PRAISEFORTHENOVELSOFSHAYLABLACK
“Scorching,wrenching,suspenseful,ShaylaBlack’sbooksareamust-read.”
—LoraLeigh,#1NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthor
“Wickedlyseductivefromstarttofinish.”
—JaciBurton,NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthor
“IfyoulikeBDSM-themedménagewithstrong,dominantmales,youwillenjoythisbook.”
—USAToday
“Ms.Blackisthemasteratwritingasteamy,smokin’-hot,can-I-have-more-pleasesexscene.”
—FictionVixen
“Theperfectcombinationofexcitement,adventure,romance,andreallyhotsex . . .thisbookhasitall!”
—SmexyBooks
“Todiefor.[A]fabulousread!”
—FreshFiction
“Thisoneisascorcher.”
—TheRomanceReadersConnectionTitlesbyShaylaBlack
TheWickedLoversNovels
WICKEDTIES
DECADENT
DELICIOUS
SURRENDERTOME
BELONGTOME
MINETOHOLD
OURSTOLOVE
THEIRSTOCHERISH
HISTOTAKE
WICKEDFORYOU
ThePerfectGentlemenNovels
SCANDALNEVERSLEEPS
(withLexiBlake)
Anthologies
FOURPLAY
(withMayaBanks)
HOTINHANDCUFFS
(withSylviaDayandShilohWalker)
WICKEDANDDANGEROUS
(withRhyannonByrd)
Specials
HERFANTASYMEN
TitlesbyShaylaBlackwritingasShelleyBradley
BOUNDANDDETERMINED
STRIPSEARCHAnimprintofPenguinRandomHouseLLC
375HudsonStreet,NewYork,NewYork10014
ThisbookisanoriginalpublicationofPenguinRandomHouseLLC.
Copyright?2015byShelleyBradleyLLC.
ExcerptfromSeductioninSessioncopyright?2015byBlackOakBooksLLC.
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eBookISBN:978-0-698-16399-7
LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationData
Black,Shayla.
Wickedforyou/ShaylaBlack.—BerkleyTradepaperbackedition.
p.cm
ISBN978-0-425-27546-7
I.Title.
PS3602.L325245W5220152015016230
813′.6—dc23
PUBLISHINGHISTORY
Berkleytradepaperbackedition/October2015
Coverphotograph?KarinaSimonsen/ArcangelImages.
Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,andincidentseitheraretheproductoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously,andanyresemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,businessestablishments,events,orlocalesisentirelycoincidental.
Version_1Contents
PraiseforthenovelsofShaylaBlack
TitlesbyShaylaBlack
TitlePage
Copyright
ChapterOne
ChapterTwo
ChapterThree
ChapterFour
ChapterFive
ChapterSix
ChapterSeven
ChapterEight
ChapterNine
ChapterTen
ChapterEleven
ChapterTwelve
ChapterThirteen
ChapterFourteen
ChapterFifteen
ChapterSixteen
ChapterSeventeen
ChapterEighteen
ChapterNineteen
ChapterTwenty
SpecialExcerptfromSeductioninSession
AbouttheAuthorChapterOne
MYSTERYMullinshadfinallyhadenough.Aftersixandahalfyearsofcarryingthisburningtorch,sheintendedtosnuffitouttonight.
Thedoortotherun-downbeerbarcreakedwhensheopenedit.Assoonasshelookedinside,shetrulywishedshehadn’t.Thelate-afternoonsunlightcastraysintothedarkroom,highlightingdingycheckerboardfloors,acrackintheplasticfaceoftheoldjukebox,andafadedwoodenbar.Picturesofbeaches,bikinibabes,andmotorcycleslinedthewalls.Infadedaquapaintondriftwood,aframedpieceof“art”proclaimedIT’SFIVEO’CLOCKSOMEWHERE
Infrontofher,abankofTVshungfromtheceiling,somefacingthedoor,othersawaytoservethepatronsonthefarsideoftheU-shapedbar.Shescannedtheroom,glancingoverthetwodozenloners,mostlymale,nursingtheirbeers.Betweenthedimnessandtheobstructionofthevariousflat-screens,shecouldn’tseealltheirfaces.
She’dneversteppedfootinaplacelikethis.Trendyhotspotswhereone’snamehadtobeonthelist,sure—whensomeonetwistedherarm.Butadive?Shewinced.Therealitywas,ifshewantedtoscratchheritchfortheonemanshecouldn’tseemtopurgefromhersystemsoshecouldmoveon,thiswaswheresheneededtobe.
Becausehewashere.
Agustofhotwindassaultedherthroughthestill-opendoor.TheheatalreadyfeltliketheworstofaLondonsummer,despitethefactthatMayinDallashadbarelybegun.Ormaybeshewasjustflushedandnervous.
Anineffectualswampcoolerclatteredasittriedtoadjustthetemperatureinsidetosomethingbearablebutfailed.Mysterywipedatthefinefilmofperspirationathertemple,flippedthefauxhairoutofherface,andhopedlikehellthisschemeworked
Thepatronsinthebarwerebeginningtostare,notasiftheyrecognizedher,thankgoodness.Butwhatifhedid?Utter,humiliatingdisaster.She’dplannedthisdisguisesohe’dneverknowheridentity.Theauburnwigwithbangscloakedherdarkhair.Colorcontactsmorphedhazeleyesintoastunningblue.AmakeupartistMysteryknewfromoneofherfather’spreviousmovieshadworkedhismagictomakehercheekbonesappearrounder,herjawsofter.Duringherbrieftimewithhercrush,she’dneverhadtheluxuryofwearingashredofmakeup.Ifhe’dseenpicturesofhersincethey’dgonetheirseparateways,heknewsheusuallydolledupandworeChanelorPradaforthecameras.Today,she’ddonnedrattyjeansleftoverfromherfewdaysincollege,atightHooterstanktop,andapairofwedgedflipflops.Thepresshadneverphotographedherthisdresseddown.Everythingabouthershouldappeardifferent.Hecouldn’tpossiblyrecognizehernow.
Butwhatifhedid?
Mysteryshookherheadandtoldherselftostopdithering.Shehadn’tsteppedfootonU.S.soilinoverahalfdozenyears,andhehadnoreasontosuspectshe’dcometohishometurfnow.AppointmentsbackinLondonmeantshecouldonlybehereforaweek.Theprivateinvestigatorshe’dhiredhadswornhewasstillsingleandhadjustenteredthebaraloneafewminutesago.Itwasnowornever.
Becauseshe’dnevermovedonfromherteenagecrush.She’dtentimesratherwriteoffherfeelingsasgratitudeandstupidheroworship.Afterall,he’dsavedherlife.Butifthat’sallshefelt,theacheforhimshouldhavewornofflongbeforenow.Shewouldhavestoppedcomparinghimtoothermenshedated.Sincehewasn’tgoingtofalldesperatelyinlovewithher,shesimplyhadtogethimoutofhersystemandmoveon,leavinghimnonethewiser.
“Youneedsomehelporyoujustwanttoletallthehotairin?”Asshestoodfrozeninthedoorway,theyoungbartenderlookedatherasifshemustbeonthestupidside.
“Sorry,”Mysterymurmured,easingfartherintothejointandscanningtheroomoncemore.
AcoupleofDuckDynastywannabesoccupiedtheboothinthecorner.Awomaninaskimpyhaltertopsatwiththem,pouringtequilaintoashotglassshovedintoherartificiallyenhancedcleavage.Morethanonedivedforthebooze.Mysteryhaltedinhertracks.
Thisplacecertainlyunderscoredthefactthatsheandthemansheyearnedforhailedfromdifferentwalksoflife.Butthatdidn’tmatter.She’donlyhavehimforanight.
Sheprayedthatwasallsheneeded.
Mystery’sstomachknotted.Thoughshehadn’tseenhimsincethatlastfatefulnightyearsago,hernervesseriouslyannoyedher.Shetriednottoallowanythingtofazeheranymore.Notpaparazzi,notwalkingtheredcarpetattheBAFTAawardswithherA-listfather,notevenappearingonTV.
ButAxelDillon . . .Eventhethoughtofhimturnedherinsideout.
Mysteryglancedaroundagain,easingfartherinside.Somebikertypesinthefarcornerplayingpooleyedher.Thebartenderstillstareddownhispiercednoseather.Threecopshuddledtogetherallturnedandfocusedonher.Didtheythinkshewascasingtheplaceforarobbery?Shehadtostopstandinginthemiddleoftheroomlikeanidiot.Takeaseatandorderadrink.
Finally,herheadforcedherbodytoobey,andsheeasedintoalittleboothneartheback.Onceshe’dseatedherself,everyonearoundherstartedtalkingagain.Andfromhernewvantagepoint,shecouldseethebackhalfofthebar,previouslyobscuredbythewalloftelevisions.
Therehesat,absentlystaringatESPNandsippingabeer,hisprofilestrong.Asusual,hisruggedfacewasunreadable.Hestillkepthisdark-blondhairmilitaryshort.Andhestilllookedlikethesideofamountain.Somewherearoundsixfootfive,he’dalwaysbeenbuiltbig,butinthelastfewyears,she’dswearhe’dputonanotherslabofmuscle.HistightblackT-shirthuggedeveryhardswellandleandip,taperingpastaflatbellytonarrowhips.Shehadtoholdinasigh.Evenasingleglanceofhimmadeherheartknockagainstherribsandeverythingbelowherwaisttingle.Mysteryswallowed.
Hedidn’toncelookherway.Somehow,she’dhopedtheirstareswouldlock.Hewouldapproachher,wanther,andwhiskherawayforaspectacularnightofunbridledsexthatwouldblowawaybothherpantiesandhermind.Butrightnow,heclearlyhadnoideasheexisted.
Onshakyknees,shestoodagainandheadedinhisdirection.Shetriednottostare.Aglanceupatthetelevisionprovedhewatchedarecapofaprobasketballgame.Withagrunt,heglanceddownintotheneckofhisbeerbottleassheslidontotheemptystoolbesidehim.
Nowthathewassonear,Mysterycouldfeelhisbodyheat,smellhim—ruggedearth,cutwood,musk.Damn,beingthisclosemadeherfeelbothsafeandweak.
“Somethingonyourmind?”Heturnedtoher,hisstareexpectant.
Shesearchedhisexpressionanddidn’tseeahintofrecognitiononhislarge,bluntface.Whatarelief.Butthecleftinhischinandhisbrightblueeyesstillmadeherfeelweakandwanting.Theinstantchemicalattractionshe’dfeltyearsagohadn’twanedintheleast.
“Thereis.”ShemimickedtheBritishaccentsshe’dbeensurroundedwithsinceshe’dfledtheU.S.—andhim—oversixyearsago.
Herassertionobviouslysurprisedhim.Thoughhenarrowedhiseyes,theypiercedher.
“I’llbite.Layitonme.”
Thebartenderchosethatmomenttocomearoundandplunkanapkininfrontofher.“Nowthatyoufoundaseat,youwantadrink?”
Aglassofvinosoundedheavenly.“Doyouhaveawinelist,please?”
Hesnorted.“No.Igotthreetypes:red,white,andpink.”
Mysterypaused.Shehadn’texpectedanythingprivatelabel,butsurelymoreofaselectionthanthat.
“Isthewhiteapinotgrigio?”
Thebartenderlookedasifhewaslosingpatience.“Idon’tknowwhatkindthatis,butthejugofwhiteIhaveisascloseasI’vegot.Youwantsomeornot?”
Thatcouldbeseriouslyterrible.
“ThenI’llhaveaglassofwater,please.”Bettertokeepaclearhead,anyway.“Thankyou.”
Asheturnedandgrabbedaglass,thebartendershookhisheadandmutteredsomethingtohimself.Mysteryreallydidn’twanttoknowwhat.
“I’mnotsurewhatthrewhimoffmore,youraccentoryourrequest.”ThecornerofAxel’smouthliftedinamusement,givingheraflashofdimples.
She’dforgottenthewayhissmilecouldsoftenhisharshface.Shegrinnedback.“Heseemedquiteruffled.”
Amomentlater,theyoung,piercedguysetaglassinfrontofherwithlotsoficeandabitofwater,sanslemon.Sheblinked,andhercoloredcontactsjabbedhereyeswithareminderoftheirexistence.Ormaybeitwasawarningthatherplanwouldfailspectacularly.
“Sodoyou,”Axelsaid.“Iwon’tpointoutthatI’veneverseenyouhere,butI’llguessyou’veneverbeentoaplacelikethis.”
“Never,”sheadmitted.“Whatgavemeaway?”
Hechuffed.“Leavingthedooropensoyoucouldgapewithbarelydisguisedhorrorwasastart.IparticularlylikedthewayyouturnedslightlygreenwhenyoustaredattheguysabouttodobodyshotswithTrina.”Henoddedtothecornerwherethebeardedmenandthewomaninthehaltertopalllaughed.“Sowhyareyouhere?”
She’dforgottenhowobservanthecouldbeandhowaccuratelyhecoulddrawconclusions.Hediditinaninstant,asifnothingintheworldshockedhimanymore.Theworldstillshockedherallthetime.
Shehadn’t,however,forgottenhowdirecthewas.
“Curious,”sheliedandheldinawinceatherlameanswer.
Heshrugged.“Letmetryanotherway:Theplaceismorethanhalfempty,sowhydidyousitnexttome?”
Brutallydirect,shementallycorrected.
Mysterygapedforananswer.“Whynot?”
Inretrospect,shecouldhavebeenalittlelessobviousandalittlemorecoyinchoosingaseat.Maybesheshouldhavesatafewstoolsaway,orderedsometerriblewine,andseenifhestruckupaconversation.Butshe’dtakenonelookathim,andanythoughtofcarefulorlogicalhadflownoutthewindow.
Heleveledherwithadisbelievingstare.“That’sallyou’vegot?Youcouldn’tevenhavecomeupwithagoodlie?”
Notreally.Shecouldhavegonethe“Youlookfamiliar”route,butthatwouldhavebeentooclosetothetruth.Asfarasshecouldsee,thatonlyleftheronetactic.
“You’reveryattractive.Pardonmeforbeinginterested.”
Alittlesmilelituphiseyesbeforehetookanotherswigofbeer.“Ididn’tsayyoubeingcloseupsetme.You’reattractiveyourself.”Hestaredamomentlonger,thenglanceddownathisemptybeerbeforeheshiftedhisattentiontoheruntouchedglass.“YousureIcan’tgetyousomethingstrongertodrink?Ican’tbelieveagirllikeyouwouldrisklifeandlimbtocometothisdiveforaswigofwater.”
Truthwas,drinkingdidn’tholdalotofappealforher.Inthepast,she’dpretendedotherwise,but . . .“WhileIappreciatetheoffer,I’mactuallynotinterestedinalcohol.”Sheforcedherselftomeethisinquisitivestare.“Wouldyouliketofindsomewheremoreprivateto . . .”
“Talk?”Hegaveheranironiccurlofhislips.
“No.”Shesuckedinashakingbreath.“Tofuck.Wouldyoubeinterested?”
* * *
AXELsatbackinhisstool.Surprisepingedthroughhim—whichdidn’thappenoften.He’dthoughtshe’dstrikeupaconversation,maybeflirt.Hecertainlyhadn’texpectedasexinvite.Ithappened,buthehadn’tseenitcomingfromlittleMissPrim.Sure,she’ddressedsexyandvampedherselfup,buthe’dbethisrightnutthewomandidn’tknowmuchaboutsex.Andthatshe’denjoyedevenlessofit.
Interestingturnofevents . . .
Whywouldshepropositionacompletestranger?Thoughhedidn’tknowastackedredheadlikeherorevenaBritishfemale,somethingaboutherlookedslightlyfamiliar.Hecouldn’tputhisfingeronit.
Theonefactthatwasobvious?Shewasdecidedlynervous.Andshe’dzeroedinonhimimmediately.Ifhehadanythingworthstealing,he’dworryshewasascamartist.Butshewouldhavetobeadifferentsortofwomanforthat,onewithalessperfectmanicure,whopickedupastrangerwithease.
Butofferingsextoamanshe’djustmetinabarwassomethingshe’dclearlyneverdone.
Thewholesituationbeggedhimtoquestionwhy,buthedidn’twanttokillthemoodandprytheinformationoutofher . . .yet.Abeautifulwomanwantedtogetnakedwithhim.Normally,hedidn’tdoone-nightstands.Casualfucksdidn’tgowellwithhiskinkofchoice,whichrequiredmorethanpassingtrust.Vanillasexusuallywasn’thisthing,either.Butthiswomanwasthefirsttoraisemorethanmildinterestinalongtime.Therewassomethingabouther . . .Atthispoint,everything,really.Shewasnotonlyonegorgeouspackagebutaninterestingriddlehe’dliketosolve.Shehadareasonforloweringherselftocometohisfavoritediveandpickhimup.Inanhourortwo,he’dfigureherout.
“Nevermind.”Shescrambledoutofherstool,lookingatthefloor.“You’renotinterested.Iunderstand.Itwasfoolish.I’msorry.”
“Sit,”hebarkedautomatically,thenbitbackacurse.
Shewasn’tasubatClubDominion,hadnoideahewasaDominantwhoexpectedtobeobeyedandwouldpaddleherlovelyassifshedidn’t.
Axelopenedhismouthtoapologize,butshe’dalreadycomplied.Suddenly,morethanhisinterestrose.“Ididn’tsayIwantedyoutoleave.Youjustsurprisedme.”
Aprettylittleflushcrawleduphercheeks.“IsupposeIwasabitforward.”
“Doyouregularlypropositionmen?”Hecouldn’tresistbaitingher.
Shecasthergazedownatherlap,andhedrewinasteadyingbreath,beatingbackasuddenjoltoflust.Didshehaveanyideahowmanysubmissivesignalsshewasgivingoff?Hiscockwaseverybitaspiquedashisinterest.
“No,”shemumbled.
Thoughheprobablyshould,Axeldidn’tstophimselffromcurlinghisfingerunderherchinandliftinghergazetomeethis.Vividblueeyeswiththick,blacklashes.Afull,bowedmouth.Anairofunawakenedsensualityhehadn’tseeninyears.
Shewasn’tthesortofwomanheusuallywentfor.Helikedbrunettes,especiallyiftheysuckedcockwellandcravedbondage.Thisredwasabsolutelythesortwhowouldhavesexwithmorethanherhormones.She’dbringherheartandgetitalltangledupinthemanwhogaveherpleasure.Definitely,heshouldwalkaway.
“Wheredoyouwanttogo?”Axelasked.
“I—I . . .”Sheblinkedasifshehadn’tthoughtthispartthrough.Ormaybeshewasjustnervous.Eitherway,shereallywasterribleatcasualhookups.Axelfoundthatoddlyendearing.
“Myplace?”heoffered.“Orwouldyouratherhaveahotel?”
“Y-yourplace.”Shefrowned.“You’resayingyes?”
“I’msayingyes.”Hetookherhand.“Let’sgetoutofhere.”
Withhisfreehand,heslappedaten-dollarbilldownforhisbeerandguidedhertowardthedoor.
“What’syourname?”heaskedastheyapproachedtheexit.
“It’s,um . . .”
“Bye,Ax,”thetrioofcopsinthecornercalled.
Hewavedingreeting.“Seeyou.Andenjoyyourbeerswiththeboysnow,Matt.Assoonasthatbabycomes,it’sgoingtobedirtydiapersandexhaustionforyou.”
TheotherregularslaughedwhileMattflippedhimthefinger.
Withaheartygrin,Axelopenedthedoor.Assoonastheysteppedouttothesurprisingspringheat,hestoppedonthesidewalkandraisedabrowather.“Name?”
“I’m . . .Elise.”
SoElisewasn’thername.Hedidn’tknowwhatitactuallywasandhedidn’tlikebeingliedto,buttherewassomereasonshe’dchosenthisbarandhimwithcasualsexonhermind.Ingoodtime,he’dunravelthewhyandlearnthetruth,alongwithherrealname.Maybeheshouldn’ttakesomeoneunwillingtobehonesttobed,buthe’dalreadymentallyundressedandstartedfuckingherinhishead.Hewantedtodomorethanimagine.
“Andyou’reAx?That’sunusual.”
“Axel.”Henodded.“It’snotmygivenname,butit’swhateveryonecallsme,sowe’llleaveitatthat.Youcomehereinyourcar?”
“No.Iwasintheareaandsawthisbarand . . .poppedin.”
Thejointwasoffasidestreet,halfwaydownanalley,inagrungypartoftown.Noonejust“poppedin”unexpectedly,especiallysomeonelikeher.Thoughherapproachwasn’tpracticed,ithaddefinitelybeenpremeditated.Hmm.Andhowhadshegottenherewithoutacar?Howhadsheexpectedtoleavewithouttransportationofherown?
Axelscowled.Twoandtwowasn’taddingup.Buthewasabigboy.Shewasn’tgoingtorollhim.Notthatshegaveoffthevibethatsheplannedto.Nodoubt,however,thatshewantedhimforsomething.
Not-Elisewasgettingmoreinterestingbytheminute.Notonlywasshethefirstwomanhe’dwantedinawhile,butshe’dbethefirsthe’dtaketobedinwaytoolongstrictlybecausehewantedher,notbecausesheneededhim.
Thethoughtnaggedhimwithasludgeofguilt,andheshoveditaway.
“Poppedin,huh?”hedrawled.
Herflushdeepened.“Shallwecallataxi?”
Likeitwouldbesimplegettingoneinthispartoftown?“Mybikeisoverthere,ifthatworksforyou.”
ShefollowedhisgazeandfoundhisgleamingsilverandblackDucati.“Canwe?”
Hadsheneverbeenonamotorcycle?Axelcouldn’tfigurethiswomanoutandhekindoflikedthat.Thewayherfacelitupmadehimeagertoexploreher.Thethoughtthathe’dbeabletoseeherclimbtoorgasminthoseprettyeyesturnedhimonevenmore.
“Let’sgo.”
Withinminutes,theyweresettledonthebike.He’dfastenedhistoo-bighelmetonherheadandgivenherafewbasicinstructions.Sheseemedfascinated,excitedforthisclearlynewexperience.Ashestartedthebikeandshesettledbehindhim,wrappingherarmsaroundhiswaist,hesmiled.Ifnewexperiencesturnedheron,hehadallkindshecouldunleashonhislittleenigma.
* * *
ASthewindwhippedaroundher,MysteryclungtoAxel’sleanwaist,actuallyabletofeelthemusclesofhisabdomenandbackasshepressedherselfagainsthimandheldonfordearlife.Afterthirtyseconds,shedecidedthatsheneededoneofthesewhenshegothome.Herfather—ifhewasn’tonlocationsomewhere—wouldhaveaconniption.Butwow,thefreedomoffeelingtheaironherskinandthemotorbeneathherbodyexhilaratedher.
Shelookedup,hergazesnaredbythebackofAxel’sthickneck.Maybesheshouldresisttheurge . . .butshedidn’t.Instead,shestraightenedabitandbracedherhandsonhiswaist.Itwasareach,butshepressedherlipstohisskin.Themomentshedid,Mysterytastedamildtangofsalt,smelledcleansoapblendingwithhisrich,manlyscent.Herheadswam.Herbodytightened.
God,thiswasgoingtobethebestnightofherlife.
Whenshemoanedandnippedathisnape,hetensedslightly,butshedidn’tgettheimpressionhedislikedwhatshe’ddone.Onthecontrary,heshudderedandreachedbackwithonehandtogripherthigh.
ShegaspedandfoundAxelglancingatheroverhisshoulder,hisblueeyespenetrating.Thelookheshothertoldherthatshewasinforsomethingfiery,fast,andirresistible.Mysteryflashedhotallover.Finally,she’dknowwhathefeltlikeasalover.Theyearsoffantasizinghadonlyleftherwanting.
Afewturnslater,hepulleduptoanolderhouse,somethingfaintlyartdecothathadprobablybeenbuiltinthethirties,giventhepurityofthebigrectangularwindows,theflatroof,andthehugetreesliningthequietstreet.Therestoftheelementslookedtraditional—brickaccentsandflagstonewalkways.Thelandscapewassparsebuthealthy.Everythinglookedmeticulouslymaintained.Butthatdidn’tsurpriseher.He’dalwaysbeenmethodicalandprecise.
“It’sbeautiful,”shemurmuredassheliftedhishelmetaway,thankingtheheavensitwaswaytoobigtopullherwigoff.
Hetookitfromheroutstretchedhandandhungitontherearviewmirror.“Thanks.It’speaceful.Ilikeithere.Letmeputthisaway.”Hereachedintoasaddlebagattachedtothesideandpulledoutagaragedooropener.Withapressofabutton,thebigdoorraised,andhepushedthegleamingbikeintothegaragethat,asidefromafeworganizedtools,wasotherwiseempty.
Taskcompleted,hehitthebuttontoclosethegaragedoorandjumpedoverthesensorbeforereturningtohersideandtakingherhand.“Yousureaboutthis?”
“Yes.”Mysterydidn’thesitate.
Asmilebrokeoutacrosshisface,thekindofgrinthattoldherthatshewasinwayoverherhead.Sheknewalltoowellthatshewas—andshedidn’tcare.Herpulseskittered.Breathingtookabackseattostaringathim.He’dneverknowhowlongshe’dwaitedforhimtodohisworst.
“Thencomewithme.”
Heunlockedthefrontdoorandopeneditforher.Shesteppedoverthethreshold,intoagorgeousspacewithtallceilings,palehoneyfloors,andabeautifullyrestoredantiqueartdecodiningroomtable.Throughabigopeningthatlikelywasn’toriginaltothehouse,shepeekedintotheexpansivekitchen.Theirgraycabinets,whitequartzcounters,andawholewallofwindowsinvitedherin.Shecouldpicturehimcookinginhere,sippingbeer,andrelaxing.
“It’slovely.”
“Thanks.”Heledherintothedomesticspace.“Irestoreditmyself.Drink?”
Itseemedabitoddtobeponderingseductionlateintheafternoon,assunlightslantedthroughthebarewindows.She’dpicturednightfallandchampagneandelegance.Butthiswassomehowquieter,moreintimate.Perfect.
“No,thankyou.”
Axelprowledtowardher,sobigandintent,somalethatsheinstinctivelyretreatedastep.Herbellytightened.Herbackmetthekitchencounter.Hekeptcoming,andherstaretangledwithhis.Thewrysmileheworerevvedherheart.
“Imighthavebetterwinethanthebar.”
Shewantedacompletelyclearheadforthis,wantedtoremembereverymoment—andnotdullherwitsorriskblowinghercover.He’dbeenthefirsttoteachherthatboozehadatimeandaplace,butnotwhenonehadapurpose.Hergoalwastohaveincredible,orgasmicsexwiththemanshe’dpinedafterandleavebeforehefiguredoutexactlywhohe’dhitthesheetswith.
“I’msureyoudo,butno,thankyou.”
Noddingslowly,heleanedintobracehishandsonthecounter,oneithersideofherbody.Thelastfewinchesheleftbetweenthemtorturedher.Herachetoerasethedistancebetweenthemwrithedlikeaphysicalthing.Theyearsoffantasiesabouthimcollidedinherheadandzoomeddowntoconvergebetweenherlegsuntilshethrobbed.
AndAxelhadn’teventouchedheryet.
“Somethingtoeat?”
Mysterygotthedistinctimpressionthathehadnointentionofcookingforher.Hejusttoyedwithherbecauseheknewshewantedhimsobadly.Ifhe’dfiguredthatoutandhadnoideawhoshewas,whynotbebrazenandaskforexactlywhatshewanted?
“Iappreciatetheoffer,butifyou’retakingrequests,I’dratheryoushowmetoyourbedroomandtakeoffyourclothes.”Mysterydidn’tdemand;sheknewbetter.
Hechuckled.“Eager,aren’tyou?”
“Yes.”Whyhidethetruth?
Hecockedhisheadandstudiedher.“Ioweyousometormentforkissingthebackofmyneckonmybike.Andtruthfully,onceIgetyoutomybedroom,I’mgoingtobealloveryouandsofarinsideyou,I’mlikelytoshockyourshelteredsensibilities.”
Herentirebodyjoltedathiswords.Withasharpgasp,shesuckedinhernextbreath.“Iwantthat.”
“Ingoodtime.Let’s . . .makeourwaytothecouch.”
Morewaitingsoundedawful.Morewaitingwouldmakehergomad.
Mysterysurgedforward,plantingherselfagainsthischestandbracingherhandsonhismassiveshoulders.Hedidn’tmoveasshebrushedherlipsoverhisandstoleakiss.
Atfirstcontact,firesparkedthroughherbody.Anotherwaveofheatzippedthroughher.Shemoanedandwrappedherarmsaroundhim.
Untilsherealizedthat,otherthanpuckeringup,Axelwasn’tparticipating
Horrified,sheleanedback.“I’msorry.I . . .”AmmortifiedthatIcan’tseemtocontrolmyself.
Shetriedtoduckoutofhisembrace,buthekepthercagedbetweenhisbodyandtheslabofquartz,theneasedherbackagainstthecounter.
Mysterycouldn’tmeethisgaze.“Pleasedon’t.I’membarrassedenough.”
Heshookhishead.“Youshouldn’tbe.It’snotthatIdon’twantyoukissingme,soifyou’refeedingyourselfarationofinsecurityaboutthat,youcanstop.You’renewatthiswholeseductionbusiness,andI’mflatteredyouchoseme.”
God,hehadherpegged,andMysterywantedtocrawlintoaholebecauseshecouldhearthe“but”inhisspeech.She’dheardhimgivehersuchaspeechbefore.
“It’sallright.Youdon’thavetoexplain.Ifyou’vedecidedyou’renotinterested,Icancallataxiand—”
Axelcutheroffbywrappinghisbeefyhandsaroundherwaistandliftingherontothecounter.Heusedhisbigbodytopryherkneesapartandsteppedbetweenthem.Ashewrappedthickarmsaroundher,heyankedherflushagainsthim.“Lookatme.”
Hotandcold,bewildermentandneed,shockandexcitement—everythingclashedinherbloodstream.Scarcelydaringtobreathe,shepeekedupathim,lashesfluttering,untilshefoundthegumptiontomeethisstarehead-on.“What?”
“You’remisunderstanding.Ijustwantourfirstkisstobesomethingyouremember,soscratchthatlastpeckfromyourmemorybank.”
Theirfirstkisshadbeenunforgettable.NotadaysincehadgonebythatMysteryhadn’tthoughtofit—andhim—withlonging.NomanhadevermadeherachemorewithhiswholebodythanAxelhadwithjusthismouth.
“Let’sdoitright,”hemurmured,cuppingherfaceinhisbighands.
Alltooeagertoexperiencehimagain,Mysterymethimhalfwayasheswoopeddownandcapturedherlipsinahardpress.Instantly,thejoltofneedshe’donlyeverexperiencedwithhimshockedherentiresystem.Everycellturnedelectric,glowed,pingingandlightingup.Aftertheinitialsparkwentthroughher,shethrewherarmsaroundhim,morethanhappytoloseherselfintheburnofhispassion.
Hewaseverythingshe’dwaitedtofeelforsixandahalflong,lonelyyears.
Ashepulledbackandstareddownather,hisbigchestrisingandfallingfasterthanbefore,shelostherselfinhisblueeyesandrememberedthefirsttimeshe’dseenhim.ChapterTwo
Sixandahalfyearsearlier
SOcold.Mysteryhuddledintoherblinged-outcropjacketandcurledintothecorneroftherun-downshack.Hershouldersached.Shefeltasifafurrycreaturehadtakenupresidenceinhermouth.
Thewindhowled,andshewasthankfulforthericketywoodenstructurearoundher.Asgustyastheweatherhadbecome,sheworriedthelittlehut—heronlyshelter—wouldblowover.
Closinghereyes,shetriedtostillherthrobbinghead.Asgroggyasshewas,asmuchassleepluredhertoblissfuloblivion,everytimeMysteryclosedhereyes,shekeptrememberingthemomentsshe’dwalkedoutofthebarthatshe’dbribedandblusteredherwayinto.Atnineteen,sheshouldn’thavebeenthere—andshewishednowthatshe’dgonehome,asshe’dpromisedherfather.Butno.Afewofherfriendshadhadluckatthisswanky,A-listbarwithbothboozeandhotguys,soshe’ddecidedtobedaringandgiveitatry.
BeingtheMarshallMullins’sdaughterhadgottenherinimmediately,noquestionsasked.NooneinHollywoodhadn’theardoftheOscar-winningactor-director.Hewasasfamousforhisepictalentashewasforhisromanticexploitsoverthelasttwodecades.
Butthesceneinthebarhadn’tbeenherthing.Loud.Lotsofdrugsandrandomhookupsandpretty,heartlesspeople.Atjustbeforemidnight,she’dpleadedaheadacheandletherselfoutside,fishinginherpurseforhercarkeysandthinkingofthingsshecouldtellherfatheraboutwhereshe’dbeen.
Mysteryabsolutelyhadn’tbeenexpectingtheburlaphoodoverherheadortheroughhandspullingherintoavehicle,thenspeedingoffintothenight.
Shehadn’tstruggledforlongbeforeshe’dfeltaneedleinherarm.Whenshe’dawakened,thehoodhadbeenremoved.Itlookedlikemidmorning.Herpurse,carkeys,andcellphoneweregone.She’dbeenhandcuffedbutwasblessedlyalone.Aglanceoutagrungywindowrevealednothingbutmilesandmilesofdesert.
Itstillseemedsurrealthatshe’dbeenkidnapped.Didsomeonemeantoransomher?Rapeher?Killher?Mysteryhadnoidea,andthenotknowingsentpanicskitteringthroughhersystem.Itwasoneofthefewthingskeepingherawake.
Shewishedshecouldopenhereyesandfindthishadbeenanightmare,thatshe’dmadedifferentchoices,thatshecouldjustruntoherfather’sopenarmsandthathe’dmakeeverythingallrightagain.Butnoneofthatwasgoingtohappen.She’dhavetofindherownwayoutofthismess.
Thedoortotheshackopened,andamanwearingaskimaskandhead-to-toeblackentered,headingstraightforher.Shetriedtoshrinkback,scanningtheshackforanotherdoor.Nothing.
Themaskedmangrabbedherbyherarmandhauledherroughlytoherfeet.Mysterythoughtofkickinghimandrunningbuthewastwicehersize.Menacerolledoffhimlikeathundercloud.Heworesomesortofassaultriflestrappedoverhisshoulderandahideouslylargeknifefromasheath,attachedtohisbelt . . .rightnearhishand.Sheshrankback.Please,God,don’tlethimuseeitheronme.
Hegrabbedtheedgesofherlightjacketandshoveditdownherarms.
“Don’t,”shepleaded—andhatedherselffordoingit.Butshe’dneverbeenindanger.Hell,she’dhardlyeverbeenoutofBeverlyHills.Shedidn’twanttodieherenow.Shehadsomuchlifeinfrontofher.
Andafterhermother’shigh-profiledeath,ifshediedviolently,itwouldkillherfather.
Hedidn’tacknowledgeherpleading,justwhirledherarounduntilshefacedthewall.“Holdstill.”
Amomentlater,hereachedforherwristsandgrippedonetightly.
Mysterystaredatthedilapidatedwood,herthoughtsracing.Whatwashedoing?Waitingfor?Didheplanonstabbingher?Stranglingher?
Asecondlater,shefeltaprickatherwrist,likeaneedlepenetratingherskin,invasiveinhervein.
“No!”Shecouldn’thandlemoredrugs.Alreadyshefeltweakandshaky,vaguelysicktoherstomach.Anotherroundofthat . . .Thethoughtmadeherdryheave.
“Shutup!”hecommanded.“Holdthefuckstill.”
“Whatareyoudoing?”Shewantedtostrugglebutdidn’tdare,especiallywiththeneedlestillstuckinherskin.Shejustwantedtogetoutalive,seeherfatheragain,beanormalteenager.Ifshecould,she’dbesogood,neverdoanythingwrongagain.“Stop!”
“Itoldyoutoshutup.I’mnothurtingyou,butifyoukeepflappingyourmouth,itwillbemypleasure.”
Mysterypressedherlipstogethertightly.Long,terriblesecondspassedasshewaitedforthedrowsylethargytooverpowerheragain.Instead,nothingbroketheterriblesilenceexcepthisroughbreathing.God,shehopedthatholdinghercaptivewasn’tsexuallyexcitinghim.
Finally,hewithdrewtheneedlefromhervein.Heslappedsomethingoverthespot,thensheheardaclankingsound,abitlikesmallgearsgrinding.
Suddenly,herarmswerefree.Mysterystretchedthemathersides,thencrossedtheminfrontofherasshewhirledtofaceherattacker.He’dalreadysteppedawayandnowhoveredbythedoor.
“There’sabathroominthenextroom.Ileftfoodandwaterinthesackontheworkbench.”Henoddedinthedirectionofthericketytableshovedagainstthewall.Sureenough,apapersacksatthere,bulgingwithwhatshehopedwouldbeedible.Shewasstarvingandnodoubtdehydrated.Atleastitseemedhedidn’tmeanforhertodierightthisinstant.Later . . .shehadnoidea.
“Thesunwillbesettinginthenexttwohours.Thereareovertenthousandsquaremilesofvirtuallyuninhabiteddesertallaroundus.It’soverninetydegreesnow.Itwillbeinthethirtiestonight.Idon’tthinkyou’llgetfarinstilettos,aminidress,andthatflimsyjacket.Butyou’rewelcometotry.Youmightbesavingmesomethingmessyinthefuture.”
Whenheturnedforthedoor,Mysterypanicked.“Wait!Whatdoyouwant?WhyamIhere?”
Hescoffed.“Nowyouask,youstupidbitch . . .”Hefingeredtheknifeathisbelt,silentlyremindingherthatheheldthepower.“I’mjustfollowingorders.Someonewantedyouhere.Idon’taskquestions;Ijustdojobs.Idon’treallygiveashitwhathappensnext.”
Thenhewasgone,slammingthewobblydoorbehindhim.Mysterystaredoutthewindow,watchinghimgo.Hewalkedawaywithapurposefulstride,towardanATV.Hemountedit,sentheramockingsalute,thendisappeared.
Themomentherolledoutofsight,shereleasedthebreathshe’dbeenholding.Adrenalinebledout.Sheshookallover.Whatwasshegoingtodo?Herpamperedlifehadn’tpreparedherforthis.Sheknewhowtoshop,howtoplayhostessforaparty,howtoposewhenthepaparazzishowedup.Shedidn’thaveasinglesurvivalskill.Didshewanttorunthroughthedesertwithnofootwear,huddledinacoatmeantpurelyfordecoration,andcarryinglimitedwater,hopingshe’dencounteraGoodSamaritan?Itdidn’tsoundlikeafantasticidea.Thenagain,hangingaroundhere,waitingforthatassholetocomebackandendherdidn’tsoundsmart,either.
Theprobablyslowdeathorthealmost-certainquickone?
ThequandaryfilledMysterywithicy-sharpdread.
Shepacedovertothefoodandateeverybiteofthehamsandwichandtheaccompanyingapple,thenshedownedoneofhertwobottlesofwater.Godknewhowlongshe’dbeenwithouthydration.
Thesustenancehelpedhertothink,torealizethatshe’dbebestofftosetoutshortlybeforesunriseandwalkallday,evenifshe’ddoitbarefoot,andtrytofindcivilization.She’dhangontothissecondbottleofwater.Itmightbeallshehadtoseeherthroughahotday.
Shefoundthelittlebathroomnext.Itwastinyanddisgustingandsherefusedtoactuallysitonthetoilet,butitflushed.Thedilapidatedshowerworked,butonsecondthought,didshereallywanttogetnakedwhenhercaptorcouldcomebackatanymoment?
Thenitbecameawaitinggame.Acoupleofhoursslidby.Thesunbrushedthehorizon,andMysteryrealizedtherewasn’tasinglelightinthislittleshack.She’dpassthewholenightinutterdarkness,unabletoseeifdangerouscritters—ortheassholewho’dtakenher—sneakeduponher.Thethoughtaddedawholedifferentlayeroffear.
Justbeforedarknessfell,thedooropenedagain,andMr.SkiMaskappeared.
“What?”shedemanded.Hadhecometokillhernow?Who’sorderswashefollowing?
“Changeofplans.Bossdoesn’twantyougoinganywhere.”Hegrabbedherandjabbedanotherneedleinherarm.“Nightynight.”
Thelastsoundsheheardwashischuckleasheshutthedoorandtheworldwentblack.
* * *
FORthenexttwodays,herroutinefellintoexactlythesamepattern.Bydaythree,Mysteryknewshe’dhavetobreakit.Hercaptordidn’ttouchher—thankgoodnessforsmallmiracles—buthelikedtoscareherwithknives.Whenhe’dbroughtheryesterday’smeal,he’dhintedthatheshouldsoonknowherfate.Everyattempttoquestionhimaboutwhyhe’ddrawnherbloodandwhyhewasholdingherhostagehecounteredwiththreatsorsilence.Shedidn’tknowwhowaspayinghimorifthey’devenmadearansomdemandtoherfather.PoorDaddyhadtobegoinginsane,wonderingwhereshewasandifshewasalive.Shealmosthatedhercaptorasmuchforworryingherparentasshedidforscaringthehelloutofher.
Mysterywatchedoutthewindowforhernemesis.He’dsoonbecomingwithherfoodandhydrationfortheday.She’dconsumedthewaterhe’dgivenherandsavedthebottles,refillingtheminthebathroomsink.Amongstthejunkinthislittleshack,she’dfoundanoldduffelbag.Itwassmallenoughthatshecouldfashionitintoabackpackofsorts.Shestillwasn’tsurewhattodoaboutshoes—amustinthedesert—butshe’drathertakeherchanceswiththeelements
Finally,asthesunbeganheadingforthehorizon,MysterysawtheassholewhokeptherprisonerclimboffhisATVandstrolltowardtheshack.Withajauntystep,heopenedthedoorandlethimselfin,plunkingthepaperbagwithherusualsandwich,fruit,andwateronthetable.
“Well,thebosswantstoseemewhenI’mdonehere.Maybethatmeansour‘special’timetogetherisover.”Hesidledcloser,leeringinherdirection.“Ifhetellsmetoendyou,IpromiseI’llgiveyouawildfuckbeforeIdo.”
Whenhecuppedherbreastandpinnedhertothewall,Mysteryscreamedandstruggled,kickinghim.Hejustlaughedandadjustedthebulgeinhiscrotchbeforeheadingoutandslammingthedoorbehindhim.Shewatchedoutthelittlewindow,waitingforhimtostraddlehisATVandrollawaysoshecouldmakeherfinalpreparationstostarthertrekthroughthedesert.
Suddenly,thesoundofgunshotsexplodedthroughtheair.Hercaptorfroze,thenranfortheATV,rollingtothegroundandusingthebigmetalframetoshieldhisbody.Hepokedhisheadupandaimedoverthevehicle,shootingtowardatargetMysterycouldn’tsee.Morebulletsflew,somericochetingoffthemetalofthefour-wheeler,otherskickingupsand.
Someonewasshootingathercaptor.Whowouldbeouthereinthemiddleofnowhere,tryingtokillhim?Hadhisenemieshuntedhimdown?Orwasshebeingrescued?Herheadraced.Shedidn’tknowwhattothinkanddidn’twanttorevealherpresenceintheeventtheguysshootingnowwerebadderthanthecriminalwho’dtakenher.Still,shehadtobepreparedincasetheykilledhercaptorandshewasforcedtowalkthroughthedeserttofindcivilization.
Shegatheredtheduffelwithwaterbottlesandacanvasshe’dfoundontheoldvinylflooryesterday,hopingthescrapofsturdyclothcouldserveasfootwearorcoveringforherheadasneeded,sinceshedidn’thaveanysunscreen,either.
Afterloopingherarmsthroughthehandles,shepeekedoutthewindowtoseetwomenincamorunningtowardtheATV,gunsblazing.Oneofthemduckedbehindthevehicle,thenincheduptoshootatherassailantattheotherendoftherollingtincan.Thatwasallthetimehercaptorneeded.Heshotoneofthenewarrivals,andthemanjolted,jerkingwiththeimpactbeforecrumplingtotheground,unmoving.
Mysterygasped,thenslappedahandtohermouth.Shedoubtedanyonewouldhearheroverthewindandthedinoftheshotsbeingexchanged,butiftheydid . . .shewouldn’tcomeoutofthisalive.
Thesecondofthetwocombatantsshe’dseengrabbedabigriflefromhisfallencomrade’sback,shovedinanewmagazine,thenquietlysneakedtowardthefrontoftheATV.
Hercaptorobviouslydidn’ttrustthesilence.Heleanedaroundthefrontofthevehicle,andwhenhespottedtheenemy,theyexchangedanotherhailofgunfire.
Toherright,thedoortotheshackburstopen.Thewoodslammedagainstthewall,makingthewholestructureshake.
Thenabig,darkshadowfellacrossthethreshold,blockingmostofthesunslantingbehindhishugeform.Mysteryshriekedandscrambledback,lookingforawaytoescapewhateverhe’dcometodotoher.Butshealreadyknewfromherdaysofcaptivityherethatnootherpathtofreedomexisted.Theshackhadonlytwosmallwindows,whichheobstructed,andnootherdoors.
Thehugemansteppedintothebeamsoflightstreamingthroughthewindow,grippinganassaultrifle,readytoshoot.Asmallpackhungaroundhisbeefyshoulders.AtightkhakiT-shirtstretchedoverapowerfulchest.Hishairwassoshort,shecouldbarelydiscernthecolor,butitwassomethingwithagoldentint,glintingunderthewaningsun.Hissharpbluegazezeroedinonherimmediately.Sheshrankback.
“Don’tbeafraid.We’reheretorescueyou.Yourfatherhiredus.”
JubilantreliefpouredthroughMystery.Shetrembledsohard,shecouldn’tquitestandsteady.She’dknownthatMarshallMullinswouldn’twaitforthepolicetorescueher.Doingnothinghadneverbeenhisstyle.Ontheotherhand,thismanwasatotalstranger.Whyshouldshebelievehim?
“Wh-whoareyou?”
“AxelDillon.IservedtwotoursofdutyinAfghanistanandnowI’mprivatehire.YourfathercontactedmyCOdaybeforeyesterday.We’vebeenlookingforyousince.Areyouhurt?”
Mysterywasn’tonehundredpercentsureshebelievedhim.Andshecouldstillheargunshotspingingoutsideatafurious,fatalrate.
“Forfuck’ssake,”Axelroared.“Stayhereandhidden.I’mgoingtoendthissonofabitch.”
Heturnedaroundandmarchedoutoftheshack.Shewatchedtheretreatofhiswideshouldersandnarrowhips.Everythingabouthimshoutedthathewasasoldier,justashe’dclaimed.Butdidthatmeanhewasherfather’ssoldier-for-hire?Mysterydidn’tknow,andafterbeingabducted,thenthreatenedwithmurderandrape,hertrustwasadmittedlythin.Exhaustionandhungerwerewreakinghavocwithherlogic.
Sherantothewindowagain,watchingasheraisedhisrifle,peeredthroughthescope,andfired.Hercaptorfeintedjustashepulledthetrigger,buttheshotstillmanagedtohittheasshole.HeslappedahandtohissideandtriedtoclimbthehoodoftheATVandscrambleintothedriver’sseat.
Axel’ssidekickleaptontothevehicleandfiredhishandgun.Herassailantmusthaveseenorsensedtroublecomingbecauseherolledout,backtothehardsand,thentookoffonfoot,headingawayfromtheshack.Hefiredoffashoteveryfewstepsoverhisshoulderattheothermanincamo.
Wheredidhercaptorthinkhewasgoing?He’dsaidhimselftherewasnothingbutdesertformiles.Hadthatbeenalie?Orwashesimplyhopingtoescapeintotheexpansivelandscapeasnightfell,thenlimphiswaytosafety?
Axeldartedtowardtheduelingpair,buttheothersoldierwascloser,scramblingintothedriver’sseatofthevehiclesohecouldheadoffinhotpursuitofhercaptor.
Mysterywatched,herstomachtwisting.Thebastardwho’drippedapartherworld . . .hewouldn’tgetfar.Shewasn’tameanorviolentperson,butsuddendeathwastoogoodforthatthug.ShekindofwantedtowatchsomeonebeattheshitoutofhimordrivetheATVoverhimagainandagainuntilthelifelefthisbody.
Astheothersoldierstartedtheminifour-wheeler,itleaptforward,kickingupsandbehindit.Hercaptorlookedoverhisshoulder,thentriedtorunfaster.Buthewasnomatchatall.
Asifhe’dfiguredthatout,hestoppeddeadinhistracksandfacedtheoncomingvehicleasitateupground,onacollisioncoursetorunhimoverinseconds.Insteadoffleeinginanotherdirection,hereachedintohispocketandwithdrewsomething,thenaimeditatthevehicle,almostlikearemotecontrol.
TheATVandAxel’sfellowsoldierburstintoabigorangeballofflames,instantlyconsumedinaconflagration.Shegaspedinhorror.
HercaptorlaughedbeneathhisskimaskashepalmedhisgunagainandpointeditatAxel,nowrunningtowardthekillerwhohadalreadymurderedhistwobrothersinarms.BothAxelandhercaptoraimedandpulledthetrigger,butthebastardwhohadabductedherdidn’thaveaweaponmadeforlongshots.Thehandgunwasnomatchforthehigh-poweredrifleatthatdistance.
Theassholewhohadtakenandtormentedherjackknifedback,thenfelltotheground.Hedidn’tmoveagain.
NowshewasalonewithAxel,amanwhocouldsaveherlife—orendit.
Sheswallowed,herheartracing,herveinsrunningwithpureadrenaline,ashejoggedtowardthefirstofhisfallenpeers.Hecheckedthepulseattheman’sneck,thensighedheavilyandrosetohisfeet.BypassingtheburningremainsoftheATV,heaimedhisrifleattheunmovingformofhercaptor,cautiouslyapproachingashecheckedforsignsoflife.Apparently,hefoundnonebecausehebegansearchingtheasshole’spockets.
Slinginghisrifleontohisback,Axelturnedandmadehiswaytowardher,hisgazesharpandfocused.
Mysterytrembled.God,shehopedhewasoneofthegoodguys,sentbyherfather,asheclaimed.Becauseifitwasalietowinhertrust,hecoulddowhateverhewantedtoheroutinthisgodforsakendesert.Cuther,rapeher,strangleher . . .Snapshotsofallthehideouswayshecouldmurderherflashedthroughherbrain.Hecouldleaveherbonestobleachoutinthepotentsunandwalkawaywithoutanyonethewiser.Thisgunbattlecertainlyhadnoothersurvivorswhomightrescueher—ifthey’deverintendedto.
Tearsrolleddownhercheeks.Ontheonehand,sherealizedthatshewasprobablybeingoverlydramaticandtheoddsofthreemenhuntingdownsomeoneelse’scaptivetobrutallymurderhermadeverylittlesense.Whywouldhetrytotrickherintotrustinghimjustforthat?Ontheotherhand,somesmallpartofhermindrealizedthataftereverythingshe’dbeenthroughinthelastfewdays,shewasn’texactlypreparedtoberational.Thoughtsraced.Terrorclung.Shejustwantedtogohome,feelherfather’sarmsaroundher,getbacktonormalcy,whichseemedamillionmilesawayrightnow.
Axelturnedandheadedherway.Shescreamed.
Hetookoffatadeadrunforher.Mysterypanickedandsprintedoutoftheshack.Thewindwhippedthroughherhair,kickingdustontoherskin.Thesandfelthotonthebaresolesofherfeet,andsheknewrightawaythatdaysofbeingundernourishedandafraidtosleepwouldcatchupwithherquickly.Axel’spoundingfootstepsbehindherdrewcloserandcloser,andshefeltpowerlesstokeephimfromcapturingher.
Itseemedasifmeresecondshadpassedbeforehisarmsnakedaroundherwaistandhehauledheragainsthisbig,solidbody.
“Don’trun.I’vegotyou.Iknowyou’rescared,butI’mgoingtosaveyou.”
Hepantedagainstherneck,andshefelthischestrisingandfallingwitheverybreath.Shecouldn’tseemtosuckinenoughair,either.Herheartbeatfuriously.Fearspikedherveins.
“Letmego.Ijustwanttogohome.”
“Iknow,”heassured,hisvoicesurprisinglysoftforsomeonewholooked—andfelt—allsoldier.“I’lltakecareofyou.Butyoucan’tchargethroughthedesertwithoutshoes.Itmaylookdeadaroundhere,butIassureyou,thelandisverymuchalive,andyou’dbenomatch.”
Inherhead,Mysteryknewthat.Attheageofnine,she’dbeenwithherdadontheirwaytoPalmSpringsforsomecelebrityeventwhentheircarhadbrokendown.Evenbeingstrandedontheroadsideforafewhourshadbeenhotandharrowing.She’dneverbeensoawareoftheharshelementsandherinabilitytosurvivethem.
Untilnow.
Thefightlefthermuscles,andshenoddedmiserably.
Gently,Axelsetherbackonherfeetandturnedhertofacehim.Shewasalmostafraidtolookathim,worriedshe’dseecruelgleeonhisfacejustbeforeheendedher.Instead,shesawawellofpatience.Heknewshe’dhadittoughandheempathized.ThehumankindnessAxelshowedherwasthefirstshe’dseeninseeminglyforever.
Mysteryburstintotearsagain.
“Hey.Hey!”Hecuppedherfaceandthumbedtearsfromhercheeks.“Shh.Iknowyou’reonemotionaloverload,butwecan’tdothisnow.Breathewithme.”Hefusedhergazetohisanddemonstratedbydragginginalongbreath,thenlettingitout.Hediditagain,waitingpatientlyuntilshefollowedsuit.
Calmslowlymadeitswaythroughherpanic.Witheachbreathandeverysecondshelookedintohiseyes,sherelaxedabitmore.Hermindwasn’taconstantexplosionofchaosandterror.
Assoonastheadrenalinedissipated,shefeltincrediblyweak.Hermusclesnolongerseemedabletosupporther,andshesaggedagainsthischest.
“That’sit,”hecrooned.“Nothingtobeafraidof.Ineedsomequickinformation,allright?Tellmeifthemanholdingyouhostagehadanyhelp?Anyoneelsewhoassistedhiminkeepingyoucaptive?”
Sheshookherhead.“H-hetalkedaboutsomeonewhohiredhim,butI . . .Ineversawhim.”
“Soitwasjustthetwoofyou?”
Mysterynodded.
“Good.Thatgivesussomebreathingroom.Comewithme.We’llgobacktotheshackandmapoutaplan.”
Plan?“Idon’twanttogoback.Hekeptmethere.He—”
“Iknow.”Axeltookherhandandslowlyledherbacktotheplaceofhercaptivity.
Shetriedtodiginherheels,buthewasfarstronger.Infact,herlegsgaveoutfromunderher,andwithoutbreakingstride,hebentandcarriedheragainsthischest,takinghuge,ground-eatingstepsuntiltheshadeofthelittleoutbuildingshelteredthemagain.
Gingerly,hesetheronherfeet,thenkickedthedoorshut.“There.Now,anotherdeepbreath.Let’stalkthisoutrationally,okay?”
Hisdeepvoicesoothedher.Mysteryfeltherselfslidingslowlyoffthepinnacleofpanic.Shenoddedathim.
“Listentome.Iwasanarmymedic,sentaspartofthisrescuecrewincaseyouneedmedicalattention.Butyouhavetobehonestwithme.Ican’thelpyoutothebestofmyabilityifyou’renot.Understand?”
Again,shenodded.
“Ineedyoutobeverbalwithme.Wedon’thaveroomformisunderstandinghere.Say‘Yes,Axel.’”
SheswallowedandstaredataspotofsmudgeddirtonhisT-shirt.“Yes,Axel.”
“Good.Didyourcaptorbeatyou?Tieyou,restrainyou,orotherwiseputyouinanypositionthatmighthavecausedinjury?”
“Iwascuffedwithmyhandsbehindmybackwhenhefirstbroughtmehere.Myshouldersachedforabit.I’mallrightnow.Heneverstruckmeorrestrainedmeagain.”
Axelnodded.“Didyouhurtyourfeetrunningoutsidebarefootjustnow?”
Hersolessmarted,butnothingmoreseriousthanwhenshe’dplayedbarefootinthebackyardasakid.“No.”
“Whendidyoulastdrinkwater?Eat?Didhefeedyouregularly?”
“Hegavemeonemealandtwobottlesofwateraday.Ihaven’teatenyettoday.”
“Soheprovidedenoughtokeepyoualivebutnotwellhydrated.”Axelcursed,thenletoutadeepbreath.“Wecanworkwiththat.”
“Well,Idrankthebottlesthenrefilledtheminthelittlebathroomsink.It’sdisgusting,butIknewthatifItriedtoescapealonethroughthedesertthatI’dneedtostayhydrated.”
Hegrabbedhershoulders.“Goodthinking.Youhavetouseyourheadtosurvivethisclimate.”
Shenodded,everymuscleinherbodyweak,eventhoseinherneck.Shefeltlikeabobblehead.Thensherememberedthathewantedaverbalresponse.“Yes,Axel.”
“Anythingelse?”
“HedruggedmeeverynightsoIcouldn’tescape.”
Axeltensed.“Anyideawhathegaveyou?”
“No.Heinjectedit.Itmademesleepforhalftheday,sometimesmore.”
“Anysideeffects?”
Itwasn’twhathesaidorevenhowhesaidit,butsomethingaboutthetightsetofhismouthtoldherthateverythinghercaptorhaddonetoherhadreallypissedhimoff.Thatmadeherfeelbetter.Ifhewasindignantonherbehalfandconcernedaboutherhealth,maybehereallywasoneofthegoodguys.
“No.Imean,I’dwakeupgroggy,butitwouldwearoffeventually.”
“Nodrugcravings?”
Thathadn’toccurredtoMystery,butshewasdamngladtheassholehadn’tgivenheranythingshemightbecomeaddictedto.Sheshookherhead.“No.”
“Idon’twanttohurtorscareyou,butIneedtogiveyouaquickmedicalexam.”
Shefrowned.“Whywouldn’twejustcalltheauthoritiesnow?Getawayfromhereandletthemtakemetothehospital?”
“Iwishitwerethatsimple.Letmecheckyouover,thenI’llexplain.”
Therewasn’tahospital,somepolice,anexplanation—andherfather—inherimmediatefuture?Basedonwhathe’dsaid,shedidn’tthinkso.Thatfilledherwithanxietyagain.“Whatdoyoumean,notthatsimple?”
“Hey,noneedtoworry.Let’stackleoneissueatatime.ThefirstthingIneedtoknowisifyou’reallright.”
“I’mconscious.I’mtalking.I’mwalking.AndIwanttogohome.”
“Iknow,Mystery.I’dlovetotakeyouthere.Butwithmytwoteammatesdead,thatpresentssomecomplications.”
Oh,wow.Shehadn’tstoppedtothinkofthat.AndwhatmustAxelbefeeling,losingtwopeopleheconsideredhis . . .what?Coworkers?Friends?Tohelpawomanhedidn’tevenknow.“I’msorry.W-wereyouclose?”
Hisjawtightenedandhelookedaway.“It’snotimportantrightthisminute.Ineedtofocusonyou.”
HerfatherhadoncestarredinanddirectedamilitaryfilmaboutsoldiersinVietnaminaharrowingsituation,againstalmostimpossibleodds.He’dactuallyinterviewedabunchofsoldiersatherhouse,andshe’deavesdropped.Sherememberedthemtalkingaboutthenecessityofcompartmentalizinguntiltheydealtwiththesituationthatneededimmediateattention.Onceeverythingwassecureandtheywerealone,theywoulddealwithwhateverthey’dshovedtotherecessesoftheirmind . . .hopefully.Someneverdid;theysimplylockedtheirgrieforstressawayinamentalboxtightlyandthrewawaythekey.ItwaswhythingslikePTSDandsuicidescroppedupinthemilitarycommunitysooften.Eventhosewhodealtwithitorgothelpsometimesstillfoundittoooverwhelmingandcouldn’tcope.
“Ifyouwereclosetothemandyou’reupset,I . . .Iknowyoudon’tknowme,butI’mwillingtolistenandhelp.”
Somethinginhisfacechanged.Afaintsurpriseregistered.Apparently,hewasusedtobeingthehero.Didn’tanyoneevertrytosavehim?
“That’sverykind,butthefirstthingIneedtodoismyjob.You’remyprimaryresponsibility.Theothertwosoldierswerebothmybackupandprovidedessentialelementstotherescue.Carr,theoneintheexplodingATV,wasourcommofficer.Wheneverythingwentupinflames,sodidourabilitytocommunicatewiththeoutsideworld.”
Meaningthathedidn’thaveawaytojustcallthepolicetocomeoutandwhiskthembacktoBeverlyHills?Hedidn’thaveawaytoaskherfathertocomegether?
“Youdon’thaveacellphone?”
“Sure,Ido.Butthereisn’tanearbytownorevenahighway.Intermsofmobilecommunication,thisisalladeadzone.”
“So . . .Iguesswe’rewalkingtoyourjeeporchopperorwhateveryoucameherein?”
Hisentirebodytightenedasheshookhishead.Mysterygotthedistinctimpressionthathewasdoinghisbesttoremaincalmandnotshowanyfear.Thatworriedhermorethananything.
“Alvarez,Carr,andIcameinonaHALOjump.Wedidn’tleavebehindavehicleincaseitcouldbedetected.”
Sure,she’dheardtheword,butshehadnoideawhatitmeant.“HALO?”
“Highaltitude,lowopening.”Whenshefrownedathiminconfusion,herubbedatthebackofhisneck.“Wejumpedoutofaplaneatthirtythousandfeet.Aplaneatthataltitudemimicsajetliner.Bykeepingtheopeninglow,wedon’tmakewavesontheradar.Sojustincaseanyoneismonitoringtheairspacearoundhere,itwouldn’tlookoutoftheordinary.”
She’dneverthoughtofthat.Ithadneveroccurredtohertheywouldn’tjustdriveinwithasmallcacheofweaponsanddotheirthing.“Oh.”
“Sothedownsideis,wehavenovehicle.Andsincewelostourcommgearintheexplosion,we’regoingtohavetohikeourwaytocivilization.”
“Theassholeholdingmeprisonertoldmewe’resurroundedbymilesandmilesofdesert.”
“We’resmackinthemiddleoftheMojave.ThisisDeathValley.”
ItwassomeofthemostunforgivinglandinallofNorthAmerica.Sherememberedlearningthatinschoolafteroneofherclassmatesinhighschoolhadgoneonacampingtripwithsomebuddiesandtheirrockclimbingequipmenthadgivenout,leavinghimstrandedinaravine.He’ddehydratedinthedesertinlessthantwenty-fourhours.
Shetriedtoswallowbackpanic.“Doyouknowthefastestwaytocivilization?”
“Yeah.We’relookingatafifteen-ortwenty-miletreksouthwest.Butwehavetobepreparedfortheconditionsofthedesertandtoclimbafewmountains.SothefirstthingIneedtodoistoexamineyou.”Hetookherhand.“BecauseI’vegottobehonest.Yourskinisalittleclammy.”Hepressedtwofingerstohercarotidartery.“Andyourpulseisalittlefastandweak.Ineedtomakesureyou’rejustemotionallydistraughtratherthangoingintoshockbecauseofaninjury.Willyouletmecheckyouout?”
Mysteryunderstoodclearlythatifshewantedtoseeherfatherandhomeagain,shewasgoingtohavetowalkherwayout.“Yes,Axel.”
Heshruggedthepackoffhisbackandtookoutastethoscope,takingaquicklistentoherheartandlungs.Afteramoment,henoddedasifsatisfiedbeforecheckingherbloodpressure.
“One-fortyoverninety-five.It’shigh.”
Washeactuallysurprisedbythat?Hestaredasifheexpectedareply.Shejustshrugged.
Withquickefficiency,heattachedalittledevicetoherfingernext.
“Whatisthat?”Mysteryfrowned.
“Apulseoximeter,whichmeasuresthesaturationoftheoxygenlevelinyourblood.Icanalsoseeyourpulserate.”Heheldherwristinhisenormoushandandstareddownatthedevice.Afrownwrinkledhisbrowbeforehesmootheditaway.“Youroxygenationisonthelowside,yourpulseabithigh.”
“I’mmorethanalittlefreakedout.”
“Fairenough.I’llcheckyouagaininafewminutes.Haveyoucomeintocontactwithanyrustymetaloranythingthatmightcausetetanus?”
“Idon’tthinkso.”
“Anydeepcutsthatmightneedstitchingorscrapesthatneeddressing?Infectionisn’tyourfriendinthewild.”
Insilence,sheshowedhimascrapeonherelbowandoneonherthigh,justabovethehemlineofherfrayingdress.Withoutaword,hedoctoredthemwithsomeantibioticointmentandcoveredthemwithgauze,hishandssurprisinglygentle,despitetheirsize.Thenhepausedandlookeddirectlyintohereyes.“Thepoliceequippedmewitharapekit.Ineedyoutobehonestwithme.ShouldIadministerit?”
“No.”Sheswallowedandshookherhead.“ThankGod,no.H-hethreatenedbutdidn’t . . .”
“That’sgood,”hesaidinasoothingvoice.“That’sreallygood.Soyou’vepreparedbottlesofwater?”
Sheshowedhimthecanvasduffelandtheeightfullbottlesshe’dstashedinside.“Twoofthesearefresh.”
“That’sgoodthinking.Anyfood?”
“Justbeforeyoucame,heleftmeahamsandwichandanappleinapaperbag.”
“We’llgrabit.Doyouhaveanyshoes?”
“Stilettos.”Shewinced,thenlookedtotheshoesshe’dlongagodiscardedinthecorner.Pradawasn’tdoingheranygoodinthedesert.“ButIfoundthis.”Sheheldupthescrapofburlap.“IthoughtifIcouldfindarope,maybeIcouldripthisinhalfsomehowandtieonearoundeachofmyanklesand—”
“It’sagoodthought,butthat’snotenoughprotection.Stayhere.”
Axelstoodandgrabbedhisrifle,positioningitforactionasheslippedoutthedooroftheshack.Onshakinglegs,Mysterystoodandwatchedhimcreepacrossthedeserttothebodyofhisfirstfallencomrade.Heknelt,keepingtherifledirectlybesidehim,andsnaggedtheman’sbackpack,slingingitoveroneshoulder.Momentslater,heliftedAlvarezinafireman’scarryandheadedbackfortheshack.
Whatwashedoing?
ShehadheranswermomentslaterwhenAxelsteppedthroughthefrontdoorandeasedthebodyofthefallensoldierontothefloor.Bloodstainedtheman’sT-shirtaroundthefatalwoundopeninhischest.Axel’sfacelookedtight,hisjawclenched.Mystery’sheartwentouttohim.
Withmethodicalprecision,hestrippedoffhisfriend’sbootsandtossedthemherdirection.Theman’ssockscameoffnextandfollowedinanarcacrosstheshack.“Putthemon.”
“They’llbetoobig,”sheblurted.
Hezippedastareinherdirection,hisblueeyescoolanddemanding.“They’llprotectyoufromthehotsandandpossiblesnakebite.”
