiction,” she said in a labored voice.
“What aren’t you telling me?”
She seemed more uncomfortable than usual. “Just that a note was received. I left it for you on your desk.”
“A note. I’m guessing you mean a threat?” I laughed, the sound likely coming off as cackling.
Janine’s face paled. “I’m so sorry, Senator. You shouldn’t have to deal with assholes.”
I only half paid attention to her as I studied the television. “Don’t worry. I’m used to it.” I was aware she’d moved closer, trying to find out what I was looking at.
When a report about the fire flashed across the screen, only then did I turn up the volume. The local reporter stood directly in front of the charred remains of the small motel, describing the event
without providing any cause for the fire itself. Of course, the fire inspector hadn’t been able to discover the reason just yet.
“Does that mean something to you?” Janine asked.
I gave her a sideways glance then rose to my feet, inching closer to the television.
“While no determination for the cause of the fire has been made, questions have been raised as to whether a serial arsonist has targeted Montana, this being the fourth suspicious fire in less than six months.”
As the reporter prattled on, the news station providing pictures of the previous occurrences, a cold chill trickled down my spine. “Janine, do you know anything about the previous fires?”
“No, but I rarely have time to watch the news at this point. Is there something wrong?”
I shifted my gaze to the open door, the two other employees that worked for me when Congress wasn’t in session. “Will you try and find out everything you can about the four fires?”
When she hesitated, I cocked my head.
“Sure, but is there a reason?”
“I’m just curious since it seems to be a pattern. You know that everything that happens in my state concerns me, especially when it happens in Missoula.”
“Of course, Senator Montgomery. I’ll see what I can find.”
When she left my office, closing the door behind her, I took a deep breath. Why did I have the distinct feeling that I’d jumped into the middle of a nightmare? Four suspicious fires and all commercial buildings could mean insurance fraud, but I had a nagging suspicion that the arsonists had burned them to the ground for another reason. Maybe I was just feeling guilty for being there in the first place.
With Vader.
The most gorgeous man I’d ever laid eyes on.
I pressed my hand across my lips, still able to feel his rough kisses, the way he devoured my mouth more exciting than anything I’d ever experienced. My legs began to tremble, my mind foggy as it had been the night before. God, I’d acted like a teenage girl and nothing more.
I forced myself to walk toward the window, staring out at the beautiful mountains. Who the hell was the guy?
Would it be so wrong if I actually saw him again?
What are you thinking?
Now I rolled my eyes. That had been the point. I hadn’t been thinking at all, just reacting to hungers that hadn’t been satisfied in one hell of a long time. I leaned my head against the glass, goosebumps popping along my arms, wiggling until the material of my skirt shifted back and forth across my bottom.
Staring at the reflection, I noticed the envelope on the corner of my desk and made a distorted face. If the number of threats equated to dollars, I’d be one wealthy woman.
As I pulled the folded note into the light, I was surprised someone hadn’t used childish block letters.
Your days are numbered, Senator Montgomery.
“Yeah, yeah. Take a number.” I tossed it into my drawer along with the other fifty or so. Maybe I’d use them for wallpaper one day.
The buzz of my intercom dragged me back to my ugly life.
“Senator Montgomery? Congressman Johnson is on the line for you.”
Wonderful. Another political jerk who wanted to discuss grazing rights as well as taxes. “Thank you, Janine.”
Just another day in paradise.
Anger.
I’d never felt so much anger in my entire political career. I was sick to death of men who thought their power and influence was far more important than following the law. I stormed into my office, trying to keep my cool, my employees watching me as I took long strides toward my private office. I didn’t have to ask Janine to follow. She knew me far too well.
“That bad, huh?” she asked as she leaned against the doorway.
“Let’s just put it this way. If a single member of the Montana Ranch Association has the gall to reach out to me, tell them I’ve gone hunting for big game and they’re next on the list.”
“Ouch. It was that bad.”
“They just didn’t want to listen to me, reminding me that I would be up for reelection soon. Not until next year, assholes.” The day had been arduous, more so given I hadn’t been able to sit comfortably on the hard wooden chair the group of five pontificating men had provided. Meanwhile, they’d sat in comfy and very plush leather chairs.
Bastards.
Chuckling, she walked closer. “I do have some news about the fires.”
I tried to act nonchalant as I gazed at her. “That was fast.”
“You know me. Besides, I know a very sexy deputy at the sheriff’s office,” Janine said, grinning more than I was used to seeing.
“My, my. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were one naughty girl.” Why did visions of being tied to a headboard suddenly float into my mind?