Mysteryhadn’teventhoughtofthatpossibilityandshefeltsostupid.She’dbeencompletelyunpreparedtosurviveinthedesert.Maybenotasurprisesinceshe’dbeendressedfornightclubbing,notroughingit.Butthefactthatshedidn’thavethefirstcluehowtotakecareofherselfouthere,thatshehadtorelysototallyonthisstrangerwhohadjustlosttwoofhisfellowsoldiers,thatshehadnoideahowtoshouldersomeofhisburden,disturbedher.
Ratherthanargueorsquirmatputtingonbootsthathadjustcomeoffadeadman,shedrewthesocksoverherbarefeet.Theywerestillwarm.
Besideher,AxelremovedAlvarez’sjacketandsetitaside,thengrabbedtheoldduffelshe’dstuffed.Hedraggedouttheburlapscrapandgrippedbothendsinhismeatyhands.Hisbicepsbulgedandhischestbunched,hisstrengthobvious.Theheavyfabrictoreinhalf.Sheswallowed.Herheartskippedattherealizationhecouldsquashherlikeabug.Again,shehadtohopethatinherdesperationtoberescued,shewasn’ttrustingthewrongman.Butherinstinctssaidhe’ddowhatittooktogethertosafety.
Withoutmissingabeat,hetoreoneofthescrapsinhalfagainandshovedapieceinthetoeofeachboot.“Nowputthemon.They’llstillbetoobig,butwalkingthroughthesandwillbeexhaustingenough.Themoreeasilyyou’reabletowalk,thelesstaxingitwillbe.”
Shenodded,thenrememberedhisrequest.“Yes,Axel.”
“Good.”Hewatchedher,hisgazehawkish,missingnothing.
Nodoubthesawherhandsshakingbecauseassoonasshe’dslippedherfootintothefirstboot,hetookherankleinhisbighandsandstraightenedherleg,lacingitupwithafewtwistsofhisfingersandacoupleoffirmtugs.Mysterywatched,fascinated.Hemovedsoquicklyandeconomicallyforsuchahugeman.Nolumberingorfumbling.Axelwasincrediblyproficient,andshewassogratefulinthatmoment.
Herepeatedtheprocesswiththeotherboot,thenlookedherway.“Howdothosefeel?”
“Fine,”shesaidhoarsely.
Withasatisfiednod,hegottohisfeetandofferedherhishand.“Standforme.”
Mysterystared,lookinguphisforearmsropedwithmuscle,hisstrongbiceps,hishugechest,uptoafacethatcouldhavelookedsoharsh.Buttheunderstandingtheremadehertearupagain.
Shebrushedthewetnessfromherchappedcheeks,sniffedherreactionaway,thentookhishand.“Sorry.”
“Don’tbe.Adrenalinecrash.We’vealldoneit.That’sprobablywhyyou’reshaking,too.Ifyoufeelfaint,letmeknow.”
“I’llbefine.”Shehadtobe.Mysterywasdeterminednottolethimdown
Withoutanotherword,hehelpedhertoherfeet.Herlegsshook,andshefeltasifshestoodonwetnoodles.Butshedrewinadeepbreath.She’dsuckitupandpullherweight.Iftheywantedtosurvive,shedidn’thaveachoice.Twoinnocentmenhadalreadydiedtosaveher,andshe’dcarrythatguiltforever.Shedidn’twantAxeltosufferanymore.
Afteranothercheckofherbloodpressure,pulse-ox,andpupils,henodded.“Better.Yougoodtogo?”
“Yes.”
Here-stashedhismedicalequipment,thenpickedupAlvarez’spack,shovinginthewaterbottlesshe’dsavedbeforehetesteditsweightinhishand.Withafrown,hedrewhisownoffandhandedittoher.“Thisoneislighter.Carrythisaslongasyoucan.Ifitgetstobetoomuch,I’lltakeitback.Let’sgo.”
Mysterygapedathim,lookedbacktoAlvarez’sfallenbody,thenouttheshack’slittlewindow.“We’renot . . .”Buryinghim?Where?Withwhatshovel?Yeah,stupidquestion,sosheswalloweditdown.“Shouldn’twewaituntilmorning?”
“Yousaidyourcaptorworkedalone,butheadmittedthatsomeonehiredhim?”
Shenodded.“Heneversaidwho.”
“Ifhedoesn’tcheckinwithhisbosssoon,someoneelsemightcomeoutheretofindyou.I’dliketobelonggonebeforethathappens.Asitis,we’reonlygoingtohaveanhourorsobeforedarkandwe’regoingtoleavetracksinthesand.Ifwecanbeafewmilesfromherebynightfall,I’llresteasier,knowingthatwe’llbehardertofind.”
Right.Again,he’dthoughtofthingssheshouldhave.Ifshehadn’tbeenterrifiedandexhausted,ifshe’dhadtimetoconsidertheirquandary,shemighthavecometothesameconclusion.Butextenuatingcircumstancesaside,Mysteryfeltasifwhatshedidn’tknowwasholdingthemback.
“Iunderstand.I’mready.I’mstrong.Icanwalkallnightifweneedto.”
“Wemighthaveto,”hesaidgrimly.“Idon’tlovethatidea,butI’drathertakemychancesagainstthecoyotesandmountainlionsthanthedirectsunlight.Mysunscreenislimited.We’lluselesswaterandenergyifwesleepduringthedayandwalkatnight.”
Mysteryunderstood.Shewantedtoaskhowthey’dknowwheretheyweregoinginthedark,butfortheforeseeablefuturethey’djustbewalkinginageneraldirection,shesupposed.Maybehe’dbeentrainedtofollowthestarsorsomething.
“Thatmakessense.”
Axelnodded,thenknelttohisfallenfriend,bendingtoclosehisunblinkingeyesforthefinaltime.“Bye,buddy.I’msureashellgoingtomissyou.”HeliftedAlvarez’shandanddrewoffhisweddingring.“Iknowyou’dwantRoseandthebabytohavethis.”
Herheartsank.Thismanhadbeenmarriedandhadachild.Andhe’dneverseethemagainbecauseshe’dbeenstupidenoughtobeoutatnightwheresheshouldn’thavebeen,thenunabletoescapethemanwho’dheldherprisoner.
“I’msosorry . . .”Shecouldbarelygetthewordsoutpastherbrokenvoice.
Axelstoodagain,clearinghisthroat.Hepocketedthering,hisexpressionlockeduptight.“Let’sgo.”ChapterThree
THEYseemedtotrekformiles . . .andmiles.Endlesssandanddesert,dottedonlybybrittlebrush,evenassnowcappedmountainssurroundedthem.Mysteryfeltasifthey’dbelostouthereforever.Thethoughtofneverseeingherfatheragainchilledherveinswithicypanic.Theweatherdidn’thelp.Thedesertatnightwasfreezing.
Axelhadlongagoorderedhertoeatthesandwichhercaptorhadleft.HealsoputonhisjacketandmadeherwearAlvarez’s.Hehadtobeexhausted,too,buthejustkeptputtingonefootinfrontoftheother,lookingupattheskyperiodically,thencheckinganold-fashionedcompasshe’dpulledfromhispack.
“Howareyoudoing?”heaskedsuddenlyinthesilencebrokenonlybythesoundoffootfallsonthenever-endingsand.
Readytofallover.Beyondexhausted.“Fine.”
Hesmiledgrimly.“Anyoneevertellyouyou’reaterribleliar?”
Despiteeverything,shesmiled.“Mydad.Apparently,I’mnotasgoodastheprofessionalliarsheworkswith.That’swhathecallsactors.Hestaysbehindthecamera—ratherthaninfrontofit—moreoftennow,butovertheyears,hesayshe’dheardeverylieevertold.”
“I’msure.Yousoundfondofyourdad.”
ShesmiledupatAxel.“He’sreallyfabulous.Thepressisn’talwayskind,andIknowhe’shadawell-documentedlovelife,butasafather,Icouldn’taskformore.Whataboutyou?”
“Mydaddidthesingle-parentthing,too.I’mthethirdoffourboys,sohealwayshadhishandsfull.Buthetriedtodorightbyus.”
Mysterynodded.Shedidn’twanttopry,butshe’dbelyingifshesaidshewasn’tdeeplycuriousaboutthissoldierwho’dsavedherlife.“Where’syourmom?”
“Whoknows?”Heshrugged.“Shewantedmoreexcitementthanasmalltowncouldgive,sosheleft.”
Hisconversationaltonestunnedher.Thatwasit?“Doyoumissher?”
“Itwouldn’tdomeanygood.Besides,itwasalongtimeago.Youstillmissyours?”
Everyoneknewabouthermother’sdeath.Ithadbeenthestuffoftabloidssincethepolicestillclassifieditas“unsolved.”Somebelievedhermotherhadcommittedsuicide.Otherswereconvincedherfatherhadmurderedthewifehehadn’twantedandcouldn’taffordtodivorce.ButtheDAhadneverbeenabletogatherenoughevidencetoindicthim—oranyone.Mysterywishedshehadsomeonetoblameandhatefortakingawaythewomanwhohadbirthedandlovedher.Herfatherhadmanyfaults—aneyefortheladiesandawanderingdickamongthem.Buthewasn’takiller.
“Allthetime.Maybe . . .it’sdifferentforme.Minedidn’tleave;shewastaken.Iknowifshe’dhadachoice,shewouldhavestayed.”
“Soundslikeit.”Hepaused,sendingheradirectstarefullofhonesty . . .andasurprisingdoseofconcern.Shewouldn’thavebeenabletoseeitoutinthedesertexceptthemoonwasfullandbrighttonight.“Youknowtherewillbeamediafervorwhenwemakeitback,right?”
Shefelteverypoundofthatpackonherbackwitheachstep,butsherefusedtowince.“I’musedtothat.IwasthreewhenDadwonhisfirstOscar.Ithasn’tsloweddownsince.ThespotlightisallI’veeverknown.”
Granted,sheusuallystoodjustoutsideitsbrightlight,buttheglarecaughthereverysooften.
“Interestinglife.”
“It’swhateveryougetusedto,Ithink.”Sheshrugged.“Everythingisatrade-off.I’mnotthatfondofthelimelight,butbeingtheonlychildofMarshallMullinsopensdoors.”
“Yougoingtofollowinyourdad’sfootsteps?”
Peopleaskedthatalot.Sheshookherhead.“I’mnotmuchforthewhole . . .Hollywoodscene.Ipreferbooks.Mydadthinksit’sfunny,butIlikemysteries.”
Hesentheraspeculativeglance.“Sowhywereyouatanightclubwhenyouweretaken?”
“Iletsomeofmyfriendstalkmeintoit.”Andwasn’tsheannoyedwithherself?“Iwasalsoleaving.I’msuretheystayedforhours.Wasmydadallrightwhenyousawhim?”
Axel’smouthflattenedintoagrimline.“He’sreallyworried;Iwon’tlie.Yourdisappearanceshookhim.Hekeptwaitingforaransomnote.”
“Henevergotone?”Thatsurprisedher.
“Unlesshe’sreceivedoneinthelasteighteenhours,no.”
Mysteryshookherhead.“Thatmakesnosense.Imean,noneofthisdoes.Mycaptordidn’tsaymuch,justkeptmeisolated.Hedidn’tmentionanydemandsheorhisbossplannedtomake.Theweirdestpartis,themorningIarrived,thebastardholdingmedrewblood.”
Axelfrowned.“Hecutyou?”
“No.Hetookoutasyringeandphysicallydrewmybloodlikeaphlebotomist,thensaidsomethingaboutwaitingacoupleofdays.Ihavenoideawhyorwhatthat’ssupposedtomean.”
Thatfrownofhisbecameadownrightscowl.“Idon’tknow,either,butI’msureonceyourfatherhearsthis,he’lllookintoit.”
Hewould,butMysteryjustwantedthisincidentbehindher.ShewantedtobeawayfromHollywood,theclubscene,thepress.Shecertainlydidn’twanttofixateonsomefreak’smotivesandtrytofindlogic.
“Yeah.Sure.”Shetriedtosendhimawobblysmile.
Hecontinuedhisstrong,surecadencethroughthedesert.Somethingabouthisfacefascinatedher.Big,kindofsquare,notatallrefined . . .andshestillcouldn’tstopstaring.Hewasn’tsomuchhandsomeasrugged.Mysteryhadgrownupknowingmanyofthemostgorgeousmenontheplanet.Peoplehadlabeledherasoneofthemostbeautifulcelebritychildren,whichkindofcreepedherout.SuriCruiseandthoseJolie-Pittkidsqualified.Shehadhermom’shourglassfigure,afallofdarkhairthatinnowayresembledtheseaofCaliforniablondesaroundher,andawidemouthsomeInternetsitesspeculatedwouldlookgreatgivingblowjobs.Theindividualpartsofherdidn’tadduptothemoststunningsum,inheropinion,butwhatever.Whatmatteredwasthatshewasalive.
“We’vegonefiveorsixmiles.Let’sstopforawaterbreak.”Hepausednearanoutcroppingofrocksandsathispackdown,extractingherhalffullbottle.
“I’mnotthirsty.Icanconserveawhilelonger.”
“No.Itmaybecoldanddrytonight,butyou’restillworkingupasweat.Youhavetoreplaceyourfluids.”Hethrustthebottleatherwithademandingstare.
Shesighedandtookit.“Anyoneevertellyouyou’rebossy?”
Afaintgrincreptacrosshisface.“Allthetime.Somepeopleactuallylikeit,princess.”
Mysterysuspectedthathealoneunderstoodthepunchlinetohisjoke,butshewastootiredtocarewhatitmightbe.Instead,shewashedthetasteofsandoutofhermouthwithacoupleofswigsofwater.He’dputawaterpurificationtabletinthebottlebeforehe’dletherdrinkit,andithadastrangechemicaltaste,butshecouldstomachitifthatmeantnotgettingsick.
Shehandedthebottlebacktohim.
Hejustshookhishead.“Finishit.”
Thenheliftedhisownbottleandpolisheditoffinfourlongswallows.Shewatchedhisthickneckworking,theAdam’sapplebobbinginhisthroatashegrippedtheplasticwithhislargehand.Thenthereasonforherfascinationwithhimhit.
Besidesbeingherhero,hewasaman.
Yes,she’dbeensurroundedallherlifebymembersoftheoppositesex,someevenveryattractiveinthatpolished,Hollywood,metrosexualway.ButAxelwasawalking,talkingbillboardfortestosterone.Heoozedit,gaveitoffaseasilyasothersexhaledcarbondioxide.Ithungaroundhimlikeapheromone.Hewouldneverworryaboutwhetherhishairlookedjustrightorifhispantsweren’tperfectlyfashionable.Hewouldn’tcareifhewasseenattherightrestaurantsorwhatanyonethoughtofhim.Axelwasonehundredpercentsecureinhimselfandhismasculinity.
Mysteryhadneverseenanythingmoreattractiveinherlife.
Sheswallowedagainstthesuddensurgeofawarenessasheshovedhisemptybottlebackinhispack,thengaveheranexpectantlook.Dutifully,sheswallowedtherestdown,wonderingallthewhilewhat,ifanything,hethoughtofher.Stupid,spoiledlittlerichgirl?
Wasn’tshe?
Refusingtoletthethoughtdefeather,shehandedherbottlebacktohim.“Howlonguntilthesuncomesup?”
“Aboutthreehours.Youhanginginthere?”
“ItoldyouIwould.”
“You’renotusedtothis,soifyouneedalongerbreak . . .”
Sheshookherhead.“I’mgood.”
Hisexpressionturnedsomewherebetweenamusedandimpressed.“Thenlet’sdoit.”
Axelled.Shefollowed.Butforallherbigtalk,Mysterywasexhaustedandnearingherlimit.Everystepmadeherfeetache,jarredherverybones,madeherbackcramp.Notforanythingintheworldwouldsheconfessthat.Adrenalineandlingeringterrorhadgottenherthroughthefirstcoupleofhours.Afterthat,justtalkingtohimhadmeltedherdiscomfort.Maybeshecoulddistractherselfagain.
“Thestarsouthereseemsobright.”Shelookedupatthenightsky,stunnedanewbythestarkbeauty.“Itseemsasifthereareamillionmoreherethaninthecity.”
“Nootherlighttodilutetheirappearance.”Asmallsmilecurledhislips.“It’sonereasonIdon’tmindthedesert.Justmeandthatbrightsky.Notreestoobscureit.Thecolorsareunlikeanythingelse.Thiskindoflandscapehasahauntingbeauty.”
She’dneverthoughtaboutitbefore,neverreallynoticed.ButAxelhadapoint.Yes,theywereinadangeroussituation,hikingtowardfreedom.Butitdidn’tlookasifthey’dbeenfollowed.Theyhadn’tseenanyscavengersorsnakes.Outhere,shecouldpretendforalittlewhilethattheyweretheonlytwopeopleintheworld.ShecouldfantasizeforjustamomentthatAxelcouldbeinterestedinher.
“Yeah,Icanseethat,”shemurmured.“Didyougrowupinthedesert?”
“Nah.I’moriginallyfromTennessee.IjoinedtheArmyandshippedouttoAfghanistan.Isawalotofdesertoverthere.Youlearntoappreciateitoryougoinsane.”
Mysteryfelthergazeclingtohim.Sheshouldprobablystopstaringandembarrassingherself,butsheenjoyedtheviewofhimtoomuch.Buthewasn’tjustattractive.Shereallylikedthewayherolledwiththepunches,acceptedwhatwas,andlearnedhowtoembracethemoment.Mostofthemensheknew,otherthanherdad,werecreativefolkswiththeartistictemperamenttomatch.Veryhigh-maintenance.NothingseemedtofazeAxel.He’dlostatleastonefriendtoday,yetthathadn’tsenthimintoarage,adrinkingbinge,oracatatonicfrenzy.
“Inevergaveitmuchthought,butIsupposeyou’reright.”Shebitherlipandhesitatedaskingthenextquestiononthetipofhertongue,butcouldn’thelpherself.“IsAxelreallyyourname?”
“Nope.Troy.”Heshrugged.“It’safamilyname.”
“Doyoulikeit?”
“NoonehascalledmethatsinceIwasaboutnine,soIdon’treallythinkaboutit.OnceIstartedworkingoncars,mydadgavemethenicknameanditstuck.”
“Troydoesn’tsoundlikeyou.”Shefrowned.“Sorry.Thatdidn’tcomeoutright.”
“Nooffensetaken.”Hescannedtheemptyhorizon,seeminglyalwaysonalert.Hissharpprofilefascinatedher.“Whataboutyou?Mysteryisaveryunusualname.Wheredidthatcomefrom?”
Shegrinned.“Well,besidesthefactthatcelebritiesalwaysgivetheirkidsweirdnames,mymomtoldthisstoryabouthowmyfatherdidthreemoviesonlocationindifferentpartsoftheworldshortlyaftertheymarried.Itwasn’treallyplannedthatway,buthedidn’tgettocomehomemuch.Shejokedthatitwasamysteryhowshegotpregnant,anditstuck.”
Thatmadehimlaugh,arich,deeprumbleoutofhischest.“I’massumingsheeventuallyfigureditout.”
Mysteryrolledhereyes.“Isuspect.”
Afewmoreminutespassedinsilence.Axel’shandswungrightnexttohers.Theirknucklesbrushed.Shewishedshehadthecourageandtherighttotangleherfingersinhis.Instead,shejustwatchedhim.Hehoveredprotectively,constantlysurveyingher,theirsurroundings,theconditions.Hemadeherfeelsecure.Nothingthathadhappened,nothingshe’dsaid,nothingaboutherlifefreakedhimout.
Peoplemademoviesaboutmenlikehim.Actorsfoughttoplayhischaracter.Butassoonasthedirectorcutthescene,Axeldidn’theadforhistrailer,whichhe’ddemandedtobestockedwithacool-misthumidifier,Casablancalilies,andacaseofRedBull.Hejustkeptrightonbeingexactlywhohewas.
Mysterywatchedhim—notthelandscape—whenshemanagedtostumbleoverarockdirectlyunderherlefttoe.Asshefellforward,Axelwrappedhisstrongarmaroundhermiddle.Hisotherhandclampedaroundherwristanddraggedherupright,againsthischest,sohardshefelteverymomentofhisyearsofphysicalexertion.
Mysterydashedaglanceoverhershoulder,blinkingupathim.“Thankyou.”
Henodded.“Youallright?”
Gettingherfeetbackunderher,shenodded.“Yeah.”
Thoughherbreathingstillfeltabituneven.Thenagain,hehadthateffectonher.
“You’retired.Andyoudidn’ttellme.”Helookeddisapproving.
Sheeasedoutofhisembrace.Notthatshewantedto,butleaningonhimdidn’thelpthemorprovethatshecouldstandonherowntwofeet.
Hoistingthebackpackhigheronhershoulders,sheshookherhead.“It’sjustdarkandIdidn’tseetherock.Weneedtokeepgoing,right?”
“I’vealsopromisedtobringyoubackhealthy.Tomorrowwillbemoredifficult.Let’srest.”
Buttheyhadhoursofcooldarknessleft.“No,IpromisedthatI’dkeeppace.Iwill.”
Hesighed.“Nowyou’rejustbeingastubbornbrat.”
Becauseshewantedtopullherweight?“Thisismebeingresolved.”
“Attheriskofyourwell-being.I’mnothavingit.”
Mysterywantedtoaskhimwhyhethoughthewasthebossofher,butsheknewtheanswer.Withouthim,she’dverylikelybedead.Withaheavybreath,sheshookherhead.“Fine.”
“Good.I’llscoutforagoodplacetosleep.”
Shelookedaroundtheexpansive,openlandscape.Themoonlightputasilveryglowoneverything,anditalmostlookedmagical.
“Whataboutoverthere?”Shepointedtoasmalltrailjustofftoherleft.“Thatlookslikeadried-upriverbed.”
Heshookhisheadbeforesheevenstoppedspeaking,lookinguptoacroppingofrocksontheright.“Seethegroovesthroughtherockleadingstraightdownintothatgully?That’sthepathfrompastflashfloods.Itrunsoffthestoneanddowntothelowpoint.”
Shescoffed.“Idon’tseeflashfloodingbeingabigproblemhere.”
“Itis,”hecorrected.“Inagoodstorm,itcanrainsixinchesormoreinanhour.Allthewaterwillracedownthesurroundinghillsandcollectrighthereintheoldriverbed.Peoplecanwashawayanddrownlikethatinminutes.”
“Inaplaceasdryasthis,doesn’tthesoilsoakupallthewaterbeforeitcanfloodthelowspots?”
“Thisearthgetsbakeduntilit’snearlyashardaconcrete.Gravityrollsthewaterdown.Ithappensreallyfast.Ifyou’reasleep,youwon’tseeitcoming.You’lljustbeovercomebywateranddie.”
Asseriousashesounded,shebelievedhim.“Okay,wheredowecamp,then?”
“Uphigher.Standrighthereforaminute.Letmedoalittleclimbing.”Hedroppedhispackandkepthisrifleslungoverhisshoulder.Then,asifhehadn’tbeenwalkinginnear-freezingtemperaturesforthelastfewhours,shewatchedAxelgriparock,thenputhisfootontheonedirectlybelowandclimbthesideofahillwiththesameeasehe’dascendaladder.
Hewassophysicalandcapable.Shecouldn’thelpbutadmireeverythinghewasandhadaccomplished.Hewasprobablyinhismid-twenties,buthadalreadyservedtwotoursononeofthemostdangerousbattlefieldsintheworld.Hismotherhadleft.Helivedawayfromhisfamily.He’dlostafriendtoday.Nothingbrokehim.AndMysteryadmiredhiscouragesomuch.Shewantedtobethatbrave.
Hedisappeareduptherockface,thenwhenhereachedaledge,hewalkedintosomeopeningshecouldn’tquitesee.
Afewmomentslater,hereappearedandboundedhiswaybacktoherside.“Thiswillwork.It’shighsothatifthebastardwhopaidforyourabductionsendsasearchparty,wewon’tbeimmediatelyvisible.There’salittlebitofanoverhangtoprotectusfromthewind.We’llstillhavetowatchforthingslikescorpionsandmountainlions,butweweregoingtohavetobecautiousaboutthosewhereverwestopped.”
Someprotectiverocksoundedgreat,but . . .“Howdoyouexpectmetogetupthere?”
Hecrossedhisarmsoverhischestasifthispointwasnonnegotiable.“You’regoingtoclimb.”
Automatically,sheshookherhead.Yeah,shewantedtobebrave,butsheknewherlimitations.Thatwasn’thappening.“Ican’t.I’veneverclimbedarocklikethatinmylife.Idon’tknowhow,especiallyinthedark.Isn’ttheresomethingelseclosertotheground?”
“Theremightbe,butI’mnotwastingmoretimesearchingforit.Weneedtoeatsomething,drinkmorewater,getsettled,thencatchsomesleep.Youmightfindthatharderasthesunandthetemperaturecomeup.”
Andhewouldn’t?Thenagain,sheknewfromthatmilitaryfilmofherfather’sthathard-coresoldierslikehimcouldclosetheireyesandsleepjustaboutanywhere.Theytrainedthemselvestograbafewminutesofshut-eyehereorthere,neverknowingwhentheopportunitywouldcomeagain.
Mysterylookedupthefaceoftherockagain.Itwasn’tasheerverticalclimb,butitstilllookedsteepanddaunting.Shetriedthehonestapproach.“I’mnottryingtobedifficult.I’mscared.”
Hisbodylanguagerelaxed,losingthestiffandauthoritativestance.Instead,hebenttoherandclaspedhershoulders.“I’llbewithyoueverystepoftheway.Themanwhoabductedyoudidn’tdefeatyou.Thedeserthasn’tgottenthebestofyou.Afewrockswon’t,either.I’lltakeyourpackupwithme.You’lldogreat,princess.”
Ithadtobethetraumaofthelastfewdays,coupledwithlackofsleep.Shetearedup.Hisencouragementwassomeofthenicestwordsanyonehadeversaidtoher.Hebelievedshecoulddoit—whatevershesethermindto.Nooneexpectedhertobecapableofanything.Herfatherhadalwaysindulgedherandtoldhertodowhateversheenjoyed.Soshe’dshoppedalot,read,hungoutwithfriends,andhaddonejustenoughtoslidebyinschool.Collegehadbeenmoreforshowthananything.Daddywasanimplacable,drivenman.KindoflikeAxel.Suddenly,shewasalittleashamedthatshehadn’tdevelopedmoredriveormorespineasshe’dgrownfromachildintoayoungadult.MaybeAxelwasright;maybeshecoulddothis.
“I’lltry.”
“You’llsucceed,”hepromised.“Youwatch.”
Shegavehimashakynod.
Hebentalittlelowerandputhisfacedirectlyinfrontofhers.“Beverbal.We’llneedtocommunicateasweclimb.”
She’dforgotten.“Yes,Axel.”
Hepickeduphispackandslungitoverhisbeefyshoulderbesidetherifle,thentookAlvarez’spack,stuffedwithacanteenandmostofthefood,inhishand.“Nowgrabthatrockjustaboveyourhead.Whenyousetyourfingersbackdeepenough,you’llfindthere’salittledipthatwillmakeaniceledgeforyourgrip.”
Heeasedthestrapofherpackuphisarm,torestinthecrookofhiselbow,thenanchoredbothofhishandsaroundherhips.Ashetouchedher,purelightningheatzippedthroughherbody,flashingtoherextremities,thenconflagratinginward,centeringbetweenherlegs.Shegasped.Thathadneverhappenedtoher.Ever.Thefewboysshe’dhadsexwithinhighschoolhadbeenultimatelyuninterestingandforgettable.
Somehow,shealreadyknewshe’dnevereraseAxelfromherthoughts.
“Somethingwrong?”heasked,releasinghermiddlefromhisgrip.
“No.”Sheswallowedandtriedtothinkofaplausiblelie.“Ijustcan’tbelieveI’mgoingtodothis.”
“Believe,princess.You’vegottoomuchsparktoletarockdefeatyou.Putyourrightfootonthejuttingsectionofthatstoneatkneelevel.Yes,”hecoachedasshedidwhatheasked.“Nowjustuseyourhandsandthemusclesinyourlegstopullyourselfup.It’snotmuchdifferentthanclimbingatree.”
Mysteryrefrainedfrommentioningthatshe’dneverclimbedtreesasakid.Thereweren’tmanyinBeverlyHillsnotmanicuredwithinaninchoftheirlives.Besides,thenanniesherparentshadhiredwhenshe’dbeenyoungerwouldhavehadaheartattackifshe’dtriedtoshimmyupsomebarktohangoutonalimb
“Sure.”
Axelgrippedherhipsagain,andasshehoistedherselfup,hegaveherapush,histhumbsso,soclosetocuppingherbutt.Didhethinkofherasachild?Orhadhenoticedthatshewasawoman?Thethoughtdistractedherfromallworriesoffallingandbreakinghalfthebonesinherbody.Suddenly,shestoodonthelittleoutcroppingandhadabetterviewofthevastlandscapeallaroundthem,alongwithAxelsmilingupatherwithsomethinglikepride.
“Ididit!”MysteryknewsheworeacheesygrinthatTMZandthetabloidpresswouldmakefunof,butshedidn’tcare.
“Toldyou.Waitformethere.I’llcoachyouthroughthenextlevel.”Hereachedforherpack,tossedituptoher,thenheadedupthefaceofthecliffagain,climbingasifhe’dbeendoingitforever.
Shewatchedinfascination,thenfeltherbodypingwhenhestoodbesideheragain.Theledgewasnarrow.Theyhadtostandclose.Axeldidn’ttouchher,butshewishedhewould.
Shesentasmileuphiswaybeforeshefeltheatrushthroughher,andshepretendedtolookupasifstudyingthenextpartoftheclimb.“Nowwhat?”
“Thispartisabittrickier . . .”
Butlikebefore,hecoachedherup,holdingherbythehipsandliftingherwhentherocksbeneathherfeltalittlecrumblyandunstable.Theyrepeatedthattwicemorebeforeshestoodatthetopofthehillandglancedattheoutcroppingashepulledhimselfupbesideher,slingingthelastpackontotheledgebelowherfeet.
“Hereweare.Youdidgreat.”
Shelovedthewayheencouragedandpraised.Itseemedunusualforasoldiertobesogoodatwhatherfatherwouldcalltouchy-feelystuff.Evenhiscommunicationskillswereamazing.Mysterywonderedwherehe’dlearnedandgottensomuchpracticethatitseemedasnaturalasbreathingtohim.
“Withalotofhelpfromyou,thanks.Therescuewasharrowing,butthejourneysincecouldhavebeengruelingandterrible.You’vemadeitreally . . .allright.”
Henoddedherway,pretendingtotiphisimaginaryhatather.“Justdoingmyjob,ma’am.”
Shegiggled.“Thatistheworstcowboyaccent.”
“Weallhaveourlimitations.”Heshrugged.
Inherestimation,hedidn’thavemany.He’dmakeagreathusbandandfathersomeday—ifhewasn’talready.OMG,shehadn’tevenconsideredthat.She’dbeenmooningoverhimandcrushinghard,andhemightalreadyhaveasignificantotherinhislife.Thethoughtdeflatedher.Hewastooawesometobealone,andimagininghimwithawifeorgirlfriendtuggedherintoasadlittleexhaustion.
“Here’sourhomesweethomeforthenight.”Hepointedtoanalcoveunderanoverhangofrock.Anotheroutcroppingprotectedthemfromthefierceoncomingwindswipingatthemupthishigh.
Itdidn’tlooklikemuch,butitcertainlybeatdroppingontothesandandtryingtodriftoff,shesupposed.Sheduckedundertheoverhangandstartedtolowerherselftothecoldrockbelow.
“Wait.”Hefishedthroughhispackandextractedaflashlight,quicklyscanningthearea.Seeminglysatisfied,heflippeditoff,thenpulledoutathin,khakiblanketwithatinfoil-lookinglining.“We’reclear.Ineededtocheckforscorpionsandanyothervenomouscreaturesthatlikewarmer,darkspaces.”
Yikes,shehadn’teventhoughtofthat.“I’mgladwe’realone.Idon’tlikepinchers.”
“It’snotjustthebite,butthevenom.Barkscorpionslurkaroundhere.Iknowaguywhogotstungonce.Hesaiditwasthemostpainfulseventy-twohoursofhislife.They’rehardtoseebecausethey’reaboutathirdofthesizeofthedeserthairyvariety,butthosesuckerscanbelethal.We’llstartafiretokeepthemaway.Theyburrow.Theylikewarmthbutnotflames.Sonowwejustneedtobecarefulofrattlersdoingtheirequivalentofhibernating.They’retoosluggishtomovethistimeofyearbecausethey’vealreadyhunkereddownagainstthecold,soifyoudisruptthem,they’remorelikelytostrike.”
Hekneweverythingaboutthelandscapeandthewilderness.Again,hefilledherwithtotalawe.Kind,smart,built,manly . . .“Isthereanythingyoudon’tknowandcan’taccomplish?”
Axellookedtakenaback.“Idon’tthinkI’ddotoowellifyoutriedtoputmeinaballet.”
Mysterytriedtopicturehiminatutuandburstoutlaughing.“Probablynot.”
“ButIcookalot,sewwhenIhaveto,keepthingstidybecauseIdon’tlikeclutter.”
“Thewomaninyourlifeisreallylucky.Mydadcan’tboilwater.Andhewon’tpickupafterhimself.I’mconstantlymovinghisstuffoutofmyway.”
Heshrugged,andsheheldherbreathtoseewhathisanswerwouldbe.Thewholefishingexpeditionwasalittlesilly.Heprobablyhadnointerestinher,butthatdidn’tstopherfromwishing.
“IprobablyhaveiteasiersinceIlivealone,”hesaid.“Ionlyhavetokeepupwithmyself.”
Hesoundedsingle.Thatmadehersizzle.Hemightnotconsidernineteengrownup . . .butshewasprettymaturebyvirtueofbeinganonlychildandhavinggrownupinHollywood.Dadtriedtoshelterherbutshe’dexperiencedmorethanafewadultvices.Shewasn’taninnocentkid.MaybeifAxelsawthat,he’dseeheraswomanenoughforhim.
“Let’sgetsettled,”hesuggestedbeforeshecouldcontinuetheirconversation.
Thatwouldprobablybebest.Shefeltabittongue-tied,andthewindwaspickingup.Alvarez’sjacketblockedsomeofthecold,butherexposedlegswerefreezing.
Axelspreadouthisblanket,thencrawledinandbunchedhisjacketintoamakeshiftpillow.Hesetitagainsttherockbehindhimandeasedhisheadback.Thenhepattedthespotbesidehimontheoddsilverymaterial.“C’mon,princess.”
Sleepcurledupwithhim?Sheflushedhot.No,itwasn’texactlyasexinvite,butlyingbesidehim,sharingblanketsbarelybigenoughfortwo,entwinedtogetherallnight . . .itseemedsointimate.Shewasn’tavirginbutshe’dneveractuallysharedaplacetosleepwithanyoneoftheoppositesex.Herheartstuttered.
“Somethingwrong?”
Mysterywishedshecouldhaveaminutetoherself,butwhere?Thelittleledgeonwhichtheysleptwasn’tbig.Twostepsinanydirectionandshe’dbefallingdownthemountain,probablytogreatinjuryordeath.
“No.I’mgood,”shelied,thendroppedtoherkneesbesidehim.Shecouldn’tstopherselffromlookingintohiseyesassheslidundertheblanket.Itwasabufferfromthewind,butAxelwasfarwarmer.Beingagainsthimwaslikecozyinguptoablastfurnace.Afterhoursoffeelingherhandsstiffandtinglyfromthechill,shebreathedacontentedsigh.
Hedraggedhispackintohislapandunzippedabulgingpouch.Ittippedoverandintoherlap.Holycow,thatsuckerwasheavy.Andhe’dbeencarryingitallday?Slingingitaroundlikeitweighednothing?
“Sorry,”hemuttered,thenrighteditagain,delvinginside.
“It’sfine.Iguesswe’regoingtobereallycloseuphere.Notalotofspace.”
“Rogerthat.”Momentslater,hewithdrewtwobrownishplasticpouchesfromhisbackpackandhandedonetoher,alongwithanotherbottleofwater.“Iwantitallgone.”
Mysteryheldthelittlepackageandtriedtoreadtheblackwritinginthedark.Shedidn’thavealotofluck.“Whatisthis?”
“MRE.Ithinkyou’vegotthemeatballsinmarinarasauce.”
Shetriednottowince.Howwasthatgoingtoworkwithoutamicrowave?Butsheknewsoldierssurvivedontheseallthetime.Itfueledthemwhiletheydefendedthecountry,soshecouldswallowitdownandjustthankGodshewasstillalive.“Good.Whataboutyou?”
“Scallopedpotatoeswithham.”Hesmiledatherinthedarkness.“Theyallsuck.Yougetusedtoit.”HebumpedhisMREwithhers.“Bonappétit.”
“Bonappétit.”
Asshepulledhermealopen,alittleglowwarmedherinside.Theyfeltabitlikeacoupleonacampingtrip,havinganadventureforthehellofit.WithAxel,shecouldalmostforgetthatsomeonehadgonetoalotoftroubletoabductandkeepherhiddenfromherfatherandtheworld.BesideAxel,shefeltsafeagain.
Oh,shehaditforhimbad.
Insilence,theyate.Thedehydratedmealstastedlikecardboard,andshe’dbedamngladtogetbacktosomeofherfavoriterestaurants.She’dcertainlyneverlookatahamsandwichagainwithoutthinkingaboutherterrifyingdaysattheshack.
“Howdidyoufindmeinthemiddleofnowhere?”
Axelswallowedabiteandwasheditdownwithsomewater.“Theclubhadaparkinglotcamthatcapturedfootageofyourabduction.Wenotedthelicenseplateofthevan.Whoeverpulledthejobeitherdidn’tknowhewasbeingtapedordidn’tcareifwecaughttheplatenumber.WemanagedtopickupthatsameplatenumberonfreewaycamsonHighway14headingnorthoutofPalmdale,soweknewthegeneraldirectionhe’dheaded.Thelastplacewepickedhimuponcamerawasonthe395junctionwith190,andheheadedeast.Fromthere,weworkedwiththeInyoCountySheriff’sOffice.Wedidathermalsweepofthearea,andtheywereabletotelluswheretheheatsignaturesfromtownsandsettlementsshouldbe.Westartedinvestigatinganythingthatdidn’tbelong,whichledustoyou.”
“Wow,youmadequickworkoffindingme.”
“Wegotacoupleofluckybreaks,andyourfathermovedmountainstomakeithappen.”
Moneytalked.Italwayshad,andDadwasneverafraidtothrowitaroundifhebelievedinthecause.“I’msogratefultoeveryoneinvolved.I’mparticularlysorryforCarr’sandAlvarez’sfamilies.Ifeelawfulthatmystupiditycausedtheirdeaths.”
Hetookherhandinhis.“Youweren’tstupid,andnothingyoudidcausedtheircasualties.Youwerebeingateenager,Mystery.Whichmeantyouweresneakingawaytodotypicalstuffteenagersdo.Youdidn’tasktobekidnapped.WhenCarr,Alvarez,andItookthejob,weknewtherisks.Weplanasmuchaswecanforeveryeventualityandalldoourbestnottogetdead.Noteverymissiongoesourway.It’ssomethingyouacceptasasoldier.”
“CarrandAlvarezdidsomethingformeIcannevereventhankthemfor.Ifeelterribleforthewivesandchildrentheyleftbehind.”
“CarronlyhadamuttI’llprobablyinherit.Hisparentspassedawaylastyear.Henevermarriedorhadkids.Alvarez’swife,Rose,willtakeithard.They’veonlybeenmarriedtwoyears.Theirsonissixmonthsold.”
Hearingthatwaslikeastabintheheart.Shehadtotalktoherfatherwhenshegothome,seeifhecoulddoanythingtohelpthepoorwomanwho’djustlostherhusbandandbecomeasingleparent.
“ButifIhadn’tgonetothatawfulclub . . .”shechokedout.
“Iftheasswipewhotookyouhadn’tacceptedthatjob,ifsomeonewithcashandanefariouspurposehadn’tcontractedyourabduction . . .Mystery,it’sreallynotyourfault.Don’tbeatyourselfup.”
“Dowehaveanywayofknowingwhethertheguyyoukilledoutsidetheshackisthesameonewhotookme?”
Axelnodded.“Yeah.That’shim.Ipulledoffhisskimaskandsawthesameprincecharmingwhoappearedonthetrafficcams.Igotagoodlookathisfaceonsomefootagefromagasstationwherehestoppedtofuelup.”
Thatwasaterriblerelief,toknowthatthebastardwho’dforcedherintothevanandtakenherawaycouldn’tdothattoanyoneelseeveragain.Butthatpresentedanotherproblem.“Dowehaveanyideawhohiredhim?”
Axellookedreluctanttoanswer.“No.Itwilltakealittlelongertoidentifythisguyandcombthroughhisfinances,seeifwecantrackthemastermindthatway.Yourcaptorwasapro,though.Whoeverhiredhimwasn’tanidiot.I’mnotexpectingtofindanythingbutadeadtrail.”
Anxietyseizedher.“Sothatmeanswhoeverwantedmekidnappedinthefirstplacecoulddoitagain.Hecouldhiresomeoneelseto—”
“Maybe.Butyou’remoreawarenow.Youknowbetterthantohaveyourheadinyourpursewhileyou’rewalkingthroughadarkparkinglot.WhenIgetyouhome,youneedtotakeself-defenseclasses.Whenyougoout,observesomebasicsafetyprecautions—gooutingroups,alwaysbeawareofwhereyouareandwho’saroundyou.”
“Mydadwillhireabodyguard,I’msure.”Theideadepressedherabit.Thiswholeincidentsmackedheragain.Itrepresentedtheendofchildhood,freedom,andinanoddway,innocence.
She’dgrownusedtotheideaofherfatherbeingsopublicandeveryonewantingtotalktohim.Mysteryhadalwaysregardedherselfasamerecuriosityinthewhite-hotrealmofhisspotlight.Butthepaparazzihadneverfocusedonherasanindividual.Axelhadwarnedhertheabductionwouldchangethat.Hewasprobablyright.
“Iknowit’sinconvenient,butit’snotabadidea.I’dratherhaveyousafeandslightlyannoyedthanfightingforyourlifeagain.”
Hewasrightaboutthat,too.Shenodded.“Doyouhaveanyideawhyallthishappened?I’dthoughtitwastoextractmoneyfrommydad,butthefactthatheneverreceivedaransomnotemakesmewonder.”
Axelshookhishead,directingaconcernedgazedownather.“Sorry.Youmightfindoutastheinvestigationcontinues.Butifyoudon’tlearnwhoengineeredyourkidnapping,youmayneverknow.”
Thatwouldbeabitterpilltoswallow.Andshehadtobelievethatifherfatherhadmanagedtopulltherightstringstofindher,thenhe’dfindoutthismadman’sreasonfortakingherinthefirstplace.
Thewindpickedup,whistledpastherasifsinginganeerietune.Inthedistance,acoyotehowled.Mysterycurledherarmsaroundherkneesandfroze.
Axelslunghisarmaroundher.“It’sokay.Thewindisnormal.Thecoyotesoundsmilesaway.”
“Everythingmakesmejumpyrightnow,Iguess.”
Hisfacesoftened.“That’snormal,too.Closeyoureyesandtrytorelax.”
Theirfacesweresoclose.Hisbodywasplasteredagainsthersfromshouldertoknee.Herheartthumped.Desirewasprobablythewrongresponsetothissituation,butshecouldn’tdenyitexistedassheblinkedupintohisface.
“Goon,”heurged.
ShewasstillwearingAlvarez’sjackettowardoffthecold,soshehadnopillow.Axelmadeupforthatbycradlingthesideofherfaceinoneofhislargehandsandleadinghercheekdowntotheslabofhischest.Mysterywentwillingly,hereyesslidingshut.Hisheartbeatasteadyrhythminherear.
Hewrappedhertighterinhisarms.“You’resafe,princess.”
Yes,shefeltthat.“Ican’tthankyouenoughforallyou’vedone.”
“Youdon’thavetothankme.Justcloseyoureyesandrest.”
Shewasnevergoingtosleeponarock,againstanunfamiliarman,withthewindwhippingaroundher.Shewasn’tcomfortableandwasn’tsureshecouldgettiredenoughtostoptheterribleabductionfromplayinginherheadoverandoverlikeabadhorrorfilm.Thedrugshercaptorhadgivenherleftherinagroggywakingstateforthemostpart.Shehadn’treallyslept,justbeenoutofit.Whenshehaddriftedoff,nightmareshadplaguedher.Terrorcreptinanddisturbedher.Shewouldn’tsleeptonight,butAxelhaddonesomuch.Shewouldhumorhim.
“Sure,”shemurmuredandclosedhereyestoplayalong.“I’lltrynottohogthebed.”
Hechuckledinherear.“Ifyoudo,that’sallright.I’mjusthappyyou’resafe.”
* * *
HEAToverwhelmedher.Suddenly,Mysteryfeltsweltering.Sweatbrokeoutalongherhairline,betweenherbreasts,alongherback.Sleepdraggedherbackdown,buttheneedforcoolerairandabathroombroughtherback.
Shecrackedhereyesopen.Sunlightslicedatthemlikeapickaxe.Shegasped.Wherewasshe?Whattimewasit?
Thelastfewdayscamerushingbacktoher,thensherealizedthattherockatherbackwasmovinggently,ariseandfallthatemulatedbreathing.
“Holdstill,”hemutteredinherear.
Axel—besideherwithhisarmaroundherwaist,holdingheragainstabodythatfelthardeverywhere.Butsomethinginhisvoicewarnedher.
“What’swrong?”
“Iheardahelicopterflyoverhead.Itcouldbeoneofthegoodguysornothingtodowithusatall,but . . .”
Itcouldalsobewhoeverhadpaidforherkidnappingwonderingwherehisinvestmenthadescapedto.Sheswallowed.“Whatdowedo?”
“Wewait.Whendaylightwanes,lookingforusonthedesertfloorwillbelikelookingforaneedleinahaystack.Whoeveritisseemstobeflyingprettylow,whichtellsmeit’seitherasearch-and-rescuemissionorsomeonedeterminednottoletyougetaway.Thelesswemovenow,themorewelooklikepartofthescenery.Themorelikelytheysimplyflyoverusandaway.”
Thatmadesense,butherheartbeatahundredmilesanhour.Thedistantsoundofchopperbladesseemedtogetcloser,closer.Axeltensed.
“Sonofabitch,”hebreathed.“That’sthethirdtimeI’veheardthemflyoverhead.I’dhopedthewindwouldblowawaysomeofourtracksinthesand,butI’mguessingnotenough.”
Whatifthehelicopterlanded?Whatifsomeonegotoutwithgunsandhuntedthemdown?Axelwasgood,buthewasstillonemanwithonegunagainstpeoplewhowouldbebetterrestedandprepared . . .Itsoundedlikearecipefordeath.
Toherright,thehelicopterswervedandheadedstraighttowardthem.ChapterFour
WHATarewegoingtodo?”sheasked.“TellmehowIcanhelp.”
Axelpulledthedesertcamoblanketovertheirheadsandtightenedhisholdaroundherwaist.“Rightnow,we’rejustlayinglowandhopingtheygoaway.It’saboutnoon,maybealittleafter.Wemightbehanginghereforawhile.Itdependsonhowdeterminedtheyare.”
Thatwasn’tgoodnews.Shewasn’tsureshecouldlieinthissamepositionforthenextfivehoursandwaitfornighttofall.Forstarters,herbladderwasfull.Worse,fearspikedherbloodstream.Shewasn’treadytofacedangeragain.Shecertainlydidn’twanttodie.
Andsomehow,aboveallthat,beingpressedupagainstAxelarousedher.
Besidehim,shebreathedhard,tryingtosteadyherself.
“You’reshaking,”hemurmured.“Slowyourbreathingdown.I’mgoingtodoeverythinginmypowertokeepyousafe.”
Mysterydidn’tdoubtthatforaminute.Shegavehimalittlenod.“Whatiftheyland?Whatiftheycomelookingforus?Whatif—”
Heshiftedslightly,cuppinghercheek.“I’llhandleit.I’marmed.I’mtrained.”
Buttheseruthlesspeoplechasingherhadalreadyeliminatedtwoofhiscomrades.HowdidAxelexpecttotakeoutwhoeverwasinthehelicopterbyhimself?
HepriedopenoneoftheVelcropocketsinhisfatiguepantsandthrustaguninherhands.Mysteryshrankbackasifitwasanenormoushairyspidercometoeather.
“Takeit,”hedemanded.“Thesafetyison.Toturnitoff,youflipthisswitchdown.”Hedemonstrated,thenquicklyflippedtheleverbackinplace.“Oncethesafetyisoff,squeezethetriggerhard.Thegunwillkickyoubackgood,sobereadyoritwillknockyouonyourass.”
Hewaspreparinghertodefendherselfincasehecouldn’t.Andshecouldonlythinkofonereasonhe’dbeunabletokeephersafe.
Panicsurged.Sherolledcloserandlunged,throwingherselfagainsthischest.“No.”
Hegrabbedherchin.“Youhavetobeready.Ifthatchopperlands,thereareanywherebetweentwoandfourmenonboard.Theywillsplitupandsearchforus.Ifyourabductorsentthem,I’mextraneous.They’llsimplykillme.Whathappenstoyoudependsontheirorders.”
“Meaning?”Hervoiceshook.
“Eitherthey’lltakeyoutoanewlocationtofinishwhatyourcaptorstartedorthey’llendyou.Ineitherevent,youneedtobepreparedtodefendyourself.”
“Idon’tknowhowtousethis.”Shedidn’tevenwanttotouchthegunbutitwassandwichedbetweenthem,sittingonherchest,seemingtoweighathousandpounds.
“I’mtellingyou,”hebitout.
Thehelicopterdrewcloser,hoverednotfarfromtheirlocation.Sheriskedapeekoverthetopoftheblanketandsawthevehiclemakeaslowsweepoverthelandscape.
Thenitdrewclosertotheground,kickingupsandandspewingiteverywhere.Mysterygasped,tensed.Theywerecomingforher.
Besideher,Axelclenchedhisjaw.Whenheturnedtoher,hisexpressionlookedbleak.“Listentome.We’regoingtogetoffthisrock.You’regoingtorunaheadofme.I’llstayandfendthemoff.”
“No!”Splittingfromhimterrifiedher.
Shecouldgetlost.Shecoulddie.Funnythatherbiggestfearwasneverseeinghimagain.
Hewentonasifhehadn’theardherobjectionatall.“Gowestsouthwest.”Hepointedthatdirection.“Keepwalking.I’vetoldyouaboutsomeofthedangersaroundthelandscape.Takeyourpack.I’mgoingtogiveyouthewater.Keepwalkingaslongandasfastasyoucan.YoushouldcometoatownnamedKeeler.Notmanypeoplethere,butfindsomeonewhohasaphone.Call911.”
“I’mstayingwithyou.”
Thehelicopterwentvertical,settingdownbeyondthenextridge,justoutofsight.Assoonasthesoundofthebladesslowed,Axeltookthatashiscuetostand.“You’regoing.That’sfinal.”
Hegrabbedherpack,tookthewaterbottlesfromhisandshovedthemintohers.Thenhewaddeduptheblanketandjammeditintooneofthepack’ssidepockets.Itwouldn’tzipbuthedeemedthatgoodenoughbecausehedraggedhertoherfeet,thrustthegunontopofthepack,shoveditintoherhands,thengaveherajerkofhishead.“Go.”
Mysteryfrozeforamoment.“Whatwillyoudo?”
Hereachedforhisrifle,thenwithdrewascopefromhispack,alongwithextraammunition.Heslitheredtohisbellyalongthetopoftheflatrock.“Ialsowenttosniperschool.”
Ashestartedassemblinghisweaponandliningupshots,hecompletelytunedherout.Hisbreathingevened.Helookedutterlyfocusedontheridgeahead.
Shecouldn’tfallapart.Itwouldn’thelpeitherofthem.
Draggingtheoverstuffedpackontoherback,shesuckedbackagroanattheadditionalweight.Already,herfeethurtfromyesterday’strekandwereprotestingnow.Butsheheardthehelicopter’senginecutoff.Adrenalineshotthroughher,andshewelcomedthechemical.Itstavedoffpain,madehersharp,gavehercourage.
SheslidofftherockjustasAxelbeganwrappinghisfingeraroundthetrigger.
Onhertrekdownthefirsttierofrocks,shescrapedherleg.Damndress.Thesilverysequinfabrichadlookedawesomecatchingthelightintheclubshe’dgoneto.Ithadn’theldupatallinasurvivalsituation.Itcertainlyhadn’tprotectedherskinasshe’dsliddownthestonefacing.
AsMysterybrushedthedebrisfromherthigh,herhandcamebackslightlywet.Blood.Shewinced,rememberingwhatAxelhadsaidaboutinjury,butinfectionwasn’therbiggestthreatnow.
Shemovedonandclawedherwaydownthenextfaceoftherocks,holdingonbyherfingernails.Asshedangled,shelookeddown—andgulped.Thegroundseemedtoofaraway,likeshemighthurtherlegorbreakanankleifshesimplyletgo.Shaking,scared,sheforcedherselftostudythestoneinfrontofherforanyfootorhandholds.Nothing.
Ifsheremainedhanginghere,shewaseasybait.Deadmeat.Closinghereyesandsayingaprayer,shereleasedherhold.Thegroundrusheduptomeetherwithathud.Thankfully,thesoiljustaroundtherockseemedabitmoresandythanthehard-bakedsoilofthedried-upriverbed.Thoughthelandingstilljarredeveryboneinherbody,theloamyqualityofthedirtimmediatelybelowcushionedherfallenough.Jugglingherpackonherbackagain,shedartedawayfromtheoutcropping,huggingthesidesofthehill,clingingtowhatwasleftoftheshadows.
She’dbarelytakenfivestepsbeforeAxel’sfirstshotrangoutaboveher.
Mysterytensed.Thatwouldcertainlygiveawaytheirpositionandsendwhoeverwasinthatchopperrunningafterthem.Whatiftheywereanothersearch-and-rescuesentbyherfather?Thenagain,ifAxelwasshooting,hemusthavereasontobelievetheyweren’t.
Asecondshotrangoutlessthantwentysecondslater.Sheswallowed,paused.He’dtoldhertogo,runtothenearesttown.
Butshecouldn’tleavehim.
MysterytookthegunfromherpackandheadedbacktoAxel.Thisweaponwouldbefarmoreusefulinhishands.
Justasshereachedtheoutcroppingagain,shesawhimslidingdownthefacingoftherockasifhisasswasonfire.Thesecondhelanded,heturnedtofindher.Hebarelyhadtimeforaglowerbeforeherushedoverandgrabbedherarm,stayingher.
“Ipickedtwoofthemoff.Thereweretwoothers.ThefirstheadedbacktothechopperbeforeIevenfiredashot.Thesecondscrambleddownthehill.Iexpecthimtotrytohuntusdown.”
Sheputherhandinhisandtuggedinthedirectionhe’dtoldhertotrek.“Let’sgo.”
Axelyankedonherhandandshookhishead.“Thisway.”
Mysteryfrowned.Shehadn’tmisunderstoodwhathetoldherpreviously.Whenheturnedandpulledonherhand,shegotthepictureimmediately.“Towardthehelicopter?”
Andthebadguys?Washecrazy?
“Withoneguysearchingthevalleyforus,wemightbeabletosneakourwaypasttheotherandeitherradioforhelporgetthehelltocivilization.Walkingthroughthisvalleywithoutanywheretohideoradequatecamouflageisn’tmyfirstchoice.Butifweruntowardcivilization,theyheadbacktothechopperandfindusinfiveminutes.Wedon’thavebetteroptions.”
Theideafilledherwithfear.Dashingacrossthevalleywasrisky,probablyclosetoinsane.ButAxelknewfarmoreaboutstayingaliveinacombatsituationthanshedid.He’dgottenherthisfar.Shetrustedhimwithherlife.
“Allright.”
Nodding,hepulledheralongashehuggedtheoutcroppingofrock.Beforeheroundedthecorner,hegrabbedhisrifle,attheready,andpeekedatthevastexpansebeyond.
Herheartthrummedasshewaitedforhimtosaysomething—anything.Theinterminablesecondsslidbyinsilence.
“We’regoingtomakeadashacrossthelongstretchofnothingbetweenusandthathill.They’llprobablyseeusandgivechase.Orshoot.Keeprunning,nomatterwhat.Gotit?”
Shenoddedfrantically.
“Answerme,”hedemanded.
“Yes,Axel.”
Heletoutasoundthatwasacrossbetweenasighandacurse.“Followme.”
Theysteppedoutfrombehindthestonefacing.Instantly,sunbeatdirectlyonthem.Intenseheatshimmeredupfromthehard-bakedground.Mysterydidn’tbotherwishingshehadsunglassesorahat,butsheblessedAxelforinsistingtheycoverasmuchgroundaspossibleatnight.
“Anyideawheretheyarenow?”shemurmured.
“Nope.Onewillprobablyheadinourdirectionbutclimbthatnorthernridgetogetaboveusforabettershot.”Hepointed.“Theotherwillprobablystaybythehelicopter.He’slikelythepilot.They’llhavesomecommdevicegoingbetweenthemtokeeptabsonus.Wehavetostayalertforsurprises.Ready?”
No.“Yes,Axel.”
Hegrabbedherhand.“Go!”
Theysetoffacrossthedusty,brush-dottedlandscapeatafullrun.Mysterygazedfranticallybetweentherockslitteringthegroundbeneathherfeetandtheendlessdesertinfrontofher,shieldingthemenlikelytryingtokillthem.Herbreathrushedoutofherchest.Terrorcrowdedeverypartofherbody.AndsheclungtoAxel,knowinghewastheonlywayshe’dpossiblysurvivethis.
Astheyran,timehadnomeaning.Afewseconds?Afewminutes?Thenashotrangout,skippingthedirtdirectlyinfrontofAxel.Sheyelped.
Hejerkedonherarmandsentthemrunninginarandomzigzagpattern.Notasinglehill,tree,bush,orrocktoshieldtheminthislow,brush-scrubbedvalley.Afewhundredyardsinanydirectionwouldtakethemtosomesortofshelter,butthatmightaswellhavebeenamillionmiles.Asanothershotrangoutandkickedupthesoillessthanafootfromher,shewonderediftherewasanychancethey’dmakeittosafetyalive.
“Keeprunning!”hecalledoverhisshoulder.
Itwaseitherthatordie.“I’mwithyou.”
Moreshotsechoedthroughthecanyon,soundingasiftheycamefromaboveandtotheirleft.Mysterytriednottoscream.Axeldidn’tletup,justkeptchargingtowardtheridgeinthedistance.Hedraggedhertoanangleslightlyrightbutstilltowardtheriseinthedistance—theironlychanceatfreedom.
Asanotherbulletdive-bombedthegroundjustbehindthem,shekeptchugging,onefootinfrontoftheother,theimpactofeachstepboomingthroughherbody.Thewaterymirageofthelandscapeinfrontofherbegantocomeintosharperfocus.Astitchticcedinherside.Herlungsfeltreadytoburst.Butshedidn’tstop,wouldn’tdragAxeldown.
Theysprintedclosertotheridge,stilltakingaslightangletotheright.Theshotsbehindthemsoundedfartheraway,missedthembyawidermargin.
“Almostthere,”heshouted.
Mysteryhopedshemadeitthatlong.Andthatnoviolentgunmenawaitedher.
Finally,theyreachedthebaseofthehillsflankingthevalleyontheright,andhedraggedherintoshadow.Heslowedtheirpacetoajog.Shehadathousandquestions,butnowwasn’tthetime.Besides,shewaspantingtoohardtotalk.
Hetookapathbetweentwohills,roundedbehindone,thenbeganascending,stayingoutofsightofanyoneinthevalley.
“We’regoingtousethecoveroftheseridgestocreepclosertothechopper.Stayrightbehindme.”
Comparedtoher,hedidn’tsoundwindedatall,butlikehe’dsimplybeentakingaleisurelystroll.Ifshemadeitoutofthis,shewouldgetinbettershapeandlearntouseafreakinggun.Andshe’dthankAxelprofusely.
Theascentupthehillwasn’tnecessarilyeasierthanthesprintacrossthevalley.Herthighsachedandherlungsburnedbythetimetheyreachedthelasthill.Thepilotsatinthechopper,walkie-talkieinhand,lookingaroundnervously.
Axelkneltontheunevengroundandtriedtogetasteadystanceasheliftedhisrifleandaimed,butnottowardthepilot.MysterylookedinthedirectionAxelpointedhisbarrel—andcaughtsightofthemanwho’dbeenshootingatthemearlier.Orrather,shesawthebusinessendofhisrifle.He’dsetupbehindarock,hisweaponpeekingoverthetopashewaitedforthemtocomeintoviewsohecouldpickthemoff.
“Stayhere,”hedemanded.“I’mgoingup.”
He’dbevisibleandvulnerableontopofthenextrise.Mysteryhatedthatshehadnoideahowtohelphim.“Becareful.”
“Ifsomethinghappenstome,youknowwhattodoandwheretogo.”Thenhegrabbedhisweapon,shirkedhispack,checkedtheammoinhispockets.Thenhewasgone.
Inlessthanaminute,sheheardmultipleshotsringout.Thereverberationofsomewerereallyclose.Axel’srifle,shesupposed.Othersechoedaroundthevalley.
Thetwoexchangedgunfirefortenseminutes.Worrygrippedher.Whatwasgoingon?
Mysterycreptupthehilljustabit,enoughtoseethebottomofAxel’sboots,toesdown.
“Ihearyou.”Hedidn’tsoundpleased.
“I’mworriedaboutyou.”
“IdomyjobbetterwhenI’mnotworriedaboutyou.Getbackdown.”
Mysterycrouched,stayingwhereshecouldjustseetheheelsofhisboots.Theairaroundthemwentstill.Asfarasshecouldtell,Axeldidn’tmove.Shetensed.Thewaitingwaskillingher.
Suddenly,moregunfireerupted,arapidtat-tat-tatofbullets.Thesoundcamefromadifferentangle,onehigherup.
Axelscrambledoffthehillandcamebarrelingdown,wrappinganarmaroundher.“Let’sgo.”
Shedidn’thavethechancetoaskwhere,justpickeduptheirpacksanddidherbesttorunbesidehimasheshuttledherdownthehillandaroundtheback,stillclosertothehelicopter.
Onceitcameintoview,shesawthepilotsittinginside,stillonthewalkie-talkieashescannedhissurroundings.Theywereabitbehindhimandtohisleft.Hehadn’tseenthemyet,butitwouldn’tbelong.
Axelgrabbedherarmandbroughtherupshort.“We’regoingtomakearunforit.Whenwegetclosetothechopper,hurryaroundtheback,totheotherside.Divein.Keepyourheaddown.Waitforme.Gotit?”
“Yes,Axel.”Shewouldn’tlethimdown.
“Go!”heurgedinherear.
Together,theyran,hisbigbodyonherleft,blockingherfromthelastknownpositionofthegunman,hisarmaroundherprotectively,keepinghercrouchedlow.
Mysterysawthemomentthepilotspottedthem.Hiseyeswidened.Thankfully,hedidn’tappeartohaveagun.Buthespokeanimatedlyintothelittlehandheldcommunicationdevice.
WhenhenoticedtherifleinAxel’shand,hescrambledfromthevehicle,shakinghandsheldintheair.Helookedclosetofifty,darkhairslickedback,showingoffhisclearlyItaliangenes.“I’mjustahiredpilot.Idon’twantanyoneelsehurt.”
Axelgaveheralittlenudgetowardthebackofthehelicopter.Shetookthatashercuetodarttothefarsideoftheflyingcontraption,likehe’dinstructed.
Sheglancedinsidethecockpitforanythingthatobviouslyresembledaradio,butsawsomanybuttons,dials,levers,andswitches.Shehadnoideaifanyofthemwouldallowhertocommunicatewiththeoutsideworld.
Quickly,sheflungherselfandthepacksinside,thenleanedforwardandstaredoutthewindow.Axelwasbearingdownonthepilot,whobackedaway.Thatwasn’thappening.Axelgrabbedthepilotbyhisarmand—
Anotherroundofshotsricochetedaroundthem.Axelslammedthepilottothedirt.Abulletstruckthehelicopter.Mysteryheardthemetallicpingoftheimpact.Feelinglikeasittingduck,shescrambledoutandontothehardground.
Anothershotstruckthevehicle.Thenanother.Sheheardathump,agrunt,then . . .
“Youokay?”Axelcalled.
“Idon’tknow,”shecalledback.
Tearsstabbedhereyes.Damnit,nowwasn’tthetimetofallapart.Later,whenshewassafe—ordead—shecouldfreakout.Rightnow,shehadtopullhershittogether.
“Areyouhit?”heasked.
“No.Justscared.I’llbefine.”
Axeldartedaroundthebackofthechopper’stailandclappedeyesonher.Thehardwarriorstampedalloverhisfacesoftenedforamoment.“Iknow.I’mgoingtogetyououtofhere.”
Hesqueezedherarm,thenscootedpasther,towardthefrontoftheaircraft,andraisedhisrifle.
Secondstickedbyinsilence.ShewatchedAxel,hiswideshouldersset,barelyrisingandfalling,thoughhisheartratehadtobesky-highandadrenalineshootingthroughhissystem.Hisseemingcalmsetheratease.Maybeheknewwheretheshooterwas.Maybehehadaplan.No,probably.Shehadn’tknownAxellong,buthe’ddoeverythingtokeepthemsafe.Noonewouldbebetterinalife-or-deathsituation.
Finally,hegaveanalmostimperceptiblemovementinhisrightarm.Sheleanedaroundtogetabetterview.Hepulledthetrigger.
Theshotarrowedacrossthevalley.
Secondsslippedpast,punctuatedbyasilencethatmadeherwanttocrawloutofherskin,herpulserace.Shedidn’thearanyreturnfirefromtheothergunman.
Whennearlyafull,stillminutehadpassed,Axelglancedatheroverhisshoulder.“Getin.”
Beforeshecouldcomply,hedisappearedaroundthefrontoftheaircraftagain.Mysterywrenchedopenthedoor—andfoundabulletholeinherseatwhereshe’dbeensittingonlyminutesago.
Ontheotherside,Axelopenedthechopperdoorandzeroedinonher.Hemusthaveseenherfrozenbecausehefollowedthedirectionofhergaze.Andcursed.“It’sokay,princess.He’sgone.He’snotcomingback.Getinsowecangetyouhome.”
Mysterystartedtrembling.Hiswordspingedaroundherbrainbeforeshefinallynodded.“Okay.”
Closinghereyes,shehoistedherselfintotheseat.Nowaywouldshelookattheholeintheleatherandthinkaboutthefactthatifshehadn’tfollowedherinstinctandgottenout,she’dbedeadnow.
Pushingthepacksintothebackofthevehicle,shetriedtobringhershakingundercontrolasAxelgotinafterherandstartedthehelicopter.Itstartedup,thewhirringofthebladesajarringsoundthatultimatelysoothedher.Shecouldgohome.
“Youshottheguytryingtokillus?”
Axelhesitatedandlookedherover.Gettingareadonhermentalstate?
Finally,henodded.“Hegotimpatient.Whenhecouldn’tfindmetogetagoodshotfromhispreviouslocation,hepokedhisheaduptolook.Iwaswaiting.”
Mysteryswallowedhard.“Andthepilot?”
“Hewasn’tarmed.Ihithimoverthehead.He’llbeconsciousinafewminutes.”
Smallcomfort.Sixpeopledeadinthelasttwenty-fourhoursjusttokeepheralive.Allbuthistwobuddieshadbeencriminals,butshestillfeltoddlyguiltyforbeingtheonetosurvive.“I’msorry.”
Axelshookhishead,hisblueeyescompletelyreassuring.“Youdidn’taskforthis.”
Butifshe’dfollowedherfather’srules,noneofthiswouldhavehappened.SheandAxelhadalreadyhadthisargument,soshewasn’tgoingtowasteherbreathorhistimehavingitagain.
Thenshenoticedhimfiddlingwithsomethingintheaircraft’scomplicatedconsole.“Ilookedfortheradio,butIcouldn’tfigureitout.”
Hepointedtoafewwiresstickingout.“I’mbettingthepilotdisableditonthegunman’sinstructionswhenitdidn’tlooklikethey’denduponthewinningside.”
Crap.“Sowecan’talertthepoliceortellanyonewe’recoming?”
“I’mafraidnot.”Heflippedafewmoreswitchesandturnedsomeknobs.
“Thenwhatareyoudoing?”
Wasthisthehelicopterequivalentofhot-wiringacar?
“DisablingtheIFFtransponder.”Hefocusedonthebuttonsinfrontofhim,studying.
“What’sthat?SomesortofGPS?”
“Itstandsfor‘IdentifyFriendorFoe.’Ittransmitsafour-digitoctalidentificationcodewiththeaircraft’stailnumbers.IfIdon’tdisablethis,localairtrafficcontrolmightbeabletoidentifyme.Untilweknowwhosesidethey’reon . . .”Heyankeditfree.“Bettertobesafethansorry.”
Mysterywassogratefulhe’dthoughtofallthat.Withouthim,nodoubtshe’dalreadybedead.
Hegrabbedthecontroller,andthehelicopterbegantoriseofftheground.Nowprobablywasn’tagoodtimetomentionthatshe’dalwaysbeendeathlyafraidofthem.Shetensedandclenchedhereyesshut.Betternottolook.
Thenithither.Shereallywasgoinghome—toherfather,toeverythingfamiliar.
TolifewithoutAxel.
Heliftedthechopperofftheground.Itsurgedback,thenhepulledonthecontroller.Theygainedaltitudebeforetheylungedforward.Thebrownofthebrush-scrubbedhillsroseupinfrontofthem,theobstaclesshehadn’tbeensurehowthey’dcrosstogetoutofthisblastedvalley.Butsuddenlytheywereflyingabovethem.Asenseofeuphoriagrippedher.
Theyweregoingtolive.Theyweresaved.
Suddenly,Axelcursedandgaveamightyyankonthecontroller.Despitethat,assoonastheycrestedtheriseofthehill,thenoseoftheaircraftleaneddown.Mysterybracedherhandsandfeetanywhereinthecabinshecouldfindsoshedidn’tsplatfacefirstintothewindshield.
“Putonyourseatbelt,”hedemanded.Beadsofsweatpoppedoutalonghisforehead,athistemples.
Aterriblethoughtoccurredtoher.“Youdon’tknowhowtoflythisthing?”
Thatwouldbebad.So,sobad . . .Shescrambledtobuckleherrestraint.Itwouldn’tsaveheriftheycrashedandwentupinflames,butshe’dhopeforabetteroutcome.Shehadn’tcomethisfartodieinsomemechanicalcontraptiondesignedtogetherthehelloutofdanger.
“Ido,”heassuredastheaircraftstartedspinningincircles.“ButIthinkwe’velostthemanifoldpressureintheengine.Itprobablygotdamagedbygunfire.Ican’tcontrolthechopperanymore.”
ThatmadeMystery’sheartstop.Shedidherbestnottopanicorscream,especiallywhentheyseemedtobelosingaltitudefast.Thenoseofthecrafttilteddownevenmore.Shetriedtoreachacrossthespaceandgrabthesteeringcontraptionandgiveamightytug.
Thefactthathedidn’tobjecttoldhertheymightbeinserioustrouble.
“Idon’tthinkIcanrecover.”Heswallowed.
Andthegroundraceduptowardthemastheaircraftitselfstartedspinningfasterandfaster.
“Oh,God . . .”
“Nowmightbeagoodtimetosayyourprayers.”
Mystery’sheartstopped.“Canwedoanything?”
Hehesitatedonlyasplitsecondtolookatthecomplicateddashofdialsandindicators.“Onmycount,pullontheyokeashardasyoucan.We’llseeifwecaneventhisup.We’restillgoingtoautorotatedown.Getreadyforabumpylanding.One . . .two . . .”Hegrittedhisteeth.“Pull!”
Bracingherfeetonthefloor,shewrappedherfistsaroundtheyokeandusedeveryounceofherstrengthtobringitbackup.Axeldidthesame,thetendonsinhisneckstandingout,hisbicepsbulging.
Mysterytuggedwithallhermight,butitwaslikepullingapolethroughconcrete.Thethingjustwasn’tbudging.Theybegantospinaroundfasterandfaster,thelandscapecomingatherindizzyingspeeds,disorientingher.Shewantedtoclosehereyestocutdownonthenausea.Shedidn’tdare.
Theonebrightspotwasthatitappearedthey’dmadeitoverthehillandstoodadecentchanceofputtingthisthingdownonlevelground.Sheonlyhopedthattheydidn’tburstintoaballofflamethemomenttheydid.
“Getreadyforimpact,”hebarked.
Howwasshesupposedtodothat?Buttheydidn’thavetimeforquestions.“Gotit.”
Axeltookindeepbreathsandkepttryingtosteadytheyoke.Thebladesstirredupthedustaroundthem.Shechokedasitinvadedhernostrilsandcloggedherthroat.Thetailofthecraftkeptwhirlingaround,addingtothedizzyingspin.God,shehopedtheymadeitoutofthisalive.Ifshedid,Mysterysworeshe’ddosomanythingsdifferently.
Thebackoftheaircrafthitthegroundbelow,pushingthemforwardanddestabilizingtheentireaircraft.Thelegsatthefronthitwithajarringthud.Herheadsnappedbackasherbodyslammedtotheseat.Likeateeter-totter,thelittlecraftambledbackandforth,rockinginplace,beforefinallysettlingontheground.
Axelkilledtheengine,thenpantedafewdeepbreaths,obviouslytryingtobringhisadrenalineundercontrol.“Youallright?”
Otherthanherheartracinglikeamadthingandbeingscaredhalftodeath?“Yeah.”
And,damnit,shestillhadtopee.
Heturnedtoher,stared,saidnothingforlongmoments.Hecurledhisfingersintofists.Sweatpoureddownhisface.Helookedtaut,asifholdinghimselfback.
Mysteryfrowned.“You?”
Herquestionseemedtojolthim.“Fine.”
Shewasn’tsureshebelievedhim.
Hereachedbehindthemandgrabbedthepacksfromtheback.“Canyoucarryyours?”
Testingherfingers,wrists,arms,andlegs,shewasrelievedtofindthatnothingfeltbrokenorevenhurt.“Ishouldbeableto.”
“Let’sgo.We’llhavetowalkagain.Gettingoverthatrangeofhillswasabighelp.Itsavedushoursofhiking.Wemightfindsomeshelteraheadbeforenightfall.”
Buttheirwatersupplywasrunninglow.Hedidn’thavetotellherthat,eveniftheymadeitthroughtoday,they’dlikelybeemptybytomorrow.Thenwhat?Shedidn’tneedanexpertlikehimtotellherthattheywouldn’tlastlonginthedesertwithouthydration.
Thatwastomorrow,though.Todaythey’ddodgedanotherbullet.Shewasluckytobealive.
Axelbailedoutofthesideofthehelicopterandslunghispackonhisshoulder,thenjoggedaroundthefrontofthevehicletoherside.Shespilledoutintohiswaitingarms.Axelscoopedherupandheldhertightlyagainsthisbody.Shefelthisracingheartagainstherown.Hesmelledlikemanandsweatandlife.
Mysteryblinkedup,lookingintohiseyes.Hisexpression,sosharpandaware,madehercatchherbreath.Shedroppedhergazetohislips,achingtoknowwhattheyfeltlike.
Hegrabbedafistfulofherhairandtugged,hisstareslidingoverher,fusedtoher.Thenhislipscrasheddownontoherown.Shegaveacryattheimpact
Axeltookhermouth,possessedit.God,she’dbeenkissedbeforebutnotbyanyonewhocouldmakeherfeelhistouchthroughherentirebody.Thedruggingreliefshe’dbeenfeelingjustafterthecrashmixedwithapuresexualthrilltogiveherazingthatsoonhadherclimbinghisbigbody,wrappingherlegsaroundhiswaist,desperateformore.
Axelliftedhishead,pantedharshlyinherface,thenswoopedinforanotherblisteringkiss.Thistime,hedrilledhistongueintohermouthandtangleditwithhisown,sweepingdeep,scorchingherallthewaytohersoul.Hisaddictiveflavorfilledher.Itwasn’tlikeartificialbreathsprayortoothpaste.Itwasn’twhateverhe’dbeeneatingordrinking.Itwasjusthim.Shetightenedherlegsaroundhimandstruggledforhernextbreath,notreallycaringifshefoundit.
Hepulledatherscalpasheslantedhismouthacrossherlipsatanotherangle,thendiveddeepintoherathirdtime.Achingforhimeverywhere,Mysterywriggledonhimand . . .Oh,didshefindhimhardandreadyandsobig.Yes.Shewantedthat.Shewantedhim.Sheyearnedformoreofhisfingerstangledinherhair,hiskisstakingabsolutecommandofherbody.Sheyearnedtofindoutwhatitfeltliketobefilledbyaguywhowasn’tsimplytryingtoscore.
Shewhimperedandtightenedherarmsaroundhisneck.Hegaveagroanashefilledhishandswithherassandgroundheragainsthisragingerection.
Hehitherrightagainstthemostsensitivespot.Mysterycouldn’tstopherselffrombreakingthekissandtossingherheadbackinpleasure.“Axel . . .”
Drawingindeepdraughtsofair,hesetherbackonherfeetandjerkedhishandsfromherasifhe’dbeenburned.“Jesus,Ididn’tmeantodothat.I’msorry.”
“Don’tbe.I’mfine.I—”
“Grabyourpack.”Axelgrittedhisteeth,thengaveajerkofhisheadtowardtheexpansivedistanceinfrontofthem.“Let’sgo.”
Shefrownedbutdidasheasked.Onceshehaditonherback,shefellintostepbesidehimasheheadedwest,intothesunbeginningitsfallfromitsmiddayzenith.“What’swrong?”
Herefusedtolookather.“Ifeellikeanasshole.Thatwastotallyinappropriate.”
Mysteryfrownedupathim.“Ilikedit.Alot.”
Thatadmissiononlyseemedtoturnhisexpressiongrimmer.“We’llwalkawayfromthecrashsite.Withthetransponderdisabled,itshouldtakewhoeversentthoseguysawhiletofindtheirchopper.”
“Soyoudon’tthinkmydadsentthem?”
Axelshookhishead.“Ifhehad,theyshouldn’thavebeenshootingatus.Iwaitedtoseeifthey’dfirefirst.Whentheystartedlininguptheirfirstshot,Iactedaccordingly.”
Sowhoeverhadpaidforherabductionalreadyknewshe’dbeenrescuedandwascomingafterher.“Howlongdowehave?”
“Beforetheycomeafterusagain?”Heshrugged,lookinglikehedidn’twanttoanswer.
“Shelteringmedoesn’tdousanygood.”
“Iknow.”Axelsquintedagainstthesun.“You’vealreadybeenthroughalotand . . .”
Hedidn’twanttoputherthroughmore.Sheappreciatedthat,butthatdidn’thelpthem.“It’snotover,soIcan’tbeaspoiledlittlerichgirlandsitaroundwaitingforsomeoneelsetosolvemyproblemsifI’dliketolive.AndthelastthingIwanttodoisdragyoudownwithme.”
“Ifhe’sgotanotherteamonstandby,anhour.Maybetwo.Ifnot,wemighthaveafewhoursmore.”
Thetemperaturesweltered.Inordertoreachthenearesttown,theyhadtowalkinthedirect,blazingsun.They’dprobablyleavetracksinthesandthatablindmancouldfollow.
“Soweeitherfindaplacetohidenearbyormakearunforit?”
“Yeah.Andneitheroptionisparticularlygood.”
Mysteryunderstoodthat,butshehadn’tcomethisfarfornothing.Ifshe’dsurvivedanabduction,abullet-riddenrescue,atrekacrossunforgivinglandscape,andbustedoutofhercomfortzonesoshewouldn’tbeaburden,allofthatcouldn’tbefornothing.Shewouldn’tletherself,herfather,orAxeldown
“Itseemstomethatthecloserwegettocivilization,thebetteroffwe’llbe.OncewecantellsomeoneI’mstillaliveandwheretofindme,they’llhavetogiveup.Oratleastregroup.”
Henodded,thensentheralookfilledwithpride.“Hangingheremakesussittingducks.”
“Thenlet’skeepgoing.Ifitdoesn’tworkout . . .we’llknowwedidourbest.”
“Goodcall.”Hetiltedhisheadather.“Nowdrinkwater.”
“You’rebossy.”
Despitethegravityofthesituation,asmiletuggedathislips.“That’snevergoingtochange.”
Probablynot,butshelikedthatabouthim.Infact,shelikedeverythingabouthim.Andiftheysurvivedthisordeal,Mysterydidn’tthinkshecouldgobacktoherlifewithouttellinghimexactlyhowshefelt.ChapterFive
THEYwalkedthebetterpartoftheday,skirtinghills,rockformations,tallshrubs—anythingthatprovidedcover.Thesunblazed,andtheyusedupthelastoftheirsunscreen.Axeldonnedahattoprotecthisscalpfromtherays.MysteryfoughtwithherlonghairuntilAxelfoundalengthofstringinhispack.Shetieditontopofherheadandkeptputtingonefootinfrontoftheother.Asafternoonwaned,theirwatersupplydwindleddangerouslylow,andshewonderedwhatthey’ddoiftheyranoutaltogether.Diewithinafewmilesofcivilization?
Axelglancedherwayandfrowned.“Youlookexhausted.”
Shewas.“Itdoesn’tmatterrightnow.Arewewalkinguntilnightfalls?”
Hestudiedthelandscape,thenturnedbacktoher.“I’mthinkingweneedtomakeourwaytothatoutcroppingofrocks.”Hepointedtoaspotintheneardistance.“Weshouldrestthere,soakupalittleshade.Wehaven’tbeenfollowedyet,whichtellsmethatwhoeverwantsyouisregrouping.Whennightfalls,we’llsetoutagain.Ifwewalkthen,we’llhavetoendurethecold,butitwillpreservewater.”
Rightnow,Mysterycouldn’timaginebeingnotswelteringbutsheknewfromexperiencethatoncethesunset,thewindoftenpickedupandthetemperatureplummeted.Thenthedrychillwouldwhipatherbones.
Shenodded,andtheywalkedtothedesignatedspotinsilence.Neitherofthemsaidawordaboutthekiss.Hadhejustbeendamngladtobealiveandwillingtolocklipswithanyonetocelebratethat?Ordidhefeelsomethingforherthathe’dwrittenoffaseitherunprofessionaloradistractiontohismission?Thequestiongnawedatherbrain.
Oncetheyreachedtheoutcropping,Axelgesturedtotheshadewedgedbetweentwooftheboulders.“Setyourstuffhereforaminuteandtakealoadoff.Makesurenothingiscrawlingaroundbeforeyoudo.I’mgoingtoclimbuphereandseeifwecanspotanythingthatmightresembledinner.MREsarerunninglow.”
Thatstruckfurtherdisquietinsideher.SheandAxelcouldsurvivemaybeanothertwenty-fourhours.Thirty-sixiftheyreallyconserved.Whatifnoonerescuedthembeforethen?Orwouldherabductor’sgoonsmaterializeagainevensoonertofinishwhatthey’dstarted?
Ifshethoughtaboutthepossibilityofeitherdehydratingorbleedingtodeath,she’donlystartpanicking.
“CanIhelp?”sheaskedashetuggedhisbigbodyontotherockandstoodtohisridiculousheightontop,surveyingthearea.
Suddenly,hefroze,thensquintedtowardthebright,fallingsun.Hecheckedhiscompass,thenseemedtodosomementalmath,dissectingaprobleminhishead.
“Whatisit?Doyouseesomething?”Hadtheybeensaved?
“Afewbuildings.Theylookrickety,though.Maybeitwasonceatown.”
Abitofhopefilledher.Attheveryleast,maybethestructureswouldprovidereliableshade.IfsheandAxelwerelucky,maybetheywouldfindwater,food . . .somethingtosustainthem,maybemore.“Thedesertislitteredwithghosttowns.Mydadscoutedafewforamovieabouteightyearsago,andIwentwithhim.Somehavebeenrenovatedforuseassetsorfortouristadventuresthatshowwhatminingintheoldwestmusthavebeenlike.”
Hewhippedhisgazedowntoher.“Youmean,someofthesebuildingscouldbehabitableorhaveaccesstotheoutsideworld?”
Sheshrugged.“Maybe.Idon’tknowwhichghosttownthismightbe,butwe’veatleastgotashot.”
Axeljumpeddownwithrenewedvigor.“Thenlet’sgo.It’slessthanahalfmile,justbeyondthatlittleriseinfrontofus.”
Thesmileheworewasinfectiousandshowedoffnotonlythecleftinhischinbutthedimplesinbothcheeks.Hewasn’tslickorpolishedorpretty,butwhenhappinesslituphisface,helookedcompletelyirresistible.
Heignoredherstareandpressedon.“Thiscouldbegood.We’llapproachcautiouslyincaseyourabductorisholeduphere,butitlooksdeserted.”
“Thewholeordealmightbeover?Thatwouldmakemesohappy.”ButIwishIcouldtakeyouhomeasasouvenir.“Leadtheway.”
Asthebigballofthesundippedtowardthehorizonandsearedtheirfaces,theyhoistedtheirpacksontheirbacksandhauledassacrossthedesert.
Whentheyreachedtheoutskirtsofthelittleabandonedtown,theyfoundabigrockwithabronzeplatejustoffthesideofadirtroad.Thetown,CerroGordo,hadoncebeenthecounty’swealthiestproducerofmineralslikesilver,lead,andzinc.They’dsentwaterandothersuppliesbymuletrain,tram,orboatacrosstheOwensLaketobuildthepuebloofLosAngeles.
“Wow,”shemurmured.“I’dheardthatL.A.oweditsrootstosomeoftheseoldminingtowns.”
Despitebeinghungry,sore,tired,andwrungout,Mysterywantedtoseemoreoftheplace.Ifshecouldremakethisnightmareintoanadventure,eventemporarily,maybethatwouldhelphertocopewithalltheotherstuffshecouldn’tdealwithyet.
Cautiously,theyapproached,Axelinsistingshestaybehindhimjustincasetheyencounteredanyoneouttokillthem.Withweapondrawn,hewalkedalmostsoundlessly,keepingherclosebehind.
Partofthetownappearedatthebaseofahill,whileafewbuildingsperchedontop.Oneofthefirstbuildingstheyapproachedwasatwo-storystructuremadeentirelyoutofwood.Awideporchstretchedacrossthefront,leadingtoadoorflankedbytwomurkywindows.AgreenandwhitesignproclaimedittheAMERICANHOTEL.Abalconyaboveboastedthreewindowsandarailingnooneshouldleanon.Butoverall,thebuildingwasinonepieceandgaveMysteryhope.
Theytriedthefrontdoorandfounditlocked.Butoneoftheglasspanesabovetheknobhadbeenbroken,leavingagapingholeAxelstuckhishandthrough.Withaturnofhiswrist,hereachedthelockandturnedit.
Theyduckedinsidethebuildingtofinditutterlydesertedbyanythingexceptdust.Peoplehadbeenhere,probablywithinthelastfewmonths.Darkhardwoodfloors,originaltothestructure,ledtoalongwoodencheck-indesk.Someonehadpaintedtheceilinggreen,butlefttheexposedbeamsacedarcolor.Ononesideoftheroomsatamassivewoodstove.Whatmighthaveoncebeenanornatecopperwallbehinditnowlookedgreen.Behindthecounter,shelvesofold-timey,emptybottlesstoodinahaphazardarrangement.
Aroundthecorner,thethemecontinuedastheroomseguedintoalargebar/saloonareawithanadjoiningrestaurant.Thebarhadbeenravagedbytime,thenrestoredtosomethingrusticyetpolished.Aboveithungapaintingofablondeinawhitedressholdingsomethingthatlookedlikeanapple.Afewbottlesofmodernbeersatonthecorner,empty.Shotglasseslayupsidedownonanearbytray,gatheringdust.
“Doyouthinkanyoneishere?”sheaskedhim.
Heshookhishead.“Maybesomeonefixedthisupandtriedtomakeagoatdrawingintourists,thengaveuprecently.”
“Ortheyclosedupforthewinter.Itsnowsaroundheresometimes.”
Henodded.“Let’skeeplookingquickly.We’relosinglight.”
Aglanceoutoneofthewindowsprovedhimright.Theyhadmaybetwentyminutesbeforeeverythingwentblack.
“Anychanceyourphoneworkshere?Thatsomeoneinstalledacelltowerorsomethingnearby?”sheasked.
Hepulleditfromhispackandshookhishead.“Nothing.Sorry.”
Hisreplydisappointedher—mostly.Somesmallpartofherrejoicedattheideathey’dgettostaytogetherandalonejustabitlonger.Whichsheknewwasstupid.
Sheshrugged.“Itwasworthashot.”
Thebarledbacktoarestaurant.Despitetheoldcast-ironstoveandthecabinetsthatlookedasifthey’dbeenbuiltinthelatenineteenthcentury,theplacehadamodernrefrigerator,amicrowave,andaceilingfanwithlights.Potsandpanshungfromhooksintheceiling.
Mysteryflippedonaswitchbesidethedoorway,hoping . . .Butnothing.Therefrigeratorwasn’thumming,either.Damn.
Axelcheckedbehindalittlecurtainsetbackinonewall.“Hey,Ifoundsomecannedfoodhere—beans,soup,veggies.”
Atleasttheywouldn’tstarve.Sheopenedtherefrigerator.Agustofhotairrushedherface,andthesmellofplasticalmostmadeherchoke.Inside,satacaseofunopenedbottledwater.
“Axel!”sheshrieked.
Herushedoverandstoppedshort,thenlaughed.“That’sawelcomesight.Hotdamn.”
Asmilestretchedacrossherface.Despitechapped,sunburnedcheeks,blisteredfeet,andalayerofgrimeonherskintwoinchesthick,thesightofAxelhappymadehergrin.“Right?”
“Gatherallthatup.Isawsomelanternsoutintherestaurant.Huntaroundformatches.I’mgoingtohopethishotelhasageneratorsomewherenearby.
Shehadn’teventhoughtofthat.“I’llalsoseeif,bychance,wehaverunningwater.”
“Ifnot,I’lllookforawellorpumpoutback.Stayalert,justincasewe’renotalone.I’llbebackbydark.”
AsAxeleasedoutofthekitchen,shetriedtoturnonthesink.Nothing,damnit.Withasigh,shegatheredupafewcansoffood,thenrifledthroughthedrawersuntilshefoundamanualcanopenerandspoons.Shewrenchedoneofthebottlesofwaterfromthepackandbegansuckingitdowngratefullyasshehustledbackintotherestaurant,grabbedafewlanterns,thensearchedthebaruntilshefoundabookofmatches.Lightingacoupleofthelittlelamps,Mysterygrabbedoneanddecidednowmightbethebesttimetoexploretheupstairs.
Eachstepcreakedasshemadeherwaytothesecondfloor.Hot,stagnantairlingereduponthelanding,butshecouldseesunlighteekingthroughthecracksinthelogcabinwalls.Shehadnodoubtthatasthetemperaturefelloutside,itwoulddothesameinhere.
Shefoundfivecloseddoorsupstairs.Allbutonewerelocked.Theoneshecouldopenrevealedwhatlookedlikethesuite.Itconsumedtheareaatthefrontofthehotelwithabig,old-fashionedwrought-ironbed,homemade-lookingquilts,ahoney-coloreddresserandbasin,completewithanoldporcelainpitcherandbowl.Anold-fashionedplushchairinafussybeigedamaskwithaskirtcoveringitssquattylegstookuponecorner.Outsidethewindow,sheglimpsedasweepingviewofthedesertthey’djusttraveledandthemountainsbeyond.
Everythingintheroomwasquaintandcharming,andtheideaofsleepinginanybedatallwasbeyondwelcome.CozyingupwithAxel . . .Thethoughtmadehershiverandflush.
Adoorinthecornerledtoabathroomwithapedestalsinkandanoldclaw-foottub.Andatoiletwithapumphandletoflush.Aftermakinguseofit,shesnoopedaround.Someonehadleftbehindafewnewtoothbrushesandatubeoftoothpaste,acomb,abarofsoap,abottleofshampoo,arazor,andaspraycanofdeodorant.Mysterythankedherluckystars.
Backinthebedroom,sheopenedthedresserdrawersandhitpaydirt.Awomanhadobviouslybeenhereandleftbehindapairofjeans.They’dbetwosizestoobig,butwaymorepracticalthanherskimpydress.Notonlythat,butshefoundafewshirts,somecleansocks,andtennisshoesclosetohersize.
Lanterninhand,shesearchedtherestofthehotel.Theofficethathadobviouslybeenshutteredawhileagohadanoldphone,butitdidn’twork.Therestofthehotelheldaparlorwithanagingpiano,astorageroomemptyofeverythingexceptafewrustedantiques,andnotmuchmore.ByBeverlyHillsstandards,shewastotallyroughingit.Butifshestackeditupagainstlastnight’saccommodations,thiswasthefreakingRitz.
Mysteryreturnedtothekitchenasthesunedgedbehindthemountains.Outside,theskyturneddarkfast.Inside,too.Axelbustedthroughthebackdoor,carryingabucketofwaterineachhand.“Ifoundawell.I’vegotmorewherethiscamefrom.Doesthatstovework?”
Shehadn’tthoughttocheckandshrugged.
“Matches?”hebarked.
Mysterygrabbedtherestofthebookandhandedthemover.Axelsetthebucketsdownandtookthem,gesturingtoher.“Bringthelanternoverhere.”
Shefollowedhimacrossthekitchen,thenwatchedashelitthematchandturnedtheknobtoreleasethegasfromthestove.Ithissedandsputtered,thentheburnerflaredtolife.
“Thatantiqueworks?”
“It’sareplica.Ifoundtheoldwoodenstoveinastorageshed,alongwithacoupleofpropanetanks.Iguessedthisonewasriggeduptoheatlikeabarbequesincethegascompanyprobablydidn’trunlinesoutthisfar.Grabsomeofthosepans.Let’sheatupthischow.Therestofthetownisempty,bytheway.”
She’dsuspectedasmuch.
Together,theygrabbedpansfromtheceilingandwipedthemoutwithcleandishtowelswhileMysteryfilledhiminoneverythingshe’dfoundupstairs.Helookedpleased.
Withinminutes,theywereshovelinginbeansandsoup,thenwashingitdownwiththebottledwater.Astheydid,Axelheatedthewellwaterfromhisbucketsintwobigpots.Heatemorethanafewcans,shovelingfoodinataratethatamazedher.Wheredidheputallthecalories?Afteracanofstewandhalfacanofgreenbeans,Mysterywasstuffed.
Asthewaterinthepotsbeganboiling,hecarriedoneacrosstheroom.“Canyoulugthatotherbucketofwaterupstairs?”
Mysteryretrieveditfromitsrestingspotnearthebackdoor.Itseemedtoweighahundredpounds,andshegrabbeditwithbothhands.“Probably.Whatarewedoingwiththis?”
“Gettingyouclean.”
“Like . . .inthebathtub?”
“Originally,Iwasgoingtosuggestspongebathsinthekitchen,butsinceyoufoundanactualbathtub,leadtheway.”Hegesturedtoherwithanodofhishead.
Forthat,she’dcarrythisbucketupamountain.Themusclesofhershouldersstrained,andthebrittleplasticofthehandlethreatenedtobreak,butshekepton,leadinghimintheshadowydarktothebedroom,thenthesmallbathroombeyond.
Hesetthebucketonthefloorbehindher.“Stayhere.I’llbringoneofthelanterns.”
Mysterygropedherwaytotheoldtubandshiveredinthedark.Itwasn’tcoldbuttheairaroundherfeltabitcreepy.Shesupposedthiswasknownasaghosttownforareason.Historylingered,andshealmostfeltasifshecouldclosehereyesandpicturethepeoplewhohadoncestayedhere,whenthisminingtownhadbeeninitsheyday.
Axelreturnedamomentlater,sheddingsoft,goldenlightonthesituation.Hesetoneofthelanternsinthelittlepedestalsinkandgrippedtheotherasheedgedpasthertoshovetheoldrubberstopperinthedrain.After,hedumpedthebucketofhotwaterinsidethetub.Steamroseinabillowingcloud,fogginguptheoldmirrorhanginginitswoodenframeabovethesink.Mysterylookedatherselfandnearlyshrieked.Shedidn’tlookanythinglikethecool,sophisticatedgirlwho’dgoneoutforanightonthetownafewdaysago.Nowshelookedbedraggledandfilthy . . .andhaunted,asifshe’dseenmoreoftheseedyunderbellyoflifethanshe’dbeenreadyfor.
Shemanagedtobitehertongue,thencatalogwhatsheneededtodotogetclean.Atleastthedirtonhercheeksandherrat’s-nesthairdowouldbegonesoon.Asfortheemotionalturmoilfromherordeal,shecouldn’tdoanythingaboutthatnowsoshelockeditawayinamentalboxforlater.
“Putyourhandinthetub,”Axelinstructed.“Toohotforyou?”
Mysterydippedherfingersin.Together,theyworkedtoaddsomeofthecoolwaterfromthebucketshe’dbroughtupstairsuntilthetemperaturefeltjustright.Thetubdidn’tevenfillhalfway,butshecouldworkwithit.
“You’llrinsewiththerestofthiswater.”Hepointedtothebucket.“LetmeseeifIcanfindonemorething . . .”Heleftthelittleroomandafteropeningandclosingsomedoorsanddrawers,hereturnedwithablessedlycleanandbigtowel.“Hereyougo.Whenyou’reout,I’lldomything.Untilthen,I’llkeepguardinthehall,justincaseunexpectedcompanycomes.”
Thenheclosedthedoorbehindhim,leavingheralonewiththeglowofthelantern.Mysterystrippedandsteppedintothetub.Justlikeheaven . . .Sheshampooedherhairtwice,thensoapeddownandshaved,rinsingwiththefinalbucketoficywater.Shewasshiveringasshesteppedout,butshewasblissfullyclean.
Shedriedoff,tossedonsomeoftheclothesshe’dseeninthedresser,braidedherhairoveroneshoulder,brushedherteeth—andfeltincrediblyhumanagain.Whensheemergedfromthebedroom,Axelstoodinthehallwithapanofsteamingwaterandanotherbucketfromthewell.
“Youdone?”
“Yeah.Ifoundsoap,shampoo,cleantoothbrushes,acomb . . .It’sallinthere.Doyouneedanythingelse?”
“Goodjob.”Heslidpastherwiththepanofhotwater.
Shedraggedinthecoldafterhim.“Wemakeagoodteam.”
Mysterycringedthesecondthewordslefthermouth.Ugh,thatsoundedstupid.Axelknewhowtosurvive.She’djustdoneherbesttokeepupandfollowhisdirections.
“Sure,”hetossedback.
Buthedidn’tmeanit.
“Here’syourcoldwater,”sheblurted,bucketinhand.
Withanod,hestoppedupthetub,thenturnedtoherlikehewaswaitingforhertoshutthedoorsohecouldgetstarted.Andthereshestood,gapingathimlikeanidiot.Awesome.
Inthehallway,sheheardwatersloshing,imaginedhimtakingoffhisshirt,hisboots,hispants . . .Didhegocommando?Washebigallover?
Mystery’sbreathcaught,andshepushedawayfromthewall,headingdownstairs.Mooningoverhimwastotallyembarrassing,yetshecouldn’tseemtostop.Everythingabouthimappealedtoher.Yes,hewashandsome,butthatdidn’timpressher.Hewassmartandfunny,ofcourse,butshe’dmetguyslikethatbefore,too.WhatmadeAxelsospecialwasthat,ontopofhisotherqualities,heprotected.Hecared.He’dmadesuresheate,drank,coveredherfeet,keptherfacefromburning.Hell,he’devengivenheraplacetopillowherheadonhischest.Okay,sothatmightbepartofhisjob,buthecouldhavebeenanassaboutit.Hecouldhavetreatedherlikeathorninhissideorlikeakid.Instead,he’dencouragedher,talkedtoher,actuallylistened.
Hewasspecial.Withcivilizationandthebadguyssoclose,Mysterywasn’tunderanyillusion;they’deitherberescuedordeadbytomorrow.Tonightwasit.
Downstairs,sherifledaroundbehindthebarandfoundanunopenedbottleoftequilaandashakerofsalt.Notherfirstdrinkofchoice,butbetterthannothing.Shesetthemout,thenselectedaglassfromthetrayandwaited.
Axelemergedafewminuteslaterwithatowelwrappedaroundhiswaist.Hecarriedhisclean,drippingclothesinonehand,alanternintheother.Mysterynearlyswallowedhertongue.
Musclescoveredhisenormouschestinslabs.Hiswideshouldersbulged.Theridgesofhisabsledtowardnarrowhipswiththebeginningsofatreasuretrailvisiblejustabovethetowel.Thenheturnedforthekitchen,andshedrankintheviewfromtheback.Moremuscleseverywhere.Shoulders,triceps,upperback,lininghisspine.Beneaththetowel,Axelclearlyhadareallyfineass.Holycrap . . .
Heemergedfromthekitchenamomentlaterwithhislanternandsidleduptothebarbesideher,smellingofsoapandtoothpasteandsomethingsomanlyitnearlydroppedhertoherknees.“Ihungmycleanclothesfromthehooksabovethekitchensink,wherethepotswere.Hopefully,they’lldrysoon.Ididn’tseeanythingofyoursworthwashingexceptthebraandpanties.They’redrying,too.”
Mystery’seyesflewwide.He’dwashedherundergarments,theexpensiveFrenchvarietyshe’dworntotheclubthatnightincaseshegotlucky?Thelacy,silkygraysheerpantiesandmatchingwispofabra?Heatrushedupherface.
“Thanks,”shemanagedtoblusterout.“They’llbegoodinafewhours,Iguess.”
Henodded,thendirectedhisattentiontothebottle.“Youfoundtequila,huh?Legally,you’retooyoungtodrink.”
“DoyouthinkI’veneverbeendrunk?”Sheslantedhimastarethatbeggedhimtogetreal.
“Oh,Iknowyouhave.MysteryGraceMullins,agenineteen.AttendedBeverlyHillsHigh,classrankonehundredthreeoutofsixfortytwo.AcceptedtoUSCwithanundeclaredmajor,butyoudroppedoutafterasemester.TheappleofyourOscar-winningfather’seyeandhisonlychildwithhislatewife,Julia,whosehomicideremainsunsolvedoveradecadeandahalflater.Listedasoneofthemostbeautifulcelebritykids,you’vegotareputationasawildchild,butIthinkthat’soverrated.Becauseyounolongerhaveyourmotherandyourfatherisbusy,you’dratherhaveattentionthanaparty.Thatexplainswhyyouletyourselfbearrestedatfifteenforjoyridingwithyourthen-boyfriend,andwhyyoukeepsneakingintobars.Youhavealotoffriends,noneterriblyclose.Youspendmostofyourtimewithyourbooksandcomputer.You’renotsurewhatyouwanttodowithyourlife,andthelastfewdayshavebeenmore‘adventure’thanyoubargainedfor.”
God,witheveryword,hestrippedherbare,reducingherlifetoafewlinesthat,eventoher,soundedpathetic.Howhadherealizedsoquicklythatshe’dbeentryingforyearstogetherfather’sattention?Shelovedhimmorethananyone . . .butsometimessheresentedhowmuchHollywooddemandedofhimandhowlittlehehadleftforher.
“Well,youhavemeallfiguredout,”shequippedandpouredashotoftequila.“Congrats.”
Shelickedherhand,shookthesalt,andsuckeditoff,thendownedthebooze.Itburnedherthroat,andshemissedthelimetocutthroughthat.Hereyeswatered,butsherefusedtochokeandlooklikeanamateur.Thiswasn’therfirstrodeo,afterall.
Hetookthebottleandsalt,thenfollowedherlead,downingtheshotinonequicktoss.“Ididn’tmeantoupsetyou.JustpointingoutthatI’mnotatotalstranger,evenifitfeelsthatwaysometimes.”
Blueeyescouldseemsocoldsometimes,butneverhis.Theyheldawarmth,ahumor,anunderstandingthatdrewher.Yes,shewasstupidlycrushingonhimandhadbeensinceshortlyafterhe’drescuedher.Wasanythingsowrongwithsomethinghappeningbetweenthem?Theywerebothadults.
Mysterypouredanothershot,herstaremeetinghisasshelickedthebackofherhandslowly.Hedrewinasharpbreath,hisgazefixedonher.Thoseblueeyesdarkened.Good,shehadhisattention.Herbodysizzledhot.Asshepouredthesalt,thethoughtmadehertingleallover.
Shetonguedoffthetartsprinkles,thenknockedbackthetequila.Hisstareclungtohermouthassheswallowedandlickedherlips.Hedidn’tevenblinkasshesettheshotglassonthebar.Hisgazefollowedherhand,thenlandedontheslopeofherbreastsundertheoverlargeshirt.
Thetingleinsideherbecamefull-fledgedarousal.
Thewarmthoftheboozespreadthroughher,makinghermellowandabithazy.Sheleanedforward,bracingherelbowsonthebarandwonderedifhecouldseedownthefrontofthelarge,slightlygapingteeenoughtogetapeekathercleavage.
“SoTroy-who-goes-by-AxelfromTennessee,wheredoyoulivewhenyou’rebetweenmissionsorwhatever?”
“Dallas.”Hegrabbedthebottleagain.Thistime,hedrankstraightfromit,thenreachedforthecapandbeganscrewingiton.
“Giveitback!Iwasn’tdonewiththat.”
“Yeah,youare.Ican’tdrinkanymoreifI’mgoingtostayalert,andwehavetocutoutofhereinafewhours,soyoudon’tneedthedehydrationorthehangover.We’vestillgotabouteightmilestowalk.”
“I’llbefine.IcanholdalittlemoreliquorthanthatbeforeIfeelit.”
Hisfacelostallhintoffriendly.“Isaidyou’redone.”
Shesenthimanannoyedtsk.“You’renotmyfather,youknow.”
“I’mfullyawareofthat.”
Shenarrowedhereyesathim.“You’renotmyboyfriend,either.”
“Iamnot.IfIwere,I’dbetakingyouovermykneeaboutnow.”
Mysterygapedathim.“Y-you’dspankme?”
“Yep,”heansweredwithoutpauseorapology.“DoyouunderstandwhatI’msaying,littlegirl?”
Sheonlyhadthemurkiestideawhathemeant,butnowaywouldsheadmitthat.She’dheardofmenwholikedtotiewomendownandsensuallytorturethem.Infact,herfatherhadbeengivenascriptforathrilleraboutasexualDominantaccusedofmurderinghissubwithahugetwistattheend,buthe’ddeclinedthefilm.ThewholeBDSMscenehadsoundedshadowyandkinkytoher . . .butadmittedlyintriguing.WhatwoulditbeliketoturnherselfentirelyovertoamanlikeAxel?He’dalreadyearnedhertrust,sosheknewhewouldn’tdoanythingtotrulyriskorhurther.Theideaofbeinghissingularfocusreallyturnedheron,infact.
“Iknowwhatyou’resaying.”Hervoiceshookastheimageofhertiedtohisbedwhileheloomedoverher,strumminghernakedbodywithhisbigfingers,playedinherhead.
“ThenyouunderstandthatI’dcurbandpunishself-destructivebehavior.ButbeingyourDomisn’tmyrole.Beingyourrescueris.Iintendtogetyouhometoyourfatherinonepiece—withoutyoubeingwasted.”
“Itwasjustadrink,”sheobjected.
“Apotentone.Withsolittlefoodinyourbellyandsomuchexposuretothesun,yoursystemwillbemoresusceptibletothealcohol.”Hegrabbedherchinandbroughtherfaceclose.“Youreyesareabitunfocusedanddilated.You’realreadyhalfdrunk.”
Sowhatifshewas?“Forthefirsttimesinceweleftthatrun-downshack,I’mnotterrifiedoutofmymind.Thanksforbeingabuzzkill.”
Hecrossedhisarmsoverhishugechestandgaveheradisapprovingglare.Itcrawledupherbackandignitedhertemper.Butanotherpartofherrealizedthatitalsolitthefuseonherarousal.IfIgrabthebottleanddrinkfromitagain,whatwillhedo?Thequestionwhisperedthroughherheadasifthedevilsittingonhershoulderproddedher.
“Boozeisn’tthewaytoescapeyourfear,”hepointedout,hisvoicedeepandfirm.
Mysteryshiveredathistone.God,shewantedtohearmoreofthat—awholelotmoreashepumpedhisbigcockinsideherandmadeherscream.
Thedevilonhershoulderpokedheragain.Shegrabbedthebottleandsteppedoutofhisreach,staringathimdefiantlyassheunscrewedthecapandpouredabiggulpintohermouth.
Sheswallowedandsmackedherlips.“Nowwhatareyougoingtodo,bigman?”
Foralongmoment,hedidnothingbutstareatherasifshe’dmadesomegrievouserrorshewouldcometodeeplyregret.Slowly,heuncrossedhisarms,thensighed,sizingheruplikeananimalconsideringitsprey,waitingfortheperfectmomenttopounce.
Herheartpounded.Hernipplesbeaded.Herwholebodylitup.Notoncehadanyoftheadmittedlystupidstringofboyfriendsshe’dhadmadeherfeelthismuchlikeawoman.Herbreathingspeededup.Sheswayedabitcloser.Wouldhetouchher?Wouldhelayhislipsoverhersandclaimhermouthbeforehedelvedintoherbody?
Sheexhaledaraggedlittlesigh.“Axel . . .”
Herwhisperedentreatyputhiminmotion.Hiseyeswentdarkasheskirtedthebar,sidledcloser—andkeptcomingather.
Adizzyingwaveofdesiresweptthroughherashereachedforher.Hisfingersbrushedherwaist.Sheswayed.Herbackhitthewall.Shegasped.Hepinnedherwithhisbigbody,hishandsbracedoneithersideofherhead.Heatseepedintoher.Hiserectionpressedhardandmassiveintoherbelly.Sheclosedhereyes,herheadfallingbackassheofferedhimhervulnerablethroat.
“Princess . . .”hemurmuredlowandsoftinherear.
Herentirebodytrembled.“Yes.”
Whenhedidn’tsayanythingrightaway,sheopenedhereyestofindhimstaringather.Hehoveredrightoverher,hisfacesoclose.Lustrippedacrosshisexpression,darkeninghiseyes,firminghislips.Shecouldn’twaittofeelhim . . .
“Yes.”Mysterypositionedherlipsjustunderhis.
Buthedidn’tkissher.
Instead,heswallowedhard,bodytaut.Hisnostrilsflared.Heclenchedhisjaw.“Waithere.”
Heturnedonhisheelandleftthebar,marchedthroughthekitchen,andoutthebackdoor.
Wait?IfhewasaDom,maybeheneededropeorsomewaytorestrainher.Ormaybehelookedforsomeotherinstrumentwithwhichtogiveherpleasureorpain.Thethoughtmadeherbreathless.
Axelslammedbackinamomentlater,returningtothebarwithabucketinhishand.Shefrowned.Whatthehell?
Afterhesetitonthefloorbesidehim,hereturnedtocageherbodyagainstthewallwithhisown.Ifanything,hisfaceloomedcloser,hislipsanachingbreathaway.Mysterytriedtoinchcloserandsealherlipsoverhis.Beforeshecouldevenblink,hegrabbedherwristsandheldheragainstthewall.Shegrippedtheneckofthebottle,kindofwishinghe’dpouritalloverherbodyandlickitoff.
“You’resayingyes?”heaskedinaroughwhisper.
“Yes.”
“WhateverIwant?”
Toalltheeroticwayshecouldtakehercurrentlyspinninginherhead?“Yes.”
Hegrabbedthebottlefromhergripandtookastepback.“I’msayingno,Mystery.”Beforeshecouldsputterareply,heturnedthebottleupsidedownandpouredthetequilaintothebucket,ontoamoundofdirthe’dscoopedinside.
“Whatthehellareyoudoing?”shescreeched.
Axelshookthebottleacoupleoftimestomakesureeverylastdropemptiedout.“No,Mystery.Idon’tthinkyou’veheardthatwordenoughinyourlife.No,youcannotgetwasted.No,youcannotcheckoutwhenyou’reinthemiddleofdanger.Andno,youcannothavesexwithmejustbecauseyouwantit.”
Hedumpedtheemptybottleintothebucketandturnedhisbackonher.
Shockpeltedher,thenquicklymorphedtoanger.Shechargedafterhim.Whenhewhirledtofaceher,shepokedafingerintohissteelychest.“Youwantedme.Ifeltit.”Shestaredpointedlyathistentedtowel.“Istillseeit.”
Hestiffened.“I’mjustaman.You’reaprettygirl.ButIdon’tneedtofucksomeoneeverytimeIhaveanitchtoscratch.Doyou?”
“No.Ijustthought—”
“Iwasanovelty?I’dthankmyluckystarsthatyou’dgrantmeuseofyourfamouspussyforanhourortwosoyoucouldwrapmearoundyourlittlefinger?”
“No!”Thathe’devenimaginedshefeltthatwayhorrifiedher.
Henarrowedhiseyes,andshefeltchastened.“Thenwhatdidyouthink,girl?”
Tearswelled.Hermouthturneddown,andsheknewanuglycrywascoming.Shecouldn’tstopittosaveherlife.“ThatIlikedyouandwantedyou.Ihopedyoulikedandwantedme,too.”
Somethinginhisfacesoftened,buthisstancedidn’t.“Ilikeyoujustfine.You’reeasytotalkto.Youlearnfast.You’vegotbackboneandatenderheart—anappealingcombination.”
“Thenwhy—”
“Youneedtofinishgrowingup.Andyoucan’thandlewhatI’ddemandfromyouinbed,especiallyafterthetraumayou’vejustbeenthrough.Besides,you’retoodamnyoungforsex.”
“I’mnotfuckingfive.I’malegaladult.”
“Soyouthinkthatmeansyoushouldexerciseyourrighttospreadyourlegs?”
“Youdon’thavetobeanassaboutit.”Sheswipedawaytheunwantedtearsscaldinghercheeks.“What’syourhang-up,anyway?It’snotlikeI’mavirgin.”
Hisexpressionbecameafortress,thewindowstohissoulslammingshutandcuttingherofffromhiseverythought.“SoyouthinkIshouldcorruptyoumore?”Heraisedabrowather.“Theabsenceofahymendoesn’tmakeyouawoman.We’redonehere.Takeyourlantern,getinbed,andtrytosleep.”
Withjustafewsentences,he’dturnedherdowncold,embarrassedthehelloutofher,anddismissedherutterly.Apartofherwantedtocallhimnames,argueandrail.Theotherpartfelttoohumiliatedandjustwantedtoescape.
Butshecouldn’tresistapartingshot.“Fine.Justdon’ttalktomeanymore.Don’tactniceorpretendyougiveashit.Justdowhatmyfatherpaidyoutodoandgetmehome.”ChapterSix
Presentday
EARTHtoElise.”Axelsnappedhisfingers.
Hiswordsdidn’tjarherbacktothepresent,butthesharpsoundfollowingdid.Mysterystartedandblinkedathim.Crap,howlonghadshebeendriftingintothepast?
“Sorry.I . . .”Whatdidshesaynow?Shedidn’treallyhaveanexcuseotherthanatripdownmemorylaneinwhichhe’dbeenthestar.Notthatshecouldtellhimthat.He’dturnedherdownflatonce.Despitetheirpromisingexchangeatthebar,Mysteryfearedhe’ddoitagain.
“Youhavingsecondthoughts?”
“No.”Hellno.“LastIrecall,Iaskedyouifwecouldhityourbedroomandyoucouldlosesomeclothes.”
“Wewerekissing.Youinsomehurry?”
Hecouldn’tbegintoimaginehowdoneshewaswaitingforhim.Justbeinginthesameroomwithhimexcitedherbeyondbelief—unlikethelasttimethey’dsharedspace.
Afterhe’drejectedherintheoldhotel’sbar,Mysteryhadfelttwoinchestall.Shedidn’tthinkhe’dintendedtohurtherfeelingsasmuchashe’dwantedtoputdistancebetweenthem.Inretrospect,shewouldhaveturnedherselfdown,too.She’dbeenastupidkidplayingadultgames.Andshehadn’tbeenintherightmind-setforsex.He’dknownthat.Buthisrebuffhaddentedherprideandwoundedherheart.She’dstompedupthestairstobed,expectingtospendafewhoursalonetocryoutherconfusionandheartache.Instead,he’dfollowedrightbehindherandploppedhimselfontothechairinthecorner,thenspreadhisbig-assgunacrosshislap.
She’dbeensopissedoffthathe’ddeniedhertheprivacyofagoodcry.
Acoupleofhourslater,he’dawakenedherfullydressed.He’dhandedherthebraandpantieshe’dwashedforherandinstructedhertogetherclotheson.Tenminuteslater,they’dbeenwalkingthroughthedesert,litonlybythemoonlight,neithersayingaword.
Asdawnbroke,they’dwalkedintoKeelerandwerespottedbyanelderlyman,whokindlyletthemborrowhisphone.Fifteenminuteslater,theInyoCountySheriff’sDepartmentshowedup,sirensblaring,andtookherbacktoherfather.Shehadn’tseenAxelmuchduringquestioning,justlongenoughforhimtoaskhertokeephisnameoutofthepressandtowishherwell.
Amediacircusensuedafterward.Herpicturehadbeenplasteredeverywhere.She’dhiddeninherhouseforweeks,waitingforthefrenzytodiedown.Herfatherhadhiredherapublicistandanagent . . .thendrownedhimselfinanewstarlet.She’dbeenapproachedtowriteherstoryformillionsofdollarsbypublishersandTVproducers.Mysteryhadrefusedthem.Shedidn’twanttorecountfortheworldhowstupidshe’dbeen.
Andshe’dneverheardfromAxelagain.
Theotherdarkcloudhangingoverhermemory?Herabductionhadneverbeensolved.Hercaptorhadbeenidentifiedasathugforhirewitharecordamilelong,butthey’dnevermanagedtofigureoutwhohadpaidhimtokidnapherorwhy.Herfatherhadfreakedout,convincedthathiscelebrityhadbeentoblame,thatsomeonewantingtoextortmoneyorkick-starttheirfifteenminutesoffamehadtakenher.Intheabsenceofabettertheory,itmadesense.He’dinsistedtheymoveelsewhere,andhadbeenpreppingtoshootafilminLondon.Mysteryhadtaggedalong,andthey’dneverleft.
Intheensuingsixandahalfyears,she’dputtheincidentbehindher,stoppedhavingnightmares,andmanagedtomoveforwardagain.She’dfinisheduniversity,threecozymysterieswithahipflair,themostrecentofwhichwouldbepublishedinJune.She’dlearnedself-defense,takenupyoga,andbeguntolivewithpurpose.She’dsucceededateverythingsheattempted—excepthavingafulllovelife.
She’dnever,everbeenabletoforgetAxelorstopwonderingwhatifthingshadbeendifferent . . .
“Imightbeinabitofahurry,”sheadmitted,glancingatAxelfrombeneathherlashes.“ButIsuspectyou’llbeworththewait.”
Hegrinned,flashinghisdimples.“You’reaninterestinglittleflirt.”
Interesting?Mysterywasn’tsureifthatwasarebukeoracompliment.“Surelyyoudidn’tbringmeheresimplytofiguremeout.”
“MaybeIdid.Youintrigueme.”Hecockedhishead.“Andyoulooksomewhatfamiliar.”
Fearstrucktothebottomofherheart,butsheplasteredonherbestpokerfaceandtriedtolaughitoff.“Youdon’thavetofeedmeapick-upline.I’malreadyhere.”
Beforehecouldrespond,shewriggledoffthecounterandlandedonherfeet,brushingupagainsthim.SheknewAxelpreferredtobeincharge,butdamnit,shecouldn’tgivehimtoomuchtimetothink.Andshedidn’twanttowaitanymore.
Mysteryreachedforthehemofhertanktop,thenpulleditoverherheadinonefluidmove.Assheflungthecottonontothecounterbehindher,sheheardhimsuckinasharpbreathandfoundhimstaringatherplumpmoundsspillingfromherunderwirelingerie.
Yeah,ifyoulikethislacyblackbra,waituntilyouseethematchingthong
“Youlook . . .edible.”
Ifthatwastrue,whywouldn’thetakeabiteoutofher?Shecuppedherbreastsinofferingandleanedcloser.Insteadofgrabbingherbythehandandhaulinghertohisbedroomtopromptlystripherdownandplungeinsideher,hegrabbedhershouldersanddrilledhisstareintoher.
“I’mgoingtotakeyousohard,baby.Butinmytimeandinmyway.Comewithme.Leaveyourshirtthere.”
Whenheclaspedherhandandhauledheroutofthekitchen,shewonderedwheretheywereheaded.Itdidn’ttakelongbeforesherealizedhereallydidwanttocuddleonthecouch.Hesatonasleekgraysectionalandpulledherintohislap.Onthebrightside,shefelthisveryinsistenterectionagainstherhip.Thehugedrawback?Hewantedtotalk.Thelongertheychatted,themoretimehehadtofigureoutwhoshetrulywas.
“Callmeold-fashioned,butIliketoknowalittlesomethingaboutawomanbeforeweshareskin.”
“Notmuchtosay.I’mboringunlessI’mhorizontal.”
Hetossedhisheadbackandlaughed.“Somehow,Idoubtthat.Andthemoreyoupushme,themoreI’mgoingtodragthisout.Sogiveoverandtellmeallaboutyou.”
Mysterybelievedhim.Hehadn’thoppedintobedwithhersimplybecausehecouldyearsago.Apparently,nothinghadchanged.“I’mtwentysomethingandsingle,educated,andtiredofEuropeanmen.I’mhereonvacationandfascinatedbyyou.”
“Why?Youdon’tknowme.”
Morethanoneflippantanswerstreamedthroughherhead,butshe’dbeenmostlystupidandimpatienttoday.Ifshewantedhim,shehadtoputaholdonherhormonesandherheart.Shehadtouseherdamnhead.
“Youlook . . .comfortableinyourskin.Youseemthesortofmanwholivesliferobustly.Youcanrelax,asyouwerewhenIsawyouatthebar,drinkingyourale.Butyouquicklycaughtontomyintent,andIlikepeoplewithbrainsandwit.Ican’tdenythatIfoundyouquitesexy.Doesattractionrequiremoreexplanationthanthat?”
Heraisedabrowatherashishandsliddownherwaist,overherhip,caressedherthigh.Mysterydidn’tfeeljustashiverrolloverherskin;histouchshookherwholebody.
“Isupposenot,”headmitted.“Butyou’vegivenitmorethanalittlethought.”
Ifheonlyknew . . .
“Whydidyousayyes?”
Sheprobablyshouldn’taskbecausehe’dstartdissectinghisreasonsandreplaytheirmeetinhishead.Whoknewwherethatwouldtakehisthoughts?Butshewastoodesperatefortheanswertokeephermouthshut.
“Ilikeastraightforwardgirlwhocantellmewhatshewantsbutdoesn’talwaysexpecttogetit.Youintriguedmesinceyouobviouslydidn’tbelonginthatbarandfeltmorethanabitoftrepidationgoingin.Butyouputyourbiggirlpantiesonanddidit,anyway.I’mstillnotsurewhy,andyourattempttoorderwinemademesmile.Ihaven’tbeenamusedinalongtime.”
Sheletoutaslowbreath.Intriguingandamusingshecouldhandle.Himguessingheridentitywouldmakethiswholeeveninggosouth.Mysteryfeltsomewhatguiltyfortrickinghim.Hedidn’twantherthen,andifheknewwhoshewas,shedoubtedhe’dwanthernow.Butshehonestlydidn’tknowhowelsetomoveonwithherlife.Shenolongerhadanytasteforvainactors,party-hardymusicians,or“regular”butstarstruckmen.MysteryseemedcompletelystuckonAxel.
“I’dlikethechancetoamuseyoumore.”Sheleanedforwardandlayeredherlipsoverhis.
Helether,cuppinghernapetobringhercloser.Hesankpastherlipswithagroan,histongueseekinghersforasensualslideashispalmfounditswayupherabdomen,thenpausedjustbelowherbreast.Soon—finally—AxelDillonwouldactuallybemoreintimatewithherthanakiss.Mysterywantedtoarchintohishanduntilhepalmedherbreast,butsheknewhewouldn’tgiveherwhatshewantedsimplybecauseshewantedit.Soshewaited,hoping,unabletocatchherbreath.Eventhethoughtofhistouchmadeherlight-headed.
Instead,heleanedbackandstaredintoherface,asiftryingtofigureherout.No,asiftryingtofigureoutwhoshewas.
Timetodistracthim—fast.
Sherepositionedherselfonhislapuntilshestraddledhimandpressedhersexagainsttheridgeofhishardcock.Gyratingoverhiserection,shearchedherbackandthrustherbreastsclosertohismouth.Hebracedhisbighandsaroundherwaistandgroundherontohisthickstaffwithagroan.Asathrillreverberatedthroughherbody,shereachedbehindherbackandunclaspedherbra.Herbreastsbouncedfree,andshebrushedoneofhernipplesacrosshislips.
“You’repushingme,”hewarned.
“IwantyoutoseewhatI’mdyingtogiveyou.”
Axeltookherfaceinhisbighands.“Youwanttoshowme?”
Shenoddedtooquickly,awarethatshewasmakingthesamemistakeshehadmorethanonce—throwingherselfathim.Butdamnit,thismanmadeherloseallself-control.“Pleasetellmeyouwanttoseeme.”
“Oh,yeah.Butwe’regoingtodothismyway.Stand.”
Mysterywasn’tatallsurprisedwhenhetookcontrol.She’dexpectedit,hopedforit.Sincehe’ddivulgedthefactthathewasDominant,she’ddonesomereadingandtalkingtopeopleinthelifestyle.Sheprobablyonlyknewenoughtobedangerous,butwhatshe’dlearnedhadpreparedhertorollwithhiscommands.
Onshakinglegs,shebackedoffhislapandrosetoherfeetinfrontofhim,wearingherjeansandsandalsandnotmuchelse.
“Youlistenwellandyoutakedirectionnicely.Haveyoustrolleddownthispathbefore?”
Sheknewheaskedifshe’deverdabbledinBDSM.Aftertheliesshe’dalreadytoldhim,shewantedtostickwithasmuchofthetruthaspossible.“Notpersonally.Iknowsomethingaboutit,though.”
Hesatupstraighterwithalong,slowsmile.“Lookslikemyafternoonjustgotmoreinteresting.Youwearingpanties?”
Shenodded,thenrememberedhelikedverbalresponses.“Yes,Axel.”
Mysterynearlybithertongueafterthat.Crap,shedidn’tneedtojoghismemoryabouttheirdaystogetherinDeathValley.Ontheotherhand,howmanywomensincethenhadgivenhimtheirassenttodohisworstusingjustthosewords?Shetriednottoanswerherself.
Hecockedhisheadagain.“Compliant.ButIstillseeyourheadworking.Interesting . . .Stripoffeverythingbutthepanties.”
Sheprobablyshouldhavethoughtofitsooner,buthedidn’thaveasingledrapecoveringthewindows,andtheblindshadbeenopenedallthewaytotheircasings,leavingtheglassbare.Housessurroundedhim.Couldanyofhisneighborsseeinsidehisplace?
“You’rehesitating,”heobserved.“Tellmetheproblem.”
“I’meagertoshowyouwhatyouaskedtosee.”Shecasthergazealongthebackwallofwindowsagain.“Idon’treallywanttoshowanyoneelse.”
“Whileyou’rewithme,it’smyjobtokeepyousafeandprotected.Irealizeyoudon’tknowme,andI’maskingforalotoftrust,soI’mgoingtobelenient.Myneighborsontheleftdon’thaveanywindowsfacingthisdirection.MyneighborsontherightareinCaboallweek.I’veintentionallygrownthetreesinmybackyardtallenoughtoblockthesightlinebetweenthesecondstorywindowsofthehousebehindmeandmyown.Anyotherquestions?”
Inshort,noonewouldbeabletosneakacheappeek—orsnapshot—ofher.Mysterydraggedinasteadyingbreathandthoughtthesituationthroughoncemore.“Idon’tthinkso.”
“Good.Nowtakeoffeverythingbutyourpanties.”
Mysterydidn’tmakeastripteaseoutofhiscommand.Afterall,shewantedtomakelovewithhim,notgivehimalapdance.
Aftershekickedoffhershoes,shefoundunbuttoningherpants,loweringthezipper,andpeelingthedenimdownherhipsalittleunnerving.Hewatchedherwiththatintent,almostunblinkingstare,asifnothingintheworldcouldbreakhisconcentration.Aftershe’doverheardawomaninapubjustlastweekcomplainthataguyshe’dpickeduphadactuallybeentextinghisbosswhilepumpinginsideher,MysteryfoundAxel’ssingle-mindednesssosexy.
Thejeansfellpastherknees,andshesteppedoutofthem.Shetrembledallover,andhecouldhavenoillusionsthatshewascold,notwiththesewarmtemperatures.Shefeltalmostnaked,andhisstarerakedeveryinchofher.Hadhenoticedthatherpantiesweresheer?Thatshe’dwaxedbare?
Hescootedtotheedgeofthesofaandleanedforward,hisfacelessthanafootfromherpussy.“Comecloser.”
Herkneesnearlyknockedtogetherassheinchedtowardhim.Hekeptgesturingherinhisdirection,andsheshuffledneareruntilhecurledahandaroundherthightostayher.
Axeldidn’tspeakrightaway.Hehadn’tdoneanythingmorethankissandlookather,sohisthumbslidingacrossthethin,transparentfabricoverthepadofherpussymadehergasp.
“Wet,”heremarked.“Ilikethat.”
Heliftedhisthumb,andsincehe’dpressedthepantiestoherflesh,Mysterycouldn’tmissthewaythesoakingclothclung.“Iam.”
“Mydoing?”
“Totally.”
Hissmilewidened.“Ilikethatevenmore.”
Andwhenheraisedhisthumbtohismouthandlickedit,shefeltabsolutelyfaint.Oh,holycrap . . .
“Sweet.I’llenjoyspreadingyouwideandgettingmymouthonyourcunt.Willyoutrustmeenoughtospreadyourprettylegsandtiethemdownsoyou’reniceandhelpless?”
Hiswordsrippedanalmostvisceralarousalthroughher.Forashockingmoment,shecouldn’tspeak.Shewantedthismansomuch.Inthepast,sexhadbeenmostlyaboutcuriosityorcombatingboredomorbecauseshehopedshe’dfindsomeonewhoflippedherswitchmorethanAxel.
Nowsheknewbetter.
“I-Isthatwhatyouwant?”
Hegrippedherhipsandtuggedhercloser,thenlappedhistonguedirectlyagainstthefilmymeshshieldingherpussy.
“Tostart.Willyoubeagoodgirlandletme?”
* * *
“YES.”Shecouldn’tseemtosaythewordfastenough.
Axeldidn’tbothertoholdinhissatisfiedsmile.Hehadmorethanafewreasonstobesuspiciousofnot-Elise.She’dsingledhimoutinabarthatobviouslywasn’thertypeofjointwithseductiononhermind.Hedidn’tworryforhissafety,his“fortune,”oranyblackmailopportunities.Thevibeshegaveoffwasmoreeagerthannefarious.
Originally,he’dtakenheruponherofferbecauseshewasabeautifulwomanwithalltherightcurveswholookedindesperateneedofcorrupting.Andshe’dbeaninterestingriddletosolve.Axelknewhimselftoowell.Ifhe’dlethergowithoutexploringwhoshewasandwhatshewanted,itwouldbughimtonoend.
Timetoseewhatthehellshewasupto.Thenhe’dfindoutwhatsheknewaboutsubmissionandexactlyhowmuchofherselfshewaswillingtogivehim.
“Turnaround.”Hemotionedwithhisfingers.
Shecompliedrightaway,stoppingafteraone-eightyturnandpresentinghimaviewofherbackside,coveredonlybythetiniesttriangleoffabricatthesmallofherback.Ifherasswasn’tthemostluscioushe’deverseeninhisentirefuckinglife,itwasinthetoptwo.High,firm,round . . .Lustdroppedanotherdoseofdesireintohisalreadysaturatedsystem.Thedaintybowperchedoneachhiponlyaccentuatedhertinywaistabovethewomanlyflareofherhips.Healreadyknewhernaturalbreastswouldbedamnclosetoaperfecthandful—ashocksincehewasamanwithbighands.
Thewomanflippedanervousstareoverhershoulder.“Axel?”
“You’rebeautiful,”heassuredher.Hewantedheroff-baseenoughtospillthetruthabouthernameandwhyshe’dsoughthim,buthedidn’twantherself-conscious.“Backthatprettyassupandbringittome.”
Oncehetouchedandkissedit . . .Hell,oncehepaddledandfuckedit,he’dbeahappyman.
Sheshuffledbacktohim,andhewantedtodrowninthatuntappedsexualityshedripped.Herbodylookedripeforsatisfactionbuteverythingabouthertoldhimshehadn’treallyeverfoundit.Forsomereason,helovedthethoughtofbeingthemantogiveherallshecraved.
Buthealsocouldn’tshutofftheanalyticalsideofhisbrain.Whydidshelookfamiliar?Shewasinhermid-twenties,giveortakeacoupleofyears.HerBritishaccentwasalmostflawless,buteveryonceinawhile,she’dslipupwithanahsoundinplaceofanovowel—adistinctlyAmericanquality.HerskinwasunlikeafairEnglishrose’s.Theoliveofhercomplexionsuitedtheprettyovalofherfaceandthesmoothsatincoveringherbody,allthewaydowntothatperfectass.Sheworetoomuchmakeup,andhe’dlikeitgonesohecouldreallyseeher.Andhe’dbetherhairwasn’tanyshadeofred,butsomethingdarker,glossier.Brunettesturnedhimon,alwayshad.
Mosteveryguyheknewwouldaskhimwhythefuckhebotheredquestioningabeautysowillingtogotobedwithhim.Axeldidn’tlikeunansweredquestions.Hisguttoldhimtokeepdigging.