She blushed, her entire face shimmering. “I do have a life, you know.”
A life, something I’d lost a long time before. “What did you find out?”
“The initial report came in about last night’s fire. There’s still little to go on but it would appear that there was a gas leak. That’s what was behind the initial explosion.”
“A gas leak?”
She shook her head. “Think about it. The buildings are old and some of the gas lines haven’t been replaced. The gas company has received significant criticism about their slowness in switching the lines. It’s feasible.”
“So what they’re trying to say, this wasn’t arson but four separate accidents?” I was just in a piss poor mood at this point.
Janine frowned. “I guess. I’m just telling you what I was able to find out.”
I wasn’t buying the theory entirely. There was no smell of gas, but the acrid stench reminded me of chemicals. There had to be some connection to all the buildings. “Thanks, Janine. Why don’t you guys take off for the rest of the afternoon? I plan on going home and having a large glass of wine.”
As she glanced at her watch, I did at mine as well, realizing the twenty extra minutes I was giving my employees meant diddly squat.
“Try and get some rest, Senator.”
“Good night.” I turned my attention to the window, the sun just starting to fade, highlighting the mountains in a spectacular manner. Who the hell was trying to destroy my city building by building?
A drink was a definite tonight. Maybe more than one.
A sudden whim came into my mind. I snagged my personal cell phone, dialing the one person I could commiserate with over copious amounts of wine or tequila. “Katie.”
“Hmmm… I think I recognize that voice. Let me think…”
“Very funny. You know I’ve been busy. The last session was a pain in my ass.”
“So I’ve heard,” Katie said, laughing. “Glad you’re back.”
“How about popping by for drinks tonight?”
“Uh-oh. Shitty day?”
“You got it,” I growled, refusing to scream that it had been a shitty life the past two years.
“Don’t worry. I’ll stop by the liquor store. Too bad I can’t bring one sexy male stripper with me. I think you need to get laid.”
Groaning, I closed my eyes and all I could see was one giant, sexy, and tattooed man.
Nope. It was never going to happen again.
“It’s Friday night. I brought tequila!” Katie announced in her usual jubilant voice. The woman was always excited about everything, especially grabbing a cocktail and enjoying whatever man candy we found. She sauntered into the kitchen, slapping the bottle down on the counter and immediately reaching for the two margarita glasses I’d filled with ice.
“You’re a godsend.” Thank God tomorrow was Saturday. I was exhausted although every inch of me remained on edge, butterflies swarming in my stomach. Why? There is no reason for the way I was feeling.
“And don’t you forget it,” she said, laughing as she poured a hefty amount of the liquor into each glass. When I remained quiet, she gave me what I’d coined her infamous don’t-give-me-shit look, taking her t
ime to pour from the pitcher of mix I’d made from scratch.
“What? Can’t I get together with my girlfriend?”
“Don’t even try and give me that shit. You forget that I know you too well.” She finished mixing, sliding a glass in my direction then cocking her hip against the counter. “You haven’t wanted to do this in a long time. What gives?”
Before I had a chance to reach for my drink, I noticed I’d left the washed and folded shirt I’d borrowed from the sexy hunk on the kitchen island. Instantly, she followed my gaze, her eyes sparkling.
Shit.
Katie took a sip of her drink, licking salt off the rim before moving toward the shirt like an eagle spotting its prey. “And what is this?”
“Just a shirt. What does it look like?”
“Sure it is.” She put her glass on the granite surface then grabbed the tee shirt, allowing it to unfold in front of her. “A man’s shirt to be exact.”
“Something I sleep in.”
Wrinkling her nose, she glanced at the applique on the front. “Since when do you like heavy metal music? Disturbed?”
I shrugged, chastising myself for leaving the damn thing out in the open. “I have varied tastes.” When she brought it to her nose, I cringed. I’d used copious amounts of fabric softener in some crazy effort to remove his scent.
“From classical and jazz? Right.” She tossed it onto the counter without folding it, shaking her head. “What aren’t you telling me?”
“There’s nothing to tell. Come on. Let’s take our drinks into the living room. I have a fire going.” I didn’t wait, moving quickly toward the fire, a sharp pang occurring in my chest. I hadn’t even thought about how horrific the event had been or about the fact I could have lost my life.
If it hadn’t been for the burly man.
My rugged hero.
“I can see that this is a dead issue. How was your trip to Hamilton?”
“A pain in the ass,” I answered before moving to the couch.
She sat down hesitantly, studying my face. “You were the one who wanted to get into politics.”