Finally,thewomanreachedhim,andhedraggedhisknucklesacrossthefirmglobesofherbackside.Arousalgrippedhischest,tightenedhisgroin.Hecuppedherbuttinhishands,thumbsbrushingfromtheinsidesofherthighsanduphersoftcrease.
Maybeheshouldfuckhernowandaskquestionslater.
Shejumped,seeminglyrattledbyhissoftcaress.
“Easy . . .”hemurmured,thenleanedinandplacedhislipsonherrightcheek,nippingitlightlywithhisteeth.
Herlittlegaspwentstraighttohisdick.Hediditagain.Thistime,hewatchedhersquirm,shiftingherweightfromonefoottotheother,asiftryingtocreatealittlefrictioninherpussytoeasetheache.
Axelgrippedherhips.“Don’tbeabadgirl.Standstill.Spreadyourlegs.”
Shegavehimawhimperthattoldhimsheclearlyunderstoodgivinginmeanttheendofanypossiblerelief,butshestilldidit.
Withhishandsonherhips,well . . .thattouchableassjustbeggedforhisfingersandpalms.Howcouldheturnthatdown?
Axelpluckedatthebowoverherlefthip.Thebarelytherewispofblackclothfell,revealingonehipcompletely,alongwithmoreofhersucculentbutt.Ashecaressedtheskinhe’djustexposedwithonehand,hetuggedonthebowoverherotherhip.Instantly,herthongfellintoaheapbetweenherfeet.Hisfirstviewofherbareassmadehimsuckinanoh-holy-fuckbreath.
Rounderthanhe’doriginallythought,hercheeksprotruded,juicyandripeandreadyforhisplucking.Nodoubtaboutit,heintendedtobendheroverthenearestpieceoffurnitureandhavehiswickedwaywithherbeforethenightended.
Headjustedhisstiffcockinhisjeans.Hishormonesseemedtobehavingatempertantrumthathewasn’tballsdeepinsideheryet.He’dfixthatrightquick—assoonastheygotafewotherthingsoutoftheway.
“Faceme,”hedemanded.
Sheturnedandlookeddownathim.Herblueeyesseemedalmosttoobrilliant . . .notquitereal.Anotherglanceatherfacetoldhimthatreddefinitelywasn’thernaturalcolor.Whenthecolorofthedrapeshadbeenaltered,hecouldusuallytellwhatnaturehadgivenherbycheckingthecarpet.Axelstaredatherbarepussyforthefirsttime.Plump,adeepflushedrosythatpoutedforhisattention,likethesideofaripepeach.Hecouldseeeveryporeandeverygoosebumpbecauseshe’dremovedallhintofthecarpethere.Andshehadn’tsimplyshaved.Nostubbletoimpedetheflowofhistongueorrevealthecoloringnaturehadgivenher.ButAxeldidn’tworry.Thenightwasyoung.He’dfigureherout.
Hedraggedafingerfromhernaveldowntohercleft.Herentirebodyjolted.Sheshuddered.Moisturecoatedhisfinger.Herclitwasalreadyhard.
Whywouldawomanasgorgeousasthisonebesohungryforsex?Certainly,shecouldgetanyheterosexualmantofuckherjustbycrookingherfinger.Forthatmatter,he’dfoundovertheyearsthatwomentendedtobemoreresponsivewithmentheyknew,trusted,caredfor.Wasthatwhyshehadn’tfoundanyonetosatisfyher?Butthen,whychoosehim?Shedidn’tknowthefirstfuckingthingabouthimbeyondhisnameandaddress.Hell,he’dhadmoreintimateverbalexchangeswithhisinsuranceagent,andyetnot-Eliseseemedincrediblyeagertoslidebetweenhissheets.Shejustgotmoreintriguing,andAxelwantedtosolveher.Butwitheverysecond,hishungerrose.Hedefinitelyhadtofuckherandrelievesomeofthiscrazytensionshe’dbuiltinsidehimfirst.
Hestood,steadyingheragainsthimwithafirmgriponherhips.Helookeddownather,andthatpleadinglookinhereyeswentstraighttohiscock.Hecouldimagineheronherknees,athismercy,begginghimwiththatstare.Everythingaboutherrevvedhislibido,butthatexpression . . .Shit.
“Let’sgo,”hedemanded.
“Toyourbedroom?”Shesoundedbreathless.
“Yeah.”
HetookherhandandledheroutoftheTVroom,downthehall,stoppingonlywhenthey’dreachedthesideofhissleighbed.Hehadn’tmadeitthismorning,andhisbeigesheetsweretangledupwithhischocolatecomforter.Not-Elisedidn’tseemtogiveashitabouthisdécororhislackoftidiness.
Instead,sheinchedinfrontofhimandfingeredthehemofhisT-shirt,herfingertipsbrushinghisabdomen.God,shereallydidhavesomeofthemostdelectablebreasts.He’dbeensobusylookingatherassthathe’dmissedoutonsomethingspecial.Wow.
“Please,”sheaskedsoftly,tugginguponhistee.
Atonce,hehadtwothoughts.First,she’dlearnedalreadythatdemandingwouldgethernowherewithhim.Andsecond,thatifhedidn’tgetnakedwithhersoon,he’dfuckingexplode.
Axelgrabbedthehemandyankedtheblackcottonfromhischest,tossingitacrosstheroom.Hetookholdofherwristsandfastenedthemontohispecs.Hewantedhertouch,neededtofeelherskin,herdesire.
Thebeautycurledherfingersintohisflesh,urgent,seeking.Hermouthfellopen.Herfacefilledwithsomethinglikewonder,andAxelcouldn’tfigureoutforthelifeofhimwhysomethingsobasicshouldseemsonewtoher.Nofreakingwayshecouldbeavirgin.
Hetuckedafingerunderherchin.“Ineedyoutobehonestwithme.You’lldothat,yes?”
Sheflinched,thentriedtocoveritwithafaintsmile.“I’lldomybest.”
Notaperfectreply,andcertainlynottheonehewanted,butshedidn’tunderstandtherules—yet.
“Good.That’sallIask.Tellmethelasttimeyouhadsex.”
Sherecoiled.“Why?”
“Youlookprettydamnnervous.”
“It’sbeenafewmonths,”sheadmitted.“Andit’salwaysnerve-rackinggettingnakedforanewlover.”
Heranswermadesense,butAxelstillwantedtopressherfordetails.Sheinsistedshehadsexualexperience,butherjumpinessseemedlikemorethantypicalnerves.Alltheseincongruitiesjustkeptmountinginhishead . . .
Hetriedbeingbrutallyhonestwithher.“Iseriouslydon’tthinkI’veevermetawomanwhointriguedmeasmuchasyou.Andyou’vegotthemostbeautifulbodyI’veevertouched.”
Shewrinkledhernoseindisagreement.
“Youdo,”heinsisted.“Andthemostkissablemouth.Giveittome.”
Withouthesitation,shetiltedherfaceuptohim,herexpressionwideopeninoffering.Herdesiretogivetohimwasabsolute,sopureitreachedinsidehischestandtugged.
He’dspentsolonghelpingSweetPea,ClubDominion’ssubmissivereceptionist,scalingthewallsofherdefensessohecouldtearthemdown.Nomatterhowmuchshewantedtosubmitherallsoshe’dbereadyforthedayshemetherOne,healwayshitherhardemotionallimitwellbeforeherphysicalone.Itfrustratedhim.Itfrustratedher.Heoftenwonderedifhecouldn’treachherbecausetheywerefriends—loversonthoserareoccasionssheneededtobeheld—buttheyweren’tinlove.
NeverhadSweetPeaofferedhimthesortofcomplete,unvarnishedsinceritythiswomanpresentedrightnow.Shemightbelyingtohimabouthernameandwhyshe’dcometohisfavoritebeerdive.Butherexpressiongavehimaglimpseinsidethegatestohersoul.
Why?
Herthumbflickedacrosshisnippleassheexploredeverybulgeandridgeofhistorso.Shecaressedhisshoulders,skatedherfingertipsdownhisribs,bisectedhisabswithonenail,andflirteddangerouslyclosewiththescreamingheadofhiscock,tryingtomakeitswayoutofhisjeans.
Hiseverymusclewenttautasshecontinuedwithhercasualtouches.Theinnocentwaysheattemptedtolearnhisbody,asifbeingwithhimwasawonderandthemomenttheysharedfeltreverenttoher.He’dagreedtoaone-nightstand . . .butshewasn’ttreatingitasathrowawayatall.Onsomelevelbeingwiththiswomanwhosenamehedidn’tactuallyknowfeltimportant,whichmadenosenseatall.
Hegrabbedherwristbeforedesireoverwhelmedhisbettersenseandhethrewherontothebedandfuckedhersenseless.They’dgettheresoon;he’dmakesureofit.
Axelliftedherhandtohisneck.Asifshe’dreadhismind,shecurledherslenderfingersaroundhim,caressedherwayoverhisshoulderandeasedcloser,thatlushmouthfallingjustunderhis.Shepartedherrosylips,andherlidsslidshut.Atonce,shemanagedtolookbotheagerandbeautiful.Whensheroseuponhertiptoes,hispatienceended.
Grippinghershoulders,Axelswoopeddownandclaimedhermouth.Hetookmorethanabrushoflips,wouldn’tbesatisfiedwithasimplecaress.No,heliftedonehandtocupherjawandapplyjustenoughpressuretoforcehermouthopenforhim.Hedelveddeep,fascinatedbyhertaste—complexandaddicting.Justbeingthisnearhermadehisheadswim,hisbloodtingle.Someinstinctkickedhiminthegut,tellinghimthismomentwassignificantandhe’dbetterdrinkitin.
Hecouldanalyzethattodeathandprobablywould—later.Rightnow,themostfascinating,willingwomanstoodnakedinhisbedroom,meltingagainsthim.Jesus,shehadthesoftestskin,too.Herpropositionhadbeenonehellofaturn-on,buttheminutehe’dtouchedher,she’ddownshiftedandputherselfinhishands.
Asheslantedhismouththeotherwayfordeeperpenetration,herflavorassailedhimagain.Shegroanedintotheirkissashistonguetangledwithhers.Atthesound,hiskneeswentthewayofhishead—suddenlyunstable,floating,notquitefunctioning.
Hegropedforthenearbybed,thentoppledherontoit.Hedidn’tbotherlyingbesideher.Fuckthat.Hesettledheragainsthim,thenrolledherdirectlyunderhim,spreadingherlegswithashoveofhisthighs.Shedidn’tgivehimasingleiotaoffight.
Thefewsecondshislipshadbeenawayfromhersseemedlikeatorturousdecade,andhesenthismouthcrashingontohersagain.Sheyieldedinwelcome,whichbothsoothedandbaitedthehungrybeastinsidehim.Whatwasitaboutthiswomanthatlithisbodyonfire?Thathadhislibidodoingahappydance?
Asifhecouldonlyfindtheanswerinsideher,Axelthrusthiswayintohermouthagainandgrippedherhips,archingthelengthofhisweepingcockagainstherbarepussy,cursingthedenimkeepingthemapart.Somedistantpartofhisbraincalculatedhowlongitwouldtakehimtoripopenhisflyandfindacondom.Beforehecouldcomputetheanswer,hisbeautyarchedintohim,pressingherhardnipplestohischest,rubbinghersexagainsthisownasifdesperateforrelief.Andthefreakinglittlewhimpersshemadeinherthroatshort-circuitedhisbrain.Hisrestraintdiedaquickdeath.
“Ifyoudon’twantmeinsideyouinthenextsixtyseconds,saysonow.”
Shepanted,hereyeswideandclinging.“Canyoumakeitlessthanthirty?”
Oh,fuck.“I’llgoforten.”
Hestumbledtohisfeet,shovinghisjeansandunderwearoff,thenkickingthemaside.Inhisnightstand,hefumbledforacondomandwonderedwhythehellhewasasexcitedasateenagerwithhisfirstgirlfriend.Theurgencyrippedfirethroughhimlikeanaphrodisiac,sizzlinghisskin.
Axelhadnodoubtthiswomanwasabouttorockhisworld—andhewasn’tevensurewhy.
Hetoreopenthefoilandrolledthecondomdownhislength.Hisgorgeoussupplicantwasn’thelpingwhenshesatupandranherfingersdownhisabdomen,histhighs,thenhisbuttocksassheleanedin,kissingandnippingathiships,histhighs.Whenshelavedhisballswithalowlittlemoan,hefuckinglosthismind.
Axelpushedhertoherbackandspreadherlegs.“Youwanttoplaydirty?”
“Iwantyouinsideme.”
Hisurgetodominatewarredwithhisneedtobeburiedballsdeep.Hegrittedhisteeth,thenpushedherfartheracrossthebedandfelltothemattressbetweenherspreadlegs,hismouthhoveringjustoverhercunt.
Herbreathcaught.“Whathappenedtotenseconds?Thoseareup.”
“Ican’tlettheopportunitytoteasethisprettypussypassmeby.”Hedraggedhisfingersacrossthesmoothskin.Likeababy’sbutt.Notabumporahairtoflawtheperfectlysilkenpad.
Athistouch,herentirebodytensed.Whenshetriedtoliftherhipstohim,heheldherdown.
“Youcan’tthrowitatme.I’lltakeitwhenI’mready.”Hegaveheranevilsmile.“WhenIknowyou’rebeyondready . . .”
Shetossedherheadback,meltingintohismattress.“Please,Axel.Don’tmakemewait.ItalreadyfeelsasifI’vewaitedforever.”
Perversely,thatonlymadehimwanttotorturehermore.“Poorbaby.Patienceaproblemforyou?”
Shecuppedherbreasts,pinchinghernipples.“Iache.Everywhere.”
Herhigh,threadyvoiceslammedhislibido.Butthevisualofherfondlingherownfleshinadesperatesearchforreliefrocketedhisdesiretosoaring,newheights.Holyhell,ifhe’deverwantedawomansobadlyhewasdamnnearreadytoclimboutofhisskinandcrawloverjaggedglasstohaveher,hedidn’trememberit.
Still,shedidn’tgettocontrolthetempoandtimingoftheirsex.Sheespeciallydidn’tgettocontrolhim.Hegrabbedherhandsandforcedthemtohersides,holdingeachbesidehercorrespondinghip.
Sheprotestedwithawailandspreadherlegswider.“Please.Don’tmakemewait.I’veneverfeltthisway.Idon’tknowhowto . . .”
“Yeah,”hegrunted.“Jointheparty.”
Surprisewidenedhereyes.Shehadn’tthoughthe’dwantherthesamewayinreturn?Hadsomedouchebagbelittledherinthepast?Refusedherharshly?Thatdude’slosswashispreciousgain.
Thenherscentwafteduptohimandbrainfunctionshutdown.Hehadtohaveherflavoronhistonguenoworhe’dgoin-fucking-sane.
Pinningherwristsbesideher,hebentandrakedhistonguethroughherslit,throughherswollenfolds,allthewayfromthesoft,juicyopeninghecouldn’twaittosinkhiscockinto,uptothecandyclitsosweetlyhardforhim,itjoltedanothersparkofneedthroughhissystem.
Underhim,shetwisted.Herepeatedthemotion,thistimemoreslowly,lingeringontheneedybudofhernervesandtoyingwithit,usingthetipofhistongue,theedgeofhisteeth,thesuctionofhismouth.Shecriedout,thrashing,buthekeptherimmobileunderhisbiggerbody,holdingherstillforhispleasure.
“Axel . . .”
Somethingaboutthewayshesaidhisnameinthatpleading,high-pitchedkeenhadhisbloodboiling.Itwasn’taboutpoweroraneedtocontrol.Withmostanywoman,hecouldholdapartofhimselfawayandalmostclinicallydetermineatacticalplantodismantleherdefensesandtakeherbodyapartbeforesystematicallyimplementinghisstrategyandenjoyingthevictoryofconqueringherwithorgasms.Thiswomandraggedhimintoaneedthatsuckedhimunderlikequicksand.Themorehefoughtforcontrol,thelesshehad.Yes,hewantedherpleasure.Hell,hewantedherscreamingasshedughernailsinhisbackandshatteredforhim.Butplanningasensualconqueringwasthefarthestthingfromhismind.Rightnow,hecouldn’tmanagemuchmorethanlappingatherpussylikeastarvingmanatanambrosiabuffet.
Thesoft,sweetperfectionofherfilledhismouth.Everythingabouther—everytexture,flavor,sensation—addictedhim.He’dbeeninterestedinthebar,intriguedastheymadetheirwaytohishouseandkissedinthekitchen,butnowhe’dfuckingdieifhedidn’thaveherfranticandclawingandtakingeveryinchofhim.
Underhishungrymouth,herfleshswelledevenmore.Shetensed.Herfistsflailed,grabbedatthesheets.Aseriesofgasps,eachhigher-pitchedthanthelast,juicedhisneedandmeltedhisresolve.
Heshovedafingerinsideher,groaningashertightfleshpartedforhisinvasionlikeslicksilk,thensuckedathiminasilentplea.Jesus,shewasgoingtodismantlehimwiththispussy,andhecouldn’twait.
“You’reclose,”hemanagedtogrowlout.
“Yes.Oh . . .”Shewrithed,thenopenedhereyestospearhimwithaneedy,almostpanickedlook.Whenhecurledhisfingeragainsttheonespotdesignedtosendhersoaring,shecriedoutandthrashedagain.“Soclose.It’srightthere.Please.”
Axelwantedtobeinsideherwhenhegaveherthisfirstorgasm.Andhedamnwellknewitwouldn’tbethelast.
Withonelastlaveofhertwitchingclit,heclimbedupherbody,anchoringhishipsbetweenherthighs.Elbowsoneithersideofherhead,hetookhermouthandprobedherpussywithhissearchingcock.Shespreadevenwiderforhim,liftedup,helpfulandwelcoming,silentlybegging.Dizzinessswarmedhishead.Jesus,shewasheadierthanthebestbuzz.
Hisheartpounded,hisbloodsurgedasAxelpushedatheropening,insistentlytryingtoburyhimselfinthejuicyheat.Buthercuntfelttighterthanavise.He’dbarelymanagedtowedgemorethantheheadinsideherwhenthegripofherfleshimpededhimfromsubmergingdeeper.
“Openuptome.I’llmakeyoufeelsogoodonceyouletme.”
“Iknow.”Shepushedupathim,andhesankinanotherinch.
Itwasn’tenough.Inthatmoment,hewonderedifhe’devergetenoughofher.
Thethoughthadbarelyfinishedblindsidinghimbeforesheexhaledandforcedherbodytorelax.Hesankinabitmore,thenretracted,coatinghisstifflengthwithmoreofherdeliciousessencebeforehepushedinagain—andagain.
Slowly,herbodyyieldedtohim.Herthoughtsandherdesirehadgivenwaytohimlongago.Nowhemerelyfoughtthehead-spinningclutchofhercuntgrabbingathisstifflength.Shemadehimworkforeveryinchsheceded.Shemilkedhisflesh,squirmingalloverhiscock,beforeherbodyseizedupagain.Theincrediblestruggleonlydraggedhimclosertotheedgeofhisownpleasure,andhecouldseethegiantchasmofecstasyrightbeforehim.
Damnit,hehadtofuckherfirst.Goodandhard,insomewayleavinghismarkonhersoshecouldneverforgetthathe’dbeenhereandtakenherthoroughly.Helikedthehelloutofthatidea.
AsAxelsurgedforwardagain,determinedtoplanteveryachinginchofhiscockinsideher,shesurrenderedabitmore.Everythingabouthermadehimneedtoconquerher,tosayhe’dfilled,claimed,taken.Madehergivehimabsolutelyeverybitofherselftohim.
Shearched,keenedagain.She’dbeascreamer,he’dbet,andhecouldn’twaittohearhercriesinhisearassheburstintoecstasyaroundhiscock.
“Justalittlemore.Almostthere . . .Breathewithme.”Hedraggedalungfulofair,thenreleaseditaudibly,gratifiedwhenshejoinedhim.“Spreadjustalittlewiderand—”Hecouldn’tswallowbackhisgroanwhenshefinallyopenedenoughtotakethelastinchofhiserectiondeepinherhungrycunt.“Oh,fuckyeah.”
Shepantedandopenedhereyes,staringupathimwithawonderthatdamnnearstoppedhisheart.Shewasn’tavirgin.Despitehertightness,hecouldattesttothatfact.Butherexpressiontoldhimthat,insomeway,shewasexperiencingpleasurefortheveryfirsttime.
Thatyankedhimoffthechainsofuckingfast,Axeldidn’tevenhavetimetotellhimselftoslowdownbeforehegrabbedhernape,holdinghergazecaptive,andbeganpoundingintoherrelentlessly.
Shelithimuplikealivewire,asif,throughher,he’dbegunsuperconductingenoughelectricitytolightuptheDallasskyline.Energysizzledoverhisskinandshuddereddownhisspinebeforesettlingintoeverystiffinchhe’dburiedinsideher.Andwitheachthrust,hereyeswidened,finallytakingonastunned,dazedquality.Butsheneverlookedawayfromhim.
Damnit,he’dlovetoseeherwithoutthewig,thecontacts,themakeup.Axelhadafeelinghewasfuckingthemostbeautifulwomanofhislife,andhereallyhadnoideawhatshetrulylookedlike.
Beforeroundtwo—whichthey’ddefinitelygetto—he’dwhittleawayalltheartificialcrapandseetherealher.
Fornow,hesettledintothemostheavenlypussyinhismemory,feelingthegentlebounceofherbreastsashedrilledherwithoutpause.He’daskherifitwastoomuch,toohard,toofast,butgivenherunbridledresponse,everythinghedidwithherfeltmorethanallright.Underhim,sherockedwitheverystroke.Arosyflushstoleuphercheeks.Gaspsandgroanssoundedfromthosesweetlips,slowlyturningmoreguttural.Andshegrippedhiscocklikeshewouldn’tlastmorethanafewmomentswithoutfallingintoorgasm.
Axelcouldn’tstophimselffromseizinghermouthanddevouringher.Fuck,hewasinsideofherineveryway,andsomehowitstillwasn’tenough.Hehadtohearher,seeher,feelherclimaxforhim.
“You’regoingtocome.”Hedidn’tbotheraskingbecauseheknew.Primalpleasurefilledhimatthethoughtthathecoulddrivethisbeautytothatpleasuresoquicklyandcompletely.
“Yes!”Shestruggledagainsthisholdonherwrists.“Letmetouchyou.”
Normally,he’dprefertostayincontrol.Hedictatedwhenandwhereheallowedapartnertoputahandonhimatall.Thisone?Hewantedeverythingshewouldgivehim—desire,affection,screamingorgasm.
Axelreleasedherwrists.Hisbeautyflungherarmsaroundhimandgrippedhishipswithherlegs,claspinghimclose—notlikeawomanmerelychasingecstasy.No,shedrankintheexperienceandclutchedhim,almostasifhewastheexperience.He’doftenbeenvaluedforhiscontrol,hisDomination,evenhisprowess.Hewasn’tsurehe’dactuallyhadaloverwhowantedmorethanwhathecoulddoforherwhenshefellunderhiscommandandintohisbed.SomethingaboutthewayshewelcomedhimintoherbodysaidshealsowantedthemanundertheDom.
Hepinnedherwithadelvingstare.Inadistantpartofhisbrain,hewishedtofuckhecouldfigureherout.Atthismoment,mostofhisconcentrationcenteredaroundholdingbacklongenoughtomakehercomefirst.Thetightgripofhersexthreatenedtoblowthetopoffhishead,andhecouldn’twaittofeelherexplodearoundhimandshoothimintothestratosphere.
“Axel!”Shedughernailsintohisshoulder.Hermouthfellopen.Hereyesslidshut.
Nofuckingway.“Lookatme.”
Herlashesfluttered,driftingopenagain,revealingherartificialblueeyes.Butcoloredcontactscouldn’tmaskthewayshemeltedunderhisbody,dissolvedforhistouch.Heshuttledinandoutofherpussyatabreakneckpace,seatinghimselfdeeperwitheverystroke.Shewasrightontheedge,soclose,hecouldalmostseehertopplingintotheabyss.
AxelintendedtohelpheralongASAP.
Heslidhishandsunderherworld-classassandliftedherup.Nowheappliedfrictiontoherclitwithhisbody,backandforthinaburnofskinthatcoiledhereventighterandratchetedupthetensionbetweenthem.Itbrewed,built,escalating,climbingfasterandharderandhigher.
Untilsheclampeddownonhimsotightlyhecouldn’tmoveevenafraction.Andshescreamed.
Hercryranginhisear,inhishead.Somethingaboutit—abouther—absolutelyflippedhisswitch.Knowinghe’dgivenherthesortofpleasurethatmadeherrakehisbackwithhernailsandclingtohimasifheweretheonlymanontheplanetdideverythingforhim.Itshothimoffintothekindofmind-jarring,soul-shiftingecstasyhe’dheardguyslikeMitchellThorpeandLoganEdgingtontalkaboutsharingwiththeirwomenbuthadalwaysquietlysuspectedwasbullshit.
Theneedgatheredlowinhisbelly.Bloodrushed.Tinglingbeganatthebaseofhiscockandbeganworkingitswayupward.Hecouldn’tbreathe,couldn’tthinkorcontrolhismovementsorcareaboutadamnthingexceptthiswomaninhisarmswhosenamehedidn’treallyknow.Butshegavetohimsocompletelyandhonestlythat,asthepricklingpleasureshotuphisdick,hegroanedout,sankhisfingersintothefirmfleshofherass,pulledherasclosetohimaspossible,thenreleasedeverythinghehadtogiveinsideherinafireworksofunparalleledbliss.
Heslowedhisstrokes,thenstopped.Shepantedinhisear,stillgrippinghimasifherlifedependedonit.Axelrealizedthathe’dburiedhisnoseinhernecksomewherealongtheway,sohenuzzledher,kissedherjaw,meanderedwithhislipsovertohermouthandpressedhisowntohersforalong,worshipfulbreath.Hisheadspun.Andevenashisbloodslowed,hestillfelttheimpactofherthroughhissystemlikeafuckingseismicevent.
Whatthehellhadjusthappened?
Hereyeswatered.Atearslippedfromthecornerandrolleddownhertemple.
“Hey . . .”Hewipedthedropletawaywithhisthumb.“What’swrong?”
Shesmiled,somethingtremulousandalmostsad.“Nothing.ThiswaseverythingIwanted.I’mjustemotional,Iguess.Noworries.I’msureI’llgetmyselfinordershortly.”
Axelwasn’tsureheactuallywantedherto.Helikedknowinghecouldreachheronalevelbeyondsex.Helikedthewayhefeltsomethingbeyonddesireandsatisfactionwithher,too.
Hecaressedhercheekwithhisknucklesandkissedherforeheadsoftly.“Norush.Atall.Justlikeyou,thiswaseverythingIwanted.”Hegaveheraslygrin.“Icanonlyimaginehowmuchmoreamazingthenexttimewillbe.”
Ifshehadn’tbeenunderhim,hemightnothavenoticedhertense,yetshegavehimasmile.“Ican’twait.”Thenshewincedandsquirmedalittle.“Butrightnow,Ican’tbreathe.”
Axelhadnoillusionsabouthissize,especiallyinrelationtothefairersex.Forthatreason,herarelyhadsexontopofawoman,eventhoughhelovedthehelloutofit.Despitethefactthathisbeautywastallerthanaverage,shewasstillslight,andhestilltoweredoverher.
“Sure.Sorry.”Reluctantly,heeasedfromthewarmgloveofherpussyandsatbackonwobblingknees.Hisworldtilted,hisheadstillspun.Hislegsfeltlikejelly.Satisfactionseepeddownintohisbones.
Sherolledawayanddartedtoherfeet,grabbingthesheetforcovering.Hefrowned.Nowshedecidedtobeshy?
“Um . . .”Sheclearedherthroat.“DoyoumindifIgrabsomewaterfromthekitchen?Mythroatisdry.”
Maybe,buthisbullshitmeterwasflaringlikeamotherfucker.Shewasuptosomething.He’dgiveheralittleropeandseeifsheusedittohangherself . . .orbindherselftohim.“Goahead.Glassesareinthecabinettotherightofthefridge.”
Raisingupontiptoe,shekissedhimforalong,lingeringmoment,thensenthimasmile.Herheartallbutbledoutofhereyes,andhewishedtofuckheunderstoodthesadnesslurkingthere.
“Areyouallright?”heasked,cuppinghercheek.
Shelookedreadytocry.“Neverbetter.Berightback.”
Wrappingthesheetaroundherabitlikeatoga,shehightaileditoutofthebedroomandpaddeddownthehall.Frowning,Axelshookhisheadandmadehiswaytothebathroom.Hedisposedofthecondom,splashedsomewateronhisface,thenreturnedtothebedroomtowriggleintohisjeans.
Ashemadehiswaytothekitchen,hedidn’thearasound.Nighthadfallen,andshehadn’tturnedonasinglelight,soheflippedtheswitchonthewall.Hershirtwasgonefromthekitchencounter.Hedashedovertothesectional,onlytoseetherestofherclothingwasgone,too.She’dleftthesheetpooledonthefloor.
“Elise!”hecalled.No,itwasn’thername,buthedidn’tknowwhatitwasandhehopedtofuckshe’danswertoit.
Shedidn’t.Hadshegone?
Apanichedidn’tunderstandbegantopumpthroughhisveinsasherantothefrontdoor,onlytofinditsuddenlyunlockedandbarelypulledto.Astiffwindwouldhaveblownitopen.
Axelpulleditwideandjoggeddownhisporch,outontothestreetjustquicklyenoughtoseeasleekblackcarhehadn’tnoticedbeforepullawayfromhiscurb.ChapterSeven
MYSTERYshookassheslammedthedoorofthetowncarandhuddledinthebackseat.Thecarlurchedforward,andshehadtoforceherselfnottolookbackathishouseonelasttime.
She’ddoneit;she’dconqueredMountAxel.Well,thatwasn’tpreciselytrue.He’dconqueredherjustbybeinghisamazing,fabulousself.Again.Infact,shewonderedifshe’deverbethesame.
Sheletoutashudderingbreathandstruggledintohershoes.Thesimpleactiongaveherpurposeandfocusedher.Inside,shewasaravingmess.
Histastestilllingeredonhertongue.Hisscentstillfilledhernostrils.Shestillfelthimhardandmassiveandinsistentbetweenherlegs.Everyflashofmemory—thewayhe’dtastedher,touchedher,filledher—crowdedherhead.Beforetoday,she’donlybelievedthatshe’dhadsex.Certainly,she’dthoughtsobeforeshehadcarelesslyplottedtoexperiencethemanshe’dbeenhunguponsincetheendofadolescence.Shehadn’tactuallyconsideredthathemightoverwhelmher,thatoncewouldneverbeenoughtoeasethecravingshe’dlonghadforhim.
“Areyouallright?”Heath,herlongtimedriverandbodyguard,askedfromthefrontseat?sendingheraconcernedstareintherearviewmirror.
No.“Fine.Canyoutakemebacktothehotel?”
Heknewhertoowelltobelieveher,andhisfrowndeepened.“Ofcourse.Nootherstopsalongtheway?”
Whenshelookedtousledandshaken,probablyworewhiskerburnsonhercheeks?Ifthetabloidsfiguredoutshewasintownandinterceptedheronherwayintothehotel,wouldn’ttheyhaveafielddaywiththosepictures?
“No.I’llorderroomservice.”DespitehowwellmeaningHeathwasandhowmuchsheusuallylikedhiscompany,shewanteddesperatelytobealone.
“Youfatherhascalledtwice,inquiringafteryou.Itoldhimyouwerevisitinga . . .friend.”
Mystery’seyesslidshut.Shecouldn’tmissthehintofdisapprovalinHeath’stone.Obviously,he’dcaughtontoherfuck-and-runroutine.Ofcourse,itmustbehardtomissnowsinceshewasdoingtheearlyeveningequivalentofthewalkofshame.Still,hedidn’tsayaword,simplyslippedatinyhintofcensureintohistone.
Shefeltitlikeayawningabyssofguilt.“I’llcallhimassoonasIreachmyroom.”
“Verygood,”hesaidinhiscrispBritishvoice.“Don’tforgetthesix-hourtimedifference.”
AglanceattheclockinthecartoldheritwasalreadyaftermidnightinLondon.Damnit.
“Gotit.Thanks.”
TheyrodetherestofthewayinsilencebacktotheHotelCrescentCourt.Thejourneytooklessthanfifteenminutes—notreallyenoughtimeforhertogetherheadtogether.SheavoidedHeath’sblue-eyedstareofconcernintherearviewmirror.
Herfatherhadsenthimalongtobothbodyguardandbabysither,keepheroutoftrouble.Herdriverwouldnevercrossthelineandquestionheractions—buthe’dsureashelltellherfather.MarshallMullinshadneverstoppedbeingpanickedandoverprotectiveafterherabduction.Hehadtobecompletelyfrayingattheedgeswithhertravelingtoanothercontinent.
Justonemoreworry . . .butcertainlynotherbiggest.
Shegnawedonherlipasthevaletattendantfromthehotelapproachedtocollectthecar.HadshebeenclandestineenoughtokeepheridentityasecretfromAxel?Shedidn’twanttohurtordeceivehim,andshefeltmorethanvaguelyashamedthatshe’dflat-outliedtoseducehim.She’drationalizeditbytellingherselfthatshewassavingthemboththeembarrassmentofAxelrefusingheragainbecauseoftheirpastandhername.
Inthehushofevening,thatfeltalotlikeexcuses.
Heathopenedherdoorandhelpedherfromthecarasthevaletattendantslidbehindthewheel.Curlinganarmprotectivelyaroundher,Heathplacedhisbodybetweenhersandthestreet.
“Duck,”hewarnedinherear.“Incaseweencounterpress.”
Mysterytriedtorelax.Afterall,howcouldthepresspossiblyhaveknownshe’dcomehere?Mysteryhadn’ttoldanyoneotherthanherfather,Heath,andhermother’ssister,AuntGail,thatsheintendedtovisittheStates.
“Inthisdisguise,theywon’trecognizeme.”Afterall,Axelhadn’t.
Thefactthatshe’demergedfromatowncarandnotalimowasapointinthefavorofdiscretion.Buthavingwhatamountedtoabodyguardcurlhimselfaroundherwould,nodoubt,drawattention.
“Holdmyhand,justincase.”Sheputdistancebetweenthemandshovedherpalmagainsthis,interlockingtheirfingers.“We’llbelessconspicuousifwelooklikelovers.”
Heathhesitated,thenrelaxedatherside.“I’mafraidthat’swishfulthinking.”
Why?Itwasn’tunheardofforawomaninhermid-twentiestodateanattractivemanpushingforty.Thankfully,shedidn’thavetoargueherpoint.Hehumoredher,foldingherhandagainsthisown.
Theywalkedfromthecarandapproachedthehotel’sentrancewithoutincident.MysteryclutchedHeathandreleasedalongbreathastheynearedtheentrance.
Asheopenedthedoortothehotel,awomanheragewearingblingyjeansandanNYUT-shirtsprangtoherfeetfromaplushsofainthelobby.“MysteryMullins!WhyhaveyoureturnedtotheStatesafteralltheseyears?”
Shehadn’tbracedherselfforpressinsidethehotel.Stupidandprobablyna?ve.Shereallydidn’tdealwiththismuchintheUKandhadforgottenhowaggressivesometabloidreporterscouldbe.
“I—”
“Nocomment,”Heathsaidbesideher,motioningtooneofthehotel’ssecurityagentsashehustledhertowardtheelevator.
Hepressedthebuttontobringthecartothelobby.Astheywaited,thesecurityguardrushedforwardtointercepttheyoungreporter.
Thewomanprotested,shoutingacrossthecavernousinteriorofthehotel.“OurreaderswanttoknowaboutyoursuddenvisittotheStates,Ms.Mullins.Ijustneedfiveminutes—”
ThesecurityguardmusthavecutheroffbecauseMysterydidn’thearanotherwordfromthereporter.Instead,sheclutchedHeath’shand,feelingrattled,anxious,andvaguelycontriteabouteverythingthathadhappenedtoday.MaybesheshouldhavebypassedtheDallasportionofhertripandleftAxelinpeace,simplyflowntoheraunt’splaceandretrievedtheeffectshermotherhadlefttoheronhereighteenthbirthday,asshe’dbeenpromisingtodoforyears.
“Hurryup . . .”Heathgrowledattheelevator,willingittoreachthelobbyandwhiskheraway.
Beforeitdid,ayoungmanshehadn’tpreviouslynoticedjumpedoutfrombehindatallpottedpalmwithacameraandsnappedherpicturerepeatedly,theflashpoppinginhereyes.
“Getthedevilaway.”Heathstiff-armedtheman.
“WhyareyoubackintheU.S.?”thephotographerdemanded,lookingoverthetopofHeath’sheadtoclapeyesonher.
Whenhetuckedthecameraunderhisarmandhelduphisphoneasifrollingvideo,sheclosedhereyesandlookedaway.“Nocomment.”
Sincethesecurityguardwastiedupwiththereporterwho’dapproachedherearlier,afemaledeskclerkbustledoverandlatchedafirmgriparoundthephotographer’selbow.“You’reharassingourvaluedguests.I’mgoingtohavetoaskyoutoleave.”
ThephotographershookoffthehotelemployeeanddartedpastHeath,rollingmorevideoashegotinMystery’sface.“Areyouheretofigureouthowandwhyyourmotherdied?WasthatthereasonforyourTweetlastnightaboutlookingforwardtorevisitingsomeofyourmother’seffects?”
“Nocomment,”shechoked.
God,shedidn’tneedthesesleazebagstoremindherthattheanniversaryofhermother’sdeathfastapproached.Shethoughtaboutiteveryspringandoftensortedthroughpicturestorememberthewomanwho’dgivenherlife.SheshouldstopTweetingwhenshedidthatshit.She’dmeantitmoreasamemorialthana“lookatme.”Ofcourse,theseassholeswhomadealivingscammingoffpeopleinthepubliclightcouldcareless.
“Isthisyoursecretlover?Ishemarried?Isthatthereasonforyourdisguise?”thephotographerdemanded.“Didhegiveyouthelovebitesonyourneck?What’syourname?”heshoutedatHeathbeforeturningbacktoMystery.“Wouldyourfatherapproveofyoudatinganolderman?”
Anotheremployeeofthehotel,thisoneaslightmaleinanimpeccablesuit,approachedtheslouchyphotographerandgrabbedhisarm.Thedeskclerkgrabbedtheother.
“We’vecalledthepolice.Ifyoudon’twanttobearrested,leavebeforetheyarrive.Youhavelessthantwominutes.”
Thatfinallygotthephotographer’sattention.HelookedatMystery,thenflippedoffthevideoonhisphone,andtookoffrunningwithacurse.
Mysteryreleasedthebreathshehadn’trealizedshe’dbeenholding.Whyinthehelldidn’tthesepeoplejustleaveheralone?Shewasn’tanactressorasinger.She’ddonenothingtowarranttheirattention—exceptbethedaughterofoneofthemostinfamousmeninHollywood.Shecertainlydidn’ttrytoliveherlifeinthepubliceye.Shesimplywrotebooksandworkedtoforgetthepast.Wasalittlepeacetoomuchtoask?
“Pleaseallowmetoexpressmydeepestapologies,”themaninthesuitoffered.“Werespecttheprivacyofallourguestsandvalueyour—”
“Thankyou.”Heathinterruptedastheelevatorfinallydingeditsarrival.“NowkeepthesepeopleawayfromMs.Mullins.Andbuggeroff.”
Theyranintotheelevator,andthehotel’semployeegapedafterthemastheyawningdoorssnappedshut,encasingherinsilencewithHeath.Hestilldidn’treleaseherhand,buthisgriploosened,becomingagestureofcomfort.“Areyouallright?”
“AnyideahowtheyfoundoutI’mhere?”
“None.”Heathshookhisheadgrimlyastheyascendedtohersuite.“Ipresumeahotelemployeethoughttomakeaquickdollarorafellowguestrecognizedyouwhenwecheckedinyesterday.IwishIknew.”
Mysterywishedshedid,too.
Astheelevatordoorsopenedatthetop,Heathurgedherout,hisarmcurledaroundherprotectively,scanningthehallwaysforotherpotentialthreats.Thankfully,theconciergefloorwasquiet,almostunnervinglyso.Butshesupposedthatobservationhadmoretodowithherjitterymoodandtheknowledgeshe’dsoonbealonewithherthoughts . . .andherregrets.
IfAxelrealizedthatshe’ddeceivedandseducedhim,wouldheeverforgiveher?Itprobablydidn’tmatter.Itwasn’tasifshewouldeverseeorspeaktohimagain.Butdamnittohell,shevaluedhisopinion.Thelastthingshewantedtodowasupsethim.Yeah,sheprobablyshouldhavethoughtmoreaboutthatbeforeshe’dliedtowormherwayintohisbed.
Astheyreachedthedoor,Mysteryfishedhercardkeyfromthepocketofherjeans.Allshewantednowwasalong,hotshowerandabiteoffoodbeforeshecurledupinbedwithamind-numbingsitcomanddriftedoff.
“Ringmeifyouneedanything.I’lljustbedownthehall,”Heathadvisedsoftly.
“Iknow.”Shesetgentlefingersonhisarm.“Thankyou.”
“I’msorryIcouldn’tdomoretokeepthepressaway.Vultures.”
“Well,I’mlowonthetotempole.MaybeaKardashianwilldosomethingcrazytonightandnoonewillgiveashitaboutmetomorrow.”
Hesentherawrysmilethatwishedhergoodluckwiththat.Yeah,sheneededit.
Mysterysighed.“Night.”
“Goodnight.”Hesteppedaway.“I’llwaittoleaveuntilyou’resafelyinyourroom.Unlessyou’dlikemetocomeintoensurenooneisherewaitingtobotheryouandnothinghasbeendisturbed?”
Heathwould.He’ddoneitmorethanonceduringtheirsixyearstogether.Butshe’dalreadyhadalongday.Anevenlongernightstretchedoutinfrontofher.Shereallyjustwantedtobealoneandfigureouthow,nowthatshewasintimatelyfamiliarwithAxel’stouchandalreadyachedformore,shecouldpossiblymoveonandfindafuturewithouthim.
“I’llbefine.I’lltextyouinthemorningwhenI’mup.WhattimeisourflighttoKansasCity?”
“Aboutnoon.Weshouldleaveherearoundninethirty.Haveagoodsleepinandenjoyaleisurelybreakfast.We’lltakeyououtviatheparkinggaragetoensurewedon’thaveanymoreunwelcomepestschasingyouasyoudepart.I’llworkwiththeirsecurity.”
“Thanks.Idon’tknowwhatI’ddowithoutyou.”Shesmiledassheopenedthedoortoherroom.
Hecaressedhershoulder.Then,assheslippedintoherroom,heheadeddownthehall.Thedoorshutbehindher.
Insidetheroom,Mysteryracedforthedeskagainsttheleftwall.Nothinglayonthewalnutsurfaceexceptasmalltasklight,apadofpaperwiththehotel’slogo,apen,andherchargingphone.Shereachedforthedeviceandtextedherfatherthatshe’dreturnedtoherroom,andafteralittleencounterwiththepress,shewasfine.Hequicklyrepliedthathewasgladshewassafe.Helovedher,andthey’dtalktomorrow.
Relievedtofinallybealone,shewanderedintothebathroom,sheddingthedarkauburnstrandsofherwig.Thebobhadbrushedherjawandchafedhernapeforhours.Shefeltaridiculousurgetoscratchherscalp.
Shetossedthewigonthecounterandremovedallthepinsbeforefluffingherownlong,darkhairbackintoitsusualtousledwaves.Sheremovedtheevilbluecontactsstickingtohereyesandditchedtheminacasewithsomesaline.Hazelorbsblinkedbackatherinthemirror.Theclothescamenext,andsheexchangedthemforarobetoperusetheroomservicemenu.Onceshe’dmadeherselectionsandcalled,sheglancedattheclock.She’dhaveplentyoftimetoshowerbeforethefoodcame.
Bythetimesheemergedfromthesteamingtileboxallcleanandherfacefreshlyscrubbed,Mysteryfelthertummyrumble.Shetossedonherexoticgardentanknightiewithitsadmittedlygirlycheetahtrimandshruggedintotherobeshe’dstrewnacrossthebedearlier.
Inthelastthirtyminutes,nighthadbecomeablackchasmwithonlytheDallasskylinetohersouthtolightuptheworld.Atleasttheviewwaspretty.Sheflickedtheswitchonatablelamptoitsdimmestsetting,softlyilluminatingtheelegantspace,andmeanderedovertothedesktoretrieveherphone.AquicktexttoletHeathknowshewasallrightmightbeinorder.Heworried,blesshim.
Butwhenshesashayedthatway,shefoundaphotographonthegleamingsurface.Ithadn’tbeentherebeforehershower.
Theimagewasofherblindfolded,handsbound,andwearingthelittlesparklydressshe’dbeenkidnappedinmorethansixyearsago.Ithadbeentakenintheshackthathadbeenherprison.
Mysterystaredatthepictureinhorror.Herbloodrancold.Whothehellwouldhaveleftthisinherroom?Howhadtheysneakedinduringhershower?Theonlypersonwhocouldpossiblypossessthisimagewasthecaptorwho’dpaidforherabduction.
Withtremblingfingers,Mysteryliftedthephoto,blinking,staring.Holyhell . . .Sheneededtodosomething.Saysomething.Callthepolice.
Almostautomatically,sheflippedthepictureover,lookingforhintsorclues.Herbloodfroze.Inbigblacklettersonthebackoftheimagesatfivechillingwords.
RETURNTOENGLANDORDIE.
* * *
AXELcursedhimselfupanddownasheslammedthroughthehouse,combingitfromheadtotoe,insideandout.Nearlythirtyminuteslater,hewasstillscratchinghishead.Howthehellcouldshehavegottendressedandoutofthehouseinthetimeittookhimtopeeloffacondom,washup,andthrowonhisjeans?
Butthat’sexactlywhathadhappened.He’dlookedhighandlow—kitchen,TVroom,bedroom.Nothing.Hismysteriousloverhadfled,takingeveryshredofherexistencewithher.
“Fuck.”
No,hehadn’texpectedtospendalifetimewithher,buthe’dalsothoughthe’datleastgettolearnherrealname,peerintothetruecolorofhereyes,runhisfingersthroughhernaturalhair,andfindoutwhythehellshe’dcompletelyrockedhisworld.Beforeheletherdoitagain.
Besidesthegreatsex—prettymuchthebesthe’deverhad—somethingaboutherkepttuggingathismemory.She’dlookedfamiliar,andhecouldn’tfigureoutwhy.Hedidn’tlikeunsolvedproblemsandsurprises.Toooftentheyendedbadly.
Withasigh,Axelslammedthedoortohisbedroomandheadedbacktothekitchen.Athisside,hiscellrangwithaspecialtonehe’dknowanywhere.
Hetensed.“Hello,Misty.”
Ontheotherend,shehesitated.Heusuallyonlycalledherbyhergivennamewhenshe’ddisappointedhim.Ineveryothersituation,he—andeveryoneelseatClubDominion—calledherSweetPea.
“HaveIdispleasedyou,Axel?”Hernaturallyhigh-pitchedvoicesoundedevenmoreBettyBoopthannormal.
Nodoubt,hisirritableattitudehadputheronguard.Healreadyhadenoughproblemstryingtokeepherfromhidingbehindherwalls.Shedidn’tneedhisattitudetoshoveherbehindthemevenmore.
“No,littleone.I’mjustinacraptasticmood.Ithasnothingtodowithyou,”heassuredher.“I’msorry.”
Dom101:Holdatightleashonyouremotions.Controlyourselfandyoursub.Keepyourshittogether.
He’dbarelyspokentoSweetPeaandhewasalreadydoingashittyjob.
“It’sentirelymyfault.I’llbehave.Well,asmuchasI’mcapable.”Heforcedhimselftojokewithher.“Doyouneedsomething?”
“Ijustwonderedifyou’dseenhersinceshe’sintown.”
“Who?”Axelmentallysortedthroughthepossibilities.CalliehadreturnedfromherhoneymoonwithSeanandThorperecently.GiaDenningwasstillawaywithherhusband,Jason,probablybeachingsomewhereexotic.Noneofthefemaleclubmembershecouldthinkofhadrecentlybeenaway.WhothehellelsewouldSweetPeabetalkingabout?“SinceIhaven’tseenanyofmyfemalefriendstoday,I’llgowithno.”
SweetPeasighedwithahintofannoyance.Thewomanhadahugeheart,evenifshewasabitna?ve.Andsheusuallyhadalmostunlimitedpatience . . .unlessorgasmdepravationwasinvolved.Otherthanthat,hecouldthinkofveryfewsubjectsthatpushedherbeyondherusualplacidsmile.“Okay,whatpopculturereferenceamImissing?”
“It’salloverTMZ.MysteryMullinsarrivedinDallaslastnight.”
Axeldismissedthegossipatfirst.She’dbeenabeautifulgirlwhenhe’drescuedher,andhewasgladthathe’dbeenabletopreventsomeonefromsnuffingoutherbrightlight.Theyhadn’tspokenmorethanafewwordsaftertheirawkwardnightinCerroGordo.Soitwasn’tasifheexpectedhertolookhimupforamealoradrinkjustbecauseshe’djettedtothecity.
Adrink.Holdupthere . . .Mentally,hetrippedoverthethoughtagain.Thenhisworldtilted.
Abeautywithfakehair,hidingherrealeyecolor,andmaskingherfacebehindashittonofcosmeticshadpickedhimupinabar,seemingasifshecouldn’twaittobewithhim.Whywouldsomeonegooutoftheirwaytopropositionhim,yethideeverythingaboutherself?
Suddenly,Axelthoughthehadtheanswer.
“DidTMZpostanypicturesofher?”hebarked.
“Yeah,andvideo,too.”
Axelracedbacktohisbedroomandshovedthedooropen.Fuck,theplacestillsmelledlikethesexhe’dhadwithher,andthatmadehimhardalloveragain.Hehadn’tbeendonewiththewoman.Oncemorewouldn’thavebeenenough.Probablynotevenahundredtimesmore.He’dbeendyingtorestrainher,spankher,exploreeveryinchofherskin,clamphernipples,andhearherscreamforhimagain.
Ifshe’dbeenMysteryMullins,thenhisdesireformoredidn’tsurprisehimatall.
HegrabbedhistabletoffhisnightstandandquicklysurfedtoTMZ.Tappinghistoewhilethesitetookitssweettimeloading,heletoutamentalstringofcursesthatwouldhavemadeasailorblush.
“Shelooksgreat.I’dlovetohaveherboobs.Andherhips,”SweetPealamented.“Shelookslikeawoman,notagirlstillwaitingforpuberty.”
“You’resmallbutmighty.Don’tdemeanyourself,Misty.We’vehadthisconversation.”
“Andyou’vegivenmethespankingtogowithit.Iknow . . .”Shesighed.“Butwhenyouseeher,you’llknowwhatImean.Ialmostdidn’trecognizeher,butshelooksstunning.”
Aboutthattime,thewebsitepoppedup.Frontandcenter,hecaughtastillphotoofMysterywearingthesamewigandclothesshehadwhenhe’dfirstseenheratthebar.Inthispicture,sheheldthehandofanoldermanwhohoveredprotectively.ThecaptionsnaggedAxel’sattention.Itsenthistemper—andhisdesiretogethishandsonheragain—soaring.
MULLINSINDALLASFORMYSTERYLOVER?
Hescannedtheaccompanying“story.”Blah,blah,blah . . .StayingattheHotelCrescentCourt.
Bingo!
Hadshereallyrunfromhisbedasifherasswasonfiresoshecouldcrawlintothisman’s?Thethoughtchilledhimtothecore.Noway.Nofuckingway.Axeldidn’tquestionwhyhefeltpossessive.Hehadn’tthoughtofMysteryexceptfleetinglyinyears.Okay,thatwasn’tentirelytrue.Daysmightbemoreaccurate.Shewasnevertoofarfromhisthoughts,buthehadn’tsuccumbedtotheurgetolookherupandreminisceaboutoldtimes,evenifhe’dwonderedmorethanoncewhatwouldhavehappenedifhe’dtakenheruponherunspokenofferinthedesert.Rightnow,he’dlovetoremindherexactlywhohadgivenherthepleasurethathadurgedhertoleavehalf-moonmarksfromhernailsdeepinhisbackashefuckedheragain.
“Isthatherboyfriend?”hegrowledatSweetPea.
“Idon’tthinkso.Letme . . .”Hisfriendandsubmissivetappedawayonthekeyboardheheardinthebackground.“NothingonGoogleaboutaboyfriendsinceshebrieflydatedoneofthoseBritishboy-banddudes,butthatwasagoodyearago,accordingtowhatIcanfind.”
Ifshe’dfinallyreturnedtotheU.S.toseethisothermansheposedwithinthephotostonight,whywouldshehavepickedhimupinabarearliertoday?Curiosity?Hadshehopedtoscratchtheitchlurkingunderherskinsincethatnightintheghosttown?Axelwasn’tsurewhatrolledaroundintheseductiveHollywoodprincess’shead,buthevowedtogettothebottomofit—andgetanothertasteofher.He’dturnedherdownatnineteen,despitehowbadlyhe’dwantedher,becauseshe’dbeenyoung,traumatized,andoutofherelement.Nowthatheknewshewasallwomanwhocouldtakeeveryinchoftheharddickhehadforher?
Itwassoon.
Hewentinsearchofhisshoes.“Ihavetogo.”
“What?Now?I’dhopedwecould . . .youknow,hangouttonight.”
Inotherwords,shewantedhimtoscenewithher.Theirscheduleshadn’tmatchedupsinceThorpe’sbirthdayweeksago.Ithadbeenfarlongerthanthatsinceshe’daskedforsex.Lately,he’dsensedthepressurecookerofheremotionschurning,building.Itwouldn’tbemuchlongernowuntilshecavedtoherturmoilandaskedhimtounravelher.
“Whenwasthelasttimeyoucried,Misty?”
Shehesitated.“Itried.”
“Goodtohearit.Answerthequestion.”
Sighing,shehemmedandhawed,thengavein.“It’sbeenawhile.”
Exactlyashesuspected.Withagrimpressofhislips,Axelshovedonhisshoesandwentinsearchofhiskeys,thenstormedintothegarage,pressingthebuttontoliftthedoor.
“We’llhavetotalkaboutthistomorrow.Because,yes,I’veseenMystery.AndIneedtogoaskhersomepointedquestionsrightnow.Willyoubeallright?”
“Iwill.”Butshesoundeddisappointed.“Calliehasbeenhavingmorningsickness,soshe’slayinglow.Sheinvitedmeoverforsomemoviestonight.”
AxelwouldfeelbetterifSweetPeastayedwiththeotherwoman—andunderThorpe’sandSean’swatchfuleyes.“Dothat.We’lltalktomorrow.”
Thesecondhehungup,hescrolledthroughtheothercontactsonhisphone,wonderingwhothehellcouldhelphimwiththislasthurdle . . .Heknewinwhichhotelhe’dfindMysterybutthatinformationwouldonlytakehimsofar.
Finally,hefoundjustthenumberhewaslookingfor.Themanansweredonthefirstring.“Yourdime.Shoot.”
“Hey,Stone,”hegreetedJackCole’snewsuper-hacker,particularlygladthemanwasoneoffewwords.“Ineedafavor.Canyoudigthroughaspecifichotel’sguestrecordsandgivemearoomnumber?”
“Technically,it’sillegal.”Stonesoundedasifthatamusedhim,too.
“It’salsoprettydamnimportant.”BecausetherewaszerowayAxelintendedtoletMysteryslideoutofhislifeagainwithoutfindingoutjustwhythehellshe’dfuckedhimandrunoff.Hehadhissuspicions,buthewantedtomakehersaythemaloud,tohisface—whilehewasburieddeepinsideher.
“What’sitworthtoyou?”
Sotheywerebarteringtoday,huh?Itmadesense.HeandStonewerehardlybosombuddies.Infact,he’donlymettheguyahandfuloftimeswhiletryingtohelpKata’sbrother,Joaquin,savehisbride-to-be,Bailey.
“Whatdoyouwant?”
“YouhavesomethingexclusivewiththathotlittlethingeveryonecallsSweetPea?”
Axelrecoiledinsurprise.Hehadn’tevenbeenawarethatStoneandMistyhadmet,muchlessthatthemanhadahard-onforher.
“Nope.Neverhave.I’mafrienddoingherafavor.That’sit.ButI’llwarnyounow,ifyoujustwanttofuckandchuck,she’snotyourgirl.”
Stonechuckled.“Okay.Understood.Agreetosetupameet-and-greetbetweenus,andI’llfindoutwhateveryouwanttoknow.Hell,I’llgiveyouthetarget’sbloodtypeandwhattheylikeforbreakfast.”
Ashebackedoutofthedrivewayinneutral,Axelpaused.SweetPeawasemotionallyfragile,andhewasn’tsureifStonehadanyinterestinherbeyondsexual.Itwasonthetipofhistonguetospillsomeofthegirl’ssecrets.Hedidn’t.She’dresenttheshitoutofhimforit.Infact,ithadtakenmonthsoftalkingandalotoftrust-buildingbetweenthembeforeshe’ddivulgedanythingaboutherpast.He’dsworntokeephersecrets,someofwhichevenThorpe,herbossandmentor,didn’tknow.
“I’lldoit,”hetoldStonefinally.“ButIcan’tpromiseshe’llhaveanyinterest.Ifyouhurther,I’llbeattheshitoutofyou.”
“I’vebeendulywarned.Iwanttoseeherthisweek.”
“Icanmakeithappentomorrow.”
“Evenbetter.”SatisfactionrangfromStone’svoice.“Whatdoyouwantmetofindout?”
“MysteryMullinsisstayingattheHotelCrescentCourtinDallas.Iwantherroomnumber.”
Stonedidn’tsoundsurprised—orasifheevencared.“Givemeafew.I’llhaveit.Anychanceshe’sstayingthereunderanassumedname?”
“Yeah.Sheprobablycheckedinyesterday.That’sallI’vegot.”
“Itshouldbeenough,”Stonesaid.
Axelbreathedasighofrelief.“I’llcallyouinfifteen.”
“I’llhaveananswerevensooner,butwhateverfloatsyourboat.”
Beforehecouldsayanythingelse,Stonehungup.AxeldebatedthewisdomofintroducingthebrashmantoshylittleMisty,butsheshouldbranchout.Sheneededamanwhomadeherfeelsomethingotherthansafe.Axelknewitwasn’thim.
Startingandrevvinghisbike,hetoreoutofthedrivewayandheadedintothenight.HecouldthinkhimselftodeathaboutwhyMysteryhadhiddenheridentitytotrickhimintobed.Iteitherhadalottodowithabottleoftequila,aghosttown,andhisrejection . . .orshe’dwantedtoseehowthetrailerhalffucked.
Assoonashearrived,heparkedhismotorcycle.Ifhehadhisway,he’dbestayingfarlongerthantenminutes.
Insidethelobby,hepulledouthisphone.Again,Stoneansweredalmostimmediately.
“Whatdoyouhaveforme?”Axelasked.
“You’lllikethis.She’sregisteredasEliseRattlebottom.Isearchedthename.She’stheleadcharacterinMystery’sseriesofnovels.”
Axelrememberedreadingwhenshe’dsignedherfirstpublishingdealfouryearsago.Atleastheunderstoodthenameshe’dgivenhimatthebarnow.“Rattlebottom?”
“Yeah.She’savegancatburglarfromLondonwhohateshername.Shestealspreciousitemsfromtheircurrentkeepersandreturnsthemtotherightfulowner.Youknow,raredogs,paintingsstolenfromJewsbytheNazis—thatkindofstuff.ThecharacterisknownbythealiasRobinPlunder.”
Despitehisannoyance,hegrinnedatthat.“Roomnumber?”
Stonerattleditoff,thendidn’twaitasecondbeforebarkingaquestionbackathim.“Whattimetomorrow?”
“PlanonsixatClubDominion.I’llletyouknowifthere’sachange.”
Axelhungupbeforethemancouldcommentorprotest,thensteppedintotheelevator.
TimetounravelhisMystery.ChapterEight
SHAKINGfromheadtotoe,MysterysnatchedupherphonetocallHeath.Sheshouldn’tbealonenow,notaftersomeonehadjustsneakedintoherroom.Hewouldhandlehotelsecurityandthepolice.Shewouldtrytocalmherfatherandkeepherfearsincheck.
Becauseitlookedasifherpastwascomingbacktohaunther.Onceuponatime,whoeverhadpaidforherabductionhadwantedherforsomethingterrible,maybeevendeadly.Godforbidiftheywantedheragain,thistimetofinishwhatthey’dstarted.
Mysterypunchedinhersecuritycodetounlockthephone,thenflippedthroughherrecentcalls.She’djustspottedHeath’snumberwhensomeonebeganpoundingonherdoor.
Withashriek,shedroppedthephoneandlurchedbackagainstthewall.“Whoisit?”
Shecursedhertremblingvoice,herracingthoughts.Mayberoomservicehadmerelyarrived.Maybethehotelmanagementintendedtocheckonheraftertheincidentinthelobby.Ormaybesomeonelethalhadcometofinishheroff.
“Openthedamndoor,”amangrowledontheotherside.
Yeah,aftersomepsychohadforcedhiswayintoherroomandleftherathreateningphoto,shewasn’tinclinedtocomply.“Goaway.”
“Likehell.Openup.”
“I’mcallingthepolice,”sheshouted.
“Damnit,Ineedtotalktoyou,Mystery.”
Somethingabouthisvoicecutthroughherpanicandsparkedhermemory.Itwasfamiliar,evokedsafety.Itwasn’tHeath,but . . .
Axel?
Withrelieffloodingthroughherveins,shedartedtothedoorandpeekedthroughthepeephole.Sureenough,therestoodthemountainofamanwho’doncerescuedher.Themanshe’dseducedearlier.Hewouldunderstandthethreatshe’djustreceived.
Withshakinghands,shepresseddownontheleverandopenedthedoor.Thesightofhiminherportal,ahugesentrykeepingoutallthebad,rushedoverher.
Itwasprobablystupid,butshedidn’tcare.Mysterythrewherselfintohisarms.“ThankGodyou’rehere.”
Axelpropelledherbackintotheroom.Thedoorslammedbehindthem.Herearedback,wearingathunderouslyfuriousexpression.
“Whatthefuckkindofgamesareyouplayingwithme,princess?Youdisguiseyourselftoseduceme,tellmeabunchoflies,thenthebedisbarelycoldbeforeyou’regone—”
Shewrenchedfreeandrantothedesk,retrievingthepicture.“Thisjusthappened.”
Whenshethrustitathim,hegrabbeditbutdidn’tlook,justscowled.Shetrembled.Ashestudiedher,hisangermeltedintoconcern.“You’reafraid.Ofme?”
“No,”sheassured.“Lookatthepicture,frontandback.”
Hegrittedhisteethather,thenjerkedhisgazedowntothephotoinhishand.Afteralongstare,heflippeditover.Hisglowerofepicproportionsturnedtoabsoluteice.
“Tellmehowyougotthis,”hedemanded.
Shedrewinashakingbreath,thevoiceinherheadscreamingthatsheneededtokeepherselftogether.“Ileftyourhouseandcamebackhere.Onceinmyroom,Ihoppedintheshower.WhenIgotout,Ifoundthis.”
“You’resureitwasn’therebeforethen?Thatsomeonedidn’tbringitinwhileyouwereoutoftheroom?”
“P-positive,”sheassured.“Myphonewasonthatdesk,soItextedmyfatherbeforetheshowertotellhimIwasallrightandtosleepwell.WhenIcameout,I’dplannedtosendHeathatext—”
“Whoisthat?ThemanIsawonTMZholdingyourhandinthelobby?”
Mysteryrecoiled.Angerseethedfromhimwhenheaskedthequestion.
Sheswallowed.“Yeah.He’smydriverandbodyguard.MyfatherhiredhimshortlyafterwemovedtoLondon.He’sbeenwithmesince.”
“Doeshehaveakeytoyourroom?”
“No.Wedon’thave . . .Imean,he’snot,like,myloverorboyfriendoranything.Hehasnoreason—”
“IfIwereyourbodyguard,Iwouldhaveakeytoyourroom,regardlessofourrelationship—whichwe’regoingtodiscusseventually.Rightnow,weneedtobeclearthatwhoeverleftyouthispictureknowsaboutyourabduction.Maybehewaseveninonit.”
“Orresponsibleforit.I’dalreadythoughtofthat.”
“Haveyouswepttheroom?”
“What?”Mysterydidn’tunderstand,notwithherheartracing,herfearspiking.“Searchedit,youmean?”
Axelnodded.“Didyou?”
“No.”Stupidly,she’dassumedthatwhoeverhadleftherthepicturehadsimplydroppeditoffandstolenoutagain,notwantingtobeseen.Inretrospect,ifsomeoneplottedtoleaveheradeaththreat,theywerelikelyseriousaboutkillingherandmighthavehungaroundtodothejob.
Hisheadsnappedup.Helookedaroundtheroom.“Sitinthatchair.”Hepointedtotheelegantpiecewithcurvedlegs,upholsteredinwhitedamask,untilshefolloweddirections.“Phoneinhand.Dial9-1-1andkeepyourfingerhoveredoverthecallbutton.Ifyouhearorseeanythingoutoftheordinary,hitit.I’llbenearby.”
Mysterydidashedemanded.Herfingershookasshestabbedatthebuttonsonherscreenandwaited.Shefollowedhimwithherstare,feelingsomuchsaferwithhimnear.Axelaloneunderstoodwhereshe’dbeenheld,theharrowingordealofherkidnappingandrescue.Shehadn’thadtoexplainwhythatphotographhadterrifiedherorwhatitmeant.Heknew.
Aroundher,heopenedthecloset,checkedbehindthedrapesbeforehepulledeachoneclosed.Thenhesearchedundereverystickoffurniture,includingthebed—anywhereapersonmightlieinwait.
Finally,heemergedfromthebathroom,itsmirrorstillsteamyfromhershower.“Thecoastisclear.”Hesatontheedgeofthebedanddraggedherchairclosertohim.“Didyoueverfindoutwhopaidforyourabductionandwhy?”
“No.”Sheswallowedhard.“WhenwemovedtoLondon,Ifocusedonputtingitallbehindme.Myfathersworethatwasthebestcourseofaction.Irefusedthetell-allbookandmoviedeals.AlotofconspiracytheoristsandcrackpotswrotemydadandIaboutwhytheythoughtithadhappened.Ireadthefirstfew,but . . .IknowIwasn’tabductedbyaliensorthemafiaorasuper-secretsectofthegovernment.”
“Ofcoursenot,”heagreed,lookingaround.“Youdidn’tknowthisHeathguybeforeyourmovetotheUK?”
“No.He’sformerMI5.He’sagoodguy.Hiswifedied.Um,Ithinkheconsidershimselfanunofficialuncle,ifIhadtoguess.Ifyou’rethinkinghewouldeverhurtme,thenno.”
Axelsatback.“I’mgoingtohaveyouinvolveHeathinwhathappensnextonlybecauseifIdon’t,Isuspectyourfatherwillfreakoutandhoponthenextplanehere.”
He’dfiguredherfatheroutquickly.Despitethegrimsituation,shegavehimafaintsmile.“Tosaytheleast.”
“CallHeath,then.I’mgoingtoreachouttosomepeoplemyself.We’regoingtofigurethisout.Andoncewedo,you’regoingtoanswerawholelotofquestionsaboutwhyyoulied,whyyoufuckedme,andwhyyouleftwithoutaword.”
* * *
RAKINGapalmoverthetopofhisshornhair,Axelpacedtheroom,watchingMysteryhaveatremblingconversationwithHeath.He’dcheckthisguyouthimselfshortlybecauseanyonewhocouldlookatMysteryandfeellikeherunclehadtobedeadbelowthewaist—orlyinglikeamotherfucker.
Despitethedanger,Axel’sdesiretowraphishandinherdarkhairandwatchherhazeleyeswidenjustbeforehecapturedherpartinglipsrodehimhard.Theneedtohavealongtalkwithheraboutthewhysofherseductiontodayandallthereasonshefoundherdeceitunacceptableneedledhim,too.Buthe’dhandlethoseitemsonceshe’dcalmedandhe’densuredhersafety.
Cursing,hepulledhisownphonefromhisbelt,tryingtodecidewhocouldbesthelpwiththissituation.HeneededStone’shackingabilityagain.Butthatwouldonlygethimsofar.TokeepMysterysafe,heneededtofigureoutwhohadabductedheryearsagoandwhy.Hecouldcountononehandthenumberofmenhethoughtcapableofhuntingdownaghostfromsomeone’spast—butatleastheknewthatmany.Oneinparticularjumpedoutathim.
Hehitthecontactbuttonandconnectedthecall.
“Axel?”saidthemanontheotherendwithobvioussurprise.
Yeah,theyhadn’texactlystartedoffasthebestoffriends—accusingtheguyofabductionandrapetendedtomakeoneunpopularwithanewacquaintance—butthey’dcometoanunderstanding.
“Joaquin.Hey.”Hewinced.“I’d,um . . .startwithsomesmalltalkandaskhowyouandBaileyaredoinginLafayetteandhowtheweddingplansarecoming—”
“Butyouneedsomething.”
“Badly.YouwereabletosolveBailey’spastandgettothebottomofthethreatthathungoverherforyears.I’mprotectingawomanwhoneedsthesame.”
“She’sindanger?”
“Imminent.”
“I’lldowhatIcan.”
Axelbreathedasighofrelief.“Ioweyou.”
Joaquinsnorted.“HunterandLoganwillprobablysendyouabill.They’rebeastsontheshootingrangeandintheweightroom.Butholyshit,theyaremeticulousaboutbillablehours.”
Ifthesituationweren’tsodire,Axelmighthavelaughed.He’dbetthattakingoverhisretiredstepfather’ssecurityfirmwithhisnewstepbrothers,bothformerNavySEALs,hadbeeninteresting.
“Whateverittakes,”hefoundhimselfsaying.
Axeldidn’tknowwhyMysteryandhersafetyweresoimportanttohim.Hecouldtellhimselfthathe’dworkedhardtorescueheronceandrefusedtoseeherdienow.Hecouldsaythatshe’dbeenthroughenoughanddidn’tneedtoenduremore.Hemightevenbullshithimselfandclaimhewasonlyhelpingherbecausehedidn’tliketheideaofanywomaninperil.
ButAxelknewitwasbecauseofthissenseofpossessionbrewingdeepinhisgut.Rightnow,shewashis.Hewasn’tdonewithher—notbyalongshot.
“Whatdoyouneed?”Joaquinasked.
Axelfilledthemaninontoday’sincidents.“CanyoupeekintoMysteryMullins’spast?Seeifyoucanfindanyonewhomighthavewantedtoharmherthenornow.Idon’thavealottogoon.”
“Fairenough,”Joaquinshotback.“I’llstartdigging.Youinvolvingthepolice?”
“Idon’tthinkthere’sawayaroundit,buttheywon’tinvestigatethereasonbehindtonight’sincident.They’lltreatitasasimpleBandEandmoveon.”
“Yep.I’llletyouknowwhenI’vegotsomething.”
“Thanksabunch.I’m,um . . .sorryIaccusedyouofhurtingBaileywhenwemet.”
“Iwasanassholeandprobablydeservedit.”
Theylaughed,andAxelhungup.
Hehadonemorepersontophone,butMystery’sdriver/bodyguardwrappedherinhisarms.Axelwatched,notatallhappy.ShemightbelieveHeathsawherashissweetsurrogateniece.Axelsnorted.Nochanceinhell.
Sheintroducedthem,andtheysizedoneanotherupwithawaryhandshake.
Finally,HeathturnedtoMystery.“You’renothurt?”
“No,”sheassured.“Scared,butwhoeveritwashadcomeandgonebeforeIevenknewthey’dbeenhere.”
“Whendidyouarriveonthescene?”Heathgrilledhim,hisproperBritishaccentunmistakable.
Axeldidn’tliketheman’sintimation.“Ifyou’reaskingwhetherIleftthisphotoinherroomtoupsetherenoughtosendherintomyarms,theanswerisno.Irescuedherfromthatabductionyearsago.Untilearliertoday,Ihadn’tseenhersincethen.Butdidn’tyoudriveherherefrommyhouse?Haven’tyoubeenjustdownthehallallthistime?Youhaveakeytoherroom,I’llbet.”
Heathbristled.“Yes,IdroveherhereandI’vebeendownthehall.AndIdohaveakey.It’smyjobtowatchoverher.WhywouldItrytofrightenherthisway?”
Axelshrugged.“Jobsecurity.Aslongasshethinksyou’renecessary,Mr.Mullinswillkeepsigningyourpaychecks.”
OrmorelikelythestiffBritjustwantedtofuckher.Heunderstoodthatneedcompletely.
“Axel . . .”Shesighed,thenturnedtotheotherman.“Heath.Thisissilly.Irefusetobelieveeitherofyouhadanythingtodowiththis.”
“I’mmerelypointingoutthathehadopportunityandmotive.”Axelstaredattheotherman.
Heathcrossedhisarmsoverhischest.“Isuspectyouhadopportunityaswell,sinceyou‘happened’toarrivejustaftershefoundthisphotoinherroom.Idon’tknowyourmotiveyet.Maybeyouwereangrythatsheleftyourhousequitesuddenlytoday?”
“Stopit,bothofyou,”Mysteryinsisted.“Honestly,wouldn’titbemoreproductivetolookfortherealperpetratorinsteadofyoutwocirclingoneanotherlikerabiddogs?”
AsmuchasAxel’stemperdidn’tlikeit,hisheadknewshehadapoint.“Allright.Sinceherkidnappingisunsolved,we’llhavetoworkthatangleseparately.Fornow,weneedtocontactthehotel’ssecurityandseeiftheycanfindthevideosurveillancefromthestairwells,elevators,andhallwaysleadingtoMystery’sdoor.”
“Agreed.I’dlikethemtotelluswhosekeycardwasusedtoaccesstheroom.”
“Absolutely.”AxelnoddedandturnedtoMystery.“Ifyou’reeverinahotelroomaloneagain . . .”Notthatshewouldbefortheforeseeablefuture.“Alwaysthrowthedeadbolthome.Youneverknowhowgoodahotel’ssecurityisorthecharacterofthepeopleontheirstaffwhohaveamasterkeytoalltherooms.”
Heathcuppedhershoulder.“He’sright.Youmustbecareful,sweetheart.”
Thesightofhimtouchingher,evencasually,rubbedAxelthewrongway.Ittookeverythinghehadnottobeafidiotcavemanandthreatentoriptheman’shandsoff.
“Iknow,”shemurmured.“Iforgot.Iwas . . .distracted.Ifeelsostupidnow.”
“Never.”Heathsentherasearchingsmile.“Whydon’tyousitagain?I’llcallhotelsecurity.”
“DoyouthinkifIwaituntilmorningtocallmyfather—”
“He’llhearaboutitbeforethen,”Heathtoldher.
Shesighedagain.“Right.I’llhandleit.”
Theothertwobothmadetheirrespectivecalls.AxelwatchedHeathwarily.Hedidn’ttrusttheguy.Ormaybehejustdidn’tliketheideathatanothergrown,heterosexualmangottospendsomuchtimealonewithMystery.Axeldoubtedthey’dslepttogether.ButmaybethatuglytruthjustpissedHeathoff.
Axelalsowonderedwhyitmatteredsomuch.Thismorning,Mysteryhadn’tbeenonhisradar.Well . . .much.Now,hedidn’twantanyotherman’shandsonher.
Filingthattruthawayassomethingtoexplorelater,hemadehiswaytoaquietcorneroftheroomandscrolledthroughtherecentcallsonhisphoneagainandhitStone’snumberoncemore.
“Twiceinoneday?”Stoneasked.“Can’tgetenoughofme?”
“Maybeyoushouldgiveuphackingandgointostand-upifyou’resofuckingfunny.”
Stonelaughed.“No,I’dsuckatit.Butyougiveasgoodasyouget.Ilikethat.What’sup?”
“Ineedmoreinformation.”
“SinceI’vealreadygotadatetomeetthegirlI’minterestedin,I’mnotsurewhatmoreyoucanofferme.”
Axeldidn’thesitate.“I’mherprotector.Shedoesn’tsayshittoanyonewithoutmypermission.Ifyouwantconversation,Isuggestyouhelpme.”
“You’reaslybastard,”Stonegroused.
“What’sitgoingtobe?”
Stonecursed.“Tellmewhatyouneed.”
Axelsmiledintothephone.“Thehotelwediscussedearlier?Ineedtoseeifyoucanhackintotheirsecuritysystems.Ineedcamerafootageofthetopfloor,leadingtotheroomnumberyougaveme.Ialsoneedtoseeifyoucangivemealistofeveryonewhosekeycardaccessedthedoortoherroom.We’reaskinghotelsecurityforthesesamerecords,butifsomeoneonstaffisinvolved,theycouldeasilytamperwiththeevidence.”
“Nosweat.Givemeafewhours.Itmaynottakethatlong.ButI’llgiveyousomeanswers.”
“Thanks.”
“Hopefully,SweetPeawillthankmeonyourbehalf,”Stonesaidsuggestively.
Axelrolledhiseyes,andherealizedthathedidn’tmindanothermantouchingthewomanhe’dsharedscenesandsexwithforthelasttwoyears.Acrosstheroom,HeathhadhisarmaroundMystery,thewomanhe’dtakentobedexactlyonce,andAxelfeltmurderous.
Heneededtogetafuckinggrip.
“Don’tholdyourbreath.Trustdoesn’tcomeeasyforSweetPea.She’sakindsoulandshe’llbepoliteashell.Iwouldn’texpectmorethanthatfornow.”
“Youcontrolwhofucksher,too?”
Axeldidn’tthinkMistyhadbeentobedwithanyoneelsesincethey’dsettledintotheirarrangement,buthecouldbewrong.Anditwouldn’tbotherhim.Aslongasshefoundsomeonegoodtoher,hewascool.“I’mnotherpimp,asshole.Ilookoutforher.”
“Idon’tthinkthat’sallyoudotoher,butI’llputalidonit,getyouananswer,andcallbacksoon.”Stonehungup.
Prick.
AxelwatchedacrosstheroomasHeathcaressedMystery’sback.She’dgrowntenseasshetalkedintothephone.Shewinced,shookherhead,andlookedlikeshefoughtbacktears.Axelapproachedthetwo.
“Daddy,no.I’mfine,”sheassured.“BetweenAxelandHeath,I’mperfectlysafe.We’llfigurethisout.IneedtoseeAuntGail.IkeeppromisingherI’llcomegetsomeofthesethingsMomleftforme,andI . . .justhaven’twantedtodealwithit.She’sgoingonamissiontripinafewdays,soit’snowornever.Besides,noneofuseverknowshowlongwehaveleft,andit’sbeentoomanyyearssinceIspenttimewithher.I’llbehomesoon.”
ThatperkedAxelup.HerememberedfromMystery’sbioinformationthathermother’ssister,Gail,wasaspinsterwholivedinruralKansas.WasthatthereasonMysteryhadcometotheStatesinthefirstplace?Ifso,whyhadshestoppedtospendanightortwoinDallas?
Heathgaveheronemorecomfortingpat,thensaunteredhisway.“Italkedtothehotel’ssecuritydirector.Hesaidhe’llhavethevideofeedandkeycardrecordsforusbymorning.”
“Morning?Iwasthinkingmorelikeanhourortwo.”
“Iwas,aswell,”Heathadmitted.“Unfortunately,hesaysallthoserecordsarekeptatafacilityoff-site,andthey’recloseduntiltomorrow.”
Well,Stonewouldhaveanswersmuchfaster.Maybehe’dtellHeaththatlater.Butuntilhetrustedtheguy,Axelrefusedtodivulgemuch.
“Sowe’llworkarounditfornow.Didyoucallthepolice?”
“Hotelsecuritysaidtheywould.Theyhaveaprotocolforthesethings.”Heathclearlydidn’tlikethebureaucracy.
Axelsecondedthat.“Wedon’tneedtheredtape.”
“Exactly.ButIsuspectit’sadeadend,anyway.Thepolicewon’tknowwholeftherthatpicture,andeveniftheycouldfigureouttheperpetrator’sidentity,I’msureitwouldbeagreedymaidorahiredthug.”
Maybe.Butsomeonefarmorenefarioushadgiventheintruderthatpicture.
Axelpaced.Joaquincouldn’tgettothebottomofMystery’spastsoonenough.Hehadtostartfiguringoutwhowantedtohurtherandwhy.
“Youknow,whoeverleftthispictureforhertonight . . .what’sthemotive?Whyremindherofherabductionafteralltheseyears?Whynow?Whatsetthispersonoff?”Heathasked.
Goodquestion.“Well,judgingfromthemessageontheback,thispersondoesn’twantheronU.S.soil.She’ssupposedlysaferbackintheUK.Hassheencounteredanythreatthere?”
“No.”ThenHeathreconsidered.“Well,someonebrokeintotheirLondonflatnotlongaftertheymovedin,probablyfiveyearsago.Itwastrashed.SomeofMystery’sjewelrywastaken.ButIthinkweweredealingwithapettythief,notthesortofanimalwhowouldthreatenthelifeofayoungwoman.”
Hedidn’thaveenoughfactstosayforcertain.Axelfiledthatincidentawayandmovedforward.“WhoknewsheintendedtoflytotheStates,besidesyouandherfather?”
Heathrolledhiseyes.“EveryonewhoreadsherTwitterfeed.I’veadvisedhertodeactivateit,butsheinsistsit’soneofthewaysshekeepsintouchwithfansandfriends.”
“SheputonherTwitterthatshewascomingtoDallas?”
“Notprecisely.Look.”HeathpulledouthisphoneandlaunchedTwitter.“Thisisherfeedforthelastweek.Fourdaysago,shepostedapictureofhersuitcase.”
Axelreadthecaptionthatsaidshewasexcitedshe’dbevisitingherauntsoon.“Shit.”
HeathscrolledandcametoanotherpictureofaplateofMexicanfoodpostedtwodaysago.Theaccompanyingverbiageindicatedshewassohappytobegettingsomeofthecheesy-gooeygoodness,whichwashardtofindinLondon.Thepictureseemedharmlessenough,butthemenuwiththerestaurant’snameandlocationstooduponthetableinthebackground.
Helookedupattheothermanwithaccusingeyes.“Whyaren’tyoupreventingherfrompostingthis?”
“I’vetried.”Heathwinced.“Icansuggestallthereasonsit’saterribleidea,butI’mnotherfather,andhehasn’tseenfittoforbidhertousesocialmedia.Heclaimsit’sgoodforhercareer,thatsheneedstobevisible.”
“Notifit’sgoingtogetherkilled,”Axelgrumbled.
“That’swhereIcomein.I’msimplysupposedtobemorevigilant,yousee,”hesaidwryly.“Perhapsafterthisincident,he’llgraspthescopeofthedanger.”
Heathscrolledagain,revealingthenextpost.Nopicture,justonehundredfortycharactersorlessexplainingthatshewascurledupinherhotelroomandlookingforwardtoreceivingsomenewpersonaleffectsofhermother’s.
Whenhewouldhavescrolledagain,AxelgrabbedHeath’swrist.“Wait.Readthatagain.”
Theothermandidandshrugged.
“Doessheoftenpostthingsabouthermother?”Axelasked.
“No . . .but,ofcourse,ittendstocrosshermindmoreasweapproachMaytwelfth.”
Theanniversaryofhermother’sdeath.Lessthanaweekaway.“That’snatural.I’mwonderingifthathasanythingtodowiththereasonMysteryhasbeentargeted.Afterall,it’sanunsolvedcase.”
“I’velookedintoitextensively.Personally,IthinkJuliaMullinswasintentionallypushedoffthatmountain.PerhapsI’mwrong,but—”
“Idon’tthinkso.I’vethoughtit,too,”Axelsaid.“JustlikeI’veconsideredthatMystery’skidnappingmighthavesomethingtodowithhermother’smurder.Imightbewrong,andprovingitwouldbealongshot,butnootherviolencehasbefallenthefamily.IknowMullinsbelievestheabductionhadsomethingtodowithhiscelebrity,butwhydidn’tsomeonesendhimaransomdemandwhenMysterywasheldcaptive?”
“Orflashthispicturetotheworldtoshowoffwhatthey’ddoneiftheyweresobloodyproudoftheir‘accomplishment’?”
Axelnodded.“Whoevertookherprisonerhasbeendamnquiettheselastsixandahalfyears.”
“Precisely.”
“Sowhywouldthisdouchesuddenlystartmakingnoiseagain?WhatelseisonherTwitterfeed?”
“Verylittle.”Heathscrolledandpausedoveranotherpicture,thisoneoftheDallasskyline,probablyfromherhotelroom.She’dposteditthismorning.“Bloodyhell.Ihadn’tseenthisyet.”
“Shemightaswelldraweveryoneafuckingmapandtellthemhowtofindher.”Axelshookhishead.
“IfIweren’tagentleman,thethingsIwouldsayanddo . . .”
Yep.Sheneededadamngoodspanking,andwhenshewasn’tsoupsetandscared,Axelintendedtogiveittoherandmakeitclearthat,untilthey’dsolvedthisshit,hersocialmediawasofflimits.
“Assumingthepolicewillfindnothingaboutwhobrokeintoherroom—whichiswhatI’manticipating—whatareournextsteps?”Heathasked.
Axeldidn’treallylikehisattentiontoMystery,buthealsocouldn’tdisagreewiththewaythemanthought.“Shecan’tstayheretonight.”
“Ofcoursenot.Everyoneknowswheretofindher.”
“I’llbetyouhaven’tseenalltheshitonTMZyet,either.”
Heathjustclosedhiseyesandshookhishead.“Well,pardonmyFrench,butwhatafuckingdebacle.AndifIcan’tkeephersafe,herfatherwillhavemyballs.”
“Mullinsisintense,forsure,especiallywherehisdaughterisconcerned.IknowwherewecanhideMysteryforafewdayswhilewefigureoutwhat’sgoingonandhowtostopit.”
“ButAuntGailisexpectingmetomorrow,”Mysterycutin,clearlyfinishedtalkingtoherfather.“She’sleavingonthatmissiontriptoIndonesiaonSaturday.Ican’tmissseeingher.I’dlikethatstuffmymomleftforme,andIdon’tknowwhenI’llbebackinthecountry.”
“Idon’tthinkajaunttoKansaswise,”Heathbegan.“YoucanvisitherwhenshereturnsfromIndonesia.Butgohomenow.”
Axelsnorted.“He’sbeingpolite.Atthispoint,you’vetoldeveryone—includingthepeoplecomingafteryou—thatyou’replanningtovisither.GothefuckbacktoLondon.”
“You’reassumingthesepeoplereadmyTwitterfeed,”sheprotested.“Ionlyhavefiftythousandfollowers.Maybewhoeveristhreateningmefoundoutsomeother—”
“That’sfiftythousandpotentialwhack-jobsyou’retellingwhatyou’redoingandwhereyou’regoing.Haveyouputthisinformationanywhereelse?”
“EverythingIposttoTwitterloadstoFacebook.IalsohaveanInstagramaccount.Idon’tuseitmuch.”
“Shuttlethemall,”Axeldemanded.
Instantly,shebalked.“Ihaveabookreleasinginsixweeks.Iusemysocialmediaaccountstopromote—”
“Youwon’tbedoingthatifyou’renotalivetousethem,Mystery.”
“Wait.Perhapsweshouldn’tchangeherpatternssoabruptly,”Heathsuggested.“Ifshesuddenlycloseseverythingdown,notonlydowealertthisbastardthatwe’reontohim,butwealsoloseourmeansofcommunicatinganymessagethatmighthelpus.”
Axelopenedhismouthtoargue,thenshutit.“You’reright.Weshouldbeusingtheaccountstomisdirectthisassholeandtaketheheatoffher.”
“Precisely.”Heathnodded.
“Ilikethatidea,”Axeladmitted.“Postnowthatyou’vehadachangeofplansandyou’llbereturningtoLondontomorrow.”
“Butmyaunt—”
“Youcancallherandtellherprivatelythatyou’restillcoming.”Heheldupahandtowardoffherprotest.“Buttotherestoftheworld,you’vehadagreatifshortvisit,butyouneedtogethome.”
Heathshookhishead.“PeoplewillseeherattheairporttomorrowifsheboardsaflightnotheadingtoLondon.Andit’snotasifshe’sgoingtoNewYorkorChicago,whereshemightbecatchingaflighttotheUKfromthere.”
“Goodpoint.CanyoucancelherKansasCityflight?”Axelaskedtheotherman.
“Onit.”HetookhisphonebackfromAxel’sgrip.
Mysteryputahandonherhip.“SohowarewegettingtoAuntGail’s?”
“Normally,I’dsaywecoulddrive,butit’snotasifyoucanstopatMcDonald’sforarestroombreakandlunchwithoutpotentiallybeingspotted,”Axelpointedout.
Heathmutedhisphone.“Privatecharter.”
AxelpointedattheBrit.“That’stheticket.”
“I’llfindoneforthetwoofusassoonasIfinishwiththeairline,”herbodyguardsupplied.
“Iknowwhocanarrangeone.”Thorpecouldgetanythinghandled.AndasfarasAxelwasconcerned,thesmallerthepapertrailthatledbacktoMystery,thebetter.“Andallthreeofusaregoing.”
“No.”Heathlookeddecidedlypissedoffatthatsuggestion.
Toofuckingbad.
Axelcrossedhisarmsoverhischest.“I’veevadedthissonofabitchbefore.Iknowmoreabouthowhethinks.Ifweplaythisright,Imightevenbeabletofigureoutwhathewants.SoIshouldstaywithher.”
Heathhesitated,thenlookedatMystery.“Sweetheart?”
Shebitherlip,indecisionalloverherface.Likely,shewasweighinghersenseofpersonalsafetywhenshehadhimnearbyversusthetongue-lashingheintendedtogiveherassoonastheywerealone.
Asshestrolledintothenearbybathroom,sheflippedonalight,thenreachedforalittleelasticband.Shegatheredherdamphairoverhershoulderandreturned,braidingthemass.Axelwatchedinfascinationashernimblefingersworkedatthetressescoveringherneck,fallingsoftlyoverherbreast,hangingaroundherwaist.Heimaginedthatsleek,softmassallaroundhim,caressinghisskin,asshestraddledhimandrodehiscock.Orhimgatheringallthosestrandsinhisfistashetookherfrombehind,herassdeliciouslypinkfromtheslapofhisbarepalmoverandover . . .
“Isthatokay?”sheasked.
Fuck,whatwasthequestion?He’dbeenfantasizingaboutherandmissedeverywordshe’dsaid.“Repeatthat.”
Mysteryloosedafrustratedsigh.“Isaidmyfatherindicatedhe’dfeelbetterifyoucouldstayclosetome.”Shehesitated,andhercheeksflushed.“I’dlikeit,too.”
Giventhewayshe’dlefthishouseasifherasswereonfire,thatsurprisedAxelalittle.Buthe’dprovenoncethathecouldkeephersafe.Sheknewhecould,andthatwasapointinhisfavornow.Ifthatfactgavehimopportunitytospendtimewithher?Done.
“ThenI’llbecomingwithyou.NowposttoyourTwitterthatyou’reflyingbacktoLondonASAP.”
Mysteryreachedforherphoneandtappedoutaquickpost.“Allright.Idid.”
Shenosoonerspokethewordswhensomeoneknockedonthedoor.Automatically,Axelshovedherbehindhim.Heathwaiteduntilshewasoutofsightbeforeheapproachedthedoorandpeekedthroughthehole.
“Thepolice,”hemuttered.
“Letthemin,”Axelreplied.
Heathdid,alongwiththehotel’ssecuritydirector.Roomservicerolledup,too,clearlyneverhavingreceivedthememothatshithadgonedown.
Thenexthourwasfilledwithquestionsaboutwhatshe’dseenorheard.Afteragrillingfromthecopsandthesecuritydirector,theyallleft,promisingtofollowup.Thehotel’smanageralsostoppedinandofferedMysteryadifferentsuite.
“Thatwouldbegreat,”Axelanswered,sendingthemaninhisshinygraysuitandwingtipsawaytomakethearrangements.
AssoonasHeathclosedthedoorafterthemall,hestaredatAxel.“Haveyougonemental?Weagreedshecan’tstayhere.”
“Ofcourseshecan’t.”Axelnodded.“Butuntilweknowifsomeoneassociatedwiththehotelishelpingtheenemy,it’sinherbestinteresttokeeptheemployeeshereguessing.”
“True.”ButHeathdidn’tlookasifhelikedit.
“Packupyourthings,princess.Bereadysoon.We’llconcoctastory,thengetyouout.Irodemymotorcyclehere,andwecan’tallleaveonthat.They’llbewatchingforyourtowncar.Ataxiwillbetooeasytotrace . . .”Axelranthroughthepossibilities.HowcouldhegetMysteryoutofthehotelwithnoonethewiser?
“Whataboutmybags?Ican’tleavethemhere.Ihavesomejewelryofmymother’s.Someofherpicturesand—”
“Okay.I’llthinkofawaytosneakthebagsout,too.Justgivemesometimetoworkonaplan.Youshouldprobablypackup,too,”hetoldHeath.“We’llneedtobereadytopulloutatamoment’snotice.”
Heathhesitated,clearlynotlikingAxel’ssuggestion,howeverrational.
“I’llreturninfive,”hefinallysaid,shuttingthedoorbehindhim,leavingAxelandMysteryalone.ChapterNine
FORalongmoment,silenceprevailedinthecozyhotelsuite.
“Thanksforsteppingintohelp,”Mysteryfinallyoffered.“Youdidn’thaveto,but—”
“You’rewelcome.Nowexplainwhathappenedbetweenusthisafternoon.”
Shedidn’teventrytomisunderstand,justgrimaced.“Itrickedyouintobed.Iknowyoumustbeangry.”
Mysterylookedgenuinelycontrite.Andsobeautiful,Axelgrittedhisteeth.Hewasprettydamnsureshewasn’twearingabra,andthewholetimeHeathandthepolicehadbeenhere,everymaleintheroomseemedtobesneakingapeekatthelushmoundsofherbreasts,barelyconcealedbythepinkfloweryfabric.
“Confused,”headmitted,prowlingclosertoher.Ifheonlyhadfiveminutestofigurethisoutbeforeherbodyguardreturned,hewantedtogetafewthingsstraight.“Whydidyouleavewithoutsayinggood-bye?”
Shecrossedherarmsoverherchest.“Ifiguredyouweredonewithme.Whylingerandmakethingsawkward?Especiallywhenyouweren’tsupposedtoknowIwasthewomaninyourbed.”
“Ever?Becauseofourpast?Orbecause,inyourhead,thetrailerparkguyisonlygoodforsomeafternoondelight?”
Mysteryblinkedbackinhorror,franticallyshakingherhead.“No.Ohmigod,that’snotit!You’dturnedmedownonce.Yourfirstrejectioncrushedme.Icouldn’tgiveyouthechancetoturnmedownagain.IfyourefusedwhoeverI’ddisguisedmyselfas . . .”Sheshrugged.“IguessIthoughtitwouldn’thurtasmuch.AndIcringedatthethoughtthat,ifyouknewIstillwantedyou,you’dlaughorthinkIwaspatheticor—”
Axelcuppedherface,gatheredhercloser,andcutheroffwithascorchingkiss.Heseizedherlipsandlaythemunderhisownbeforehespreadthemwideanddovein.Shewassafeandwarmandaliveinhisarms.Shewantedhimanddidn’tseemtogiveashitthathe’dgrownupahickfromthesticks.Anddamn,shefeltsofuckinggood.
Instantly,Mysterystiffened,draggedinabreath.Hebracedforhertopushhimaway.Instead,shelatchedontohisshoulders,fingersdiggingintohisflesh,andlashedhistonguewithherown.
Electricityrolleduphisspine,shotdownthroughhisveins.Sherevvedhissystemlikenothinghe’deverexperienced.Morethanshehadevenafewhoursago.Anddamnfarmorethanshehadsixandahalfyearsago.He’dbeenharshwithherthen,knowinghecouldn’ttakesexualadvantageofatraumatizedyoungwoman,evenifhe’dfoundherattractiveashell.Norhadhewantedtobetrayherfather’strustorcloudhisheadwhiletheywerepotentiallystillindanger
Now?Maybeheshouldleaveheralone,butfuckholdingback.Hewantedher.
Forthelasthalfdozencrappyyears,he’dlookedforsomethingmoreinhislife,someonetofilltheoddvoidhehadn’tunderstood.WithMysterypressedagainsthim,hetotallyunderstoodwhathe’dbeenmissing.
Shemoanedintotheirkissandallbutclimbeduphisbodytogetcloser.
Axelgrowledandgrabbedherlushassinbothpalms,allbutliftingheragainsthisachingcock.“AmIlaughing?DoesthisfeellikeIthinkyou’repathetic?”
“No,”shewhispered,hergazemeldedwithhisown.
“No,”heconfirmed.“Whenyouleftmyhouse,Iwasn’tdonewithyou.”
Mysteryswallowedhard.“AndnowthatyouknowIwasthegirlyousleptwithearlier?”
“Idon’trememberalotofsleeping,princess.ButI’mthinkingweshoulddoitagain,justtomakesureIrememberright.”
Shesenthimarelievedsmile,coupledwithalittlelaugh.“I’dlikethat.Butwithsomuchhappeningnow . . .”
“I’llhandleit.”Hekissedhiswayupherneck,revelinginhersoftskin,hercleansoapy-vanillascent,thelittlelovebitehe’dleftonherneck.Heachedtoleavethemonherbreasts,hips,thighs,smoothpussy.“Butdon’tyoudoubtthatIintendtogetyounakedandundermeagain.”
Herbreathhitched.“Please.”
Axelcouldn’tstanditanothermoment;hehadtotouchher.Hecaressedhiswaydownhershoulder,thenskatedhispalmtowardherbreast,cuppingthemoundcoveredonlybythincotton.Hernippletightened.
Hebrushedhisthumboverthesensitivepeak,hiswholebodytensingwithneedwhenithardenedevenmore.“Iwantthisinmymouth.”
Withalittlemoan,sheslidherheadback,asifgrantinghimaccesstoherneck,herchest.Hell,givingherwholebodytohim.Shewasthemostgorgeouscreature.He’dtriedlikehellnottonoticeitwhenhe’drescuedherfromDeathValley.She’dstilllookedabitlikeagirlthen.Nowthatshewasclearlyallwoman . . .Jesus,thisneedwasevisceratinghisrestraint.
“Axel,”shepleaded.
“Wedon’thavetimenow,damnit.Butsoon,”hemuttered,hisvoicethick.“Ijustneedtoknowonemorething . . .”
Heshouldn’tdothisnow,notwithHeathreturningsoon.ButAxelintendedtotakeeveryopportunitypossibletotouchMystery.Sohedroppedhishanddownherbodyagain,glidinghispalmoverthecurveofherhipuntilhereachedthehemofhershortnightgown.Tuckinghisfingersunderthefrillytrim,heskatedhisknuckleupthesoftskinofherthighuntilhereachedherpussyandburrowedbetweenherfolds.Sweet,bare,andsodamnwetforhim.
Axelletoutalowgroan.“Ican’twaittogetthisoffyouandshovemyachingcockintoyouagain . . .”
Aclinkingnoiseatthedooralertedhimthattheywouldn’tbealoneforlong.Withafrustratedcurse,Axelpulledhisfingersawayfromhercunt.Afterthesoundofaretractingdoorhandle,Heathbargedinsideandlookedatthemasifheknewexactlywhathadbeengoingon.
Someonegetthegeniusaprize.
“Nowthateveryoneisgone,weshoulddiscussourexitstrategy,”Heathsaid,nottakinghiseyesoffthetwoofthem.
Axelcouldn’tseemtostophimselffromwrappinganarmaroundherwaist.Heathglaredhisway.
“Onthewayout,we’lltellthehotelmanagerwe’vehadachangeofheartaboutthatsuite,andMysterywillbeflyingbacktoLondonrightaway.It’sthesamestorywe’refloatingonTwitter,”Axelpointedout.“Ifwhoeveristhreateningherthinksthey’vewonfornow,itshouldbuyussometimetogethertosafety.”Andfigureoutwhothefuckkeptrippinghersenseofsecuritytoshreds.“I’llwalkthetwoofyoutotheparkinggaragewithyourluggage,thenyou’llfollowme.I’llbeonmybike.Ihavealocationinmind.Ifsomeonetriestofollowyou,we’lldoourbesttolosethem.”
Heathdidn’tlookasifhelikedtheplan—ormaybejustAxel—butheconceded.“Youliveinthiscityandknowitbetter,soI’llletyouleadonthis.Howlong?”
“Canweheadoutinten?”
Heathnodded.Thegrayjustbeginningtolacehisdarkhair,alongwiththeimpeccabledarksuit,madehimlooksomewherebetweendistinguishedanddangerous.Afteranhourortwowithhim,AxelwantedtobelievethemanhadMystery’sbestinterestsatheart.ButhewasprettysureHeath’sconceptofheridealfuturedidn’tincludeAxelatall.
“Great.”Still,hehedgedhisbets.“Ifyoudon’tstaywiththeplan,ifyouputherinanysortofdanger,therewon’tbeaholesmallenoughforyoutoclimbin.Iwillfindyou.AndIwillkillyou.”
* * *
AFTERwalkingMysteryandHeathtotheparkinggarage,Axelhoppedonhisbikeandwaitedonthesidestreetforherbodyguardtobringthecararound.TheBritbetternotstabhimintheback.Thewarninghe’dgiveninthesuitemighthavebeenoverkill,buthe’dbetitwaseffective.
HepluckedhisphonefromhispocketandtextedStone,advisingthatifhewantedtomeetSweetPea,ithadtobetonightandtogethisassmovingsincethedrivewouldtakeaboutfivehours.Themanrepliedwithaquickaffirmative.
ThenAxelsighed.Hehadtomakeacallhereallydidn’twantto,buthedidn’tseeawayaroundit.
MitchellThorpe,ClubDominion’sowner,answeredonthethirdring.“Whatpartof‘adayoff’isn’tcomputingforyou?”
“Prettymuchallofit.I’vegota . . .situation.Ineedyourhelp.”
Thorpesoberedinstantly.“What’sup?”
AxelexplainedMystery’sdanger,thenhesitated.“Iwanttobringhertotheclub,tokeephersafeuntilwegethertoheraunt’shouse.”
“Islettinghervisitthewomanatallwise?”
“No,butshewon’tbetalkedoutofit.She’sarguedwithherfather,Heath,andme.Apparently,shepromisedthewoman,andIgetthat.Idon’tloveMystery’sinsistence,butit’snotmydecisiontomake.”Yet.
“She’sagrownwoman,andyoucanonlydirecthersomuch.Iknowsomeoneelseverymuchlikethat.Yes,I’mtalkingtoyou,pet.”ThorpeobviouslyteasedCallie.Shewastheonlyonehespoketointhatvoicefilledwithlove,affection,andpride.
“Theyarealotalike.They’redefinitelybothsurvivors.IknowwithCallie’spregnancyyouprobablydon’twantmetobringdangertoyourdoor.Butit’sthesafestplaceIcanthinkofforMysteryuntilwearrangeachartertotakehertoKansastomorrow.”
Thorpepaused.“I’mnotthrilled,butyou’rerightthatMs.Mullinscan’tstayatthehotel.I’llmakesureSeantakesourgirlhomeandawayfromanypotentialthreat.”
“Thanks.Iappreciateit.”
“YouhelpedmealotwithSeanandCallie.Ioweyou.”
Axelhadn’tdonemuchmorethantrackdowntheformerfed’splaceandthreatentobeattheshitoutofhimwhenThorpehadbelievedSeanwasathreattoCallie,butiftheclubownerwantedtoconsiderthiscallinginafavor,fine.“Weshouldbethereinlessthanthirtyminutes.”
“Good.I’llgeteverythingheremovingaccordingly.Haveanyofyouhaddinner?”
Mysteryhadnevergottentoeatherroomservicewiththepoliceandhotelsecuritycrawlingeverywhere.Axelhadn’teventhoughtoffood.“No.”
“I’llaskCallietoordersomethinggoodbeforesheleaves.”Thorpehesitated.“DoesMs.Mullinsknowwhereyou’rebringingher?”
“Ihaven’tmentionedit.”HeshouldprobablytellhershewouldbestayinginanactiveBDSMclubwhere,almosteverynight,Domsandsubspushedthemselvestotheirmental,physical,andemotionallimits.Buthelackedtheprivacytohaveapersonalconversationwithhernow.Besides,theperversesideofhimwantedtoseeherundoctoredreactiontoClubDominion.Heachedtoknownowifshecouldfitintohislife.
Then,maybe,hecouldtrytofigureoutifhefitintohers,becauserightnow,trailerparkupbringingandall,hedidn’tseehimselflettinghergo.
* * *
BESIDEMystery,HeathremainedquietastheyraceddowndarkDallassidestreets,windingtheirwaytowardtheirdestination.
“Doyouknowwherewe’regoing?”sheasked.
Heath’smouthtightened.“Idon’t.”
Andhedidn’tlikeit.Thatwentwithoutsaying.She’dsensedthetensionbetweenthetwomen,anditworriedher.Theyweresupposedtobeonthesameteam,wantingthesameoutcome.Whywouldn’ttheygetalong?
“He’sactuallyareallywonderfulguy,”shebegan.
“Pardonme,butfromwhereI’mstanding,hewaspaidhandsomelytorescueyou,thenabandonedyoutheminuteyoureachedsafety.Hedidn’tcallyoutofollowuporcheckintofindoutifyouwereallright,didhe?”
“No,but—”
“Heearnedhispaycheck.Nothingmore.Heclearlydidn’tcareawhitaboutyou.Ifhehad,hewouldneverhaveturnedhisbackonyouafterthatterribleabduction.”
“Ipropositionedhimbeforewewererescued.”Shefeltheatflareacrosshercheeks.“Heturnedmedownflat.”
Heathgrippedthesteeringwheeluntilhisknucklesturnedwhite.“Youwerebarelymorethanachildandhadbeenthroughaterribleordeal.Iwouldhopehewasagentlemanandrefused.Butthefactthatyoufelttheneedtodisguiseyourselfsoutterlyinordertopersuadehimtoappreciateyourbeauty,insideandout,chafesme.Andyou’recontinuingtolethimtouchyou,eventhoughyouhadtodeceivehimtocatchhisattention.Hedoesn’twantyouforyou,sweetheart.Idon’tknowwhathewantsprecisely.Moremoneyprobably,andIcan’t—”
“Disguisingmyselfwasmychoice.Themomentherealizedwhohe’dspenttheafternoonwith,hecametofindme.Hehasn’tleftmysidesince,”sheargued.
Butdeepdown,shewonderedifHeathwasright.NotaboutAxelwantingmoney,butabouthimnotwantingtherealher.Maybehe’djustenjoyedtheirfuckandwantedanother.
“Watchyourselfwithhim.Ibelievehe’llkeepyouphysicallysafe.Emotionally . . .Iworry.Ithinkhe’saplayer.”
Mysterydidn’thaveacomeback.She’dhadAxelalltoherselfinthedesertyearsago.They’dbeenblessedlyalonetogetherathishouse.Shedidn’tknoweverythingaboutAxelandhislife.They’dhadabsolutelyspectacularsex—fireworks,ballads—theworks.Shewasn’treadytolethimgo.Ofcourse,whenshe’dseducedhim,shehadn’tbeenthinkingofafuturewithhim,butratherafullonewithouthim.Now,herheartfelttangledinhim,fullofhim.Theydidn’tevenliveinthesamecountry,andshewassoundingcrazy.Butshewasn’tsurehowshe’dlivetherestofherlifewithouthim.
Theypulledupinfrontofanindustrialbuildingwithawell-litparkinglotandabrightlycoloreddoor.Axelparkedhisbikeandtookoffhishelmet,stowingitonapeg,thencomingtowardher.
Hehelpedherfromthecar.“ThisiswhereIwork.”
“ClubDominion?”sheasked,shuttingthedoorbehindher.She’dlearnedabouthisjobfromtheprivateinvestigator.Sheknewwhatsortofclubthiswas.Herstomachknotted.
Heathsteppedoutontheothersideofthecar.
“Youknew?”Axelasked,clearlysurprised.
“Ihiredsomeonetofindoutwhereyouwereandwhatyouweredoingthesedays,yes.”Shenodded.
Hecockedhishead.“You’reresourcefulandastepaheadofme.”
FromAxel,thatwasalmostacompliment.“Whydidyoubringmehere?”
“It’ssecure.Icankeepyouonlockdown.Unlesssomeoneatthehotelisbeingbribed,almostnoonecantiemetoyouinanywayexceptyourrescueyearsago.Asfarasanyoneknows,you’reheadingbacktoLondon.Weshouldbesafeheretonight.”Hetookherelbowandescortedheracrossthelot.
MysterysensedHeathbehindthem,couldalmostfeelhisdisapprovingscowl.“Howsecure?”
“Cameras,top-of-the-linesystem,lotsofeyesandears.Nothingwillhappenhere.”AxeldismissedHeathandturnedtoher.“Justtellmewhateveryouneedtobecomfortable.I’llmakeithappen.”
“Thanks.”
Insteadofenteringthroughthefront,Axelskirtedthesideofthecavernousbuildingandledheraroundback.Hepulledoutakeycard,thensettledhisthumboverabiometricreader.Thedoorbuzzedopen.
“That’sprettyhightech,”sheremarked.
“Someofourmembersarecityandstateofficials.We’vegotcops,billionaires,formerSEALs—peoplewhoeitherneedtokeepalowprofileorrelyonunbreachablesecuritybeforetheygettheirfreakon.”
Mysterydidn’tsayanythingmore.ShewantedtoseeAxelinhisenvironment.Shewantedtoexperiencethisplaceforherself.Asshethoughtofthat,ashiverzippedupherspine.
Theymadetheirwaydownalonghallwaywithconcretefloorsanddoorsoneitherside,thenAxelledhertooneandknocked.HebrieflyintroducedherandHeathtotheowner,MitchellThorpe.Mysteryrememberedhearingabouthimonthenews,harboringrunawayheiressCallindraHoweforyears.Rumorsswirledthat,thoughthewomanhadmarriedtheFBIagenttaskedwithtrackingherdownwhenshe’dbeenafugitive,Thorpewasalsoinvolvedromanticallywiththebeauty.
Thedistinguishedmaninthesuitwelcomedher.“Axelwillkeepyoucomfortable.Ifyouneedanything,he’lltakecareofyou.CallieorderedyouthreeabunchofItalian.It’sinthekitchen.Theactionupfrontwillbeinfullswinginanothercoupleofhours,so . . .”
“I’llkeepherawayfromthere,”Axelfinished.
Thorpenodded.“Goodcall.Ifanythinghappens,youknowthedrill.”
Axelgavehimathumbs-up.“I’mset.Seantextedmeandsaidhe’llbeonstandby.”
Withafaintgrin,Thorpeturnedherway.“You’reingoodhands.I’llleaveyoutothem.CalliewantsbothSeanandIhomesowecan”—hewinked—“rubherfeet.”
Withthat,hewasgone.Axelledherdownthehallagain,towardthebackofthebuildingandshowedherintoapurelymasculinesuitewithaking-sizedbed,attachedbath,andawindowseatthatlookedcozyforreading.
“I’llgrabyourbagsfromthecar,thenwecaneat.Youmustbestarving.”
Shenodded.“I’llneedtocallmyaunt,too.”
“I’llleaveyoutoit.”AxelturnedtoHeath.“Followme.Ihaveaseparateroomforyou.”
Thedoorshut,enclosingherinsilence.Sofar,thiswasn’twhatshe’dpicturedwhenshe’dthoughtofaBDSMclub,andThorpecertainlydidn’tseemlikethesortofmantoownone.Butthisroomfeltcomfortable,sosherelaxedanddialedheraunt.Thewoman’svoicemailpickedup.Unusual.
Withafrown,Mysteryhungupwithoutleavingamessage.WhatifthedangerhadsomehowalreadyreachedAuntGail?
Amomentlater,sheheardaknock,thenAxelbreezedin,cartingherluggage.Everymuscleofhisarmsandshouldersbulged,theveinsinhishandsandforearmspopping.Mystery’smouthsuddenlyfeltdry.
“Everythingallright?”heasked,settingherbagsdown.
Mysterymanagedtostringherthoughtstogetherenoughtoexplainthecall.“MaybeI’mparanoid.MaybemyauntisstillatBiblestudy.”
“Wehavenoreasontosuspectshe’sindanger.Relax.You’resafehere.Andyourauntisprobablyfine,too.”
Shesincerelyhopedso.“Thanks.”
“Let’sgoeat.I’llgiveyouaquicktour.Then . . .we’regoingtotalk.”
Aboutearliertoday.Hedidn’tsaythat,butshehearditinhisvoice,inthedisapprovallacinghistone.Beforeshecouldbroachthesubject,helefttheroom.Shefollowed,watchinghimpoundafistonthedooroftheroomnexttohers.
Heathwrenchedthedooropen.“Whatisit?”
“Italianfood?”
“Please.”Hesoundedlessstiff—barely.
Tenminuteslater,thethreeofthemsatinthesmallkitchen,forkinginlasagnaandsaladwithadecentbottleofwine.Axelchuggedbackabeer,watchingthemcarefully.
“Sowhat’snext?”sheaskedtobreaktheuncomfortablesilence.
“Thorpeputacallintosomefriendsofhis,theSantiagobrothers.”
Mysteryblinked.“Theguyswhoownthedefensecontractingbusiness?”
“Yeah.Them.”Axelnodded.“They’rehappytoletusborrowtheircorporatejet.Theirwife,London,justgavebirthtoalittlegirlafewdaysago,sotheywon’tneedtheplaneforawhile.”
“Theirwife?”Heathasked.
Axelscowled.“Yeah.Don’tjudge.It’snotwhatmyidealmarriagelookslike,butitworkswellforthem.”
“SoundslikeCallie,Thorpe,andSeanshareasimilarrelationship?”sheventured.
“Theyaren’tpublicaboutit,butyeah.Andnowthey’reexpectingababyinNovember.It’sgoodtoseethemhappy,butallkindswalkthroughourdoors.Hell,weoncehadamemberwhoboughtamannequinatadepartmentstoreclosingbecause,accordingtohim,itheldthesouloftheloveofhislife—andhisperfectsub.”Axelshrugged.“Aslongasit’slegalandconsensual,whateverfloatsyourboat,Isay.”
Mysterysnickered.“Butamannequiniskindoffunny.”
Theconversationdroppedawayagain.Thesilencegrewthickerwitheachpassingmoment.HeathstaredatAxelwiththinlydisguiseddistaste.Axelglaredback.
Desperatetoendthistension,shepushedherhalf-eatenmealaway.“Howaboutthattour?”
Axelglancedathisplate,thenatherface.Heroseandheldouthishand.“Let’sdoit.”
Shelacedherfingerswithhis,allowinghimtoleadherdownalonghall.Heathfollowed,silentandseething.Shewishedhewouldgobacktohisroomifhedidn’twanttopeekintothepartoftheclubwherepeopleplayed,buthekeptonbehindthem,seeminglydeterminednottoletheroutofhissightforlongerthanhemust.
Withaswipeofakeycard,Axelopenedaheavydoorandgesturedherintoadarkenedroom.Heflippedonafewswitches,andthespaceilluminatedinsections.Abartotheright,afewtablesbeyond,thenafrontdoorandfoyeraboutfiftyfeetinfrontofher.Sofar,shedidn’tseemuchoutoftheordinary,justanindustrial-lookinghangout.
Hehesitated,thenflippedthelastswitch.Thentheviewgotreallyinteresting.Sheknewwhatmostoftheitemswerecalledfrompicturesanddescriptions,butshe’dneverseenaspankingbenchoraSt.Andrew’sCrossinperson.ShecouldjustimagineAxelcuffinghertoapieceofequipmentandtouchingher,givingherbothpainandpleasure.Ofcourseanytimehetouchedhershemelted,butimagininghimsendingherintotheintriguingvoidofsubspacemadehershiver.
“Wow,”shebreathed,squirmingasherimaginationwentwild.“I’malittle . . .”
“Speechless,”heteased.
Shelaughed.“Obviously.”
“Intrigued?”heasked—andseemedtoholdhisbreath.
Becauseheropiniononthesubjectmattered?
“Yeah,”sheadmittedwithaflush.“AfteryousaidyouwereintoBDSMwhenwewereinthedesert,Ilookedintoit.Sointriguedisagoodwaytoputit.”
Hesqueezedherhand.“Ilikethatanswer.”Heleaneddowntowhisperinherear.“I’dlovetogiveyouamorepersonaltour.”
Behindthem,Heathclearedhisthroat.“Escaperoutes?”
Axelgrittedhisteethandturned.“Frontandbackentrance.There’sasidedoorfromthekitchenyouprobablynoticed.”
“Idid,”Heathassured.
“Afewinteriordoorsinthebuildingaresteelandlockfrombothinsideandout.Thorpe’soffice,forone.Thebedroomyou’rein,Mystery.Ifsomethinghappensoryoufeelthreatened,andnooneyoutrustcangettoyou,throwthedeadboltfromtheinsideandcallthepolice.”
Shenodded.“Gotit.”
“Butwe’llseesomeonecominglongbeforethen.I’vegotcamsallovertheparkinglot,coveringthestreetoutfront,andthealleybesideus.Noonecanevenreachthedoorwithoutappearingonfilm.”
“Thankyoufortheexplanation,”Heathsaidstiffly.
“You’rewelcome.Nowifyoudon’tmind,MysteryandIhavesomeunfinishedbusiness.”
Heathsquaredhisshoulders.“Actually,Idomind.I’mherbodyguard,andIstaywithheruntilshe’sreadytoretireforthenight.”
Mysteryreallydidn’tknowwhyHeathwasbeingsomewherebetweenastick-in-the-mudandanass.She’dalwaysfoundhimpoliteandacceptingandeasytotalkto—untiltoday.
Washe . . .jealous?
Whenhetookherbythearmandledherdownthehall,justoutofAxel’searshot,shegapedathim.“Whatisupwithyou?”
“Haveyougonemad?”Heathhissed,thenglancedbackoverhisshoulderatAxel.Withlegsplantedwideandfistsonhiships,helookedutterlyunyielding.“Doyouknowtheterriblethingshewantstodotoyou?Tieyouup.”
ImaginingherselfstrappedtoAxel’sbed,helplessashespreadherlegsanddidanythingandeverythinghewantedtoher . . .Herbreathcaught.Wouldhemakeherbeg?Spankheruntiltherestoftheworldmeltedaway?Forceorgasmsonher?Demandshekneelbeforehimandsuckhiscock?
Desire,thickandhot,rolledthroughher.
Heathlookeddownatherbreasts.Mysteryfollowedsuitandfoundherinsistentnipplesstabbingthefrontofhershirt.
Flustered,shecrossedherarmsoverherchestandconcealedthem.“I’manadult.IknowwhatIwantfromalover.Notthatit’sanyofyourbusiness.”
“Yourfathermadeitmybusiness.Doyoureallywantamanwhowillpaddleyourbuttlikeyou’reachild?Whowilldisciplineyou?Whatifhe’sthesortwholikesneedlesorknivesortocontrolyourbreath?”
Mysteryrecoiled.“Ohmigod,whatareyou . . .No.That’snot—”
“I’veseentheseedysideoftheunderworld.Normally,I’magentlemanandIdon’tspeakofsuchthings,butI’mconcernedforyou.Haveyoufallenforhimsohardthatyou’dallowhimtowhipyouuntilyoubleed?Giveyoutoastranger?”
Sheshookherhead.“Hewouldneverhurtmeorputmeatrisk.I’dinsistonasafeword,butI’msurehe’daskmeforonefirst.Iknowyoudon’tknowhim.ButIdo.Herescuedme.Wesurvivedtogether.I’vehadathingforhimeversince.Pleasedon’tgetinthemiddleofthis.”
Heathsidledcloser,hisexpressionacrossbetweenincredulityandanger.“Athingforhim?You’veknownhimatotalofthreedays,andyoutrusthimenoughtogivehimcompletecontrolofyourbody?”
Whenheputitlikethat,theconceptsoundedridiculous.ButherguttoldherAxelwasn’tthesortofDomHeathdescribed.Shecouldn’tpicturehimasasadist.Besides,she’dheardthatpeopleinaD/srelationshipshoulddiscusstheirlimitswitheachotherandnegotiatewhathappenedinascenebeforetheygottoobusy.Axelwasresponsible.That’swhathewoulddo.
“Actually,Ido.”
Heathgrippedherarmandloomedoverher,shakinghishead.“Youdon’tunderstandwhatyou’reinviting.IdidaturnundercoverinaclubinLondon,andthethingsIsaw . . .”
“Problem,Mystery?”Axelsauntereddownthehallwithapracticednonchalance.Buteverymuscleinhisbodylookedtense.
Heathturnedandsteppedforward,puttinghimselfbetweenherandAxel.“Iobject.”
“Idon’tgiveashit,”Axelshotback.
“Herfatherwouldnotapprove.”Heathcrossedhisarmsoverhischest.
MortificationrolledthroughMystery.“MyfatherstillwishesIworeribbonsinmypigtails,too.Hedoesn’talwaysgethiswaywhereI’mconcerned.Idon’tthinkwehaveanythinglefttosayonthissubject.Goodnight.”ShesteppedaroundHeathandapproachedAxel.
Hetookherhandinhis.“Let’sgo.”
Axelledherbacktoherbedroom,andshetriedtoignoreHeathsputteringbehindher.Shedidn’tliketoupsetorhurthim.He’dbeennothingbutprotectiveandsupportiveforyears.Buttonight,he’dcrossedaline.
Onceinsidethebedroom,Axelshutthedooranddead-bolteditforgoodmeasure.“Areyouallright?”
“Sure.”ButHeath’swordsranginherears.“He’sjustprotective.It’shisjob.”
“AndhethinksI’mgoingtohurtyou.”
Sheshrugged.“Hedoesn’tknowyou.”
Axelsatontheedgeofthebed.“Well,youandIhavesomecatchinguptodoaswell.Weneedtogetafewthingsstraight.”
He’ddroppedjustenoughdisapprovalintohistonetomakehertummytighten.Mysterytriednottonoticethatherpalmssuddenlyturneddamp.“Iknow.IexplainedandsaidIwassorry,but . . .”
“Youdid.”Henodded.“Iunderstoodandappreciatedthat.Butthatdoesn’tmakeeverythingallright.”
Axellookedcalm.Healmostalwaysworeanimpenetrableveneerofcalm,likenothingreallygottohim.Now,shesawachinkinthat—andgotthefeelinghe’dbeenholdingthisrebukeinforhours,justwaitingforthechancetomakehispoint.
Shethoughtaboutbackingupastep.“Ididn’tthinkso,Ijust . . .”
Hemotionedhercloser.
Mysteryshuffledforward.Shewasn’tafraidofhimphysically,buthedefinitelyhadthepowertohurtherwithhiswords.
“Youreallythinkit’sallrighttodeceivesomeoneinordertohavesexwiththem?Ifourroleshadbeenreversed,andI’dpretendedtobesomeoneIwasn’tsothatIcouldwheedlemywayintoyourbed,howwouldyoufeel?”
Confused.Used.Wretched.
Mysterywinced.“You’rerightIguess . . .Ifiguredifyouweresayingyestoastranger,diditreallymatterifIwasawomanyou’dnevermetoroneyou’dknownalongtimeago?Thepointwastoexchangepleasure,whichwedid.”
“Butwhatifthatwasn’ttheonlypointforme?”
He’dwantedsomethingbesidessex?“Whatelse . . . ?”
“WhatifI’dletyoupickmeupinthebarbecauseIthoughtyouwereinteresting,witty,andbeautiful,andI’dhopedtousetheeveningtogettoknowyoumore,maybeseeifwecouldstartarelationship?”
“Thatnevercrossedmymind.I’msorry.”Guiltlashedher.“IthoughtI’dspendafewhourswithyouandgetyououtofmysystemsoIcouldmoveonbecauseI’dneverforgottenyou.I’venever,everwantedanyoneelsesobadly.”Whenheraisedasharpbrow,shelookeddown,feelingchastened.“Ididn’tthinkyouwantedmesoItriedtobesomeoneelse,thinkingwe’dbothgetwhatwewantedand . . .thenwe’dbedone.”
“Youmadeawholelotofassumptions,littlegirl.Ineverwantedyou?”
“Youturnedmedown,”shepointedout,hervoicerisingasherguiltdid.“WhatelsewasIsupposedtothink?”
“ThatIwastryingtoberesponsibleandrespectfulofyouafterwhatyou’dbeenthrough.DidyouthinkIwantedyouthisafternoon?”
“Yes.”Together,they’dbeenincendiary,insatiable,unstoppable.She’dneverimaginedsexbeingthatintense,everfeelingsomuchpleasure.
“Damnstraight,”hereiterated.“Iwantedyouthatmuchinthedesertyearsago.Ittookeveryounceofmyrestrainttowalkawayfromyouthatnightintheghosttown.I’msorryifmyrebuffwasharsherthanitneededtobe.ButIknewifIdidn’teliminatethetequilaandensureyoudidn’ttemptmeagain,youwouldn’tstopuntilIwasballsdeepinsideyou,right?”
Mysterywishedshecouldrefutehim,butno.She’dbeensohappytobealiveanotherday.She’dbeensogratefultohimformakingthathappen.Herheroworship,thebooze,hisincrediblebodyandspirit . . .She’dbeensodrawntohim.He’ddoneabouttheonlythingpossibleinthatscenariotostoptheinevitable.
“Maybeifyouhadkissedmeandsaidthat,later—”
“WhenIkissedyouafterthechoppercrash,Ibarelymanagedtostopmyselffromlayingyoudowninthesandandfuckingyou.IknewifIkissedyouagainatthatoldhotel,Iwouldn’tbeabletostop.Youneededcomfort,notsex,andIdidn’thaveasinglecondomwithme.”
Birthcontrolhadn’tevencrossedhermindthatnight.Howstupidandirresponsibledidthatrealizationmakeherfeel?
“AndIdidn’tlookyouuplaterbecauseIknewyou’dbegoingthroughsomePTSD,”hecontinued.“Youneededtimetorecoverandreadjust,tofinishgrowingup.”Helookedbetweenhisfeet.“Beingtotallyhonest,Iworriedthatyourattractiontomewouldn’tholdupintherealworld.Evenifyourfatherhadletyoudateme—whichIhighlydoubt—onceyoureturnedhome,youhadaglitzyworldatyourfingertips,andIdidn’tfitin.WhatthefuckdoIknowaboutdesignerlabelsorcountryclubs?”
“Idon’tcareaboutthatcrap.”Whydidheimaginethatmatteredatall?
Heshrugged.“Maybenot,butIdidn’tseeusworking,soIbackedaway.Ineverforgotyou,butIwasdoingallright.Untilyouseducedmeandtookmysanityfromme.”
God,she’dhadnoideahe’dgiventhemevenhalfthatmuchthought.Mysteryslumpedhershoulders,lookingaroundforachair.Therereallywasn’toneclosetoAxel.Sheneededtocurlup,thinkthisthrough,maybehavearighteouslittlecryabouthowbadlyshe’dscrewedthisup.
“Whereveryouthinkyou’regoing,no.Comecloser.”Hewavedhernear.
Sheowedittohimtocomply.Afterall,she’droyallymuffedeverything.
Assheclosedthedistancebetweenthem,Axelwrappedhisfingersaroundherwrist.“Fortherecord,ifyou’dapproachedmeasyourselftoday,Iwouldhavejumpedalloveryou.See,whatyoufeltbackthen—thebreathlessattraction,theinexplicablepull,theundeniableattachment—Ifeltthem,too.Ifyou’dcometometodayandaskedmetobeyourfriend,yourlover,yourwhatever,Iwouldhavesaidyes.Evenwiththedisguise,Iwasalreadyfascinatedbyyou.Iwasalreadythinkingbeyondthesex.Themaninmedidn’tlikethatyou’ddeceivedmeorrunout.”
“Iknow.”God,shefeltstupidandsmall.“I’msorry.”
Heputafingerunderherchinandliftedhergazebacktohim.“YouunderstandwhatI’vesaid?”
“Yes.Inevermeanttohurtyou.”
Henodded.“Nowthatyouunderstandhowthemaninmereacted,let’stalkaboutwhatyoudon’tunderstand.Let’sdiscusshowtheDominmereacted.”Hepointedtohisthighs.“Putyourselfovermylap.Now.”ChapterTen
SOONhe’dtakethischokingchainoffitsleash.Nowhe’dfindoutifallthesubmissivesignalsMysteryhadbeenputtingoutwerereal.Nearlyeverythingelseaboutherfithimperfectly.Damnitifhedidn’twanttheirkinkstomatch,too.
“What?”Sheblinkedathim,herstarebouncingfromhisfacetohisthighsandback.
“Didyounothearme?”
“IthinkIdid,but—”
“Isthereanypartoftheinstructionyoudon’tunderstand?”
Herstarefelltohislapagain,andshecouldn’tpossiblymisstheeyefulofhardcockthereunderhisjeans.Headjustedhimself,tryingtofindapositionthatdidn’tstranglehiserection,thenpattedhisthigh.
Shefrowned.“Likelieacross . . .”
“Facedown,assintheair.Yes.”
“Oh.”Still,shehesitated,asifshetriedtomakesenseofhiscommandinherhead.
“Questions?Problems?”
“Idon’tknow.”Sheshiftednervously.“I’veneverdonethis.”
ButAxelsuspectedtheideaturnedheron.Shesoundedbreathless.Shefidgeted.Hernippleslookedhardagain.Shestared,lipsparted,suckinginaraspydraughtofair.
Hiscockstiffenedevenmore.
“There’safirsttimeforeverything,Mystery.Somehow,Idoubtitwillbeourlast.You’vegotthreeseconds,orI’maddingacountoften.”
Whichwouldn’thurthisfeelingsintheleast.Heknewexactlyhowbeautifulherasswas.Havingtheopportunitytotouchitagain,thistimetospankanddisciplineit?Fuck,yeah.
Mysteryscrambledtowardhim,castinganotheruncertaingazehisway,beforesheloweredherselfawkwardlyoverhisthighs.Shetoweredoveranaveragegirlbysixinchesorso,buthestilldwarfedher.Axelappreciatedthatfoldinglonglegsinanunfamiliarpositionwasn’teasy,buthewasbeyondimpatienttogetthispunishmentrollingsotheycouldgetbacktopleasure.
Shewriggledandscooted,bracingherselftoslidethiswayorthatoverhislap.Againandagain,shebrushedhissensitivecock.Hisbodytightened,andhe’dlovetojustfuckhereverywhichway.Butifhewantedanyfuturewithher,hehadtosettheexpectationnow.
Finally,hepalmedherhipsandstilledher,dragginginalongbreathbeforehemovedherbodyupafraction,sendingherlongbraidspilling,endsbrushingthefloor.“Don’tmove.”
“A-allright.”
“Nope.Iexpectapolite‘Yes,Axel’or‘Yes,Sir.’Eitherisacceptable.”Later,he’dbemoreexacting,becauseifthisrelationshipwentwherehewanteditto,she’dbecallinghimMaster.Fornow,hesimplywaited,reachingdowntogiveagentletugonherbraid.
“Yes,Axel,”shegasped.
“Better.”Hecasthisgazeoverherbody,stillexceptforherharshbreathing.Theyogapantsshe’dtossedonjustbeforethey’dleftthehotelhuggedthecurvesofherassandlovinglyoutlinedherthighs.Notalineorabumpmarredtheblackcottonsurface.
“You’renotwearingunderwear,”heobserved.
“No,Axel.”
“Perfect.”Hedraggedhisfingersupthecreasebetweenhercheeks,andthefabricclunginsidethecrevice,stretchingeventighteracrossherass,furtherdefiningitsshape.“Beautiful.”
AsMysterysplayedoverhislap,hefelttheriseandfallofherbody,heardherlongshudderingsigh.Sheliftedherbutttohim,seekingmore.
Hesmiled,thentrailedhisfingersfromthecreaseofherbacksidetowardherpussy.Withbarelyabrushofhisfingersoverhercotton-coveredfolds,herealizedshewasdamp.No,soakingwet.Thelongerherubbedlazycirclesoverthemoundofhercunt,themorehermoisturewethispalm.
MysteryMullinslikedsubmitting.Tohim.Thatrealizationjackeduphisdesire,andAxelhadtoleashhisneedtofuckher,atleastuntilhemadeafewthingsclear.
Whenshebegantowhimperandpressherhipstowardhisplayfulfingers,hepulledaway.“Doesmytouchfeelgood?”
“Yes,Axel.”Herwordswerehigh-pitched,spokensomewhereonthecuspoforgasm.
“Good.”Heintendedtohavefunwithhernow.“Pullyourpantsdowntothetopsofyourthighs.”
Withouthesitation,Mysterycomplied,looseningthetieatherwaistandwrigglingassheshovedthegarmentoverherhips.Whenthewaistbandfell,exposinghergorgeous,perfectass,Axelcouldn’tkeephishandsoffher.Hepalmeditinstantly,kneading,pinching,andgrippingit.Shegaspedandraisedherbutt,seekingmoreofhistouch.
Oh,shewasabouttogetit.
Axelraisedhisarmandslammeditdown,hittingherbareasswithanunforgivingsmack.“One.”
Sheyelped,froze,thengaspedandstruggledtogetaway.
Hepinnedherwithaheavyarmacrossherbody.“Staystill.”
“Whatareyoudoing?”
“You’veheardofpunishment,Ipresume.”Herubbedhiswidepalmoverherbronzebackside,thesamesun-kissedshadeasherback.Knowingshesunbathedinthenudejustturnedhimonmore.
Shemoanedashespreadtheheatunderherskin.“Yes.”
“Tostart,I’mgoingtomakesureyouunderstandIwon’ttolerateanymorelies.Iexpectyoutobehonestwithmefromnowon.Doyouunderstand?”
“Ididn’tknowhowelsetogetclosetoyou,”shereplied.
“So,inordertoprotectyourfeelings,youdecidedminedidn’tmatter?”
Thestarchwentrightoutofherspine.“No.”
“WhatIdidn’tknowwouldn’thurtme?”hechallenged.
“IguessIthoughtifyouneverknew . . .yeah.”Thecontriteposture,withoutanounceoffight,toldhimthatshenowgraspedhispoint.
“Iunderstandwhyyouwereafraidanduncertain.Youcouldhavetriedtoe-mailorcall.IevenhaveaFacebookaccount.Diditcrossyourmindtoopenaconversation,askmeifIwasinterested,andseewhathappened?I’mgoingtoguessnobecauseyou’dalreadydecidedwhatmyanswerwouldbe.Isn’tthatright?”
“Yes,Axel.”Shesobbedthewords.
Sometimes,Mysteryhadsomuchmoxie,heforgotshecouldbefragile.She’dbeenraisedwithprivilege,butshe’dalsobeenthroughwaymorethanherpeers.Hehadtotreadcarefullyashereachedher.Shewouldonlyassociatethepainofaharshspankingwithrejection.Assoonashe’dfinishedmakinghispoint,hewouldstartrebuildingheragain
Axelliftedhispalmandstruckherbacksideoncemore,watchingherfleshgiveandbouncewithhistouch.Moreredbloomedacrosshercheeks,andherubbedherskintodistributetheheatevenmore.“Two.”
Asshemoaned,hesmackedheragain,moretokeepherattentionandawakenthesubmissiveinsideherthantocausepain.“Three.”
Shesquirmedonhislap.“Thatfeels . . .”
“Iknow,”hecrooned.“Holdstill,Mystery.Nomoremanipulation.Youwillcommunicateopenlyandtellmeeventhepainfultruths.”Hespankedherothercheek.“Four.”Thenhewaitedfortheimpacttosinkin.
Shewhimpered.“Axel . . .”
“Yes.Icangiveyoumoreofthat—andsomanyothersensationsthatwillsendyourbodysoaring.Iwanttointroduceyoutoawholenewrealmofpleasure.Youwantthat?”Hestrokedherfromnapetoass,followingthesleeklineofherspine.
“Morethananything,”sheraspedout.
“Iwanttogiveittoyou.Godknows,I’vewantedtoforyears.IevenhatetoadmithowlongandhowoftenI’vetakenatemporarywithdrawalofyoufrommyspankbank.”Helethisfingersdriftbetweenherthighs.
Despitethewaistband,shemanagedtospreadabitwider,andheappreciatedherefforttoopenherselfforhimbycaressingherslickfoldsandskatinghisfingertipsoverherhardclit.
“That’ssogood,”shegaspedout.
“ThewayI’mtouchingyou?”
“Yes.”Shegrabbedhisshinandrubbedherfaceagainsthiscalf,despitehisjeans,asifsheneededtotouchhim.“Butalsoknowingyoustrokedyourselfwhilethinkingaboutmeturnsmeonsomuch.I—Itouchedmyselfthinkingaboutyou,too.”
Hecircledherclitagain,bringingherclosertotheedgeofecstasy.“Thatwasbeautifullyhonest.Let’shavemoreofthatbetweenus,notliesortoppingfromthebottom.”
Mysterydidn’tanswerhim.HerbodylanguagetoldAxelthatdesirerumbledthroughherbody,thunderedinherhead,andcloudedherhearing.Heremovedhisfingers.
“No,”sheprotestedbreathlessly.
“Yes.We’renotdonetalking.”Heswattedherasssoftly,deliveringablowthatshouldstingsweetly.“That’sfive.”
Shejolted,butthewhackdiditsjob,bringingherbacktoattention.
Nowhecouldsayhispiece.“Youtryingtoforcemetogiveyouyourway,removingmychoices?That’sunacceptable.I’mtheDom,soI’mincontrol.Ican’tbeinanysortofrelationshipwithsomeonewhocan’trespectmyneeds.I’llalwaysdomybesttorespectyours.Iknowrightoffthetopofmyheadthatyouneedaffection,attention,andunderstanding.I’msureyourequiremore,andI’llfindoutwhataswegettoknoweachothermore.Iwillalwaysdomydamnedesttosatisfyyou.Butifyoutrytomanipulatemelikethatagain,it’sadealbreaker.Doyouunderstand?”
“Yes,Axel.”Shesoundedalmostsolemn,andhehopedhe’dactuallyreachedher.
“Good.”Hehelpedherriseonunsteadylegsbetweenhisfeetandgrippedherthighstobalanceher.Whenhelookedintoherslightlydazedeyes,soyearningforapproval,hisheartclutched.“Kneelhere.”
Hehelpedherdown,andshewasn’tgraceful—notthathegaveashitnow.Shewaswillingandopenandwantedmore.Nothingelsemattered.
Axelcuppedherfaceandleanedintokissher,agentleclaspoflipsatfirst.Butdamnit,Mysterywassofuckingsweet,andhe’dbeenfantasizingofhavingher—asher—forwaytoolongtoholdback.
Hepartedherlipswithanudgeofhisown,andsheacquiescedinstantly,rollingoutthewelcomematwithanenthusiasticpassionthatmadehisdesireskyrocketandtiltedhisworldonend.
Jerkingaway,Axellookeddownather,hisstarefollowingthetrailofherbody,herrosylips,thelittlebitesonherneck,theT-shirtstretchedjustabittootightacrossherbreasts,thenthepantsbandingaroundherthighswiththatsweetbarepussyalmosthiddenbetween.
Hegrabbedherchinandlookedrightintohereyes.“I’mgoingtofuckyou.”
Hiswordsmadeherjerkasifthey’dimpactedherchest.“Yes,Axel.”
“Itwasn’taquestion.AndIwasn’taskingforpermission.I’mtellingyouwhatwillhappen,unlessyou’regivingmeyoursafeword.Thatclear?”
“Very.”
“Good.Doyouhaveawordinmind?”
“I—Idon’tknow.I’venever . . .”Sheshrugged,lookingalittlelost.“What’syourrecommendation?”
“Let’susethetrafficlightsystemfornow.It’ssomethingyou’llremember.”Hegaveherawrygrin.“Iwanttotryamillionperverseactsonyouandwatchyourespond.IfI’mhurtingyoutoomuchordoingsomethingyouabsolutelydon’twant,call‘red.’IfI’mapproachingtheedgeofyourcomfortzone,say‘yellow.’Makesense?”
Shenodded,lookingathimwitheagereyesthatglowedgreenandneedy.Knowinghe’dputthatexpressiononherfacerevvedhimupevenmore.
AsmuchasAxelwantedtotearthroughherclothesandshovehiscockintohernow,heforcedhimselftotakeabreath.Muchlikethatfirstkissshe’dpressedontohislips,theirinitialsexualencounterdidn’treallycountbecausehehadn’tknownthathe’dbeentouchingMystery.Andshehadn’tfeltthewayhewouldmakeherbodyhis
Heintendedtochangethat.
“Doyouknowanyofyourlimits,hardorsoft?”
Arelievedsmileflittedacrossherface.“ItoldHeathyouwereresponsibleandwouldask.Hewouldn’tlistentome.Instead,hesuggestedyou’dwhipmeuntilIbledormakemesleepwithastranger . . .”Sheshookherhead,heraversiontoeitherofthosepossibilitiesclear.“Justno.”
“Idon’tknowwherethehellheheardthat,butresteasy.Neitherofthoseareinmywheelhouse.Infact,I’dgosofartosaythey’reahardlimitforme.”
Thereliefinherexpressiondeepened.“HesaidhesawthosethingsduringanundercovermissioninLondon.”
Heraisedabrow.“NotinaclubwithDominion’sreputation.Thorpehasstrictrulesandanevenmorestringentmembershipscreening.Everythingthathappenshereisbothconsensualandwellsupervised.WhateverHeathsawmusthavebeeninaprivatehardcoreclub.Ilikeroughplaynowandthen,butnothinglikethat.”
Sheseemedtosighwithrelief.“Good.”
“So,anyboundariesIneedtorespect?Asoftlimitissomethingthatbothscaresandintriguesyou.You’renotsureyouwantto . . .butyou’renotsureyoudon’t.”
“Ilikebondage.Imean,Iliketheideaofit.”Sheblushedprofusely.“I’veneverdoneit,butthethoughtofitturnsmeon.”
“Ilikeit,too.Alot.We’lldefinitelygothere.Whatelse?”
“Thespankingwasnice.Notsomuchthefirstsmack,buttherest . . .”Shegavehimadreamysmile,andheheldinachuckle.“I’veseenavideowithaDomwieldingasoftfloggeronhissub’sbutt.Thatlookedinteresting.ButIdon’tknowhowIfeelaboutanalsexorexhibitionismorsomanyotherthings.”
Becauseshe’dnevertriedthemout.Ifhehadhisway,they’deliminatewhoeverthreatenedher,thenhe’dspendhoweverlongittooktobecomeexactlytheDomandloversheneeded.
“Floggersarefine,”hesaid,thengaveheraslowsmile.“Anal?Ilovethehelloutofit,butit’snotforeveryone.Exhibitionismdoesn’tappealtomemuch,butI’mnotagainstit,either.Attheendoftheday,I’mthekindofDomwhopreferstodoonethingaboveall:getinyourheadandownyou.”
Avisibletremorwentthroughherbody.Yeah,shewantedwhathecouldgiveher.Shesoughtthephysicalsurrender,butsheachedtoyieldhersoulevenmore.
“Youcandothat,can’tyou?”Hervoiceshookasifthepossibilityarousedherterribly.
“Oh,littlegirl . . .Icandoitsofast,youwon’tknowwhathityouorhowtostopit,andyouwon’tcarebecauseyou’llhavegiveneverythought,alongwithyourachingpussy,tome.”
Ashewatchedherbreathcatchagain,hernipplesbeadtighter,Axelrepressedasmile.Thegirllikedadirtymouth.He’dgiveherthat,too.
“Ihaveafewotherrules,”hebegan,runningafingertipbetweenherlusciousbreastsbeforecuppingtheweightofoneinhispalmandcaressingitwithhisthumb.
Shealmostthrewherselfagainsthisbody,thenseemedtorememberhe’dtoldhertoassumethispositionandsatonherheelsagain.“Yes,Axel.”
“Youdon’tcomeuntilyou’regivenpermission.ButunlessIsayotherwise,don’tholdbackyoursighs,whimpers,pleas,orscreams.They’remine,andIwantthemall.”
“Yes,Axel.”Sheshiftedherhipsfromonesidetotheother.
Clearly,Mysteryhadabadlittlehabitoftryingtoeaseherdesirewhenevershepleased.
Hegrippedhershoulders.“Holdstillandstoptryingtomakeyourpussythrobless.”
Instantly,shecomplied,butshebitherlipasiftheachewastoooverwhelmingtoignore.
Hestrokedhisfingersacrosshercheek,thenwrappedthemaroundhernape.“Youthinkyou’rearousedandwantmetofuckyounow?”Whenshenodded,hesmiled.“Justwait.I’llmakeyoubeg—withyourmouth,thosenervoushandsyou’rewringing,yourwideeyes.You’llofferyourselftomewithyourwords,yourpoutingnipples,yourspreadlegs.Whenyoureallyknowwhatit’sliketoneedmetofuckyouandyou’vebeggedsweetly,thenI’llmakeyouscream.”
Mysteryclosedhereyesanddraggedinaraggedbreath.“Iknowyouwill.IthinkI’vealwaysknownthat.”
Justlikeonsomebasic,elementallevel,AxelhadalwaysknownthatshewouldnotonlytorqueuphisdesirebutdrivehisDominancetonewheightsandfascinatehimcompletely.
“Morebeautifulhonesty.Excellent.”
Shesenthimaplacidsmile.Itpleasedhertopleasehim.Whatwouldpleasehimmorewastohavehernaked.Hecouldtellhertostrip,buthewantedtounwrapherlikeaspecialgift.
Takingherbraidinhand,heeasedtheelasticbandfromtheendsandcombedhisfingersthroughherdamptresses.Theyspilledeverywherearoundhershoulders,brushedherwaist,withsoftcurlsthatshinedunderthegoldenlightfromtheceilingfixture.ThenheliftedtheT-shirtfromhercurves.Thestretchyknitskimmedherwaistandcaughtonherheavybreasts.
Ashepulleditoverherhead,shesat,spinestraight,watchinghimraptly.Damnit,sheworeanotheroneofthosefrillybrasthatshort-circuitedhisbraincompletely.Hernippleswerebarelycontainedbythehalfcups.Onlytheupwardcurveofscallopedlaceconcealedthematall.Theypokedatthefabric,adeeprosybrownthathadhismouthwatering.
“Youalwayshavethesexiestlingerie,”hebreathedasheliftedherbreastinhispalmanddippedhisthumbundertheedgeofthelace.
Hernipplejumpedtoevenstifferattention.“IlikehowfeminineIfeelwhenIwearit.AndIlikeyourreactiontoit.”
“ThatbraandpantiesIhandwashedforyouattheghosttown?AssoonasItookthemfromthewaterandsetthemonthetowelrack,Ihadtojackoff.IknewifIdidn’t,I’dpictureyouwearingthemandyou’dbeflatonyourbackwithyourlegsspreadforme.”
Mysteryclosedhereyes.Shefuckingglowedwitharousal.Shewantedthis,wantedhim . . .
Asbadlyasheyearnedtopounceonher,Axelcouldn’t.Hehadtotakeherslowly,introducehertosomeofthekinkshe’dliketosharewithher,convinceherwithoutwordsthatshe’dbesatisfiedlong,well,andoften.
Hereachedbehindherandunclaspedthebra.Herbreastsbouncedfree.Damn,hewantedthosenipplesinhismouth,wantedtoknowifabiteofpainwouldexciteher.
“Uponyourknees,”hedemanded.
Swallowinghard,sheraisedherbuttfromherheels.Herbodystrainedtowardhim.Evenhernipplespointedstraightathim.Axelcouldn’twaittogivehereverythingshecraved.
Hewrappedhisbighandsaroundhertorso.Shelookedsosmallcomparatively.Sosoftandsubmissive.Spreadinghislegswidertomakeroominbetween,heliftedhercloser.Thenhebentandkissedherlips,herjaw,dragginghismouthdownherneck,thentheswellofonebreast.
“Offerthemtome,”heraspedout.“Liftthemtome.”
Herbreathcaughtassheobeyed,cuppinghermoundsinherpalms.Theyspilledoverhersmallerhands,butshebroughtthestifftipsclosertohismouth,andthat’sallheneeded.
Helatchedontoone,suckingitdeepandhard,givingitalittlepinchwithhisteeth.
Mysteryyelped,andAxelwaitedabreath,aheartbeat,then . . .Therecamethatmoanhewanted.Fromthestartlednoteitheld,hesuspectedthenipofpainhadawakenedhernippleswithsensationsshe’dneverfelt.
Shewrappedherhandsaroundhisheadandheldhimclosetoherbreast.Hehadn’tgivenherpermissiontotouchhim.Heenjoyedherurgencyandtheclosenessforamoment.Someday,he’dmakelovetoMysterysoftlyandlethertouchhimatwill.Todaywasn’tthatday.Everythinginsidescreamednotonlytodominatebuttoclaimher,tobindhertohimwithpleasure.Becausehestilldidn’tknowifshewouldtrulywanthimwhentherealworldcamecallingagain,whenherfatherfoundoutandthetabloidsquestionedwhyshewaswithamanwhocamefromthebackwoods,hadn’tfinishedcollege,andoftenlikedgunsmorethanpeople.Butmaybe,ifhegaveMysterymorepleasurethanshecouldmanage,whenthedustsettledwithwhoeverpursuedher,noneofthatwouldmatter.
Windinghisgriparoundherwrist,hepulledherhandsfromhisscalpanddrilledherwithachastisingstare.“Itoldyoutoofferthemtome.Don’tstopuntilIsayotherwise.”
Shelickedherlips,thenliftedherbreaststohimagain.“Sorry.Yes,Axel.”
Untrained,yes.Butsobeautifullycompliant.Hebrushedathumbdownherstill-wettip,watchingitbobandperkforhim.Hepinchedit,teaseditwiththehintofhisnail . . .andtookinherpleadingcryformore.
Heheldinasmileandshiftedtoherothernipple,stabbingtheairandwaitingforattention.Againsthistongue,itpuckered.Herbreastswelled.Likeasweetsub,shekeptpresentingherselfforhisfeasting.Sheoffered.Shewelcomed.Yes,he’dtoldherto,butshecouldhavesafewordedout.Instead,shelookedalltoobreathlessandhappytocomply.
Hegaveheraharderbitewithhisteethwhileholdingtheotherbetweenhisthumbandforefinger,squeezingandslidingthepadoverhersensitivenub.Shegasped,jolted.Barelyamomentlater,shegavehimalong,lowmoandeepfromherthroat.
“You’reprocessingthebitefaster,”hemurmuredwithsatisfaction.“Sofuckingpretty.”
“Iunderstanditbetternow.Havingjustalittleedgeis . . .lovely.”
Yes,shewasasubtothecore,andpriderolledthroughAxel.Hefullyintendedtoteachheraboutherbodyandflirtwithherboundaries—theneaseherpastanythatmerelyheldherback.
“Mmm.Knowingyoufeelthatwayonlymakesmeharder.”Heletoutaroughsigh.“Standandtakeoffyourshoes.”
Hehelpedhertoherfeet,thenwatchedasshekickedoffherflip-flops.Heeasedherpantstherestofthewaydownherthighs.Asshesteppedoutofthem,hecasthershoesasideandplacedasoft,lingeringkissonthepadofherpussy.
“Thisismine,”heinsistedinasoft,growledtone,brushinghisknucklesacrossthesmoothfleshjustoverherclit.“Isn’tit?”
“Yes,Axel,”sherushedtosay.
“Youknowthat.Good.I’mstillgoingtoprovethattoyou.Getonthebed.Inthemiddle.Legsspread.”
Shemadeherwayalongthesideofthebed,hipsswaying,gorgeousassondisplay,beforecrawlingonthemattress.Sheglancedbackathim—notinconfusionorindecision.Herstarewasallcome-hither.
Hechuckled.“Oh,you’reinvitingtroublenow.I’msogoingtofuckyou,princess.”
Sherolledtoherbackandarched,breastsupthrustasshespreadherlegs.“Promise?”
Axelsaunteredoverandsatonthesideofthebed,nexttoher.“Youjustkeeptemptingthedevil.Seewhatitgetsyou.”
Mysterydidn’treply,justwatchedhimgrabherwristsandliftthemoverherhead.SincethisusedtobeThorpe’sbedroomandhe’dcombedeveryinchoftheplacewhenJoaquinhadbeenprotectingBaileyhere,Axelknewdamnwellallthekinkfeaturesbuiltin.
Hehitabutton,andoutpoppedapairofleather,sheepskin-linedcuffsfrombehindapanel.Thechainsholdingthemtogetherrattled.Shegasped.
Hesmiledashebuckledonearoundeachwrist.“Tugonthose.”
Shedid,testingtherestrictionofhermovementgentlyatfirst.Thenshejerkedalittleharder.Themoreshethrashedagainstherbondsandrealizedshewasn’tgoinganywhere,theshallowerherbreathingbecame.Hereyesrolledshut.Blisstransformedherface.
Axel’scockjerkedsofuckinghardhewonderedifallthebloodinhisbodyhadfloodedsouth.
Shemoaned,tossingherhead,seeminglylostinthepleasureofthebindsthemselves.Whatadamnprettysight . . .Buthecouldn’tlethergettoofarintoherownhead.Hestillhadmoretogiveher.
Afterhewatchedherforalongmoment,hecuppedherfaceinhishands.“Stop.Lookatme.”Hewaitedforhertocomply,thendelveddownintoherslightlyunfocusedhazeleyes.“You’rewellandtrulybound.Unlessyousayyoursafeword,you’renotgoinganywhereuntilIreleaseyou.”
Mysterywhimperedandbuckedherhips.Jesus,thegirllovedbeingrestrained.Thepressurearoundherwristswouldbeaconstantreminderthathewaswithher.Atleastthat’showsomesubsdescribedthesensation.Forthem,thecuffsservedmentallyasnonstopattentionfromtheirDom,snugenoughtofeellikesomesortofaffection.Clearly,thebindingstrippedanemotionaltriggerinsideher.
Axelwasdamngrateful.Hecouldthinkofahundredwaystorestrainher.Buthe’dstartsimplefornow.Hedidn’tknowhowmuchlongerhecouldwaittofeelheraroundhim.
“Remember,noorgasmswithoutpermission.”
“Yes,Axel.”Shesaidthewords,butthebeggingtonetoldhimshewasalreadydesperateandaskingforone.
Notevencloseyet,princess . . .
“Don’tforget.Iwantallyourpleas,whimpers,groans,andscreams.Beasloudasyouneedto.I’lldrinkeverysoundin.”WhilehearingherwouldexcitethehelloutofAxel,itwouldalsoservenoticetoherbodyguardandwould-beloverinthebedroomnextdoorthatanyhopehemighthaveofmakingMysteryhiswasdead.
“Yes,Axel.”
“Good.Nowspreadniceandwideforme.Iwanttoseeeverybitofthatpussythat’smine.”
* * *
MYSTERYsuckedinasharpbreath.Axelseemedtoknowexactlywhattosaytoratchetherarousalupyetanothernotch.
Sheslidherfeetapartacrossthemattress,hertoesunconsciouslyflexing,heelsdigginginatthethoughtofAxelkeepinghercaptivehereandjuststaringtohiscock’scontent.Maybesheshouldhavefeltself-consciousorexposedorashamedbyhowbadlyshewantedhim,butno.Shesimplyfeltreadytocombust.
“Pretty.”Hecomplimentedher,dragginghispalmuphercalf,theoutsideofherthigh,herhip,thenfinallybacktoherbreasts,histhumbsandfingersmakingaquick,ruthlessvisearoundhernipples.Whenshecriedout,hereleasedherandeasedback,scootingdownthebedtohoveroverhersex.“Iwanttoinspectthispussy.Opentome.”
Mysterymoanedandspreadherthighsevenwider,beyondeagertogivehimeverythinghedemanded,anythingthatwouldmakehimwanthertomorrowandthenextday.Andthenext . . .
“Youlikebeingcommandedinbed,”Axelmurmured,hisvoicelowandthick.“We’regoingtogetalonggreat.”Hepartedherfoldswithhisthumbs,thendrewinalongbreath.“Yousmellsogood.Thatnightintheghosttown?Icouldsmellyouthen,too.Drovemeoutofmyfuckingmind.”
“Everythingaboutyoumademewantyou,”sheadmittedbreathlessly.“Everything.Yourknowledgeofthelandscape,yourkindness,yourprotectiveness . . .yoursexiness.Irememberthinkingthat,untilyou,I’dnevermetaman.”
Hisegoprobablypuffedupatherwords.Hischestcertainlydid.Despitethehotneedrollingthroughherveins,thesightwarmedherheart.
“That’sgoodtohear,”hemurmured.“Iadmit,Ineverquitefiguredifyouwantedmebecauseyouhadabadcaseofheroworshiporwhetheryousawbeyondthat.”
“Ididthinkyouweremyhero,butit’smore.Italwayshasbeen.It’slike . . .we’reinsync.”
“Weclick,”heagreed.“Tome,you’regorgeous.”Heturnedhisattentionbacktoherachingsex.“Ineveryway.Iknewwhenwemetthatyouwereasurvivor.Despiteyourdad’swealthandfame,you’renotspoiledordifficult.You’resunnyandsweetandalittlebitnaughty.Andlookatyounow,soripeandrosyandpoutingforattention.”
Mysterystruggledagainstherbonds.Shedidn’twantoutofthem.Oddly,theymadeherfeelsecure,likeshewasanchoredtohiminsomewayandhe’dneverletherfall.Buteverythinginsideheryearnedtoinvitehimindeeper.Neverinherlifehadshefeltthisneedtogiveherselftoaman.Hersexualpasthadconsistedfarmoreofprettyboyswhodidn’tknowmuchaboutgivinganorgasm,muchlessgettinginherheadandfulfillingherfantasies.Aswitheverythingelse,Axelwasawholenewbreed.
Sinceshecouldn’ttempthimwithheractions,shefellbackonwords.“Spreadingmylegsforyouissoarousing.Yourstarealmostfeelslikeatouch.Iremembereverymomentinyourbedearliertoday,thewayyoutastedme.Iwantyoutotakeallofme.I’mdyingtogiveyoueverythingyouwant.Idon’tknowhowtomakethathappenorwhattodoor—”
“Sweetestsub,”hepraised.“Youwerestunning,buthavingyouspreadoutformethisway”—heskatedhisthumboverherclit,makingherjumpandmoanwithdesire—“I’mhumbled.AndIdon’tthinkI’veeverwantedinsideanyoneasfuckingmuchasIwantyounow.”
Shesmiled.“Youalwaysknowjustwhattosay.”
“Isaywhat’sonmymind.Andrightnow,that’sallaboutthis.”
Axelleanedin,peeredcloselyatherpussy.Thethoughtofhimlookingathersointentlymadeherneedandsquirm.Andwhenhepulledherevenfartherapartwithhisthumbs,thenleanedincloser,sheliftedtohim.
“Normally,I’dthinkyoumeanttocoercemetoputmymouthonyou.Butyou’regivingyourselftome,aren’tyou?”
“Yes,”shewhispered.“Idon’tknowhowyousometimesreadmymind,butIlovethat.”
Heplacedthesoftest,almostchastekissrightonherclit.Thatarousedhernearlyasmuchasahardpull.Withoutaword,hetoldherthathetreasuredherflesh,worshippedit.Shemelted.
“Ilovedgettingmymouthonyouthisafternoon.AndeversinceIfiguredoutwhowasinmybed,I’vebeendesperatetofeelyourmouthonme.”Axelcrawledhiswayupherbody.“Suckmycock,princess.”
Mystery’sheartstopped.God,she’dlovetotastehim,getherlipsaroundthatsalty,manly,sizeablecock.
Asheunzippedhispantsandshovedhisgarmentsdowntohiships,hiserectionsprangfree.Thelengthwasimpressive,butthegirth . . .Holycrap!Nowondershe’dfeltsotightlystretchedwhenhe’dworkedhiswayinsideher.Atinglezappedherfromheadtotoeatthethoughtoffeelingitagain.
Eagerly,sheopenedhermouthtohim.Hebracedhisbigpalmonthewallabovetheheadboardandusedtheothertofeedthehugeheadpastherwillinglips.Shehadtoopenwideandworriedfleetinglythatshedidn’thaveenoughexperiencetopleasehim.Butwhenherlipsclosedaroundhim,theybothgroanedtogether.Shestoppedworrying.
“Jesus,princess.Yes.Deeper.”
Shestrainedherneckup,wantingtotakemoreofhimonhertongue.Hisflavorwascleanandmasculine.Shesmelledhisnaturalmuskwaftingup,givingheranolfactorybuzzthatmadeherdizzyandwet.Well,wetter.
Hepressedhishipsforward,andhiscocksanknearlytoherthroat.Shetriedtoopenevenwider.
“Sogood,”hepraised,liftingherbythebackoftheheadandcradlingherneckinhishand.
Nowshewasimmobile,athismercy.Betweenhiscuffs,hishold,andhisbigbody,hecontrolledeverymoveshemade.Shecouldn’timagineanythingturningheronmore.
“I’mgoingtofuckthatprettymouth,”hegroaned.
Herstaretangledwithhis.Theblueofhiseyeshadgonehot,electric.Shewhimperedoutherneed.
Axeldrewbackafewinches,thenslowlypushedinagain,deeperthanbefore.Thetipofhernosealmosttouchedhisbelly.Shewantedtoworkherheadfromsidetoside,suckmoreofhimin,trytotakeeveryinchhehad.Buthehadthecontrolandheeasedoutofhermouthagain.Adeep,rumblinggroanescapedfromhischest.“Useyourtongue.”
Inanswer,sheswirleditaroundtheswellingheadstillperchedpastherlips.Shelickedoverthepinnacle,foundthesensitivespotjustunderhisridge,thenlickedtheshaftindesperation.
“That’sit.Oh,princess . . .”Hefuckedhiswayintohermouthagain,establishingabrisk,softrhythm.Hiseyesclosed.Hisheaddroppedforwardandecstasytransformedhisface.
Forlongmoments,shesimplytastedhim,pleasuredhim.She’dneverknownhowbadlyshelongedtopleasealoveruntilAxel.Mysterysuspectedhecouldteachheralotofthingsaboutherbodyandhersexuality.He’dalreadytaughthersomuchaboutlife.
“Damn . . .yes.Youkeepswipingtheheadwiththatwickedtongue,andit’skillingme.”
ItthrilledMysterytoknowthatshecoulddismantlesuchabigbadman.
Whenhethrustinagain,heplungeddeeperstillandnudgedherthroat.Shedidherbestnottopanic.Shebreathedthroughhernose,asoneofhergirlfriendswholovedgivingheadhadinstructed,andrelaxedhermusclesthere.Finally,thetipofhernosebrushedhisabdomen.Shewrappedherlipsaroundthebaseofhiscockandsuckeddeep.
“Shit.Fuck.Sonofabitch!”Heyankedfromhermouthanddraggedindeep,steadyingbreaths,clearlytryingtobringhimselfundercontrol.
Mysterycouldn’thelpit.Thedevilsittingonhershoulderproddedher,andhiscockwasjustthereinfrontofher,wetandpurpleandswollen.Shepeekedhertongueoutandlickedhimlikeanicecreamcone.
Hiseyesflaredopenwide,gazefixedonher,instantlysharpandpredatoryandjusttheslightestbitdisapproving.“Tryingtostealmycontrolagain?”
“No.”Maybealittle.“Imissedyourflavor.”
“ButyouwantedtotakewhatIdidn’tintendtogiveyou.Youdidn’thavepermissiontodrivemeovertheedge,butyoustilltried.”
“I . . .didn’t—”
“Thinkbeforeyoulie.Orgasmdepravationisaterriblepunishment.Icandriveyousoclosetotheedgeagainandagain,thendenyyouforhours.Hell,Icandoitfordays.Ifyouwanttocomeagainanytimesoon,you’dbetterbehonest.”
Mysterydidn’tdoubthimforaminute.Heprobablywoulddriveherbodytoaclawing,achingneedandsuspendherthereforaslongashepleased.Hecouldlikelycontrolherbodyandherreactions,alongwithhimself—ineveryway.Thatstirredherdesirelikemad.
“Iwasn’ttryingtodriveyoutoorgasm,”sheansweredhonestly.“ButifIhad,Iwouldhavelikedit.Iwantedtomakeyoufeelgood,whetherthatwasalittleoralot.”
“I’llhavetorememberyou’reagiver.”Hesmileddownatherashereleasedherneck,thenbrushedhisfingersacrosshercheek,overherjaw.“Youneedthat,don’tyou?”
Shenoddedfrantically.“Yes,Axel.”
Despitethefactthatsheachedandclenchedandwriggledinneed,MysterystillwantedtogiveAxelwhateverwouldpleasehim.Somewhereinherrationalhead,sherealizedthatitsoundedkindofbackwardtoputherownpleasureonhold,especiallysincetheguysshe’dsleptwithinthepasthadbeenofthemindthateveryonewasresponsibleforgettingtheirownorgasmsduringsex.Again,Axelwastotallydifferent.
Hescrambledoffthebed,kickingoffhispantsashewent,thentoreintothedrawerofthenightstand,fumblingarounduntilhefoundanunopenedbox.Herippedintoit,tearingofftheentiresideofthecardboardtograboneofthefoilsquares.Withhisteeth,heyankedoffthetopofthepacket,thenrolledthecondomdownhisstifflengthasifhislifedependedonit.
Lessthanaheartbeatlater,heloweredhimselfontopofher,elbowsoneithersideofherhead,andtookherlipswithhis,usingthemtospreadhermouthwideforhiskiss.Heinvitedhimselfinside,histonguedelving,capturing.Heinvadedhereverywhere,andshefeltsaturatedbyhisscent,consumedbyhispassion.
Mysteryarcheduptohim,tryingtogetcloser.ShewasbeyondrealizingthatAxelstirredandexcitedherunlikeanyotherman.Thattrainhadleftthestationyearsago.Butsomehow,everytimehetouchedher,heremindedheralloveragain.
Ashepushedhisfingersintoherhair,hegrippedthestrandsinhisfist,tiltingherheadtodeepenthekiss.Atthesametime,heprobedherachingsexwithhiserection,arhythmicseekingagainstherslicktissueuntilhefoundthespothesoughtandbeganarelentlesspressforward.
Theslideinfeltalittleeasierthanithadthisafternoon,despiteherlingeringsoreness.Ashesurgedforward,shestretchedaroundhisgirth,workingtoaccommodatehimandlosingherselfinthedeliciousburn.Hefilledhercompletely.Herfleshstungandtingledashewithdrewslightlyandsurgeddeeper—overandover.
Everyruthlessthrustshouldhavebeenuncomfortable,butinsteadthefeelofhimforcinghertotakeeveryinchhadeuphoriacloudingherheadlikeadrug.Shewelcomedit—andhim—wholeheartedly.
Withawhimper,shetiltedherhipsupinoffering.Heslidhishandsunderherassandgrippedtightly.Everyfingertippressedintothefleshofherbackside,andheusedhisstrengthtoyankherontohiscockasifhecouldn’twaitanothersecondforhertotakehimallthewaytothehilt.Hetossedhisheadbackwithalow,rumblinggroan.
Theforceofhisnextdriveintoherhadhergaspingwithapleasure-painshe’dneverfelt.Shewantedtoholdhiminherarms,buttheywerebound.Shewantedtothrowherlegsaroundhim,butheheldherexactlywherehewantedherandunleashedahard,poundingrhythmthathadherwhimpering,thenmoaning,thencallinghisname.
Everythrustofhiscockrubbedagainstsensitivetissuealongthefrontwallofhersex.Hedoubledthetingleswitheverylungeinsideherashispelvisrubbedherclit.Thesensationsclimbed.Shepressedherfingernailsintoherpalms,tossedherheadback,andkeened.
Mysteryfeltherselfspinningaway,theabsolutepleasureovertakingherbody,herbrain.Shetightenedonhim,throwingherwholebodyandheartintohiskissasblackspotsdancedbehindhereyes.
“Youwanttocome?”hegrowled.“Forme?Rightnow?”
“Yes.Please . . .”Shenoddedfrantically.“Yes!”
Herampeduphishardsurgesintoherbody,theheadboardpoundingthewalleverytimeheslammedinsideher.Aboveher,hiseyeshadgoneasexyshadeofmidnightblue.Hestaredatherintently,knowingheheldthepowertograntherorgasm . . .ortakeitaway.Shewaited,breathheld,dissolvingforhim.
“Begmemore.I’mnotconvincedyouwantitenoughyet.”ChapterEleven
HE’Dbarelyfinishedspeakingwhenhedrovedeepinherpussyagain,settingoffachainreactionoftingles.Climaxwasrightthere,justwaitingforhimtogiveherthatperfecttouch.Axelwithheldit,studyingher,watching,waiting.
Mysteryquiveredaroundhiscock,herfleshconstrictingtightly.Withalowgroan,heplungedharder,shovedhiswaydeeper.Sweatbeadedathistemples.Moisturecoatedthebulgesofhisshoulders.Shefeltasifhe’dstretchedthemusclesofherinnerthighstotheirbreakingpointandknewshe’dbesoreashellinafewhours.Butshedidn’tcare.Shejustwantedmore.
“Please . . .”shecriedout.“Ineedit.Ineedyou,Axel.Ican’ttakemuchmore.”
“That’salittlebetter.Imightletyou.Sooner,ifyou’relouder.”
Louder?Didhewanthertoshoutthebuildingdown?Shejerkedagainsttherestraintsandwrithedasmuchashisbigbodyontopofherallowed.“Idon’tknowwhattodoorsay.It’soverwhelmingandI’mdesperate.Whatelsedoyouwanttohear?Please . . .”
“You’regettingthere.LetmeseeifIcanhelpyoualong.”Axelhesitatedandflunghimselfoffthebed,rummagingaroundinthenightstandagain.
“Whatareyoudoing?”Didn’theknowshewasonfireoverhere?
“Lookingforjusttherightthingtoblowyourmind.Herewego.”Thesmilethatcrossedhissquare,so-malefacemadeherheartskipafewbeats.Itdrippedsin,promisedtopushher.
“Hurry,”shebreathed.“Prettyplease.Ireallyneedto—”
“Oh,youwill.”Hepalmedsomethingandshutthedrawer,thenshovedwhateverhadbeeninhishandunderthepillow.“Turnover.”Hehelpedherontoherstomach,thechainholdinghercuffstogethercrossingneartheirhookinthewall.“Onyourhandsandknees.”
Asheclaspedherhipsandhelpedherup,Mysteryadjustedherselfonthemattress.Hisstareheatedherback.Shefeltsovulnerableashegrabbedtheitemfromunderthepillow,hidingitinhispalmagain,thenpositionedhimselfbehindher,plantinghiskneesbetweenhersandspreadingthemwider.
“Youeverbeentakenfrombehind?”
Mysterysearchedhermemory,buthe’dfriedit.“Maybeonceortwice.Idon’tremember.”
“Soyoudon’tknowifyoulikedit?”
“Well,sexingeneralneverwowedmebeforeyou.”
“That’sbeautifullyhonest.Idefinitelywanttomakesureyoucontinuetofeelthatway,princess.”
Sheheardwhatsoundedlikeaplasticcappoppingopen,followedbyasquishynoise.Heclosedthetopinplaceagain,andshefeltagentleplopashetossedtheobjectacrossthebed.Somethingdrizzledalongthesmallofherback,liquidandslightlywarmbeforeittrickleddownintothecreasebetweenhercheeks.
Withayelp,Mysteryraisedherassandtriedtoleanhertorsoforwardandsendtheliquidrunningintheotherdirectionandoffthesheets.
Axelwrappedhisarmaroundherwaistandpulledherbackup.“Don’tmove.”
Herrationalbrainwantedtoarguethattheyweregoingtomakeamess,butthecommandingnoteinhistonesilencedher.Sheclosedhereyes,refocused,breathed.
“Good.Thewayyouunderstoodmeinstantlyandcompliedturnsmethefuckon.”
Mysterysincerelyhopedthatmeantthatheintendedtofithiswidecockagainstherempty,weepingopeningandfillheruntilhereleasedhertoorgasm.Ifnot,shewasn’tabovebegginghimagain.
Fornow,shesettledforwrigglingherhipsinwhatshehopedwasanenticingsway.
Hepalmedoneofhercheeks,chuckling.“Believeme,I’mfullyawareofyourgorgeousassrightinfrontofme.Icouldstareatitallday.”
Pleasedon’tjustlook.Dosomething!
“Butatthemoment,I’dratherfuckyoumoreandhearhowwellyoucanbeg.”
Whatmoredidhewanthertosay?She’dblurtedherfeelingsandaddedmorethanoneplease.She’dtoldhimthatshewasdesperateforthepleasure.Whatelsecouldshegivehim?
Heansweredthatquestionquickly,bendingoverherbodyandfeedinghiscockinsideheragain.Thistime,heslidinslowly,easingonemolassesinchatatimeintoherclenchingpussy.
“That’sit,”hecrooned.“It’ssogood.”
Ashefilledhertothehilt,shesuckedinasharpbreath.Inthisposition,hefeltevenbigger,plumbedevenfartherinsideher.Hissizeoverwhelmedher,thestretchevenmoreofaburn.
Axelpulledback,nearlywithdrawingfromheruntilhesurgedinsideagain,alittleharder,alittlefaster.Herepeatedtheprocessafewtimes,pickingupthetempoandthedrivewitheverythrust.
Mysteryclosedhereyesanddrankthesensationsin.She’dlovedhavinghimontopofher,butinthisposition,shefelttaken,likehistouseatwill.Somehowhealsomadeherfeelasifheneededhermorethanhewantedher,andeverythrust,grunt,andgroantoldherhewantedherwithadesperationthatblindsidedandshockedher.
“Axel . . .”
“Yeah,princess.Tellme.”
“Oh,god,”shepanted.“Everytimeyouenterme,yourubsomethinginsidemewaydeep.”
“Ido.”Hisvoicesoundedrough,likegravel.“Ifeeleveryfuckinginchofyou.”
Toprovehispoint,hesankallthewayinagain,hisballsgentlyslappingherslickfolds,thenhegyratedagainstherspot,prodding,poking,drivingheroutofherdamnmind.
“Yes.There.Oh,rightthere.That’s . . .”Shecouldn’tmanagemorethanagroan.
“Oh,yeah.Iknowit’srightthere.You’reclosingaroundme.Sotight.Sofuckingsweet.ButIneedmore.Ineedtotouchallofyou.”
Mysterycouldn’tfathomwhathemeantuntilhebrushedhisfingertipsacrossthesmallofherback,spreadingthemoisturehe’dpouredontoherskinearlierallaround.Itwassomesortofoil.Shecouldfeelitlubricatinghernow,runningintothecrevicebetweenhercheeks,poolingaroundherbackentrance.
Histhumbjoinedthefray,sweepingupanddownthatfissurebeforecirclingtheopeningnoonehadevertouched.
Whensheclenched,Axelpriedhisfingersintotheshadowycleftofherassandpulledthetwohalvesapart.“Mine.”Hegrowledtheword,ananimalisticsoundfromthedepthsofhischest.“Allofyou.Mine.”
Thepartofherbrainthatfunctionednowrealizedhowcavemanandpossessivehesounded.Thewomaninsideherapproved.Herpussysuddenlypulsed.Shetossedherhipsbackathimashethrust,helpinghimspearherevenmorecompletely
Whenhedredgedthatspotagainandheinsertedhisthumbinherbackopening,thesparkslightinguphersexconvergedwiththenewoneshe’djustintroduced.Climaxsatrightthere,sodamncloseshecouldjustcryforit.Onemoreteeny-tinysensationwouldsendhertumblingintoanabyssunlikeanythingelse.Hervisionclosedup.
“Axel.Oh . . .my . . .”Shecouldn’tevenformtherestofthesentence.Instead,shetossedherheadbackandwailed.Hervoicesoundedhigh-pitchedanddesperateandrifewiththepainofunfulfilledneed.Sheclawedthesheets,suckedinabreath,andthrashedonhiscock.
Hewithdrewsoslowly,Mysterysworeshewouldloseeveryshredofsanity.Butwhenhehurtledhiswaybackin,tunnelingpasteachsensitivespot,shescreamedatthetopofherlungs.
“Please.Fuck.Me.Yes . . .”Shegaspedinabreath.“Now.Ineedit!So . . .good.”
“Sofuckinggood,”heagreed.“Comeforme!”
Heplungedinsideheragain,urgentandfierce,histhumbslidingallthewayinsideherass.Thesensationscoiledjustbehindherclit.Thetingles,theheaviness,thedesperateacheallmeldedtogetherinadizzy,crazy,sublimeeuphoriathattightenedandgatheredbeforeexplodingthroughherlimbs,lacingeveryvein,utterlyfillingher.Archingtohimandclawingatthebed,shescreamed,thesoundshrillandloudandlastingseeminglyforever.Sodidherorgasm.
God,sheneverfeltanythingremotelylikethisclimaxthatturnedherbodyinsideout,dismantledherbrain,destroyedherdefenses.
Whenherbreathranout,theecstasystillpulsedandtwitchedinsideher,batteringherlikethetideagainsttherocksoftheshore—constantlyandwithoutmercy.MysteryhadonlythoughtsheandAxelhadsharedcombustivesexearliertoday.Now?Holycrap,wouldsheevenbethesamewomanafterthismind-bendingbliss?
Behindher,Axel’sgriptightened.Heswelledevenmoreinsideher,scrapinghersensitivefleshoncemoreandproddingaspotthathadhercryingoutagain.Theheadboardbangedthewallharder,faster.
Andbehindher,heleanedoverherbodyandbreathedintoherear.“Oh . . .Fuckme,princess.”Hegroaned,thesoundvibratingthroughheroversensitivebody.“I’mcoming!”
Shegavehimawarbledlittlemoanashepickedupthespeedofhisthrusts,bitintoherneck,thensnarledouthissatisfactioninlong,plowingstrokes.Shespikedintoanothersharppeak.
Timelessmomentslater,shetumbleddownintoasoftcloudofsatisfaction.Exceptforthesoundoftheirharshpanting,silenceprevailed.Theheadboardstilled.Axelstopped.Mysterymeltedintothemattress,herarmsandlegsgivingoutunderher.
Hewentdownwithher,collapsingontopofherinaheapoflimbsashepettedherhipabsently,asifsilentlyapologizingforcrushingherunderneathhim
“Whathappened?”Shereallydidn’tknow.Herbodystillpulsed,pinged,andglowed.Butrightnow,sheabsolutelydidn’thaveabrain.
“Holyfuck.”Hegroanedasheraisedhimselfoffhersmallerbodyandletoutanexhaustedbreath.“Thatwasmind-blowing.”
Understatementofalltime.Thathadbeenmorethansex,morethantwopeopleexchangingpleasure.They’dflowedtogether,melded,fusedsomehow.Mysteryhadn’teverbeeninlove.She’dalwaysknownshehadacrush—maybemore—onAxel,butshe’dneverimaginedthatshe’dfallenforhimcompletelyandirrevocably.
Thatprobablyexplainedwhyshe’dneverbeenabletomustermorethanpassinginterestforanotherguyandwhyshe’dsooftenavoidedsexoremotionalintimacies.Whenmenhadwantedtogettoknowher,she’dsuggestedloudclubsandpublicsettingstomakethatimpossible.She’dappreciatedhavingcompanyandoftengravitatedtodateswhowouldmakeherlaugh.Atthetime,she’dthoughtshemerelylikedguyswithasenseofhumor.Nowshesuspecteditwasbecausetheyhadn’tbeenseriousabouther,either.
Howhadlessthananhourinbedwithamanshehadn’tseeninyearsbeenthemostrevealing,intimateexchangeofherentirelife?
Mysterydidn’thaveanswers,andemotionsshe’dbeenstompingdownandburyingbubbledtohersurface.Sheburstintotears—andnotdaintylittlesnifflingcries.Ofcoursenot.Theseweregiant,loudblubberingsobs.Thetotalembarrassmentonlymadehercryharder.
Axeleasedoutofherwell-usedbodyandrolledtoherside,takingherinhisarms.“It’sallright,princess.I’mhere.Iknow.Itwasbig.Powerful.Lookatme.”
Shesqueezedhereyesshut,fightinghim.He’donlyseetheloveinhereyes.He’dseehowbadlyshewantedtodothingsthathadlikelynevercrossedhismind,likewearinghisringandhavinghisbabiesandgoingintodebtforadreamhousetogether.Lord,shewassopathetic.
Hecaressedherback,bigsweepsofhispalmcomfortingherandpromisingmore.“Lookatme.”
Mysterytriedtoschoolherfeaturesandcrackoneeyeopenathim.Understandinglithisblueeyes.Sweatdampenedhishair,andhelookedspent.Buthappy.Asmilebrokeoutacrosshisface.Sheansweredinkind,evenastearsrandownhercheeks.
“I’vegotyou,”hevowed.“Holdontome.”
Shesniffledandpressedherfacetohischest,absorbinghisstrengthandthesenseofbelongingtohim.Hekissedthetopofherhead,rubbedabsentlyatherback.Mysteryallowedherselftosinkintothelethargy,thesatedpeace.
“Yousurprisedbyhowgoodwearetogether?”heasked.
Herlidsflutteredshutasshefittedherselfevenmoretightlyagainsthisbigchest.“Yes . . .butmostlyno.”
Shefelthimsmileaboveher,andheheldhercloser.“I’mnotsurprisedmuch,either.”
“It’sweird.Idon’tknowyoufantasticallywell,butIfeellikeIknowyoudeepdown,ifthatmakesanysense.”
“Itdoes.Iunderstoodyoufromthebeginning.”
Hehad,sherealized.“Exactly.”
Axelstrokedherhair,andMysteryfloatedinabubbleofpeace,liberallylacedwithhappiness.They’dfoundsomethingwonderful.Maybeitwaschemistry.Maybeithadbeenloveatfirstsight . . .delayedbysixandahalfyears.Shewasn’tsure.Butsheknewthatshecouldn’twaittofindoutwhathappenednext.Itsuckedthatsomeonefeltcompelledtochaseandthreatenher,butthathadbroughtthemtogether—twice.Thingshappenedforareason,atleasttoherwayofthinking.MaybeallthisgriefwasmeanttobebecausesheandAxelweremeanttobe.
Onestepatatime.
“Anythinghurt?Sore?”hemurmured.
“Besidetheobvious?”shewinced,thenlaughed.“NotsurehowwellI’llbewalkingtomorrow,butatleastI’llbesmiling.”
“I’mhopingso.I’malsohopingthattomorrowI’llbeinsidethatsweetpussyagain.Maybeevensooner.”
Evenifshewastender,thatsoundedgreattoher.“Iwon’tcomplain.”
Helaughed,theneasedoffthebed.Mysterylayinadreamyhaze,staringattheceiling,wearingwhatwasprobablyastupidsmile.Andshedidn’tcare.
Sheheardtheshowerintheadjoiningbathroomcuton.Asprayofwaterhitthetile.Heflippedonaharshoverheadlight,dimmedittosomethingsoft,thenprowledtowardherinallhisbig,masculineglory,minusthecondom.Helookedsoamazingnakedthatshecouldbarelyrememberhername.
Whenhereachedherside,Axeluncuffedherbeforehewrappedanarmaroundherwaist.Sluggishly,Mysterygottoherfeetandlethimleadhertothebathroom.Steamnowfoggedtheedgesofthemirror,andheatrosefromthesleeklytiledshowerbigenoughforfive.Heopenedtheheavyglassdoor,andsheenteredthestall,moaningassoonasthewarmsprayhitherchest.Axelslippedinbehindher,wrappinghisarmsaroundherwaistandkissinghershoulder.
“Ifyoudon’tforcemetostoptouchingyou,Imaynotberesponsibleforwhathappensnext,”hewarned.
“Forceyou?”Shegiggledathim.“HowwouldIeverdothat?Andwhy?
Axelwouldnevercrossalinewithanywoman.Mysteryknewthatpersonally.He’dmakedamnsurehehadconsentbeforehetouchedher.Shewasjustsoeuphoricthathe’dfinallychosenher.
Fromanearbysoapdish,hegrabbedabarandlathereditinhisbighands.“Holdupyourhair.”
Shedidasheasked,andherewardedher,glidinghiswide,soapypalmsoverhershoulders,back,hips.Hebenttowashherfeet,herlegs,herass,allthewhilekneadingandrubbingatanyknotsoftension.
Mysterymoaned.WasAxeljusttheperfectman?Hmm,noonewasabsolutelyperfect.Buthewasperfectforher.Vaguely,shewonderedwhatshe’dtellherfatheraboutthemwhentheytalkednext.He’dknownyearsagothatshehadacrushonAxel.Shewonderedifherdadwouldbesurprisedthatnothinghadchanged.
“Bytheway,anyworriesthatmyfatherwouldcarewhereyoucamefrom?Empty.Now,ifyoulethim,hemightaskyouhowtomakehisfilmsaboutsoldiersandwarmorerealistic,buthe’salreadygotasoftspotforyoubecauseyousavedmeonce.”
“Rinse,”hedemandedsoftly,notcommenting.
Shedidashe’dbid.“It’strue.Youknow,hesetupacollegefundforAlvarez’sson.Hepaidfortheextrasthegovernmentdidn’tprovidefortheburialsofbothyourfriendswhodiedthatday.”
“Hetriedtogivemeanobsceneamountofmoney,too.”Hegrimaced.“Iturneditdown.”
Mysteryknewitwouldsoundcrazytomost,andfewmenwouldhavemadethatchoice.ButthatsummedupAxel.Herheartconstricted.Oh,yeah.Thiswaslove.Ithadcomehard,feltsappyanddrugging—andshelovedeveryminute.
Sheturnedandstoodonhertiptoestokisshim.“IfI’mhappy,he’shappy.”
Hepaused,thenbegansoapinghiswide,bulgingchest.Shefollowedhismovementswithherhungrystare.Itseemedimpossiblethatshecouldwanthimagainwhenshefeltthiswrungoutandmorethanalittlesore.Howcouldsheachetofeelhiminsideheragainalready?
Afterheworkedagoodlatherontohistorso,arms,andneck,Axelsetthesoapaside.Thatdevilonhershoulderstartedridingheragain,andshepickedupthewhitebar.Onceshe’dsoapedupherhands,shereacheddownandcuppedhisballs,thenbeganworkingherwayup.
Almostinstantly,hiscockrosetoattention,theshaftfilling,theheadrising.Mysterywatchedinfascination,ashiverrunningthroughherasAxelgroaned.
“Princess,you’reinvitingtrouble.”
“Whatashame,”sheteased,battingherlasheshisway.
Hedrilledhisgazedownather,hisblueeyesturninghotanddark.Hebracedonepalmonthewalljustaboveherhead,cagingherinthecorneroftheshower.Buthedidn’tstopherfromstrokinghiscockinlong,slowdrags.
Hisjawtightened.Hisbreathingturnedrough.“Idon’trecommendthisnow.”
Sheswipedherthumbacrossthesensitivehead,delightingwhenhehissedinabreaththroughhisteethandstiffenedevenmoreinherhand.“Whyisthat?”
“BecauseI’mabouttopushyouagainstthatcoldtilewallwhileIshovemycockinsideyourpussyandrideyouhard.AndIdon’thaveacondom.”
Mysterydidn’thatetheideaofplayingwithfire—atall.Shesidleduptohimandrubbedherselfagainsthislength,stillgrippingandstrokinghim.“Justalittlemore.Justforamoment.”
Clearly,hehadn’texpectedherassent.Heath’svoiceranginherheadagain,tellingherthatshedidn’tknowAxelthatwell,butsheblockeditout.Herbodyguardwaswrong.Hewastheonewhodidn’tknowAxel.Hedidn’tunderstand.Herheartdid.
Foralongmoment,Axelstoodfrozen,simplylettingherundulateagainsthim,touchhimatwill.“You’retryingtotemptme,princess.”
Shepeeredupathimwithasmile.“Isitworking?Itdidn’tthefirsttimeItriedinthatlittleghosttown,butIthink—”
Hesnorted.“Oh,itworkedthen,too.Onemoreofthosefuck-mestares,andIprobablywouldhaveworkedmywayinsideyouandneverstopped.”
“Really?”Sheblinkedathim.
“Oh,yeah.IwouldhavehatedmyselfforitifIhad.”
“Andnow?”Shelickedherlipsanddraggedherfingersupthelonglengthofhisshaftagaininaslowtease.“I’mnotagirlanymore.I’mawomanwhoneedsyou.”
Hisbreathturnedchoppier.Hisshoulderstightened.Aflushcrawleduphisface.“Youunderstandyoucouldgetpregnant.”
“Nottherighttimeofthemonth.Besides . . .woulditbetheworstthingintheworld?”
Axelgrippedherwrist,stillingherstrokinghandinstantly.Hecamecloser,crowdingherevenmore.Hischestflattenedherbreasts.Hisintentstaredugintoher.“Besure.”
Mysteryfroze.Hewouldreallydoit,knowingtherisks?Axelwasn’tthesortofmantowalkawayfromhisownchildorthewomanwhohadbirthedit.“IstheresomeotherreasonIshouldn’twantyounaturally?”
Hegaveasharpjerkofhishead.“I’mclean.”
Sheliftedontiptoeandkissedhisjaw.“I’mhungryforyou.”
Axelsawedinalongbreath,onthefence,hisfisttighteningjustabitonherwrist.“Oh,Iwantyousobad.”
Thewordshadbarelyclearedhislipswhenhehadheragainstthewall,herbackstingingwiththechillofthetile,andherlegsinthecrookofhiselbows.Hiscockprobedherswollenopening,andhesankintothehiltinoneviciousstroke.
Excitementseizedherbreath,madeherheartrace.Thenhehitthatsensitiveplacedeepinherpussy.“Axel!”
Hisheadfellbackwithamassivegroan.“Oh,fuck.Yes.Youhavesuchatightpussy,princess.I’mgoingtotakeit.It’smine,andIwanttomarkit.”
Mysterycouldn’tcatchherbreath.“Now.”
Hepumpedinsideher,watchingherbreastsjiggleeverytimeheslammeddeep.Asenseofbeingtakenandownedsteamrolledher,anditturnedheronmorethanshe’deverimagined.Yes,she’dwantedtobeclosertoAxel.Herheartcriedoutforhim.Butherbodycertainlywanteditsfairshareofhim,too.
Whenhedraggedhislengthdownhersensitivechannel,thenshovedbackinagain,sheclawedhisshoulders.
Herammedher,pummelingdeep,baringhisteethandstaringstraightintohereyes.“That’sit . . .Feel.Every.Inch.Of.Me.”Hepunctuatedeachwordwithanotherthrust.
Hisstrength,theforceofeveryupwardsurge,ricochetedthroughherbody.Shecriedout,herpleasechoingoffthetile.
Hernerveendingswerealreadysosensitive,sostimulated—yetmiraculouslyreadyformore.Thescrapeofhiscockpushingupthroughherswollentissuedeliveredtingles.Ashewithdrew,heleftbehindaterribleache.Timeslippedaway,disappearinglikethewaterdownthedrain.Mysterysimplyletherselffeelasheworked,gruntingandflexing,todelivertheorgasmbrewingrightbehindherclit.
Shetightenedonhiscock,lockedherarmsaroundhisneck,staredintohiseyesandsworeshesawthefuturecomingtogether.She’dmissedhimeverydaysinceDeathValley.Shedidn’teverwanttomisshimagain.
“Axel!”Herbreathhitched.Shewhimpered.
Hereadjusted,grabbingherbytheass,thenusingeveryripplingmuscleinhisarms,chest,andshoulders,liftingheruphiscock,thenimpalingheragain,thrustingattheendofthestroketoreachthatdamnspotthatreactedtothefeelofhimdeep.
Withascream,shesplinteredinhisarms,shatteringintolittlepiecesaroundhim.
Axelbarelygavehertimetocatchherbreath.Pressinghisforeheadintohers,heclenchedhisjawandjackhammeredintoherlikeamadman,thelightningspeedandpurepowerheputintoeverystrokedazzlingheruntilshesawstars.Mysteryreclinedherheadagainstthetile,closedhereyes,andtumbledintobright,tinglingpleasureagain.
Herbodywasstillaglowwhenhewithdrewandsetheronherfeet.Sheblinked,headdizzy,asshewatchedAxeltakehimselfinhandandstrokehiscockroughly.Soon,heclenchedhisteethandstaredatherwithblueeyesthatburnedintoher.Withonelook,hewantedhertoknowthat,evenifhewasn’tcominginsideher,heconsideredherhis.Thenhesprayedacrossherbellywithalowgroan.
Ashepantedandrecovered,thewaterfallfromtheshowerheadpeltedhistorso.Shestoodagainstthewall,protectedfromthedeluge,andfeltthemostprimalurgetotouchhisseed,rubitintoherskin.
Whenshetestedtheneedbygrazingherfingertipsoverherstomach,hedrewcloserandgrabbedherwrist,thenflattenedherpalmintothewarm,thickliquidandworkedit.“That’sit.Iwantyoutosmelllikeme.”
Herbreathcaught.Theideaofcarryinghisscentallnightlongdidn’tmerelyarouseheragain,butmadeherheartthump.Itsoundedoddandmaybeevenalittletaboo,sherealized,wantingtoweartheproductofsomeone’spassion.Ontheotherhand,shecouldn’tdenythatshelikedtheideaofbelongingtoAxelineverywayhewouldlether.
Atinypartofherheartwishedthathe’dwantedtocomeinsideherandseeifnatureblessedthem,butsheunderstoodwhyhehadn’t.Theyjuggledsomuchrightnow—astalker,aburgeoningrelationship.ShewassupposedtobebackintheUKnextweek.Shelivedthere . . .andhe’dstillbehere.Whatifshe’dconceived?Yeah,shedidn’thaveananswer.She’dbetterstartusingherbrainandstoplettingherheartandhormonesruntheshow.
Hecuppedherfaceanddroppedalittlekissonherlips.“I’malwaysgoingtotakecareofyoufirst.”
Hisexpressiontoldherthathewouldhavelovedtotakeheruponheroffer,butdutycompelledhimtoberesponsible.
Nowaycouldshebeupsetwithhimforthat.“Youalwayshave.Thankyou.”Iloveyou.
Hesmiledandreachedforatowel.Mysteryairdriedwhileshetriedtorepairherhopelesslyhalf-drownedhair.Withinafewminutes,they’ddressed,andshefeltmorethanalittlewickedknowingthatAxel’sveryessencehadseepedintoherskin.
Asheopenedthebedroomdoorandledherintothehall,herestedhisprotectivehandatthesmallofherback.“IthinkCalliestashedsomethingsugaryandfatteninginthefridge.”
Sugarysoundedgreataboutnow.Onceinside,theypulledoutplatesandforksandamassivepieceofturtlecheesecake.Withanindulgentgrin,Axeltookabiteandwatchedherdevourhalfofitinlessthanaminute.
“Thatgood?”heteased.“Icouldn’ttell.”
Shestuckhertongueoutathim.“Ifyoudon’tstoprunningoffyourmouth,I’mgoingtoeatallthisalone.Youwon’tgetany.”
“I’vegottenwhatIwanted.”Heleanedcloserandgrabbedthearmsofherchair,slidingherandthefurnitureclosertohim.“Imightwantmoreofthat.”
AflushracedtoMystery’scheeks.Everymomentwithhimjustseemedeasyandnatural.Theycamefromtotallydifferentworlds,andyetitwasasifthey’dbeenmadeforoneanother.
“Imightgiveittoyou.”Shebitherlip.
Axelsentheragrinthatshowedoffhisdimples.“No‘might’aboutit.Iplantotakeyouagain . . .andagain,untilyoubegmetostop.We’llseeifIhaveanymercythen.”
* * *
THEYateinsilenceuntilmostofthepiecewasdemolished.ThenAxelstoodandstartedapotofcoffee.Mysteryfellinbesidehim,washingofftheirplate,findingcoffeecupsandcreamer.Thentheywaitedtogether,andasenseofpeacesettledoverhim.Beingwiththiswomanwassosimple,likebreathing.
Nottakingheruponherinvitationtocomeinsideherhadbeenoneofthemostdifficultthingshe’deverdone.Andifhekeptthinkingaboutit,he’dpullherpantsdown,layheracrossthekitchentable,fuckhersenseless—andchangehismind.
“I’msurprisedyourfatherletyoucometotheStateswithouthim,”heremarked.“He’sincrediblyprotective.Andafterwhathappenedtoyouasateenager,it’snowonder.”
“Theonlywayhe’dletmemakethistrip‘solo’waswithHeath.Hewantedtosendawholeteamofpeoplewithme,butIarguedthatAuntGaillivesinthemiddleofnowhere.It’snotlikethepaparazzihangoutthere.Andwe’dcertainlyseeanyintruderscomingamileaway.AfterWorldWarThree,hefinallyrelented.”
“I’mgladyoucameandyourdadcompromised.”
“Ididn’tthinkhewasgoingto.”Shesighed.“Anditsoundsterrible,butwheneverhe’sinbetweengirlfriends,he’scranky.”
Axellaughed,refrainingfrompointingoutthatmostmenwerewhentheyweren’tgettingany.“I’msurehe’dappreciatethatobservation.WhatwasitlikegrowingupwithMarshallMullinsasasinglefather?Washestrict?Absent?Difficult?”
Sheshrugged.“Alloftheabove.Ofcourse,heknewIwasalwaysbeingwatched.Butaftermymother’sdeath,hedefinitelyhoveredmore,whichonlygotworseaftermyabduction.Ithasn’tletupsince.Asakid,Imissedmymomalot.Ithinkhedid,too.ButIhavetoadmit,thehousewasmorepeacefulaftershepassed.Theyfoughtallthetime.”
“Aboutyourdad’slovelife?”Axelaskedbuthefeltsureheknewtheanswer.
“Totally.Hewasn’tevendiscreetaboutithalfthetime.Atfirst,IguesshethoughtIwastooyoungtounderstandwhythereweresomanypicturesofhimoutonthetownwithotherwomen.Iwasaboutsevenwhenhegotslappedwithhisfirstpaternitysuit,buthewasn’tthefather.I’msurethatwasjustluck,though.”
“Didyourmomtakethecheatinghard?”
“Absolutely.Whenshe’dhadtoomuchwine,she’dclutchtheirweddingalbumtoherchestandaskherselfwhatwentwrong.Ididn’thaveananswer.”
“Ofcoursenot.Youwereakid.”
“AndIwasangrywithmydad.Furious.Ispentmostofmytimewithmymom,soIsawhowallhischeatingtoreherapart.I’dneverputupwiththat.Idon’tknowwhyshedidforsomanyyears.”
Axelnodded.Sheshouldn’thaveto.Nowomanshould.“Doyouthinkshewasdepressed?”
“Absolutely.Shetookmedicationforit.I’veaskedmyselfoverandoverifherdepressioncontributedtoherdeath.ButIdon’tthinkshecommittedsuicide.”
“Isupposeshecouldfalloffacliffbyherself,butshedidn’tleaveanoteorgiveanyindicationshewasendingit.Infact,hadn’tshecontactedadivorcelawyerearlierthatweek?”
Mysterynodded.“SheplannedtodivorceDadandtakehimforhalfofeverything.Whenshetoldhim,heblewagasket.Thatfightwasepic.Irememberhearingthemintheirbedroomhaveashake-the-wallsscreamfest.Theysaidsomeincrediblyuglythings.”Mysterygaveahollowlaugh.“Mymomremindedhimthathe’dfuckedmostanyoneinHollywoodwhoworeaskirtinthelastnineyears.Hedidn’treallyhaveareply,excepttosayshe’dmademistakes,too.Butshewastotallyseriousaboutleaving.She’devencontactedarealestateagentaboutsomepropertybackinKansas.Mymomwasmakingplansforanewlife,notendingit.”
Axelagreed.Someofthathadbeenpublicknowledge—evenherterriblefightswithherhusband.CircumstantialevidencemadeMarshallMullinslookliketheprimesuspect.Afterall,thatdivorcewouldhavecosthimabouttenmilliondollars.ButAxeldidn’tseethefamousdirectorasthemurderoustype.Granted,hemighthavehiredsomeone . . .Buttherewereholesinthattheory,too,likethelackofamoneytrail.
“WhywasyourmotherinAngelesNationalForestthatday?”heasked.IfhewantedtogettothebottomofMystery’skidnapping,he’dhavetostarthere.
“ShecalleditherZenplace.Herdadhadapparentlytakenherthereasakidonacampingtrip,andshefellinlove.Whenevershewasupsetorneededtoclearherhead,she’ddriveoutthere.Sometimes,she’dtakeme,too.Iwasinschoolthatday,soshedidn’t.”
“Didyouknowshe’dplannedtodrivetothatspot?”
Mysteryshookherhead.“Mymotherwasoftenverysolitary.Shelikedbeingalone,especiallywhenshefeltoff-kilter.Shewouldpackupthecaranddisappearforafewhours.Sometimesmore.”
HowwouldMarshallMullinshaveknownexactlywhereintheforesthiswifewouldbeandwhen?Yes,hecouldhavehiredsomeonetofollowher,andtherehadbeenlotsofspeculationthatathugfromtheAsianmafiahe’dhiredasaconsultantforanupcomingfilmmighthavebeenpersuadedtodosomewetworkforthefamousdirector.ButthecriminalhadwoundupfacedowninthePacificafewdayslater,slaughteredbyarival,sothey’dneverreallyknow.Theonlyfactsinevidence:MarshallandJuliaMullinshadcometohorrificblowsoverhischeatingonemorning,andshehadthreatenedtodivorcehim.Lessthansixhourslater,she’dbeendead.He’dbenefittedmostfromheruntimelydemise.Andsomehow,thisinvolvedtheirdaughter.
“Iknowwhatyou’rethinking.”Shelookeddownatthehandsshewrunginherlap,thenraisedbighazeleyestohim.“Mydaddidn’tdothis.Hemightmakealotofmoviesaboutwarriorsandgrittycops,eventhatoneabouttheserialkiller,buthe’sapacifistatheart.”
Axelfrowned.Themanwho’dsatacrossatablefromhimandwatchedasheandthesquadhadplannedMystery’srescuehadbeenallforbloodifitbroughtherhome.Axeldidn’tburstherbubble.Buthealsodidn’tbelieveMarshallMullinshadhiredsomeonetokillhiswife.
Heshrugged.“We’llfigureitout.It’stimeweputyourmothertorestandgaveyoubackyoursafety.Gettingtheremightgetbumpy,though.”
“Ijustdon’tunderstandwhythephotosaysI’dbesafeinEngland.”
“Idon’tknowthatwe’remeanttounderstandalotofthingsaboutthisrightnow.Onceweunraveleverything,itwillmakesense.”
AsuddenknockbehindthemmadeAxeltense.Hewhirledaroundinhisseat,blockingMysteryfromthedoorwithhisbody.HefullyexpectedtoseeHeath,readytobrawlnowthathe’dheardherinpleasurewithanotherman.Bringit.Axelitchedforafight.
Instead,hefoundZeb,oneofhisfellowDominantsandDungeonMonitors,standinginthedoorway,lookingdeeplyconcerned.“We’vegota . . .situation.Youneedtocheckthisoutpronto.”ChapterTwelve
AXEL’Schattinessevaporatedinaninstant.“Gobacktoyourroomandlockthedoor.Youshouldbesafe.I’llfindoutwhat’sgoingonandcomebackforyou.”
Hedidn’tgiveherachancetoargueortheopportunitytofollow.BeforeMysteryevenrosefromherchair,he’dlefttheroom.
Withafrown,shelookedintotheopendoorway,thensighedasshejoggedbackdownthehall.Ifsomeonehadbrokenintotheclubandwaswreakinghavoc,wouldn’talarmshavegoneofforsomething?
Asshereachedthemainhallwayleadingfromthebackdoortotheclub’smainfloor,Mysterydidn’tseeanythingoutofplace.Sheresistedduckingintoherroomandlockingherselfin.Ifsomethingdangerouswashappening,howwouldsheknowitandescape?
Forafewminutes,shepacedthehallway,tornbetweenfollowingAxel’sdemandsandtiptoeingaroundtoseewhatthedevilwasgoingon.Shedidn’tlikethejerkybeatofherheartandthesickworryknottingherbelly.WhatwastakingAxelsolong?Hadhebeenhurtdefendingher?They’dbeensocarefulputtingoutacoverstorythatshewasleavingthecountry,bothtothehotelstaffandTwitter.Sohowthehellcouldanyonehavefoundherhere?
ShewasstillwringingherhandsinindecisionwhenHeathcamestormingtowardher,wearingafuriousscowlthatmadehercringeinside.
Whenhespottedher,hisfrowndeepenedtoafullglowerofdisapproval.Hegrabbedherarm.“Whatdidthatmandotoyou?”
Shedidn’tplaydumborpretendshedidn’tknowwhathemeant.“Youheardus.”
“HowcouldIpossiblyavoidit?”hedrilledsharply.“Youhaven’tseenhiminforever,andsuddenlyyoudecideto—”
“Heath,Iappreciateyourconcern,butit’sreallynoneofyourbusiness.Myfathersentyoualongtokeepmesafe,nottoguardmychastity.I’mnothavingthisargumentwithyou.”
Hepaused,workedhisjaw,lookingasifhewadedthroughhiswordscarefully.Buthedidn’tletuporletgoofherarm.“Diditeveroccurtoyouthatyoumightnotbeabletotrusthim?Thatsomeoneyoucantrustisstandingrightinfrontofyou?”
Mysteryrearedback.Washetalkingstrictlyabouthersafetyorhadhedriftedintoromanticterritory?Heathhadnevergivenherareasontothinkofhimasanythingotherthanaprotectiveuncle . . .whojusthappenedtobeabadass.Hadshemisreadthesituationallalong?
“Whatareyousaying?”
“You’veseenyour‘hero’athisbestandbuilthimupinyourmind.Mystery,you’vejustgivenhimeverypartofyou,especiallyyourtrust.Andyourbody.”Andhelookedasifthatdisturbedhim.“Butyou’veneverseenhimasjustamanwithalltheotherflawsyou’reterriblyfamiliarwith.”
“Meaning?”shesnapped.“He’dneverhurtme.”
Heathcursedandlookedupward,seeminglyfordivineintervention.Thenheshookhisheadather.“Youcanbethemostbloodystubbornwoman . . .Comewithme.”
HedraggedherdownthehalltowardThorpe’soffice.Heheldhisfingeroverhislipstosignalhersilence.
Astheyreachedthethreshold,Heathheldoutahandtostopher,andpointedtothefarsideoftheroom.Thinkingthathemustbelosinghismind,Mysteryshruggedandpeekedaroundthecorner.Whatshesawmadeherheartstopcompletely.
Axelsatwithhisbacktothedoorinachair,hisshoulderseclipsingthebackrest.Asmallwomancuddledinhislap,wrappedupinhisbigarms.Heheldherasifnooneintheworldwasmoreimportanttohimthanher.
“Howdoyoufeelaboutthat,SweetPea?”heaskedsoftly,intently.
SweetPea?Whowasshe?Hedidn’thaveasisterthatsheknewof.Wassheafriend?Orhislover?
Mystery’sbloodwentcold.
“I’mwillingtodowhateveryouwant.”Sheblinkedbigbrowneyesathim,lookingverycomfortableinhisarms.“Iwantyoutobehappy.”
Hecaressedthewoman’scheek.“Iwantyouhappy,too.”
Shecurledsmallfingersoverhisbroadshoulderandsqueezed.“You’vedoneyourbesttomakemehappyforthelasttwoyears.I . . .don’thavewordsforhowwonderfulyouare.Yourdevotionhasmeantsomuchtome.I’vebeensoluckytohaveyou.”
Everywordoutofthewoman’smouthwasastabinMystery’sheart.She’dbeenthinkingaboutloveandforeverwithAxel.Shehadbasicallyinvitedhimtogetherpregnantbecauseshe’dbeenstupidlyenvisioningwhatabeautifulfamilythethreeofthemwouldmakeandhowhappytheycouldbesharingtheirtomorrows.Withhim,she’dfeelprotectedandloved.Inreturn,shewouldadoreandsatisfyhim.
Nowthewretched,crushinghumiliationrippingherheartfromherchestremindedherofthedevastatinglessonhermotherhadlearnedatherfather’shands:Menalwaysstrayed.
No,Axelhadn’tpromisedheranythingorcommittedtoanysortoffuture.Mysteryhadbeentheonetomakena?veassumptions.Butneveragain.Obviously,he’dbeencommittedtothiswomanhecalledSweetPeafortwoyears—howhadherprivateinvestigatormissedthat?—andAxelhadcheated.Mysterywasthe“otherwoman”inthisscenario,andshefeltused.
“It’sbeenmypleasureandprivilege.”Axelpulledthewomancloserandlaidasoftkissonherforehead.
Theirexchangelackedpassion,butallthattoldMysterywasthat,whilehecaredforhisgirlfriendtoomuchtolethergo . . .heslakedhislustwithotherwomen.Typical.Thathadalwaysbeenherfather’sapproachtorelationships,too.
Mysterycouldn’tbreathe.Shefeltdizzyandsicktoherstomach.Andsofuckingbetrayed,thoughsheprobablyhadnorightto.Sheshovedbackhottearsstabbinghereyesandthreateningtospill.
“Haveyouseenenough?”Heathmurmuredinherear.
Shedidn’tevenwanttospeakrightnow.AndshecertainlyappreciatedthatHeathdidn’tsay“Itoldyouso”atthatmoment.Hecertainlycouldhave,andshewouldhavedeservedit.
Whyhadshethoughtshe’dtrulyknownAxelaftersolittletimetogether?Mysteryshookherhead.Thatwasthelasttimeshe’dletherhopesandstupidromanticfantasiesgetthebetterofher.HeathhadbeenrightaboutheridealizingAxel.Shehadtostopthinkinglikeagirlandbecomeawoman.
Shehadtosaveherself.
Heathcurledagentlehandaroundherarmandledherbackdownthehall.Shewasgratefulshedidn’thavetowitnesstheaffectionpassingbetweenheandthepetitebrunetteanymore.AndwhentheyreachedHeath’sbedroom,Mysterywasevenmorerelievedthatshedidn’thavetolookattherumpledbedshe’dsharedwithAxelandsmellthesexthatundoubtedlystillhungintheair.Shecouldn’thavemanagedthatwithoutfallingtoherkneesandsobbing.
“I’massumingyouwantnothingmoretodowiththeman?”heaskedgently.
Thethoughtofneverseeinghimagainchokedher,toreatherheart.Butshe’ddonewithouthimforoversixyears.She’dmanagefortherestofherlifesomehowbecauseshe’dneverbethevictimhermotherhadbeen.“Nothing.”
“Packupanythingyou’veunpacked.Giveme . . .tenminutes.I’llhaveyououtofhere.”
Asheturnedtoleave,shegrabbedhisarm.“Thankyou.”
Heathglancedatherhandonhim,thenatherface.“Anythingforyou.”
* * *
AXELturnedsuddenlyinhischair,lookingintothehallbehindhim.Thehairstoodonthebackofhisneck.Hewouldhaveswornhe’dheardsomeonebackthere.Buthesawnothing.
Forcinghimselftorelax,hedirectedhisattentionbacktoSweetPea.“Soyou’rereadytomeetStone?”
“Whydoeshewanttomeetme?”sheasked,herinsecuritiesalloverhersmallheart-shapedface.
Sometimes,heforgotthat,despiteheroftenmulticoloredhair,herrocker-chickclothing,andherbrighttattoothatheldameaningonlythetwoofthemunderstood,shestillgrippedtightlytoherinsecurities.She’dcomealongwayaftersurvivingsomuch.Butlikethewingedbirdshe’dinkedontohershoulder,thetimehadcomeforhertoflyaway.Stonemayormaynotbethemanforher,butshewasreadytoembracesomeoneelsetohelpheralongwiththenextpartofherjourneythroughlife.
“Hedidn’ttellme.You’llhavetoaskhim.ButImadeitclearthathe’storespectyouandyourboundaries,”Axelpromised.
Shenodded,thehairshe’dpulledbackinasimpleponytailtodaycoloredasurprisinglysedatechestnutbrownwithafewhintsoffuchsiastreaks.Herlonglashesbrushedhercheeksasshepausedforamomenttogatherherself.
Finally,sheopenedhereyesandregardedhimagain.“Okay.”
MorethanoneDomovertheyearshadaskedabouttheclub’ssweetlittlereceptionist,butshehadn’twantedtocomeoutofhershell.Axelhadbeensuspectingforawhilethatshewasreadyformorethanhecouldgiveher.Heragreeingtomeetanyonewasahugestepforward.
Hehuggedhertight.“I’mproudofyou.He’swaiting.I’llintroduceyou.”
Withthelittlereceptionistinhisarms,Axelstood,thensetSweetPeaonherseriouslyhighheels.Shestillonlyreachedthemiddleofhischest.“I’mscared.”
“I’malwayshereifyouneedanear.YouknowThorpeis,too.”
“Iappreciatetheoffer.”Shenoddedpensively.“Butyou’rewithMysterynow.Youdon’tneedme.”
Hefrowned.“Misty,youdon’thavetoleavemyprotectionbecauseI’vefoundsomeone.We’llhavetochangeafewthingsaboutourrelationship,butIdon’twantyoujumpingintoanyarrangementwithanothermanjustbecauseyouthinkIwon’tbehereforyouanymore.”
Shesmiledsoftly.“Axel,you’vebeensowonderful.I’veoftenwishedthatIcouldhavebeenhealedenoughtoloveyoulikeyoudeserve.AndthatIcouldbethesortofwomanyou’dloveforever.Butweweren’tmeanttobe.You’vedonemoreformethanI’msureyouwerepreparedtowhenThorpeaskedyoutohelpmealong,andyou’vedefinitelygivenmemorethanyou’lleverunderstand.”Shetearedup.“I’llmissyou.”
“SweetPea . . .”Heheldherclose.“I’mnotshovingyououtthedoorandintothecold.”
“I’mshowingmyselfout.”Tearssplasheddownhercheeks.“I’vewornoutmywelcome.It’stimeforyoutogiveyourwholeselftoonewoman.That’snevergoingtobeme.Andit’sallright.Ifshelovesyoulikeyoudeserve—anditsoundedearlierlikeshedoes—thenI’msohappyforyou.”
Axellookedawaywithawrygrin.He’dintendedforHeathtooverhearthem,buthehadn’tthoughtSweetPeamightcometotheclubearlylookingforhim.WhenStonehadshownupandaskedforher,ZebhadturnedprotectiveolderbrotherandfetchedAxelfromthekitchen.Butmaybethiswasforthebest.MaybethetimehadcomeforbothheandMistytomoveon.
Axel’sheartswelled.He’dalwayshaveasoftspotforherinsidehisbig,ramblingchest.Hemighthavedoneherafavorbyworkingwithheronherabilitytotrustandcommunicateherfeelings,butshe’dtaughthimmorethanalittleabouthonestyandlettinggooffears,too.Allofhisbrotherswerestillsingle,aswashisfather,andAxeldidn’tkidhimself.Allthathadsomuchtodowithhismother’sabandonment.Trustdidn’tcomeeasilyforhim,butSweetPeahadhelpedkick-starthishealing.Hewasn’tthereyet,buthehadhighhopes.
Hecuppedherface,hersmallbonesswallowedbyhisbigpalms,andlaidasoft,chastekissonherlips.Foralongbreath,hegaveherhiskindnessandadoration.Itflowedbittersweetbetweentheirlipsandheartsastheysaidtheirfinalgood-byeaslovers.
Morethanreadyforhisfuture,hebrokeawayandledhertowardthedungeon,hopingthathe’dbeintroducinghertoaspecialmanwhowouldtakeherinhandandmakeherwhole.
* * *
MYSTERYracedaroundthebedroomsheandAxelhadsharedanhourago.Shetriednottolookatthebedasshepackeduphertoiletries,tossedonsomecleanclothes,zippedupherbags,thenwaited.
Maybeshewasbeinghasty.SheshouldatleastaskAxelaboutwhatshe’dseen.Theremustbesomerationalexplanation,right?
Forhimcuddlinganotherwomanandwhisperingendearments?Howoftenhadhermothersaidshewishedshe’dlistenedtohergutaboutherfather’salibis,ratherthanhisslickwords?Ontheotherhand,Axelwasn’therfather.Daddylikedattention—neededit.Axelstoodquietandwatchful.Hedidn’tmindsolitude.Hewasn’tforshow,didn’tcareaboutflash . . .
Butwhatmanturneddownsexwhenaprettyskankinashortskirtofferedit?Axelandherfathermightnotbecutfromthesamecloth,buttheywerebothmenwithdicks.Maybethatwastheonlysimilaritythatmattered.
Pacingandchewingonaraggednail,shewaitedforAxeltoreturn.She’daskhimaboutthewomanshe’dseenhimwithandhisrelationshipwithher.She’dlistenandtrytomakeanunemotionaljudgment.Afterall,despitethesexthey’dhadtoday,he’dneverpromisedheranexclusiverelationship.
Butwhatkindofmanjumpedfromthemostamazingsexwithher—twice—toputanotherwomanonhislapminuteslater?
Mysterycrossedthebedroomagain.Damn,shecouldtalkherselfincirclesallnight.
Bottomline:ShehadtoaskAxel,listen,thendowhatwasbestforher,dependingonwhetherhesetoffherbullshitmeter.Heathwouldwantanexplanation,andshewouldgivehimonebut—
Suddenly,thelightsflickered,thendied.Everythingaroundherwentstill,black.Shestoodunmoving,afraidthatshe’dtripoversomethingintheunfamiliarroom.Thenslowly,shebeganfeelingherwaybacktohersuitcasenearthedoor.
Whensheturnedtheknobandeasedintothehallway,ahandsuddenlygrippedherarm,pullingheragainstahardbody.Beforeshecouldevengasp,hecoveredhermouthwithhispalm.Adrenalinesurged.Terrorspiked.Hadwhoeverleftthepictureinherhotelroomsomehowfoundher?
“We’releavingviathebackdoornow.Stayquiet.”
Heath.Mysteryheavedagiantsighofrelief.“Weshouldtalkaboutthisbeforewerunoff.MaybeI’mbeinghasty.”
“Wouldyoureallygivehimmorechancestocrushyourheart?Whatwouldyourmothersayaboutthat?”
TorunlikehellifshehadanysuspicionatallthatAxelhadcheated.“Iknow.”
Heathreleasedher,thenbrushedpasther.Sheheardavaguegruntasheliftedheradmittedlyheavysuitcase.“Wrapyourhandaroundmyarmandfollow.”
“ButwhatifI’msaferwithhimaround,too?”shemurmured.
“You’veletthepleasurecloudyourthinking.I’vekeptyousafealltheseyears.I’mstillmorethancapable.Followme.Wehavetohurry.Itwon’ttakeAxelmuchlongertofigureoutthatI’vesimplytrippedthebreaker.”
Mysteryhesitated,sotorn.ShesensedHeath’simpatience.
“ItoldyouattheonsetthatAxelwasaplayer,”hepointedout.“Ittookhimlessthanfifteenminutestofindanotherwomantoseduce.”
“Hedidn’tmakemeanypromises,”shepointedout.
“Butdon’tyoudeservethem?”
Shesighed.Yes,shedid.Hermotherhadoftensaidthatshefeltasifshe’dacceptedfeelinglikesecondbestbecauseshe’dlackedtheconfidenceandtemeritytoleave.Mysterydidn’twanttobeavictimofherownweakness.
Heathsighedwithimpatience.“Axelknowswhereyou’reheading.Ifhetrulywantsyouandcares,he’llcomeafteryou.Ifnot,thenyou’llknow.Butwemustleavenow.”
Whathesaidmadealotofsense.Besides,sometimeawayfromAxelandallofhistrappingswouldallowherthespacetogetherheadtogetherandfigureouthernextstep.Hewouldn’tbethrilledwithherdeparture,especiallysincethiswasn’tthefirsttimetodayshe’drunoutonhim.Butsheneededsomesolitudetoprocess.
“Allright.”
AsMysteryallowedHeathtoleadhertothebackdoor,avoiceinsideherkeptshoutingthatshewasmakingabigmistake.Beforeshecouldquestionherdecisionagain,thebackdoorslammedshutbehindher.
Mysteryhesitated,fightingeveryinstincttopoundonituntilsomeoneletherin,untilshecouldseeAxelagainsotheycouldworktheirdifferencesout.
“Lookforward,notback,”Heathencouraged,tuggingheralong.
Nochoicenow . . .Thedoorthroughwhichthey’djustexitedwaslocked.
Heathledheracrossthelot,thenhustledherintothetowncarandpulledaway.Theyspedintotheinkynight,andMysteryprayedthatAxelwouldcomeforher.Otherwise,sheworriedthatshe’dnotonlybefendingoffbadguysbutfightingabrokenheart.ChapterThirteen
AXELfidgetedintheseatofhisrentedsedanparkedonariseofthedirtroadandbehindthetreeline,outofsightfromMystery’saunt’sfarm.ForthehundredthtimesinceMysteryhadtakenoff—again—hewonderedwhatthefuckhadhappened.Oneminutehe’dbeensharingmind-blowingsexandturtlecheesecakewiththewomanhefelthimselffallinghardandfastfor.Thenextminute,he’dbeenpreparingSweetPeatomeetStonebeforesuddenlybeingplungedintodarkness.OnceheandZebdiscoveredthatsomeonehadtamperedwiththeelectricalpanelandthetwoofthemhadrestoredthelighting,AxelhadgoneonafranticsearchforMystery.
He’dknowninlessthansixtysecondsthatshewasgone.Sinceherpersonalitemsandsuitcasewereabsent,too,hedidn’tthinkanyonehadtakenherfromtheclubagainstherwill.ButHeathwasmissing,too.AxelhadnodoubttheBrithadplannedtheirescape.Thequestionwas,hadhedraggedMysteryoutorhadsheleftwiththeothermanofherownfreewill?
Axelfeltasifsomeonehadguttedhisinsideswithachainsaw.Whatifheneversawheragain?Whatifhe’dfailedtoprotectherfromamanshe’dmistakenlytrusted?Or,Axelwondered,whatifshe’dscratchedheritchforhimandsimplymovedon?
Apprehensionbrewedinhisbelly.
Theminutehe’drealizedthatHeath,Mystery,andherluggagehadallescapedoutthebackdoor,he’dhoppedonhisbikeandspedlikeawildmandownthestreets,ontoI-35.Mysterywantedtovisitheraunt,andAxelsuspectedthepairwouldheadtoMarion,Kansas,aboutanhourwestofEmporia,wherethewomanlived.Buttheduo’sheadstarthadbeentoobig,andAxelhadn’tbeenabletotrackthemdown.
ThankstoJavierandXanderSantiago’splane,he’dinsteadjettednorthandarrangedacarsohecouldreachthemiddle-of-nowherefarmquickly.ThatlefthimplentyoftimetoworrythathishunchaboutMystery’sdestinationwasn’trightandtocallJoaquintohavehimgathersomeessentialfactsaboutherauntGail—andherbodyguard,Heath.
Theaunt’sstorycheckedout.GailLeedywasaspinster,bornandraisedinMarion.She’dworkedasanurseforalocaldoctorforthepasttwentyyears.AfterafailedattemptatHollywoodfamewithhersister,she’dreturnedtoKansasandtakenupresidenceinthefarmhousethathadoncebelongedtoherparents,thoughshe’dsoldoffthelandmorethanadecadeago.Deeplyinvolvedinherchurch,shesanginthechoirandorganizedthebakesalefortheirannualSundayschoolfund-raiser.Shesoundedlikealovelylady,andAxelwouldhavesimplywalkeduptothewoman’sdoorandintroducedhimself,thenwaitedforherniece.ButMystery’saunthadn’tbeenhomewhenhe’darrived.Atthatpoint,he’dtrackeddownMarshallMullinsandexplainedthathisdarlingdaughterhadrunoff.Thefamousdirectorhadblownagasket,thenlaunchedintoatiradeaboutMystery’ssafety.They’dbothtriedtocallherandcomeupempty,soMullinshadpromisedtoringAuntGailandletherknowthatsheshouldmakeupanotherguestroom.
AxelhadbeensatisfiedonthatscorebuthestillwanteddirtaboutHeathPowell,like,yesterday.NotknowingexactlywhohadMysteryathismercymadeAxelitchy.
Rightoncue,hisphonebuzzedintheconsoleofhisrentedsedan.Joaquincalled,accordingtothedisplay.
“Whatyougotforme,man?”Axelasked,skippingthetypicalgreetingashecontinuedtoscanthedirtroadforanysignofheadlightsinthedark.
“Alot,andnoneofitverygood.”
“Fuck.”Whydidn’tthatsurprisehim?Axelsighed.“Layitonme.”
“I’llstartwithyourbuddy,HeathPowell.Naturally,mostofthegoodinformationabouthimisclassified.MI5won’tconfirmhisemployment,butIcalledSeanMackenzie”—JoaquinspokeoftheformerFBIagentwhohadrecentlymarriedCallie—“andHunterEdgington.Theintelligencecommunitycanbesmall.Lotsofpeopleknowlotsofothers.Itdidn’ttakelongforthemtotapintotheirindividualsourcesandcomebackwithsimilarstories.”
“AfterIhearthis,amIgoingtowanttokillhim?”
“Youmight.Butyoumightalsowanttogivehimahardyslapontheback.Toughcall.”
Axelhadahardtimepicturingthat.Atthemoment,themurderscenariosoundedfarmoreplausible.“Whatdidyoufind?”
“HeathPowellandateamhe’dbeenassignedtowarnedofIslamicextremistsplanningsomethingintheUndergroundsystembeforetheJuly2005attacks.Theirtheorywasdismissed.Aftertheincidentmaterialized,theagencybacktrackedandofferedhimapromotion.Hestayedafewmoreyears,thwartedafewmoreterroristplots,thensomeoneshothiswifeinbroaddaylightinaLondonmarket.Themurderhadtheearmarksofapublicretaliationforputtingadouchebag—they’veneverprovenexactlywho—behindbars.AfterthatPowellresigned,andafewkeycriminalswoundupgruesomelydeadoverthenextfewmonths.Noonepursuedtheirdeathstoohard,butwhoevertookthemoutwasarealpro,soyoudothemath.Powellthentookafewoddbodyguardingjobs,sometimesforthesortoflowlifesandthugshe’doncehunteddown.ThenMarshallMullinsjettedtoLondonwithhisyoung,still-traumatizeddaughterandhiredPowellalmostimmediately.Byallaccounts,theguyhasbeenMystery’sdevotedshadowsince.”
Axelgrippedthephone,histhoughtsracing.Yeah,hedidn’tlikewhatheheard.ButhehadtocompartmentalizehisworryandpraythatsonofabitchwastoodevotedtoMysterytokillher.Heunderstoodwhyshetrustedherbodyguard,butAxelwouldbetshehadnoideatheBrithadgotteninbedwiththeenemyforapaycheckandmorethanlikelyhadcommittedcold-bloodedmurder.
“Thanksfortheinfo,”Axelgrumbled.
“Don’tthankmeyet.Nowwecometotheworsenews.IdidsomediggingaboutJuliaMullins’skillingandtalkedtothedetectiveoriginallyassignedtohercase.He’sretirednow.OnceweestablishedthatIwasn’tapeskyreporterlookingforascooporacollegestudenthopingtowriteapaperthatwouldblowthiswholeHollywooddramaopenagain,headmittedthatthesheriff’sdepartmenthidafewthingsfromthemedia.”
Thathappenedmoreoftenthannot,soAxelwasn’tsurprised.“Andhewaswillingtotellyouaboutit?”
“Notatfirst.Butweshottheshitoverthephoneforawhile.IhadtostretchthetruthalittleandsaythatIwashelpingtoprotectMysterywhileshe’sonU.S.soil.”
“Ifyougetmeinformation,thenyouare,asfarasI’mconcerned.”
“Well,hehemmedandhawedabit,checkedoutmycredentials.Iguesshe’dmetCalebEdgingtoninthepastandfinallydecidedanyoneworkingwithorformystepfatherwasokay.”
“And?”
“Atfirst,hethoughtJuliaMullinsjumped.Thetrajectoryofthebodyoverthecliffsuggestedsomeforcebehindherfall,ratherthanasuicideleap,though.AndJulia’sactionsjustbeforeherdeathdidn’tmatchup.”
“LikecallingadivorcelawyerandplanningamovetoKansas?”
“Yeah.Youknewaboutthat?”
“Mysterytoldmeearlier,”Axelsupplied.“Idon’tthinksheknowsmuchelse,though.”
“Thebodyplacementalsoruledoutanunintentionalfall,whichleftthemthinkingmurder.Butthesheriffcouldn’tpositivelyplaceeitheroftheironlytwosuspectsatthecrimescenewithher.Sothecasewentunsolved.Forsomereason,thesheriffdidn’tpubliclyclassifyherdeathasahomicide.”
“Whythehellnot?”Axeldemanded.
“Tocoolspeculationinthepressmaybe.ThedetectiveIspoketosaidtheywereunderalotofpressuretofigureoutwhathadhappened.Callingitamurderwouldonlyhaveturneduptheheat.”
ThatsheriffhaddoneJuliaMullinsandherlovedonesareallycrappydisservice,inAxel’sopinion.“Sothat’sit?”
“Notexactly.Fast-forwardaboutfourmonths,”Joaquinwenton.“Campersinthevalleybelowtooksomelast-minutepicturesbeforeheadingout,hoursbeforeanyoneknewthere’devenbeenadeath.Theyfinallygotthefilmdevelopedintheircamera—remember,thiswasbeforeeveryonehadadigitalcamera—andtheyspottedsomethinginteresting.I’msendingittoyounow.”
Withinaminute,Axel’sphonedingedwithatextmessage.HeputJoaquinonspeakerandopenedthemessage.Mountains,somesnowcapped,filledthelandscape,dottedwithathickforestoftrees.Theshotwaspanoramicandshowedthemajestyofthearea.Thensomethingtotheleftoftheshotcaughthisattention.Hepeeredmorecloselyandexpandedtheviewonhisphone.Buttheoldpicturepixilatedthemorehetriedtozoomin.Still,twothingslookedveryclear:ThedateandtimestamponthephotocoincidedwithJuliaMullins’smurderandonthemountaininwhichshe’dmetherdoomstoodnotonefigure—buttwo.
“Iseeamanandawomanonthemountainintheleftsideofthebackground,”Axelpointedout.“She’sdefinitelyJuliaMullins.That’sprobablythelastpictureofheralive.”
“Exactly.”
“Who’sthatmanstandingwithher?”Thoughthesnapshotonlyshowedthebackofamanwearinganavybluesuit,Axelalreadyknewthatcouldn’tbeMystery’sfather.“TheguyinthephotoistooshortandhastoomuchgrayinhishairtobeMarshallMullins.”
Themaninthephotoalsowasn’tHeathPowell.Hewouldhavebeentooyoungatthetimeofthemurder,andschoolrecordsputhimsquarelyintheUKatthetimeofJuliaMullins’sdeath.Axelhadchecked.
“He’salsotootalltobeAkioMiharu,theAsianMafiaenforcerMullinshiredtoconsultonamovieand,accordingtorumor,tokillhiswife.Withtheironlytwosuspectsmostlikelyeliminated,thesheriffhadnothingelsetogoon.Thequalityofthephotoisn’tfantastic,andthenegativeislonggone,sowecan’timprovetheclarity.”
Whichmeantthatusinganythingfancy,likerecognitionsoftware,wasoutofthequestion.“Soshewasdefinitelymurdered,andwehaveanewsuspectwecan’tidentify.”
“Prettymuch.ThesketchynoteshereindicatethatthedetectiveaskedMullinsifherecognizedthemanwithhiswife.Heclaimshedidn’t.”
“Whydidn’ttheyeverreleasethisphototothepress?Getitonthenewsandseeifanyonecouldidentifyhim?”
“Isn’tthatagoodquestion?”Joaquinaskedcynically.
“Whataboutrecordsofpeopleenteringandleavingthepark?Areanykeptsowecancross-referencewhoeverenteredthatdaywithanyoneJuliaMullinsknew?”
“Youneedaparkingpassforsomelocationswithintheforest,butnothingifvisitorsstayontheroadsmaintainedbyLosAngelesCounty.AsfarasIcantell,noonecheckedforarecordoftheparkingpassesissuedthatday.”
Thatwasdamnfishy.Axelsighedheavilyasanotherquestioncrossedhismind:IfMullinsknewhiswifehadbeenmurdered,whyhadn’thetoldhisdaughterthatfact?Granted,Mysterywouldhavebeenachildatthetime,buthehadn’tcomecleansinceshe’dgrownup.Axelsuspectedhe’dhavetobreakthenewstoher.Hewishedtohellthedirectorwouldhurryupandmaketheconnectionbetweenhiswife’smurderandhisdaughter’sabduction.IfMullinsdid,hemighttryhardertohelpsolvethecase,whichcouldendthedangertoMysteryonceandforall.
“Andsixteenyearslater,Iwonderifthoserecordsevenexistanymore.Thatsucks,”Axelgrowled.
“Big,hairymonkeyballs,yes.Andthedetectivehadnothingelseusefulinthefile,sothat’sallI’vegot.”
“I’llhavetorunthisphotopastMystery . . .”Oncehecaughtuptoheragainandpaddledherassaglowingshadeofred.“I’llaskheraunt,too.Maybeoneofthemwillrecognizethisguy.”
“Ihopeso.Otherwise,thisisanotherdeadend.”
Noshit.“Thanksfortheupdate.Letmeknowifyoufindanythingelse.”
Joaquinpaused.“LoganandIarepreparedtobackyouup,man.Justsaytheword.Huntercan’tgetawaywithKatadueanyday,butsinceBaileyisalreadybusywithrehearsalsbecauseshewontheleadinthatballetthissummer,I’mfree.LoganandIwillcomeoutthereandhelp.”
Theoffersurprisedhim,especiallysinceheandJoaquinweren’treallypals.“That’sdamnniceofy’all.”
“Well,itmightalsobeavoidance,”Joaquinadmitted.“WeinheritedCaleb’steamofoperativeswhenhegaveushisbusiness—ahalf-dozenpsychomisfits.Oneguyisaformerarmysniper.Hewon’tevenletuscallhimbyname.HeinsistswecallhimOne-Mile,anhomagetohislongestkillshot.I’dtentimesratherdealwithyourshitthanmine.”
Axelforcedalaugh.“Imighttakeyouuponit.OnceIgetthelayofthelandhere,I’llletyouknow.”
Theyrangoff,andAxelresumedwaitingforHeathtodeliverMysterytoheraunt.Heonlyhopedthathisgutwasright—thatHeathwantedherforhimselfmorethanhewantedtokillher.
Topassthetimesohedidn’tgoinsanewithworry,hepickeduphisphoneagainandtextedSweetPea.HowdidthemeetingwithStonego?SorryIcouldn’tstay.DidZebwatchoveryou?
Shewrotebackalmostimmediately.Yes.IlikeStone.Wetalkedalot.Hewantstoseemeagainandhe’sgoingtotalktoyou.
Howdoyoufeelaboutthat?heaskedquickly.ButheknewSweetPeawell.
Shehesitated,thentappedback.Idon’tknow.Alittleexcitedandscared.
Shewasn’treadyforaDomshebarelyknew.Hell,Axeldidn’tevenknowifStonewasactuallyinthelifestyle.JackColevouchedfortheguyprofessionally,butthatwouldn’tcutitinadungeonwithasubasfragileasMisty.
We’lltalkwhenIgetback.Besafe.Callifyouneedme.
Shesenthimawinkingfaceandaheartemoticon.Takecareofyourgirl.
Withagrimace,Axeltuckedhisphoneaway.Hedidn’tbothertryingtocall“hisgirl”again.IfMysteryhadn’tansweredthefirstfiftytimes,sheprobablywouldn’tanswernow.Wouldsheanswertomorrow?Nextweek?Ever?IfHeathhadn’tnabbedherwithdangerousintentionsinmind . . .thenwhat?Axelfrowned.Hadherpost-coitalglowwornoffbecausehedidn’tmeanadamnthingtoher,andhe’dbeentoobusyfallingforhertonotice?Hehadalotofpracticewithsex . . .andnotmuchwithrelationships.
ThismentaljauntdownMaudlinStreetboredtheshitoutofhim,sohetrekkedoffthisbeatenpathandglancedatthetime.Ifthey’dcomestraighthere,sheandHeathshouldbedrivingupanyminute.Then?Heexpectedfireworks.
Wouldn’thispresencehereshocktheshitoutofMystery?Shemightnotwanthimaroundforever,buthe’ddamnwellmakeherexplainthattohisfacebeforehelethergo.Nowaywouldhesitaroundmoroselyandwonderwhyshelefthim,notafterthewayDadhadwhenhismotherhadtakenoffforanewlife.
Finally,twinlightsbobbedupanddownthedirtroad,comingtowardAxelatacarefulclip.Heheldhisbreath,beyondrelievedthatHeathhaddeliveredheraspromised.IftheBrithadwantedherdead,he’dhadheralonefornearlysevenhours.Themancouldhavesnuffedheroutanddumpedthebodyanywherealongtheroad.
AtleastheknewHeathwantedheralive.AsmuchasAxeldidn’tliketheotherman,hehadtorulehimoutasasuspectinMystery’sdeaththreat,damnit.He’dloveareasontopoundtheasshole’sface.
Asthelumberingblackvehicleheadedclosertothelittlefarmhouseinthedistance,Axelmadesuretheheadlightswereoff,startedhisrental,thenpulledforwardtoblocktheroad.NowaywouldMysteryhaveanotherchancetoescapewithoutaconversation.
Finally,Heathparkedinfrontofthehouse,justinthecircleofthecheerylightfromthefrontporch.Hehelpedherfromthecar,andshestretchedbeforemakingherwaytothelittleporch,completewitharockingchair.Evenatadistance,AxelcouldseeMysteryslumpinghershouldersandbowingherhead,exhaustionevidentineverylineofherbody.
HeathtookherbytheelbowtowardtheporchasAuntGailopenedthedoor.Axelshutofftheengineandexitedtherental.Helockeditmanuallysoitdidn’tbeepandshutthedoorsoftly,gratefulthespringbreezemuffledthesound.
Mysteryhuggedheraunt,atall,thinwomaninherfiftieswithashyblondhairinabobandwearingabluebathrobe.Axeljoggeddownthelanetowardthem.
Heathheardhimfirstandturned,guninhishand.HecursedwhenAxelsteppedintotheporchlight’sglow.“Oh,bloodyhell.You’rehere?Whydidyoufollowher?”
“DidyouthinkIwouldn’t?”Axelshotback.
Outofhisperipheralvision,hesawMysterypullfromheraunt’sarmsandturnhisway.Hereyeswidenedwhenshecaughtsightofhim.
“You.”Axelpointedather.“We’regoingtotalk.Now.”
“Shehasnothingtosaytoyou,”Heathansweredforher.“Didn’therleavingyouindicatethatshe’shadenough?”
“Whoisthisman?”AuntGailaskednervously.“ShouldIcallthepolice?”
“Thatwouldbebrilliant.”Heathsmiled.
“I’mAxelDillon,ma’am.Mr.Mullinscalledyouaboutme.”
“Ofcourse.”Shesmiled.“Pleasecomein.Ihopeeveryoneishungry.Imadecookies.”
Heathcursed.
Thewoman’sgesturewasakindonebutAxelactuallyagreedwiththeBritjustnow.Fuckthecookies.“I’msurethey’redelicious,andI’llbehappytoeatoneafterI’vespokentoyourniece.”
“Youcamehere?”Mysterysoundedshocked.
“Ofcourse.”Hadshethoughthe’dsimplystayinDallaswithhisthumbuphisassandnottrytofigureoutwhatthefuckhadhappenedbetweenthem?
“Youcameforme?”Shelookedonthevergeoftears,buthecouldn’ttelliftheywerehappyorsad.
Wassheaskingifhe’dfollowedherallthiswaybecauseshewastouchedbyhisgesture?Ordidshethinkhewasdelusionalforimaginingtheyhadarelationshipthatdidn’texist?
“Youcalledherfather?”Heathbarked,histoneaccusing.“Isupposethatexplainswhyhetriedtocallme.”
Whywouldn’tthisassholejustshutup,Axelwondered.“Mullinswantsmewithhisdaughter.Idon’tshirkmyresponsibilities.”
Mysterygasped.“Responsibility?Isthatwhat—”
“Doyounormallybargeyourwayintoapaycheck?”Heathdemanded,steppingbetweenAxelandMystery,hisstanceprotective.
Hewantedtowringtheguy’sneck.Mullinswasn’tpayinghim;Axelwasjustconcernedforher.“Doyounormallybehavelikeafidiot?”
“Oh,dear.It’sagoodthingIdon’tliveclosetomyneighbors.”Theolderwomanlookednervous.
Mysteryreachedbackandabsentlypattedtheolderwoman’shand.“I’llhandlethis.”
“No,”Heathassured.“Iwill.Fidiot,amI?”
Axelnodded.“Whensomeonethreatensatarget,whywouldyouimagineit’sagoodideatotakeoffandleavetheoneindangerwithlessprotection?”Axeldemanded.
“Itiswhenoneofmyprotectorsisacheatingdouchebag!”Mysteryyelledathim,fistsclenched,thenheadedtowardthefrontdoor.
“Cheating?”Ashechargedafterher,steppingontotheporch,thetruthhithim.Somehow,MysteryhadseenorheardhimwithMisty.Hegrabbedherarm.“You’vegotitwrong,princess.SweetPeaandIarefriends.”
Shejerkedherarmfree.“Soyoucuddleallyourfriendsonyourlapandwhisperwordsofdevotiontothem?Right,andIwasbornyesterday.Isupposeyou’regoingtotellmenextthatyou’veneverhadsexwithher.”
Axelgrittedhisteeth.Thetruthwasonlygoingtomakeeverythingexponentiallyshittier,butherefusedtolie.“No.Ihave—morethanonce.Ourrelationshipiscomplicatedbutit’salsoover.Ifyou’lltellmewhythehellyouranoffyetagain,thenlistentome,I’llexplaineverything.”
Sheturnedherbackonhimandreachedforthefrontdoorhandle.“Saveyourlies.Aftergrowingupwithmydad,Iwon’thaveanythingtodowithaphilanderingprick.”
“Yeah?”Hegrabbedheraroundthewaistandyankedherbackagainsthim.“Aftergrowingupwithoutmymom,I’mnotinterestedinanunreliableflake.”
Mysterylookedtakenaback,asifthethoughtthatshemighthavehurthimhadn’toccurredtoher.“Oh.”
Axelgrittedhisteeth.Howdidshenotgraspthattakingoffonhimtwiceinlessthantwelvehourshadbeenhurtful?“Nowthatwe’redoneexposingallourinnerwoundsorwhatever,let’stalkinprivate.”
Heathshookhishead.“Leaveheralone.”
“Shedoesn’tneedyoutospeakforher,”Axelspitout.
“Stopit!”Mysterysnapped.“Bothofyou.”
“Iwould—ifhe’dstoptheverbalequivalentofliftinghishindlegonyou,”Axelmuttered.
Heathrolledhiseyes.“Comingfromyou,that’srich.Barmywanker.”
Thisassholereallycrawleduphisback,butAxelrefusedtokeepgivingthemansomuchofhisenergy.HehadtofocusonMysteryandfigureoutiftheycouldhavemorethananinexplicableconnectionandgreatsex.Snippingatherbodyguardwasn’tgoingtowinhimanygoldstars.
“Axel,Idon’twanttotalkaboutit.I’mtired.”
Atnearlyfourinthemorning,hewasn’tsurprised.“Iam,too.Butweneedthis.”
“What’sthepoint?Ifyouwantsomeoneelse—”
“Idon’t,”heinsisted.“I’mwillingtobelievewe’rejusthavingamisunderstandingwecanclearupquickly.Aren’tyouevencurioustohearwhatIhavetosay?”
“No.”Shehesitated,thensighed.“Allright.”
Reliefpouringthroughhim,AxeltookMystery’shand.Hersmallfingerscurledaroundhim,andheclutchedherwarmpalmtohis.
Heregardedheraunt.“It’snicetomeetyou,ma’am.Sorrytocomeinarguing.We’vegotsomethingstosettleifI’mgoingtoprotecther.Canwetalksomewhereprivate?”
“Anywheredownstairs,Isuppose.Ididn’texpectyousolate,younglady,andI’mgoingbacktobed.”
“I’msorry.Icalledyouearliertoletyouknow,”Mysteryexplained.“DidBiblestudyrunlong?”
Thewomanshookherhead.“ErrandsinEmporia,thenalatedinnerwithsomeoldschoolfriends.SorryImissedyourcall.Makeyourselvesathome.Thisoldbroadcan’tstayawakeanotherminute.Seeyouinthemorning.”
Thetriowishedheragoodnight,andtheolderwomandisappearedupthestairs.Onthesecondfloor,adoorslammed.Noonespokeintothesilence.Axelfeareditwouldbealongnight.
* * *
THEmomentonlygrewmoreawkwardastimedraggedon.Mysterydartedintothecozywhiteandmint-greenkitchen.Apewtercrosshungabovethestove.Notmuchhadchangedsinceshewasakid.Sherememberedcomingherewithhermomeverysummer.Theyearshe’dpassedaway,they’dvisitedduringspringbreak.MysteryrememberedthesnowandbeingamazedthatthewhitestuffcouldfallsoclosetoApril.Thatwasthefirsttimeshe’deverplayedinawinterwonderland.Sheandhermomhadbeensledding,thensharedabigmugofhotchocolateafterward.
Theghostofthatmemorylingeredintheair,thoughnowthespacewouldbehauntedbyanewpresenceshedidn’tthinkshe’deverforget:Axel.
Heenteredthekitchenafterher,Heathhotonhisheels.God,thesetwoneededtobackthehelldownandstoparguing.Sincetheyweren’tgoingtodothatallbythemselves,shehadtoputherfootdown.
“Areyoubothonyourmanperiodorsomething?”shechallenged.
Theyglaredather,neitherdeigningtoacknowledgeherremark.
“No?ThenHeath,willyoupleasegiveAxelandmeafewminutes?Ifyouwanttogotobed,I’msuremyauntleftsomepillowsandblanketsonthelivingroomsofaorshemadeuptheguestroomupstairs.Firstdoorontheleft.”
Helookedreadytohitsomethingandletoutafrustratedbreath.“I’llsecuretheperimeter.”
Withoutanotherword,helethimselfoutthebackdoor,anditrattledbehindhim.
Exhaustionweighingdownhereverylimb,MysteryturnedtolookatAxel.He’dcurledonehandintoafist,andtosayheseemedtensewouldbeagrossunderstatement.
Mysterysighed,bracingherselfforabattle.Honestly,shewasn’tevensurewhyhe’dcome.Forheroroutofasenseofdutytoherfather?
Shespiedthekettleonthestove.Cravingawarmcupoftea,shegrabbedaboxofteabagsfromthecabinet,thenturnedtohim.“Wantsome?”
“No,thanks.”Hesatinoneofthesmallkitchenchairs,upholsteredinvinylwithaleaf-and-grapepatternthathadbeenoutdatedfortwentyyears.“Listen,Mystery,IamnotsleepingwithSweetPea.”
“Byyourownadmission,you’vetakenhertobedbefore,so . . .”ThethoughtofhimwiththelittlepixieofabrunettestabbedMystery’schestlikeamachete.Shehadtostopseeingthemtogetherinherheadandtorturingherself.“Youknowwhat?Itdoesn’tmatter.”
“Thehellitdoesn’t!Willyoujustlisten?”
God,she’dheardherparentshavethisargumentahundredtimeswhenshewasakid.Herfatherhadalwaysdeniedanywrongdoingandhe’dalwaysbeenfullofshit.MysterywantedtobelieveAxel,butshedidn’twanttobegullible,either.Howcouldsheberationalwhenshewassofreakingtired?Still,shelovedhimandhadforyears.Forthatreasonalone,shewouldlistenthisonce.IfhisspeechsmelledlikeBS,she’dfigureouthowtomoveonwithouthim.
“Fine.Ifyouweren’tseducingherlastnight,thenwhatwereyoudoing?She’saprettygirl.SoIdoubtyoutwowereplayingarousinggameofcheckers.”
“Weweren’tplayingcheckers,butweweren’tfucking,either.Ourrelationshipisn’taboutthat.”
Ofcourse.Shewas“justafriend”or“justacoworker”orwhateverconvenientroleAxelcouldfitherinto,thewayMystery’sfatheralwayshadwhenconninghermother.Now,shefacedthestove,determinednottoletAxelseehercry.She’dalreadyshedtoomanytearsoverhim.Hermotherhadcriedtoomuchforherfather,andMysterydidn’twanttorepeatthepattern.Maybesheshouldcutherlossesnow . . .butherstubbornheartdidn’twanttogiveup.
Axelmadehiswaytoher,cuppingherhipsinhisbighandsandpullingheragainsthim.Thefeelofhiswide,solidchestatherbackcomfortedheragainstherwill.Hefeltlikeasafehaven.Shefeltasifshebelongedtohim.Whatwaswrongwithher?
Pullingamugfromthecabinet,Mysterytriedtosnifflequietly,butnothingmadeitpasthim.
“Shh,princess.Here’sthetruthaboutmeandMisty.That’shername,bytheway.Iamnotinlovewithher.Ineverhavebeen.She’snotinlovewithme,either.”
Atthat,Mysterynearlyrolledhereyes.Attractive,smart,funny,protective,damngoodinbed . . .“Youdon’towemeanything,soyoudon’thavetocomeupwithanexcuse.Youhaveagirlfriend.Ibargedintoyourlifeandthrewmyselfatyou.Iwishyouhadn’ttakenmeuponthestupidofferifyouwereinarelationship,butit’sdone.Iwon’tbetheotherwoman,soI’dappreciateitifyoustoppedtouchingme.”
“You’renottheotherwomanbecauseMistyisnotmygirlfriend.Sheneverhasbeen.”Axelwrappedhisarmsaroundherwaistandheldherclose.
ItwasallMysterycoulddonottosnort.She’dbetMistydidn’tviewthesituationthewayAxeldid.Infact,itwouldprobablybenewstoherthatshewasn’thisgirlfriend.
“AndI’mnotgoingtostoptouchingyou,”hevowed,tuggingherawayfromthestove.“Comehere.”
Ashepulledherbacktothetableandtriedtosettleheronhislap,Mysterybalked,jumpingtoherfeetagain.“IsaidI’dlisten,butIwon’tcrawlonyourlaplikeshedid.Whateveryouhavetosay,youcandoitwithoutyourhandsoryourdick.”
Grittinghisteeth,heletherup,thenkickedoneoftheotherchairsfromunderthetable.“Thensit.AndIwantyoutofuckinglisten.”
Mysterystartedtotellhimthathewasn’tthebossofher,buthewasusedtobeinginchargeinbed . . .andprobablyoutofit,too.Apartofherwantedtobelievethathewouldn’tbothertotalkitoutwithherifshemeantnothingtohimbeyondapieceofass.Butwhoknew?
Shebackedintothechairandcrossedherarmsoverherchest.“What?”
“I’mtryingtohaveaconversationwithyou,face-to-face,thewayadultsdo.You’remakingthatdamnhardwhenyou’repouting.”
“Well,excusethehelloutofmeforbeingshockedthatyoucouldfuckmetwiceinthelastfewhours,thenlookawfullycomfortablewithanotherwomanonyourlap.Doyouknowhowstupidthatmademefeel?Howmanipulatedandused?”
“Andyoudidn’tusemewhenyoupickedmeupinthebartoscratchyouritch?Byyourownadmission,youhadzerointentionofcomingcleanwithmeaboutyouridentityortalkingtomeagain.”
“Wediscussedthis.Inevermeanttohurtyou.Iapologized.”
“ButIgenuinelylistenedandtriedtoseeyoursideofthestory.Couldyouextendmethesamecourtesy?”
Hisquestionprickedherwithguilt.Hehadlistened.Shejustkeptbuttinginandsoundinglikeajealousshrew.“Fine.I’mallears.What’swithyoutwo?”
“Inanutshell,withoutdivulgingMisty’ssecrets.ShecametoThorpe’sclubafewyearsagoinaveryfragilestate.She’dbeenthroughalot.Sheneededafriend,anear,aDominanttogivehersomeboundariesandfoundation.Inshort,sheneededsomeoneshecouldcounton.Buteveryonceinawhile,shecravedamantoholdher.BecauseMistytrustedmemostandThorpeaskedmetotakeherundermywing,Ididit.”
Mysterydidn’tunderstand.“So . . .you’resayingyoujustgaveherapityfuckwhenshewantedit?”
“WhatIdidforherwasn’taboutsex.IloveMisty.ButlikeIsaid,I’mnotinlovewithher.”
“Meaning,youdon’tloveherenoughtobemonogamous.”Sherolledhereyes.“Whatkindofsemanticsisthat?”
“You’remakingsnapdecisionsbasedonyourpastexperiences,andnoneofthathasanythingtodowithme.Whatyou’rethinkingiswrong.MistyandIhaveneverhadanexclusiverelationship.IwasherDominant,notherboyfriend.Imadeherfeelsafebycheckingherlocks,installingasecuritysystemforher,helpingherpickoutadog,andgivinghersomeonetocallatthreea.m.ifshethoughtsheheardsomethingoutofplaceatherapartment.Igaveheranearwhenevernightmaresoverwhelmedherorwheneversomedirtbaghitonhertoohardandscaredthecrapoutofher.Igaveherapalwhenshewantedtoseeamovieordidn’twanttospendaholidayalone.JustlikeIgaveheraspankingwhenshewastoobottleduptocryandIgavehersexwhenshewasdesperatetofeellikea‘normal’woman.BecauseitwasmyroleasherDominant,Igaveherwhateversheneeded.Sometimesthatwasafirm‘no’whenshereachedforthatthirdcosmo.Sometimesthatwasalong,slowfuckbythelake.IlearnedherwellandtookcareofherevenbetterbecauseIcared.Iwasn’tattachedtoanyoneelse,andI’mhappierwhenI’mneeded.Itwasawin-winforusboth.”
Mysterygapedathim.Shewasn’tevensurehowtoprocesshiswords.“Itsoundslikeyouwereprettydevotedfornotbeingherboyfriend.”
“It’shardtoexplaintheconceptofDominantandprotectortopeoplewhoapplythetermsthroughtheirvanillafilter.Idatedotherpeople.Sheencouragedmetobecauseweweren’tromanticallyinvolved.Emotionally,yeah.Butnotheartsandflowers.Morelike . . .friendswithbenefits,butthefriendshipfaroutweighedthesex.”Heleanedforward,elbowsonhisknees.“Tobehonest,Mistywouldonlybreakdownonceortwiceayearandaskforsex.Onlythenwouldshegiveherselfvoluntarily.”
Frowning,MysterydigestedAxel’swords.Pitysmotheredheranger.“Shewasraped.”
Hehelduphishands.“Hersecretsareherown.Icareaboutyou,Mystery,andIwanttosavewhateveruswemighthave,butIcan’tbetrayherconfidence.Itwouldn’tbefair.”
Inaway,sherespectedhimmoreforit.Yeah,itinfuriatedherandmadeherfeelabitlikeshewasontheoutsidelookingin.Ontheotherhand,hestayedtruetohisfriendsandhisprinciples.Mysterydidn’texactlyunderstandthisrelationshiphe’dsharedwithMisty.Butshealsodidn’timagineAxelwouldbetryingsohardtoexplaintheirodd,romanticallyplatonicrelationshipifshewasn’timportanttohim.
Shebitherlip,stilltryingtowrapherheadaroundeverythinghe’dsaid.“Soshe’syoursubmissive?”
“Notanymore.WhatyousawtonightwasMistyandmemovingon.Despitethefactthatshe’snotreadytobealone,sherealizedIcouldnolongerbeherDominantineveryway.ShebrokeitoffsoIwouldbefreetogoafterthewomanwhocouldmakemehappy.You.”
Hiswordsstunnedher.Sizzledthroughher.Flattenedher.Hercautioussidetoldhernottoleaptooquicklyathisprettywords.Therestofherjumpedatthem.“Isthatwhyyoucameuptomyaunt’shouse?”
“Ofcourse.”Hesearchedherface.“WhyelsewouldIpullallkindsofstringstoborrowajettoreachyoubeforeyoucouldslipthroughmyfingersagain?”
“I’mnotjust . . .aresponsibility?”
“Fuckno.Whywouldyouthinkthat?”
Mysteryduckedherhead,wringingherhands.“Well,youtoldHeaththatyoucamebecausemyfatherwantedyouhereand—”
“Princess,I’mtellingyourbodyguardwhatIthinkhe’llactuallyhearbecauseIdon’towehimthetruth.YoudeservetoknowwhatI’mthinkingandhowIfeel,sohereIam.Ihopelikehellyou’reunderstandingme.”
Shewas,andhopewelledinsideher.Mysterydidn’twanttobethatna?vegirlwhobelievedeverythingthemanshewascrazyovertoldher,butshealsodidn’twanttobethecynicwholetagoodthingslipawaybecauseshewastoojadedtobelieve.“Iwasexcitedyou’dcomehere.Relieved.”
“Becauseyoudidn’twanttobealonewithHeath?Didhehurtyou?”
“No.Heneverwould.”Shebitherlip,oddlynervous,butifAxelwasbeingsohonest,shehadtotry,too.“Iwasgladyou’dtraveledupherebecauseIfiguredifyoudid,Imustmeansomethingtoyou.”
Hegaveheraslowsmile.“Youcouldsaythat.WhenIrealizedyouweregone,Ifuckingpanicked.I’mjustgladIfoundyouandthatyou’reallright.”
Hisphonebuzzed.Hestaredatthescreen,thenshookhishead.
“Somethingwrong?”
“Misty.Shecan’tsleepandwantstoknowifI‘gotmygirlyet.’See?”Heflashedherthephone.
Mysteryreadtheirlastfewmessages,thenwishedlikehellshehadn’taccusedhimofcheating.Nowshefeltsomewherebetweenchastenedandregretful.“She’sworriedaboutyou.”
Heansweredthewomanquickly,andMysterywishedsheknewwhathe’dsaid,buthetuckedhisphoneaway.“Imighthavebeenherprotector,butshe’sprettyprotective,too.”
“Areyousadshewon’tbethereforyouanymore?”
Thekettlewhistledonthestove,andbeforeshecouldgettoherfeet,Axelmadehiswaytoit,pouredthewater,rummagedaroundforthehoneyandaspoon,thenbroughtittoher.“Becareful.It’shot.”
Whenhesetthemuginfrontofher,theireyesmet.Shenoddedsolemnly,drowninginhisdeepbluestare.“Thanks.”
Asshesat,hepausedtocollecthiswords.“We’llalwaysbefriends.Shecanconfideinmeanytime,anduntilshefindsherOne,Iexpectherto.Likeanyfriend,ifIseeherflounderingwithoutsomeonetotalkto,I’llstepinbecauseI’mworriedabouther.Butwedidn’t‘breakup.’Weneverhadthatsortofrelationshiptostartwith.ButMistywantsmorethanIcangiveher.”
Ofcourseshedid.MysteryunderstoodverywellwantingmoreofAxel.“Soshedoeswantaboyfriend?”
Heshookhishead.“Shewantsasadist.That’snotwhoIam.”
Mysteryrearedback,blinkingathim.Ontheonehand,hisadmissionrelievedher.Shedidn’thaveanyinterestinamanwhoyearnedtogiveherpain.But . . .“Whywouldshewantthat?”
“Idon’tthinkyou’reamasochist,soyoumaynotcompletelygetit.Butsheenjoysthepain.Itbecomesitsownpleasure.Andinsomecases,amasochistisabletoreleasetheirinternalpainwithsomeonewhotormentsthemphysically.It’sasiftheycanonlyprocessoneagonyatatime,sotheyhavetoletgooftheoneinsidethem.Forsome,likeMisty,it’sreallycathartic.”
“Andyoudidthatforher?Youspankedorfloggedor—”
“Sometimes.Ifshegotreallybottledup,I’dcallinasadistfriendofminefromHoustonandlethimspendafewhourswithher.Shealwaysseemedprofoundlyhappyafterward.”
Mysteryhadamillionquestions.HadAxelmindedwatchinganothermangiveherpain?HadMistysleptwiththisotherman,andhaditbotheredAxel?Infact,hiswholearrangementwiththewomanboggledhermind.Butthetruthwas,hedidn’tseemupsetaboutseparatingfromMisty.Nordidheseemjealousthatshemightfindsomeoneelse,onlyconcernedthatshe’dfindtherightsortofsomeone.AndAxelhadbeenincrediblydirect.Thetruthwas,hecouldhavetoldherthathisthingwithMistywasnoneofherbusiness.
Shesippedherteaandgatheredherwords.“You’reright.Idon’treallygetit.Itmightbeselfishtosay,butI’mgladyou’renotwithheranymore.”
“It’sforthebestbecausewebothwantsomethingelse.”Hedraggedherchaircloser.“Afterlastnight,IalreadyknewIhadtochangemyrelationshipwithSweetPea.Icouldn’tpulltheemotionalrugoutfromunderher,butIalsorealizedIcouldn’thavesexwithheranymore,notevenforhersake.NotwhenIwantyousomuch.”
Againstherwill,happinessfloodedMystery.Shesatbackinherchair,tryingtosorteverythingoutlogically.Hermothermighthavecalledherfoolishlytrusting.MaybeAxelwouldhurtherintheend.Ontheotherhand,she’dneverknowwhatcouldbeifshedidn’tgivethemachance.Shedidn’twanttolookbackwithregretsandwonderwhatifshe’dreallytriedtobelieveinthem?Rightnow,hemusthaveamilliondoubtsabouthersinceshekeptrunningoutonhim.Thefirsttime,he’dsomewhattakeninstride.Thislasttime,whensheandHeathhadfledDominion?Mysterygotthefeelingshehadn’tbeguntopayforthatyet.
“Thankyouforexplaining.IoverreactedwhenIsawyoutwo.AndIknowyouandIprobablyaren’tgoinganywhere,right?YouliveinDallasandIliveinLondonand—”
“Let’scuttheshit.Idon’tknowexactlywhat’shappeningbetweenus,butdon’tsellusshort.Iwantyou.Idon’twantittoend.IsuspectI’mfallinghardandfast—”
“I’minlovewithyou,”sheblurted.AslongasAxelwasputtinghiscardsonthetable,sheshould,too.“IthinkIalwayshavebeen.SeeingyouwithMisty . . .Ifreaked.I’msorry.IguessIhitasorespotwithyourmomandallbyrunningoff,butthatwasn’tmyintention.”
“I’llbehonest.Thatisn’tmyonlyhang-up,butthat’smybiggest.”
Mysteryfrowned.“Shewalkedoutonahusbandandfourboys?Justleft?”
“Yeah.Saidshewasgoingtothegrocerystore.Shedroveintotown,cleanedoutourbankaccount,tookouronlycar,anddroveoff.LastIheard,she’dshackedupwithsomeguyinNewOrleans.”
God,hemusthavebeenconfused,sad,angry,lost.“Youcouldtrackherdownnowandaskwhy.”
Axelshookhishead,hisfrowntellingherthatheheldinanemotionaltormentthathauntedhim.“Iknowwhy.ShewantedmoreoutoflifethancookingandcleaningandworkingshiftsatWalmartasachecker.Shewantedadventureandmoney,notanotherfifteenyearswiththeguywho’dknockedherupinhighschool.She’dbeenababyhavingbabies,andshe’dcometothepointinherlifewhereshewantedsomethingtotallydifferentthanus.”
Herheartachedforhim.ShereachedforAxel’shandandsqueezedit.“Thathadtobetoughonyou.Howoldwereyou?”
“Eight.”Hedidn’tstatethatherabandonmenthadhurt,butthestoicprotectorinfrontofhercouldn’tkeepthepainoffhisface.
Mysteryslidoutofherchairandclimbedontohislap.“Youdeservedmore.Shedidn’tstayaroundtoseewhatanincrediblemanyou’vebecome,andit’sherloss.Youamazedmethedaywemet.YoukeepdoingiteveryminuteI’mwithyou.”
“Whydoyoukeepleavingme,then?”
Heaskedthequestionsoquietly,anditrippedherintwo.She’dneverimaginedthisbigbadasscouldlooksovulnerable,andMysteryhatedthefactthatshe’dputdoubtinhisheart.
“Lookatus,bothkindoflostinourowninsecurities.You’rethinkingI’mgoingtorunoutonyoubecauseit’swhatyourmotherdid.I’mthinkingI’mnotinterestingorprettyenough,andaguylikeyoucouldgetanywomanhewanted,soofcourseyou’dwantwomenotherthanme.I’mjustwaiting,likemymomdid,foryoutocheatonme,eventhoughwenevercommittedtoanything.”
“Bullshit.Maybenotwithwords,butwhathappenedatDominionfeltprettydamnserioustome.Youcan’tlookmeintheeyeandtellmethatwasjustsex.”
Mysteryshookherhead.“That’swhyseeingyouwithMistycrushedme.I’mafraidandIdon’twanttowinduplikemymom,youknow?”
Axelheldherclose.“Idoknow.Idon’twanttobecomeabitter,lonelyalcoholiclikemydad.Sohereitis:GivingyouupafteryourrescuewassomethingIhadtodo,notsomethingIwantedtodo.GivingyouupnowissomethingIwon’tdowithoutadamngoodreason.I’mprettysureitwon’tbelongbeforeI’mtellingyouthatI’vefalleninlovewithyou,too.”
Herinsideswentwarmandgooeyathiswords.Justlikeeverythingelseabouthim,hisstraightforwardhonestyamazedher.Nogameplaying.Nofronting.Justhisunvarnishedtruth.
Shesmiledathim.“I’dlikethat.”
Axelbroughthercloserandgrippedherfaceinhisbighands.“Butifyouleavemeagain,I’llbedone.It’snotathreat,butanhonestreality.Iknowmyselfandmylimitations.I’mwillingtostashmyconcernsnowbecausewe’vehadextenuatingcircumstances.Butwe’vetalked,sofromhereonout . . .Ifyourunoff,I’llknowit’sbecauseyouwantedandmeantto.Areweclear?”
Aboltoffearstrucktothebottomofherheart.Thenshedismisseditasfoolish.AsmuchassheadoredAxel,whywouldsheintentionallyleavehimagain?“I’mnotgoinganywhere.We’llfigureoutwhereandhowwecanbetogetherlater.”
“I’mnevergoingtofitintothatwholeHollywoodscene.”
Shescoffedathim.“NeitherdoI.WhydoyouthinkI’veretreatedintobooks?WhyIdidn’tprotestthemovetoLondon,despitethemostlydrearyweatherandterriblefood?”
Heheavedabreath.“Idon’thavemuch—”
“Stopthere.Withoutmydad,Idon’t,either.Hebuysmenicethingswhenwehavetoappearinpublicbecausemyimageaffectshis.IfIshowedupinsomethingIboughtthreeyearsagoatDebenhams,thepresswouldwriteaboutit.”
“Dewhat?”
Shelaughed.“It’sadepartmentstoreinLondon.Decentstuff,butnothingdesigner.Dadwon’thaveitifwehavetowalkaredcarpet.Therestofthetime,Iliveprettynormally.”
Heraisedatawnybrowather.“TheTMZshit?”
“OnlyhappensintheStates.Frankly,Ididn’texpectanyonetoevencarethatIwasbackinthecountry.ButIguesshavingarenowneddirectorforafather,amotherwhodiedaninfamousdeath,andbeingdramaticallyrescuedfromakidnapperonlytobecomeareclusemakesmeinterestingtothesepeople,huh?”
“I’msure.”Heshrugged.“Look,Idon’thavealltheanswers,butIknowIdon’twanttoletyougoagain,Mystery.”
Awarmglowsuffusedher.Shesmiledathimwithherheartinhereyes.“Idon’twanttoletyougo,either.”
Axelgaveheraslownod.“Good.Themaninmeissatisfiedthatwe’reonthesamepageandtalking.Ilikeit.”
Mysteryhadafeelingsheknewwherehewasgoingwiththis,andherhearttripped,thenspeededup.Herbreaststurnedheavy.Herpussybegantoache.“ButtheDominyou?”
Hesentheradarksmile.“Isitchingtopunishyou,princess.Goupstairsandwaitforme,nakedandkneelingbythedoor.”ChapterFourteen
AXELwatchedtheswayofMystery’shipsasshesashayedoutofthekitchen.Theroomwassmallandfrillyanddated,butsomehowwelcoming.He’dalsobetitwaswellstocked.IfGailLeedylikedbaking,thenshe’dhavedrawersfullofpervertables.Axelwishedlikehellthathe’dbroughtatoybag,buthe’donlymanagedtothrowafewnecessitiesinhisduffelbeforetheSantiagos’planehadbeenfueledandready.Hedidn’tlikebeingunprepared,buthe’dfigureouthowtoadapt,improvise,andovercome.
Quickly,hefoundawoodenspoon,afewclothespins,aplasticcontainerofrice,andacuttingboard.Hebypassedthetwineprobablyusedforthingsliketyingturkeylegstogether.Thatstuffwastoughonhumancirculation,andhewantedMysterytightlybutsafelyboundforwhathehadinmind.
Justasheperchedthesmalleritemsontheblockofwoodtotakeupstairs,heheardthebackdoorcreakopenandslamshut.Axelcursedunderhisbreath.Heath.Talkaboutbadfuckingtiming.
Whentheothermanstormedinthekitchen,hedidn’tlooklikethefreshairhadimprovedhismood.AxelwishedtheassholewouldgiveheandMysterysomebreathingroom.
Heathglancedatthebundleinhishandsandcursed.“Areyoujoking,fuckwit?You’regoingtopaddleherwithawoodenspoonlikeanaughtylittlegirlforprotectingherheartbeforeyoucouldcrushit.”
Axelraisedabrow.“AndyouhelpedherrightoutDominion’sdoor,didn’tyou?”
“Shewasupset,”hedefended.
“Shewasvulnerable,”Axelgrowledinhisface.“Youtookadvantageofthatbecauseyou’redyingtostickyourcockinherandfuckherintonextweek.ButMysteryisminenow.Getusedtoit.Iintendtokeepitthatway.”
Heathgroundhisteethtogether.“Ishouldn’tbesurprisedyouassumeIhavethemostlasciviousmotivepossible.Icareaboutthatgirl—”
“Thatmakestwoofus.”
“Iwouldlaydownmylifeforher,”Heathargued.
“IdidthatwhenIbarelyknewher.I’ddoitagain.Areyoutryingtoconvincemethatyou’renotinterestedinhavingsexwithher?”
“Mypersonalfeelingsarenoneofyourconcern.Mystery’ssafetyandhappinessarewhatI’mpaidtoupkeep,andfrankly,I’vegivenyoutoomuchlatitude.”
“Youhaven’tgivenmeshitexceptahardtime,”Axelargued.“MysteryandItalkedthroughourproblemsjustnowandweknowwherewe’reheading.IthinkIcanmakeherhappy.Ihavenointentionofleaving,straying,orhurtingher.Youstillgotaproblemwithme?”
“Andyourgirlfriend?”hechallenged.
“Notmygirlfriend.IalreadyhashedthisoutwithMystery.”
“Youtrulyhavefeelingsforher?”
Axelwasfuckingtiredofthisguybeinginhiswayallthetime.“MorethanIcanevenexpress.Iwillneverletanythinghappentoheraslongasthere’sabreathinmybody.”
Heathsighed.“Ineedtotalktoher.”
“Notgoingtohappenrightnow.She’swaitingforme.”
“Andeverythinginyourhands?”HeglancedattheitemsAxelhadbeenbalancingonthecuttingboard.
“What’syourpoint?”
Heathshookhishead.“Forgetit.WecanarguelateroverMystery’slovelife.WhileIwaswalkingaboutthefarm,Istartedsortingthroughthistangleofevents.There’ssomethingaboutthissetupIdon’tlike.Thehairsonthebackofmyneckarestandingup.BesidesthethreeofusandMystery’saunt,whoelseknowswe’rehere?”
“Myboss,MitchellThorpe,andtheSantiagobrothers.Ithinkthat’sit,andtheywouldnevertellanyoneorputMysteryindanger.Whataboutyourstopsonthedrivealongtheway?”
“Iconcealedherwithabaseballcapandsomesunglassesincasepeoplerecognizedher,butnooneevenglancedherway,andwedidourbesttostopafewmilesfromthefreeway,atsmallestablishmentswithoutmanysecuritycameras.Ithinkweweresafe.”
“Sowhat’smakingyourhairstandup?”Axelasked.Becausehehadafewconcernsthatchafedhim,too.
“First,westilldon’tknowwhobrokeintoherroomandleftthephotoinside.”
True,andStonewasnodoubtwaybusierwithSweetPeathanhackingintothehotel’ssecurityrecordings.He’dalsoprobablycrashedattheclublastnight,thenhadafive-hourdrivehome.Withagrimace,AxelpulledhisphonefromhispocketandtextedStone.Rightaway,hegotbackapromiseofinformation“soon.”Whatifthatwasn’tsoonenough?
Firingoffanothertexttoremindhimthatalifehunginthebalance,hepocketedthedeviceagain.“I’llgivehimanothertwohoursbeforeIbugtheshitoutofhim.”
AndAxelhadtoadmitagainthatifHeathwereguilty,heprobablywouldn’tbepursuingthatsecurityfootagefromthehotel.Ifthefilmcaughthimsneakingintoherroom,hisjigwouldbeup.Sure,thestiffBritcouldhavepaidsomeonetoputthepicturethere,likethemaidwhousuallyprovidedturndownserviceoramaintenanceworker.He’dbetooslicktoleaveatrailleadingbacktohim.
Withashakeofhishead,hefiledthatfactawayuntilStonecamebackwiththefilm.“Somethingelsebotheringyouaboutherstalker?”
“Everything.Butwhattroublesmemostisthathe’sincontrolrightnow.”
NowHeathwasspeakinghislanguage.“Agreed.IknowMysterywantstovisitheraunt,butwe’recorneredhere.I’mnotsurehowthehellwesolvehermother’smurderthattookplaceinSouthernCaliforniasixteenyearsagowhilewe’restuckinruralKansas.”
“Divideandconquer?”
AsmuchasAxelwouldlovetogetHeathfarawayfromMystery,heshookhishead.“Itwon’tbelonguntilwhoever’sterrorizingherrealizesshedidn’thopaplanebacktoLondon.I’llbetwe’vegottwenty-fourhours—tops—beforethisdirtbaggetssuspicious.Where’sthefirstplacehe’llcomelookingforher?”
“Here,”Heathansweredgrimly,grippinghischin.“Bloodyhell.Sobothofusneedtostayhereforherprotection,itseems.”
“Ifyouwanttogoinvestigate,Icouldcallsomebuddies—”
“Ican’tleaveherside,”theBritinsisted.“Herfatherpaidmetostaywithher.ImadeasolemnvowthatIwouldn’tletanythinghappentoheronmywatch.”
KnowingwhatheknewaboutHeathnow,Axelsupposedtheguy’sinsistencehadsomethingtodowithhiswife’smurder.Hecouldn’tfaulttheBritforthat.“Totallygetit.Thatmeanswe’recorneredhere.Nifty.”
“Indeed.Withnonewleadstofollow.”Heathsighed.
Well,notexactly . . .AxelweighedhowmuchhecouldtrustHeathversushisneedtosolvethiscase.FiguringoutwhohadkilledJuliaMullinsandmightwantMysterydeadtrumpedeverything.
“Igotsomethingfreshaboutanhourago.”
ThatperkedtheBritup.“Really?Enlightenme.”
Axelsethispervertablesdownonthecounterandwhippedouthisphoneagain,thenbroughtupthepictureJoaquinhadsenthim.“JuliaMullinsattheplaceofherdeath,lessthananhourprior.Shewasn’talone.”
Powellpeeredatthepicture.“Whoisthemanwithher?”
“Noidea.”
“Hedoesn’tlookfamiliartome,either.”
Thatwasn’tgreatnews.Italsowasn’tunexpected.“IdefinitelyplantoaskAuntGailinthemorningifsheknowswhohersistermighthavebeenclosetobackthen.But . . .”Axelgrimaced.“I’mtornaboutshowingittoMystery.Shemighthaveinformation.”
“Shealsomightstartaone-womancrusadetocatchhermother’skiller.”
“Exactly.”
Heathshrugged.“Well,Ithinkweshowher.Thenwe’llhavetocontainMysteryanddoourbesttosolvethismurderbeforethekillercomeslookingforher.”
Andshedeservedthetruth.Axelagreed.“Idon’tseeanyotherplan.”
“Idon’t,either.Damnitall.”Herubbedathisdarkeyeswithhisthumbandforefinger.“I’mfuckingexhausted.”
“Weallare.Gotobed.We’lltacklethisafterwe’veallslept.”Axelreachedforhismakeshiftsextoys.
“You’renotgoingtoleaveherbetonight?”
Axelshookhishead.“IfIthoughtthatwasbestforher,Iwould.SheneedsreassurancethatIwantheraboveallelse.It’sthetruth,soitshouldn’tbehardtopersuadeher.ThenI’llmakesureshegetsagoodnight’ssleep.Ihaveafeelingit’sgoingtobearoughdaytomorrow.Youtakingtheparlordownhereortheguestroomupstairs,acrossthehall?”
Powellraisedadarkbrow.“Wherewillyoube?”
“Rightbesideher.”Atleasthewouldbeifallwentaccordingtoplan.
Thebodyguarddraggedinabreath.“I’llstaydownstairsandkeepwatch.GodknowsthelastthingIwanttohearagainisherscreamingforyou.”
“Doesthatbotheryoubecauseyou’reinlovewithher?”
“We’lltalklater.”Heathheadedfortheexitwithoutanswering,thenturnedtoglanceattheimplementsinAxel’shands.“Becarefulofthewoodenspoon.Itcanleavenastywelts.”
“Youknowthatfrompersonalexperience?”Somehow,thatdidn’tsurpriseAxelmuch.
Theothermandidn’tanswer,justleftinnearsilence,despitethefactthatthehardwoodfloorcreakedwithnearlyeverystep.
Oncehe’dgoneandshutthedoubledoorsdownthehall,Axelheadedoutofthekitchen,allbuttiptoeingupthenarrowstairs.Despiteitsdubious“character,”theoldhousewashomey.Helikedithere.Whenhe’dbeenakidgrowingupinarun-downdouble-widewiththreebrothersandanalcoholicfather,he’dimaginedthathomelookedalotlikethis.Helovedhisplacenow,andwasdamnproudofit.Butithadneverfeltlikeaplacetostayforever.Ithadneverfeltlikeaplacetosharelove.Andnowhewasgettingsappyasfuck.
Withastupidsmile,hereachedthetopofthestairs,passingabig,decorativecrossonthewallflankedbypicturesofwell-knowntelevangelistsOralRoberts,JerryFalwell,PeterGrace,andafewothersAxelcouldn’tidentify.Mystery’sauntclearlybelievedinherpreachers.
Turningawaywithashrug,hecrackedopenthefirstdoorontheright.Mysterykneltthere,waiting,headbowed,nakedandpaleinthemoonlight.
Ashesetthecuttingboardandothergoodiesonthenearbydresser,hisbreathcaught.“Princess . . .”
“Axel.”
Hecroucheddowntoherandliftedherchin.Sheblinked,hereyesopening,focusingonhim.Theystaredateachotherinsilence.Mysteryreachedintohischestandtuggedonhisheart.Theuncertaintyinherhazeleyesgottohim,theyearningforlove,thecrashofdesireallstruckresonatingnotesinsidehim.
“You’resobeautiful.”
“I’mnot.”Shetriedtodrophergaze.
Hegrippedherchin,refusingtolether.“Youare,andIwon’thearargumentsotherwise.Understand?”
Alittlesmiletippedthecornersofherlips.“Yes,Axel.”
“Hmm,whenyougosubmissivethatsweetvoiceofyourswrapsaroundmycock.”Heheldoutahandtoher.“Stand.”
Mysteryallowedhimtohelphertoherfeetandlookedaroundtheroom,abitlost,likeshewasn’tsurewhattodonext.
“Relax,”heinstructed.“I’llletyouknowwhatIwant.Youtellmeifyoucan’thandlesomething.Easybreezy.Justusbeingustogetherinwhateverwayfeelsgood,yeah?”
Shenoddedandreleasedabreath,alongwithvisiblestress.“Yeah.”
“Good.Bendoverthesideofthebedforme.Stretchyourarmsup,headtooneside.Plantyourfeetapart.”
Shemovedslowly,asifshetriedtopicturetheposeinherhead.Afteralongmoment,shearrangedherselfexactlyashe’dinstructed,thenlookedtohimforreassurance.
Axelgaveitreadily.“That’sit.What’syoursafeword?”
“Red.”
“Good.”Hebentoverthebed,gettingdowntoeyelevelwithher.“Thispunishmentisasmuchforyouasitisforme.Ineedtoknowthatyouunderstandthatrunningfrommewithoutcommunicatingisn’tacceptable.Ifsomethingbothersyou,wetalk.Viceversa.Ialsoneedtomakeitcrystalclearthataslongasyou’reindanger,youdon’tleavehalfyourprotectiontolickyourwounds.”
“Iknowitwasstupid,”sheadmitted.“Iwasupset.Ijumpedtoconclusions—”
“Understandable,givenwhatyourmomwentthrough.I’mnotpunishingyouforthinkingitorwonderingorworrying.Ineedtobeclearaboutthat.Thisisallaboutyouleavingwithouttalkingtome.Wecouldhaveclearedthisupwithaconversation.Nowit’sgoingtotakeawholelotmore.”
Mysterynodded.“I’msorry.BythetimeHeathcutthelightsandweleftouttheback,Iwashavingsecondthoughts.Oncewegotoutsideandthedoorlockedbehindus,itwastoolate.”
Axelstrokedhersoftcurls.“I’mgladtoknowyouwerealreadyreconsideringbeforeyou’devengone.Wanttotellmewhyyoudidn’tcallmeoransweryourphoneduringthedrive?Evenyourdadtriedtocall.”
Shewinced.“Shit.Oh,he’sgoingtobeworried.Andmad.”
“Hewasn’ttheonlyone.You’dbettergetusedtohavinganotheroverprotectivemaleinyourlife.”
“Yeah . . .IthinkIleftmyphonebackatDominion.Damnit.”
AndAxeldoubtedHeathwouldhavebeeninahurrytolendherhisphonesoshecouldcallthecompetition.Shithead.“I’llfindoutinafewhours.”
“Thanks.”Sheobviouslysensedtheendoftheconversationandstiffened.
Hepettedherback,fingersglidingdownherspine.“Deepbreath.In.”Hewaiteduntilshecomplied.“Out.Good . . .Closeyoureyes.”
Mysterydidexactlyashebid,herlashesflutteringshut.“Now?”
“Clearyourheadandfocusonme.Don’topenyoureyes.Latchontomyvoice.I’mhere.”
Shenodded,butbeforehecouldcorrecther,shemurmured,“Yes,Axel.”
Blowingoutabreath,hecenteredhimselfandretrievedthewoodenspoonfromthedresser.Herestedhispalmonthesmallofherbackasheleanedoverherbeautifulsupinecurvesandbenttopresshislipstoherear.“You’regoingtobeveryquiet.Nomatterwhat,don’tmakeasound.Idon’tthinkyouwantyouraunttoknowthatI’mpunishingyou.”
“No,”shemuttered,soundingsoregretful.
Axelunderstoodthesubmissiveneedtopleaseandtheinherentsadnesswhensheknewshehadn’t.“Andthenwe’llputthisbehindus,right?”
“Ihopeso.”Hervoicenearlybroke.
“Shh,wewill.Countwithme.”
Beforeshecouldquestionwhathemeant,Axelstoodtallandflippedonthelittlelamponthenightstand.Withaglanceback,heensuredthedoortothebedroomwasclosed.HenoticedthatMysteryhadalreadyshutthecurtains.Theywerecompletely,blessedlyalone.
Heraisedhisarmoverherass,hoveringamomenttojudgeherposture,takeinhertender,unblemishedskin.Hewasn’tmuchofasadist,buthedidlovetheideaofleavinghismarksonher—somethingshecouldrememberhimbyeverytimeshesat,somethinghe’drecallwhenshestrippedforhimagain.Buthealsorefusedtolosesightofthefactthatshewasanoviceandhecouldn’tfrightenheraway.
Withonelastbrushofhisfingersacrossthesweetcurveofherass,heloweredthespoonwiththeotherhand—aquickstingbeforehejerkedupagain.
“One,”shebreathedout.
Hestruckthefleshypartofherbuttagain,thistimeabitharder,gratifiedtoseethefirstblushofredspreadingacrossherskin.
“Two.”Shesqueezedhereyesshutmoretightly.
Shelookedbeautifulspreadacrossthebed,athismercy,buttheslowpacedrovehimfuckingmad.Hehadtochangethisup.
“Mystery,you’vedonewellsofar.Youdon’thavetocountanymore.”
Athiswords,sheutterlyrelaxed,thetensiondrainingfromherface,herbody,assheletoutalongbreath.
Soshethoughttheyweredone?Notevenclose.
Axelpulledhisphonefromhispocketandscrolledtohisplaylist.Immediately,thesoundsofNirvanafilledtheroom.Thoughhekeptthevolumelow,thebeatremainedsteady,somethinghecouldzoneinto.Perfect.
Matchingthepaceofthemusic,hetookthespooninhandagainandbeganwhackingherbuttinasoft,stingingrhythm.Underhistemperedtorment,Mysterytensed,grabbedthequiltinherfist,andgasped.
Heleanedoverheragain,takingherlongtressesinhisgripandurgingherupuntilhislipsbrushedherear.“NotasinglenoiseorIaddmore.”
Shenoddedfrantically,atleastasmuchashisholdallowed.Hetestedherimmediately,standingtallagainandwhackingherwiththespoon.Moreredbloomedacrossherass.He’dnearlycoveredthewidthofherbackside.Thelovelyshadeofherfreshlyspankedskinmadehiscockjerk,andhedesperatelywantedtocastthespoonasideandlaysiegetoherbareasswithhispalm,butthatwouldmaketoomuchnoiseandwakeheraunt.Damnit.Themomenthegotheraloneandnaked . . .Axelsmiled.Suchabeautifulbacksideneededattention,andhe’dgiveherplenty.
ThemusicseguedintoamellowerEvanescencetune,andheadjustedtherhythm.He’dlostcount.He’dbetshehad,too,especiallyashewatchedherbodyslowlymeltintothemattress.Herfistsunclenchedaroundthequilt.Hereyesslidshut.Herbreathingevenedout.Hercheeksbegantoglowwithhisministrations.
Axelsmiled.She’dflyoffintosubspaceforhimsomeday.Thislittletormenthadmerelyrefocusedandcalmedher—exactlywhatshe’dneeded.
Asthesongshiftedfromversetochorus,Axelsetthespoonasideandcrawledonthebedoverher,rubbingonepalmoverherheatedbutt.“Howareyoufeeling?”
“Myskinishot.Ifeelsoalive.ItmightsoundoddbutI’mmorerelaxed.Myheadis . . .”
“Quieter?”heprompted.
“Yeah.”Herlashesflutteredopen,herfaceglowing.“That’sit.”
Couldhewantheranymorethanhedidnow?Axeldidn’tthinkso.Buthewantedtogiveheranexperiencethatwouldallowhertoputherselfentirelyinhishandsandproveshecouldtrusthim.Butthiswasstillpunishment.
Hegrabbedthecontainerofriceoffthedresser,spreaditoverthecuttingboard,andhidtherestofthepervertables.“Standandfaceme.”
Hewaiteduntilshedid,thenglanceddownatthefloor.“Kneelonthecuttingboard.”
Shefrowned.“Whyisitcoveredinrice?”
“Soyou’llrememberthatrunningoffwithouttellingmewhat’stroublingyouisunacceptable.”
Mysteryshrugged,asifassuringherselfthatricewasplentybenign.Axelmerelysmiled.She’dfindoutotherwisequicklyenough.
Heheldoutahandtohelpherdownsincehehadn’tfoundawidecuttingboardandkneelingwithgracewassomethingcompletelynewtoher.Onherwaydown,Mysteryglancedupathim,thosesultryhazeleyeswideopeninthanks.
Thesecondherkneeshitthecuttingboardcoveredwiththehardpellets,shesuckedinabreath.Hereyeswidenedinshock.“Whatthehell?”
“It’spunishment.”
Shenearlychoked.“Thecruelandunusualkind.Thericedigsintoyourskin.Holycrap!”
“Quiet,”heremindedsoftly,strikinghisopenpalmwiththewoodenspoontodrivehispointhome.
“Yousureyou’renotasadist?”shehissed.
“No.”Buthedefinitelyintendedtogiveheranexperienceshewouldn’tsoonforget.Todothat,heneededafewmoreimplements.Afteraglancearoundtheroom,hehadanideaortwo.
“Stand.”
Reliefcrossedherface,andwhenheheldouthishandtohelpherup,sheplacedherfingersinhispalm.“Thankyou.”
“You’rewelcome.Nowcomeoverhere.”Hepointedtotheothersideofthecuttingboard,facingawayfromthebedroomdoor.Onceshe’dcomplied,Axelbrushedahandfromhernapetothebaseofherspine,pettinghersoftly.“Kneelagain.”
“Areyoukiddingme?”
Heleanedinwithhismostintimidatingglowerandgrabbedherchinuntiltheystoodnosetonose.“DoIlooklikeI’mkidding?”
Mysteryhesitatedalongmoment,andhewonderedwhatthoughtsspunaroundherhead.“WhathappensifIusemysafeword?”
“ThenIknowyou’reunableorunwillingtosubmit.I’llbackoffandleaveyoualonefortherestofthenight.”
Shebitherlip,andAxelwantedtotaketheplumpredfleshbetweenhisownteethandgiveheraplayfulnip.Hell,hewantedtofuckherintonextweek,butifallwentwellnow,thatwouldfollow.
Finally,sheheldoutherhandtohim.Assoonashebalancedher,shekneltonthecuttingboardagain,hissingasherkneesboreherweightonthelittlewhitehardgranules.
“Wow,that’suncomfortable.”
“That’swhyit’spunishment.”Axelwatchedforamomentasshewincedandtriedtoshiftherweight,thenhedecidedtothrowherabone.“Youknow . . .themoreyoumove,themoreuncomfortableitis.”
“Stayingstillisnopicnic,either,”shecomplained.“It’slikekneelingonglass.”
Normally,Axelwouldn’tputupwithbacktalkandbitching.Butshe’denduredalottoday,andhehadtoadmithefoundheradorable,nomatterwhatshedid.
“It’snotsupposedtofeellikefeathers,”heshotback,castinghisgazearoundinsearchofafewextrasheneeded.“Doesanyonesleepinthisroom?”
“No.AuntGaillivesalone.Itusedtobemymom’sroomwhenshewasateenager,butit’sallbeenredone.Ithinkmyauntusesitnowasstorageandanoccasionalcraftroom.”
Whichexplainedthesewingmachine,theboltsoffabric,andtheshelvesofplasticbinsfilledwithstuffhecouldn’tpossiblyexplain.
“Anythinginthecloset?”
Mysteryshookherhead.“Ithinksheusesittostoreheroff-seasonclothes.Why?”
Axeldidn’tanswer,justprowledtothecloset—andfoundexactlywhatheneeded.Hegrabbedeverythingthatmightproveuseful,thencurledtheminhisfistandwrappedthemaroundhishand.
HeturnedbacktoMystery.“Riseandkneelonthebed,facingthewindow,awayfromme.”
Sheturnedtostareattheitemscurledaroundhisfingers,thenmethisstare.Thatoneglanceofherhazeleyessizzleddownhisspineandsettledinhiscock.Weirdlyenough,somethingalotlikehappinesstookupresidenceinhischest,too.Thenshebrushedtheresidualricefromherkneesandgaveintohisdemands.Axelgobbledupthesightofherlushbreastsandthighsbeforeshespunaroundtogivehimthevisualofherleanspine,gracefulhips,androsyass.
Foryears,he’dbeenstationary,livinginDallas,takingcareofSweetPea,workingforThorpe.Heenjoyedhislifeandlikedknowinghedidrightbyhisfriends,buthe’dneverbeentooclosetoanyone,neverallowedhimselftoreallylatchon,muchlessfallinlove.Hedidn’twanttobethatsadsackhugginghisbottleofginonChristmasday,tryingtoforgetthathehadfourhungrymouthstofeedandnohelpmatetocook,love,orkeephimwarmatnight.
Inaflashofclarity,thetruthhithimlikeatwo-by-fourintheface.He’ddriftedintoDominancenotonlybecauseheenjoyedgivingwomenwhattheyneededbuttocontrolhisinteractionswiththem.Afterall,ifhekeptatightleashoneverything,hecouldn’tlosehisheart,hishope,orhisfuture,right?
Thisonewomanhadshownhimthatwasjustanillusion.She’dknockedhisworldonendwithonepickupline.She’dmadehimcraveherlikeanaddictafterasingleafternoonfix.She’ddugherwayintohisheartinonelate-nightrave.Ormaybewhathefelthadbeenyearsinthemaking.Whatever.
MysteryMullinswasinhisheartfortherestofhisfuckinglife,andhecouldn’tcontroladamnthingaboutit.
“YouwanttoknowwhatI’mgoingtodotoyou?”hemurmuredagainstherneckashesteppedup,blanketingherback,andsetalltheitemsinhishandonthemattressbesideher.
“Yes,Axel.”
“Stealyourcontrol.”Heshouldn’tbealoneinthat.“Putyourhandsbehindyourback.”Instantly,shecomplied,claspingherfingerstogetherjustabovethesweetcurveofherass.Hesetherhandssidebyside,thenwrappedanuglygreenandtanscarfhe’dfoundintheclosetaroundherwrists,knottingitoff.“Canyougetoutofthat?”
Shewiggledherhandsandtriedtoworkherwayfree.“No.”
“Comfortable?”
“Itdoesn’thurt.”
“Moveyourfingers,”hedemanded.
Shedidashebid.“I’mfine.”
“I’llbewatching.Iftheyturnnumb,youstopmeimmediately.Isthatclear?”
“Yes,Axel,”shebreathed.
Almostasifshefeltthesubmissiveurge,shereleasedthetensionfromhershouldersandbowedherhead.Didshehaveanyideawhatthefuckthatdidtohim?Aftereverythingthey’dbeenthroughsinceshe’dpickedhimupinthatbar,toseehertrustinhimmadehiscockacheandhisheartflip.Aspankingwouldn’tstopherfrombeingtheonewomanhecouldn’tforget,andhedidn’twanttochangeher.
Hewantedtodevourher.
“Ifthishurtsorpushesthelimitsofyourabilitytoendure,say‘yellow.’Yougotit?”
“Iunderstand.”
Heuncoiledoneofthebeltshefoundinthecloset,athinshinyyellownumberthatwouldprovidejustenoughgivebutstillbeplentysecure.Hebuckleditaroundherforearms,pullingitabittighter.Hershoulderslifted,andAxelhadnodoubtthatifhestoodinfrontofher,he’dhaveseenthosebeautifulbreaststhrustoutforhisgreedystare.
“Tootight?AmIstrainingyourshoulders?”
“No.”Hervoicesoundedevenmoresoftandthreadythanbefore.
Headjustedhimselfinhisjeans,achingtotakethemoff.Andhewould.Itbetterbereallydamnsoonorhe’dcombust.
“Good.”
Andbecausehecouldn’thelphimself,hemovedthelongfallofherdarkcurlsoveroneshoulderandpressedhislipstothecurveofherneck.Shesmelledlikewantonwoman.Themuskofherpussycombinedwiththesweetnessofherskintowaftintosomethingsointoxicating,Axelhadnoideahowthehellhewasgoingtokeephimselffrompouncingonherinthenexttwominutes.Theurgetonotonlytakeher,fillherandgiveherpleasure,butclaimherrodehimhard.
Henippedhergentlywithhisteeth,scrapingoverherskinsoshecouldn’tpossiblyforgetthathetouchedher.Helistenedtohermoanandsmiledinmasculinesatisfaction.
“Notasound,”hewarned,thentookthewidetailofthenextbeltandgaveherhipalittlewarningsnap—justenoughtogetherattention.
Mysterywriggledandpressedherthighstogether,sendinghimafranticnod.
“Noneofthat,either,”hegrowledinherear,reachingaroundhertotuckahandbetweenherthighs.“Spreadyourlegsapart.”
Shehesitated,writhedabitmore,thenfinallycomplied.
“Abitfasternexttime,princess.”Heslidanotherscarf,thisoneapinkpaisley,overhereyes,doublingthelongstriparoundherheadtoensureshecouldn’tseethroughthedelicatesilk.Heflashedahandinfrontofherface.Shedidn’tflinch.“Anything?”
“No.Whatareyoudoingtome?”
“Makingyougiveyourselfcompletely.Wantout?”
Shetookamomenttoanswer.“IprobablyshouldbecauseIhavenoideahowyouandIaregoingtoworkthisoutfromdifferentcountries,withdifferentlives,but . . .no.”
Yeah,hedidn’thavetheanswersshesought,butrightnow,hedidn’tgiveashitaboutlogistics.Accordingtoher,shelovedhim.Hisfeelingsweredamnstrong,too.Asfarashewasconcerned,thiswomansettledhim,intriguedhim,madehimwanttotakeachancewithhisheartfortheveryfirsttime.
“Good.”
Thequietofthehousewrappedaroundthem,solemn,almostreverent.Hecircledherbody,heardherswallowdownnerves,listenedtoherdeepbreathing.
Hecuppedhercheek,grazinghisfingersdownthesoftskinthere.Shetiltedherface,nestlingintohistouch.Mysterygivingherselftohimnearlyfuckingundidhisrestraint.
Axelgrabbedthenextbeltinthestack,athickblacknumberthatbelongedwithastylishcoat.Softleathercoveredthehardboningunderneath,absolutelyidealforhispurposes.
Asshesatbackonherheels,heshovedthebeltunderherkneeandjostleditdowntohershin,almosttoherankle.Thenhebuckledithighonherthigh,securingherbentlegtogether.
“Isthatuncomfortable?Yourfeetnumboryourkneehurt?”
“Whyareyoutyingmylegbent?”
“Answerthequestion.”
“No,I’mfine.Ijustdon’tunderstand—”
“Thisiswheretrustcomesintoplay,princess.”Sinceshedidn’thaveanyphysicaldifficultywiththerightleg,hemovedontotheleft,securingitwithasimilarbeltinred.
AssoonasAxelfinished,hesteppedbackandadmiredhishandiwork.Boundforhim,trembling,hairhangingoveroneshoulderandflirtingwithhernipple,legsspreadtoshowherbarepussy,Mysterylookedlikehiskinkfantasycometrue.Buthesuspectedshewasmuchmore—thedreamhishearthadbeentooafraidtowishfor.
Thefactshecouldn’ttouchhiminreturnrightnowcompletelyturnedhimon.Yes,helikeditwhensheputhersoftfingersonhim,strokedhisbody,andwrappedthemaroundhiscock.Butinthismoment,hewastotallyincontrol.Heownedher.
Axelswalloweddownalumpoflust.Butthedamnbloodrushedsouthanyway,jettingintohiscock,leavinghimlight-headed.
Justonethingmissing . . .Hecrossedtheroom,towardthepileofpervertables.
“Axel?”Hervoiceshook.
Hepluckeduptwoclothespinswithawickedgrin,thenhustledbacktoherside.“Righthere,”heassured.“Ididn’tgofar.Ineverwill.”
Whenhecuppedherbreast,shegaveabreathylittlejump,thensettledagainwithanembarrassedsmile.Hebrushedhisthumboverthedarkberryofhernipple,fascinatedwiththewayitengorgedandtightened,thetiplengthening,theareolabunching.Hismouthwatered.
Axelbenttoherandsuckledoneofhersucculentnipples,takingalongpullonhersensitivefleshbeforeheswipedhistongueoverthenub.Herbodytwitched,hershouldersjerked,asifshewantedtoreachoutandtouchhim,cuphimcloser.Butalltrussedup,shecouldn’tdoanythingmorethanallowhimtodohisworst.
Withastinginglittlenipofhisteeth,hewithdrewfromthatnippletodirecthisattentiontotheother.Ashetooktheneglectedoneontohistongue,hegropedaroundforthefirstoftheclothespins.Helickedgentlyatthehardnubinhismouth,moaninglowatthefeelofherhardeningaroundhislips,evenashepressedtheclothespinopenandslowlycloseditaroundthefirstnipplehe’dprepared.
Instantly,shesuckedinahissingbreathbetweenclenchedteeth.Thesoundeventuallyturnedraggedandbreathy,becomingawhimper.
“Quiet,”hereminded.“Breathe.”
“Ithurts.”
“Giveitaminute,”hecrooned,thenresumedtoyingwithherunadornednipple.Whenhewassatisfiedit,too,wasready,hegrabbedtheotherclothespinandappliedit.“Breathethroughit.Waitforit . . .”
Soon,themakeshiftclampsdidtheirjob,trappingthebloodinherswollennipples.Suddenly,herlittlewhimpersturnedtostartledgasps,oneaftertheother.Shethrusthernipplesathim.
Axeldraggedhislipsinthewarm,muskyvalleybetweenherbreasts.“Whatdoyoufeel?”
“Ithurtatfirst.”Shebreathedout,asiftryingtoemptyherlungsenoughtosuckinawholebreath.“Thenittaperedtoasweetstinging.Itwasasifallthenerveendingsinmybodyrushedtomynipplesand . . .”Shedidn’tfinishthesentence,justgaveaplaintivesigh.“Myentirebodyisonfire.”
Becauseshelikedalittlebiteandlovedbeingrestrained.Becausehe’dfuckedwithherbodyandherhead,makingherwonderandfeelandache.
Damnit,heintendedtopunishher,leaveherneedingandbeggingforawhilesoshe’dknowwhatitfeltliketowonderwherehewasandwhatheintendedtodo.Butthesightofherturningrosyandarchingcloser,dragginginchoppybreathsjustcouldn’twait.
Herippedoffhisshirtandshuckedeverythingbelowhiswaistinrecordtime,thengrabbedacondomandtosseditonthemattressbeforelaunchinghimselfonthelittlebed,wincingwhentheboxspringsprotested.ThesqueakingmightwakeupAuntGailbutbeingthisclosetoMystery,hewasbeyondgivingafuckaboutthat.
Oncehesettledhimselfinthemiddleofthebed,hereachedforher,wrappinghishandsaroundhermiddle.Whenheliftedher,Mysteryyelped.
“Whatareyoudoing?”shewhisperedfeverishly.
Heheldhersuspendedabovehisbody.“Iwon’tdropyou.”
“Iknow.Butthisfeelsso . . .weird.”Shetriedtoflailbutcouldonlymovehertorso.
Heheldher,bicepsandforearmsbunchingandworking,ashestabilizedher.“Stop.Bestill.You’reinmyhands.Giveyourselfovertome.”
“ButifIfall—”
“WillIletyou?”Hezippedthequestionather.
Shestoppedfidgeting,relaxed,sighed.“No.”
“No,”heassuredasheloweredhertostraddlehisthighs.Thenhetookhercheeksinhishands,brushingstraytressesfromherfaceandbreasts.“I’mnotgoingtodoanythingbutmakeyoucomesohard,you’llwanttoscreamthewallsdown.”
Herbreathcaught,turnedjagged.Shenodded.“Okay.”
Smilingather,Axelleanedinandcapturedhermouth.This.Righthere.Hebelongedinwhateverspacesheinhabited,withhismouthonhers,tastingher,beingonewithher.Everytimehetouchedherjustreinforcedhisbelief.
Hegroanedashenudgedherlipsapartandsurgedinsidehermouth.Hecircledhertonguewithhisown,stroking,caressing,teasing,pullingback,thenplungingdeepagain.
Exactlylikeheplannedtodowithhiscock.
Axelbrushedhisfingertipsovertheclothespinsdanglingfromhernipples,jostlingthemonhersensitiveflesh.Instantly,shegaspedwiththeshockofsensation.
“You’resobeautifullyrestrainedandtotallyatmymercy,aren’tyou?”
Shenodded.“Yes,Axel.”
Thethinsyllableswentstraighttohiscock.“Areyouwet?”
“Yes,”sheansweredevenmorequickly.
“Doyouacheforme?”Hecaressedherthighs,histhumbsrubbingsoclosetohercunt.
“Yes.Helpme.”
Mysterysoundeddownrightdesperate,andthat’sexactlythewayAxelwantedher.
“Doyouwantmetotouchyou?”hetaunted,dragginghisknucklesupthepadofherpussybeforetrailinghisfingertipsdown,nearlytoherclit.
“Please.Now,”shepleaded.“Yes.”
“Ilikeyourenthusiasm,but . . .”Hestoppedjustshyofprobingherwetfoldsandwithdrewhistouch.
Shemewledinprotest.“Axel!”
Henippedherearlobeinwarning.“Ifyoucan’tbequiet,Ican’ttouchyouanymore.”
“Iwill,”shepromised.“Justdon’tleavemelikethis.”
“Ihavesomethinginmind.”
Mysterysenthimafrustratedgruntbutdidn’tprotestotherwise.Hetookhersilenceasassentandsmiledather.Shecouldn’tseehim,butifshecould,she’dknowsheshouldworry.
Axelgrippedheraroundthewaistandliftedheragain.Asshegaspedandtriedtoflailabitoncemore,heleanedbackonthepillowsandheldherabovehim.
“Mystery . . .”Hisvoicelashedtheairbetweentheminwarning.
Instantly,shestilledandfellsilent.Shebowedherhead,lookingsomewherebetweenchagrinedandbeautifullysubmissive.
“Good.Remembertobequiet.”
Leavinghertoponderhismeaning,AxelloweredMysteryontopofhim,settlingherthighsoneithersideofhishead.Heraisedhisfacetoherpussyandrakedhistonguethroughherwetfolds.
“Axel!”shesquealed,ahigh-pitchedcryfullofsensualpanicandneed.
Inanswer,hedevouredherclit,flickingitwiththetipofhistongue,thenlavingthesensitivebudwiththeflat.Hereveledinthewayshesquirmedontopofhim,lookingforeithercontrolorrelief.Hedidn’talloweither.Instead,hegrippedherhipsinhishandsandeliminatedherabilitytomove.Mysterymightbesittingontopofhim,butAxelwantedtomakesureshedidn’thaveanyillusionthatsheheldthepower.Hesetthepace.Heprovidedthesensationshechosetogiveher.Healonedeterminedwhensheorgasmed . . .orif.
Whenheclampedhisfingersaroundherhips,restrainingthemasfullyastherestofherbody,shepantedandstruggledharder.
Hedughisfingersintoherfleshandwithdrewhismouthfromhercunt.“Areyougivingyourselfovertome?Orfightingforwhatyouthinkyouwant?”
Mysteryletherheadrollbackonhershouldersandsuckedinabreath.“Fighting.Idon’tknowhowtojustgivemyselfup.”
“You’regoingtolearn,princess.Whetherwe’retalkingaboutpleasureordanger,I’malwaysgoingtodowhat’sbestforyou.Butyouhavetoletme.Relax.Letyourmindgoandgiveyourwilltome.”
Shegnawedonherlipagain,herentirebodystrungtightly.Finally,shedraggedinacoupleoflongbreathsandletthemoutincontrolledexhalations.Thenshenodded.“I’lltry.”
“Justsurrender.”
Abovehim,sherelaxedherthighsandforcedherbreathingtoevenout.
Shegavein.
Withhisdickachingandhispatiencerunningout,heliftedherbackoverhisfaceandsurgedup,latchingontoherpussyagain,tormentingherclitwithhistongue.
Thistime,Mysterydidn’tfightagainsthisrhythmorsilentlydemandmore.Sheputherselfinhishands,quiet,still.Asherakedthroughherfoldsandnippedthesensitivebudofhernerveswithhisteeth,herbodytensed.Shespreadherlegswider,gavemoreofherself,allowedhimtocontrolherutterly.
Herbreathingpickedupspeed,andhewatchedtherosyflushcoverherskin.Againsthistongue,herfoldsengorged.Herclitturnedharderthanstone.
“You’reclose,princess.”
“Soclose,”shebreathed.
“Haveyoubeengoodenoughtoearnthisclimax?”hetaunted.
“I’vetried.Please . . .”
Ontheonehand,Axelreallyhopedthatshe’dlearnedthatfightinghimandinsistingondoingeverythingherwaywouldn’tgetherwhatshewanted.Somaybeshe’dthinktwicebeforeshepickedupandleftwithouttalkingtohimagain.Atleasthehopedso,becausehewasdamndesperatetogetinsideher.
Shit,heneededtotampdownthisimpatience.Axeldidn’trememberawomaneverstealingpasthiscontrolsoeasilyorthoroughly,andhe’dhavetobediligentinthefuturesoshedidn’tfigureoutthatshecouldwraphimaroundherfingerwiththatprettypussy.Butthatwasaworryforlater.
Rightnow,hewantedtotasteheressenceonhistongue.
“Quiet.”Hereleasedherhipsandpinchedtheclothespinsaroundhernipplesopen.“Comeforme.”
AbreathysighturnedintoanalmostanimalwhineasMysterytensedandshudderedontopofhim.Usinghisfingers,hetwistedandtoyedwithhersensitivenipples.Asthebloodrushedbackintothetips,herentirebodyjolted.Helavedherswollenpussythroughthelong,tremblingclimax,relishingthewaysheopenedhermouthinalong,silentscreamandopenedtohimcompletely.
Asherclitslowlysoftened,herbodysagged.Axelpettedherwithhistongue,sinkingbeyondherclit,tothetightopeninghehopedtoinvadesoon.Hescoopedheragainsthismouth,thenproddedherclitwiththetiponcemore.
Mysteryshiveredandletoutalittlemoan.“I’mso . . .Ohmigod.”
“Sensitive?”heaskedagainstherpussy.
“Uhhuh.”Shenodded,squirming.
Helovedreducinghertonearlyincoherentsyllables.Later,whenhedidn’tneedtobeinsidehersodamnbadly,he’ddoitagainforthesheerjoyofwatchinghermeltinhisarms.Now,heneededmore.
Axelsettledherthighsbackonhistorsoandeasedhertorsodownuntilherbreastsrestedagainsthischest,untilsheburiedherfaceinhisneckandglidedkissesacrosshisjaw,jackinguphisdesireevenmore.Hefeltaroundthemattressforhiscondom.Hecouldn’tseehiscockpastherbodydrapedoverhis,warmanddampandwelcoming,buthecouldsureashellfeelhisachingerectionashetorethefoilapartwithhisteethandwrappedhisarmsaroundhertosheathehimself.
Asifshefinallycaughtontowhathehadinmind,shepaused,herbodystill.“Axel?”
“Doyoutrustme?”
“Yes.”Shedidn’thesitate.
“Doyouwantme?”
“Always.”Mysterysoundedevenmorecertain.
“ThenletmetakeyouthewayIwant.Ineedthat.Ineedyou.”
* * *
AXEL’Swordsmadeherbitebackagasp.Whatthehellcouldhepossiblydotoherwhenshewasalltrussedup,handsandarmsboundtogetherbehindherback,legsbentandrestrained,herheelsnearlydiggingintoherass.
ButMysteryhadnodoubthewouldshowherexactlywhathehadinmind.Eventhoughhershouldersachedabit,sheknewshe’dlovewhateverhedidtoher.
“I’mallyours,”shemurmured.
Heliftedherintotheair.Thoughshecouldn’tsee,hissheerstrengthinraisingheroffthebedfromsomethingnearasupinepositionamazedher.
“Princess . . .”Hebeganloweringheragain—andshefelttheheadofhiscockprodherhungryopening,nowgapingwiththeneedforhimtofillher.
Asheshovedherdownonhiscock,heliftedhiships,risingbeneathhertoplanthiserectiondeep,asifembeddinghimselfintheplaceheconsideredhome.
“Fuck,”hehissed.“Thisismine.You’remine.You’realwaysgoingtobemine.”
Hisgrowledwordssparkedneedinsideher,evenashisstifflengthtunneleddeeper,trippingacrosseverynerveending.Mysterytossedherheadback,lacingherfingerstogetherbehindherbackbecauseshehadnothingelsetoholdonto.Hecontrolledeverything.Shecoulddonothingmorethanallowhimtofuckher.Andshedrownedintheexperience.
“Yes,”shewhispered.“Yours.IthinkIalwayshavebeen.”
“ThentakewhatIgiveyou.”Hepoundedinsideher,withdrew,andthrustupagainrelentlessly.“Allofme.Everyinch.EverythingIhave.”
Hispossessiveinsistencelitsomethinginsideher.Nowaycouldshekeepanyemotionalwallsorbarriersupbetweenthem.Whateverhappenedtomorrow,shewasallinrightnow—sodeepMysteryfeltsureshe’dneverescape.Shewastotallyatpeacewiththatrealization.
Underher,hecontinuedtoliftheruphiscockashetiltedhishipsintothemattress,thenlungedupasheyankedherdownagain,plungingdeeperinsideherthanever.Theslowrhythmincineratedher.Hisharshbreathing.Herpoundingheart.Thesqueakingmattress.Everythrustintoherscrapedtheheadofhiscockagainsthermostsensitivespots,overandover,untilshefeltdizzyandbreathlessandreadytoscream.
“Oh,fuck . . .”Hesoundedhoarse,asifsomeonehadrippedthewordsfromhischest.“Sogood.That’sit.That’s . . .Fuck!”
Hispacepickedup,relentlessandtotallybeyondhercontrol.Hetookheratwillandplayedherbodylikeaninstrumenthe’dlearnedwell.Sleep,danger,duty—noneofitmatteredinthefaceofherdesireforthisman.
Hestrainedtogetdeeperinsideher,andMysteryfeltthetremblingofhisbodyunderherown.Hersensitivefleshburnedwithneedasheimpaledheragain,fillinghersofullshestretchedwidetoaccommodatehisgirth.Hemanagedtostimulateeverybitofherchannelwitheachfrenziedpushupandrapidretreatback.Shetightenedaroundhimasclimaxcoiledlowinherbelly,groaningsoftlyintotheriseofbliss.
“Axel . . .”Shewantedtoreachoutandtouchhim,steadyherself,grabontohimandneverletgo.Butashehadfromthefirstmomentthey’dmet,heheldhersafelyinhisgripandhewouldtakecareofher.
“Comeforme,princess.Letyourselfgoandgiveeverythingtome.”
Nowayshecouldrefusethat.
Withhisnextstroke,thegatheringsensationsinsideherconverged.Bloodrushed.Herheartroared.Herentirebodyfeltaliveasheswelledinsideher.Hegroaned,possessingherdeeperthanever.Andinonedazzlingmoment,shereleasedtheentiretorrentofneedintohiskeeping.Thesensationsrippedthroughherbodyandseizedherheart,meltingandremoldingher.Changingher.
Fromthismomenton,shebelongedtoAxel.Evenifhedidn’twanthertomorrow,Mysteryknewshe’dbeinlovewithhimforever.ChapterFifteen
AXELwokeafewhourslatertosunslantingthroughthewindows,achillintheairnippingathisnose,andMysterycurledaroundhimtrustinglyinsleep.
Heglancedaroundthebedandfoundallthescarvesandbeltshe’dusedtorestrainherlastnight,andthepleasurehadbeenbeyondintense.Somethingmorelikecataclysmic.Moving.Life-altering.
Wouldn’tThorpebesaying“Itoldyouso”now?Yep,andAxeldidn’tmindatall.HesimplyheldMysterycloseagainsthim,revelinginthewarmthofhersleep-softbody.
Thebuzzingofhisphoneonthenightstandstartledhim,andhefrowned,wonderingwhatthehelltimeitwas.Thesunlookedhighintheskyandhe’dslepthalfthemorningaway.Shit.
Hepluckedthephoneoffthenightstand,extricatinghimselffromMystery,andsatup,staringatthedevice.
Seeingthenameonthedisplay,hepressedthebuttontoacceptthecallinstantly.“Stone.Whatdoyouhaveforme?”
“Oh,youfinallyanswerthephone,SleepingBeauty?”
Axeldidn’taskwhatStonemeant.He’dbetthatifhelookedthroughtherecordofhismissedcalls,he’dfindmorethanafew.“Itwasareallylatenightgettinghereandmakingsureweweresecureenoughtoturnin.DidyousortthroughthefootageleadinguptoMystery’shotelroom?”
“Yep.Igotnothingusableforyou.Whoeverdiditknewtheywerebeingfilmed.Theyworeahatwithawidebrimandatrenchcoat,alongwithsunglasses,awig . . .theworks.TheonlythingIcantellyouisthatwhoeverleftthepictureisfemale.Sheenteredthroughaservicedooratthebackofthehotelandexitedthesameway,walkingoutofthecourtyard,ontothestreet.Novehicleorlicenseplatetotrace.Ican’ttellunderthelayersofshithowoldthewomanisordiscernanyofherfacialfeatures.She’sgotherhandsinherpockets,soIcan’tseeanyidentifyingmarksorjewelry.Thecameraanglehidhershoes.I’mguessingshe’sahotelemployeeoranactresslookingforafewextrabucks,butnowayofknowingforsure.”
“Soundslikeadeadfuckingend.”
“It’slookingthatway,too.SinceIhadalittleextratimethismorning,Icalledthehotelmanager.He’sspokenwiththestaffondutythen.Nooneremembersseeingher.Sosheeitherblendedinortimeditwell.”
“Fuck,”Axelmuttered,notwantingtowakeMystery.“Anyideawhosekeycardthewomanusedtoaccessthehotelroom?”
“Thehousekeepingmanager—aman—reportedhismastercardmissingfromhisdeskabouttwohoursbeforeanyoneletthemselvesintoMystery’sroom.Heleftaboutforty-fiveminutesbeforethatphotoappearedinherroom.There’sfootageofhimdrivingoutoftheemployeelotandeverything.”
“So . . .nothing.”
“Nope.Sorry.”
“Thanksfortrying,man.”
“Noworries.”Stonehesitated,andAxelknewexactlywherethisconversationwasheaded.“I’dliketotalktoyouaboutMisty.”
“Shetoldmelastnightthatyouwantedtotalk.I’mnotopposed,andtechnicallyshe’snolongermysubmissive,butifyou’reserious,I’dreallyappreciateitifyou’dhaveachatwithThorpeaboutyourintentions.I’llbebackinafewdays,thenwecansitdownandworkeverythingout.”
Stoneheavedanimpatientsigh.Obviously,hedidn’tlikeitbuthedidn’thavemuchchoice.“Sure.”
“It’sforherbenefit.She’sskittish.”
“Iknow.It’stheonlyreasonIdidn’ttellyoutoblowitoutyourass.BecauseifyouwantedtostandbetweenmeandMisty,well . . .thetwenty-twomonthsIspentinprisonformyfunwhite-collarcrimetaughtmetwothings:ThatUncleSamhasnosenseofhumor,andhowtokillamanwithmybarehands.”
Axelrolledhiseyes.HedidnothavetimeforStone’sposturingnow.IfthedudewantedtoimpressuponhimhowmuchhewantedSweetPea,messagereceived
“I’llcallyouwhenI’mbackatDominion.”AndbeforeStonecouldanswer,Axelhungup.
ThenheplacedacalltoCallie.Thewomanansweredonthefirstring.“Hey,Axel.Allokay?How’sMystery?”
“Sleeping,”hemurmured.“Doyouhappentoknowifsheleftherphonebehind?”
“Actually,IfounditonthefloorofThorpe’soldbedroomlastnight.Istasheditinhisoffice.Doyouwantmetosenditsomewhere?”
Axeldidn’tthinktheycouldaffordtostayatthisremotehouseformorethantwenty-fourhoursbeforethebadguys—whoevertheywere—closedin.EvenifCallieovernightedthedevice,hedoubtedthey’dbespendingthatmuchtimeonthisfarm.“No.Justtuckitaway.I’lltakecareofeverythingelse.”
“Willdo.”
“Youallright?Youdon’tsoundlikeyourusualchipperselfthismorning,”heaskedwithconcern.“Morningsicknessstillbotheringyou?”
“Morelikemorning,noon,andnightsickness.Ugh.I’llbesogladtogetpastmyfirsttrimester.I’mprayingitgetsbetter.”
“Ihopeso,butI’msureThorpeandSeanarespoilingyousilly.”
“Completely.”
Axelheardthesighinhervoiceandsmiled.Calliedeservedhappiness.SodidThorpe,forthatmatter.AndSeanseemedlikeagoodguy,soifthosetwomadeherhappy,thenhewasthrilledforthem.
“Gooddeal.Talktoyoulater.”
“Bye!”
Theyrangoff,andAxeleasedfromthebedandshovedonhisjeans.Hehittheheaddownthehallandbrushedhisteeth,thenjoggeddownthestairsforsomecoffee.
Inthekitchen,hespottedHeathsittingaloneatthetablewithaniPadandacupofbrewhe’dprobablypushedasidesometimeago.
“Morning,”hesaid,bangingaroundthecabinetsforacup.
“Yourfoura.m.rendezvouswasonlyslightlyquieterthanlastnightatDominion.Can’tyoutwokeepitdown?”Hesoundedsomewherebetweensourandpissedoff.
“Wetried.”Axelshrugged.“Protectingyourdelicateearswasn’tmynumberonepriority.Where’sMystery’saunt?”
“Sherantopickupherdrycleaningandhitthepostofficetomailoffsomebillsbeforeherbigmissiontrip.”
“Makessense.Youworkingonsomething?”
Heathsenthimanoisyhuff,thenglanceddownatthetablet’sscreen.“BecauseIdislikelooseends,IreachedouttoseeifIcouldgetarecordofeveryonewhorequestedaparkingpassinAngelesNationalForestthedayJuliaMullinsdied.Thetypicalrequesttakessixweekstoprocess.They’ll‘rush’itandgivemeananswerwithintwo.”
“That’suseless,”Axelquipped.“Likethesecurityfootagefromthehotel.”
HefilledHeathinonStone’sfindings,sippingcoffeeandtryingtofigureouthowthehelltosolvethislong-unsolvedmurder.
“Sowe’vegotnothing,”hesummarized,sendingtheformerMI5agentaspeculativeglance.“Ifyouwereplayingamateursleuth,who’syourbestsuspect?”
“Well,untilyoushowedmethatsnapshotonyourphone,IwouldhavesuspectedsomeslightedparamourofMr.Mullins.Certainly,somestarletoranotherwouldhavelikedtocastherselfintheroleofwifetothefamouswidower.”
“Goodpoint.IguessthemanonthemountainwithMystery’smothercouldbehiredmuscle.Butifthat’sthecase,whyishewearingaperfectlypressedbusinesssuittocommitmurder?”
“Itwouldn’tbemyfirstchoiceofwardrobefortheoccasion.”Heathshookhishead.“Thatwhiteshirtwouldshoweveryspeckofblood.Blackismuchbetterforconcealingnastystains.”
“Yep.”Axelhadnodoubttheybothknewthatfromexperience. “Sothepolicereportisn’tgoingtogiveusanythingnew.Allthefollow-upswehavearedeadends.Mysteryhastolduseverythingweknow.HaveyoueveraskedMullinsabouthiswife’smurder?”
“Itriedonce.Hemadeitclearthatanythingtodowithherdeathwasaveryclosedsubject.”
Agrievingmanwantingtolickhiswoundsinprivate?Orsomethingmore?Yes,thefamousdirectorhadbeenruledoutasasuspect,andheapparentlyhadn’thiredtheAsianMafiaenforcerhe’dknowntocommitthemurder.Thatwasn’ttosay,however,thathehadn’tfoundanothercapableassassin.
“HaveyoutriedtofollowanysortofmoneytrailfromMullins’saccountsaroundthetimeofthemurder?”
“No.Idon’thaveanynotionifhe’sthesortoffellowwhowouldwanthiswifedead,butIcan’timaginehe’dwantanyharmtocometohisdaughter.Helovesher.”
“That’smysense,too,”Axelagreed.“Ithinkwe’regoingtohavetotalktoMullins,hisdaughter,andheraunttoday.”
“I’mnothopefulwe’llfigureoutmuch,butI’mafraidwe’vegotnothingelse.”Heathkickedbackinhischair,setthetabletaside,andchuggedhiscoffee.“Butforpity’ssake,couldyouputashirtonfirst?”
Withachuckle,Axeltookhissweettimerisingtohisfeet.Heenjoyedamomentoftoweringovertheothermanbeforehetrudgedupstairs.Inthebedroom,hefoundMysterystretching,hercompletelynakedbodyvisibletohishungrystare,openinghereyestotheworld.
Hesatontheedgeofthebedandcradledherbreast,sweepingdownherabdomentopetherpussybeforeheleanedintokissherforehead.“Morning,princess.”
“Morning.”Shewinced.“Ifyouhaveanywickedideas,youshouldknowI’mawfullysorerightnow.”
“Andyoushouldprobablygetusedtothatstatearoundme.”Hewinked.“Butyou’reinluckthismorning.I’mhereforashirtbecauseHeathdoesn’tlikethewayI’mdressed.Whenyou’reupandready,comedownstairs.We’llrustleupsomebreakfast,thenwehavetotalkaboutwhomightwanttohurtyouandwhy.”
Shenoddedathimsolemnly.AsAxelbrushedalingeringkissonherlips,herealizedthiswouldn’tbeeasyonher.“Allright.”
Relivingbothhermother’sdeathandherownkidnappingwouldbetraumaticenough.Forcinghertolookateveryoneinherlifeasapotentialsuspectontopofthat?Absolutelybothshittyandheartbreaking.
“We’llbedownstairs.”
Withthat,heleftherinprivacyandshuffledbackdownstairs,tugginghisT-shirtoverhishead.Inthekitchenagain,hewatchedHeathpacetheroominaboutthreestepsinanygivendirection,eachofhislongstrideseatingupground.
“Better?”Axelheldouthisarms.NotthathereallycaredforHeath’sopinion.Aslongastheasswipeshutupabouthisattire,thatwouldbegreat.
“Much.IthinkweneedtotalktoMullins,tryshowinghimthispictureyourfriendprocuredoncemoreandseeifwejoghismemory.”
SincehestillhadtoreassurethemanthatMysterywasfineandhadmerelymisplacedherphone,hecouldmarktwothingsoffhisto-dolistwithonecall.Axelnodded.“Goforit.”
Heathyankedouthiscellandpunchedafewbuttons,thenenabledthespeakerphone.
Mullinsansweredquick.“Heath,anythingwrong?”
“Notperse.MysteryandIleftDallaslastnightandarenowatheraunt’shome.We’vetriedtohoodwinkwhoeverisafterherbyannouncingthatshe’llbereturningtoLondononTwitter.Wethinkthatwillbuyusatleasttodaytosolveasmuchofthisriddleaspossible.Ifwecan’tpieceittogetherbythen,she’llprobablyhavetoflyhome.”
“I’dratherhaveherhere,anyway.FlyherhomeASAP.”
“Asyouknow,we’vetried.Mysterywillfightusallonthat.Wecansafelyholdherheretoday,thenwe’llgetherhome.”
Thedirectorsighednoisily,obviouslynotlikingthesituation.
“Hi,Mullins.Axelhere.I’msureyou’vebeentryingtocallyourdaughter.Sheaccidentallyleftherphoneatmyplace.Afriendofmineiskeepingitsafeforher.”
Mystery’sfatherpaused.“Yourplace.Icantrackherphone,youknow.Iknowexactlywhereherphoneis.”
Fuck.Axelhadhopedherfatherwaslow-techandhewouldn’thavetoexplainDominiontohisgirlfriend’sfather.“It’sactuallymyplaceofemployment.Itookhertherelastnightbecauseit’ssecure,butshehadotherideas.”
“Andinsistedwereachherauntrightaway,”Heathfilledin.
Axelshottheothermanashockedstare.WhywouldtheBrithelphimout?Ormaybehe’dtoldthewhitelietokeepthedirectoroffMystery’sback.Eitherway,itworkedinhisfavor.
“Thatgirlneedstostopbeingsodamnimpulsive . . .”Mullinssighed.“Soyouworkthere,huh?Doyouplaythere,too?”
ThoughAxelwouldprefertotellMullinsthathissexlifewasnoneoftheman’sbusiness,ifhewantedtobeinMystery’sfuture,lyingtoherfatherwouldn’tgethimfar.“Yes.”
Themansuckedinabreath.“DoesMysteryknow?”
Translation:Haveyouplayedwithher?Fuck,fuck,fuck.He’dneverreallydealtwithoverprotectivefathersbefore.“Yes.Sir,withallduerespect,she’sagrownwoman.”
“Butshe’salwaysgoingtobemydaughter.Howdoesshefeelaboutyourkink?”
“She’snotprotesting.Look,Ididn’toncetouchherinthedesertwhenIrescuedher.Shewastooyoungandemotionallyrattled.Now,everythingbetweenusiscompletelyconsensual—”
“Iknowyoudidn’ttouchMysterybackthen.Shewasactuallycrushedyouhadn’t.”
Axelcouldn’thelpbutsmile.“She’smademeseetheerrorofmywayssinceshereturnedtotheStates.”
“Idon’twanttoknowwhatyoutwodo,butifshe’shappier,thenI’mgladforher.”
Lettingoutapent-upbreath,Axelsaggedintohischair.Thankfuckthemandidn’twanttokillhim.“I’lldomybesttoalwaysmakeherhappy.Butwe’llhavetotalkaboutthatafterwe’vedealtwiththedangertoher.Sir,HeathandIgenuinelybelievethatwhoever’sthreateninghernowhadsomethingtodowithyourwife’smurder.”
Mullinshesitated.“Julia’spassingwasneverdefinitivelyruledahomicide.”
“Butyouknowitwas,”Axelshotback.“Afriendofminespoketothedetectiveinchargeoftheinvestigationwhenyourwifedied.Heshowedmethepicturefromthehikers.”
“Photoscanbedoctored,”Mullinspointedout.“I’mnotconvincedthosepeopledidn’ttamperwiththephototosellittotheEnquirerorStarorsomeotherragthatwouldhavepaidthemafortune,regardlessofwhetheritwasreal.Everyonewantedapieceofthatstory.”
“Thehikersneversoldthatpicturetoanyone,”Axelreasoned.
Mullinsscoffed.“I’mnotgivingthemamedalfortheirrestraint.”
Marshallwasabrilliantdirectorandaprotectivefather,butthemanwasmorethanatadconvincedtheworldrevolvedaroundhim.“Ifthey’dsimplywantedmoneyfortheirpictureandtorideyourcoattailsfortheirfifteenminutesoffame,wouldn’ttheyhavedoctoredtheimagetomakethemanonthemountainwithyourwifelooklikeyou?Orsomeoneyouknew?”
Alongpausefollowed.“Thatwouldbemostobvious,but—”
“Thenlet’spretendforaminutethatthepictureisreal.Youhaven’tseentheimagein . . .what?Overfifteenyears?”
“No,”headmitted.
“I’llsendittoyouagainfrommyphone.”Axeltextedthesnapshottohim.“Justlookatitonemoretimeandtellmeifyourecognizethemanwithyourwifeatall.”
Heheardalittledingontheotherendoftheline,andafewtensemomentspassed.“No.Ihavenoideawhoheis.”Apauseensued,followedbyMullins’sdistressedsigh.“God,evenseeingJuliainagrainyimagelikethisis . . .It’ssohard.Ilovedthatwoman.Iwasn’tagoodhusband.Iknowit.Butshegavemethemostpreciousgiftever.”
Atthatmoment,Mysteryskippeddownthestairsandracedtothekitchen.“Hi,Dad.”
“Mystery.Howareyou,kiddo?”hesoundedwistful.
“Fine.HeathandIdrovemostofthenight,soIsleptin.ButI’mgoodnow.”
“Excellent.”
Axelnoticedcynicallythatthemandidn’taskhisdaughterhowshefeltaboutthenewfoundkinkinhersexlife.
“So . . .”Mullinswenton.“How’syourauntGail?”
“Ionlysawherbrieflylastnight,butsheseemswell.Nothingmuchhaschangedhere.”
“Iknowthatwouldhavemadeyourmothersmile.”
“Yeah.It’snicetobehereagain.”
AmillionquestionsswirledthroughAxel’sbrain.Hewantedtoaskthemanabouthiswife’sdeath,buthedidn’twanttobetheonetobreakthetruthaboutthemurdertoMystery.Unfortunately,waitingfortherightmomentcosttime,andthatwasaluxurytheydidn’thave.
HetookadeepbreathandglancedatMystery.Shelookedrefreshedandbeautiful,despitebeingsleeptossedandwearingyesterday’sclothes.“Haveaseat.Icalledyourdadtodiscussthedayyourmotherdied.”
* * *
MYSTERYblinked,thensatslowly.She’dgiveanythingnottorehashoneoftheworstdaysofherlife,butsheknewhownecessaryitwas.“Youmeanthedayshewasmurdered?”
“Youknewthat?”herfatherasked.
“Isuspected.Youneversaidanything,but . . .”Shechoked.Hervoicebroke.
“Ijustwantedtoprotectyou,kiddo,”herfatherprotested.
“Iknow.”Andshedid.Hermom’sdeathhaddevastatedhim,too.Shedidn’tunderstandwhyhecouldn’thavelovedherenoughtobefaithful.Itwasirrelevantnow.“Butthepresswasalltoohappytoreportwhattheythoughthappened,andthemurderscenariojustmademoresense.”
Axelsqueezedherhandandsighed.“I’msodamngladIdon’thavetobetheonetoexplainthatshewasmurderedandripyourworldapart.Thisisaphototakenbyrandomhikersjustbeforeyourmotherdied.Doesthismanlookatallfamiliar?”
Axelshowedherthepicture,doinghisbesttozoominonthetwopeopleonthehilltopinthedistance.
“Icanonlyseehisback.MaybeifIhadaface . . .”
“Doyourememberyourmotherknowinganyonewiththatheight,build,andhaircolor?He’sprobablyaroundsixfeet,mediumbuild.Inthispicture,helooksmoregraythannot.”
“Nothing.”Sheshookherhead.Thenadistantmemoryspunthroughherhead,andshelaughedatit.“Well . . .TheonlypersonIcanthinkofisthisguywhocametooneofmydancerecitals.Iwasmaybefiveorsix.WhenIranoffstage,mymomintroducedmetohim.Hewaswearingasuitalotlikethisandwasgraying,too.ShecalledhimPeter.”
“Washethedadofoneoftheotherkids?”
“Probably.”Sheshrugged.“ItonlyjumpedoutatmebecauseMomseemedreallynervous,andtheywerehavingthisveryintentconversationuntilIreachedthem.Thentheyweresuddenlyallsmiles.”Shewinced.“Theguy’sstarewaskindofcreepy.Irememberhidingbehindmymotherandwantinghimtoleave.”
“Didyoueverseehimagain?”herfatherasked.
“No.”
“Doyourememberanythingelse?Anydetail?”Axelleanedin,faceintent.
“Idon’tevenknowwhyIbroughtitup.Threeyearspassedbetweenthatincidentandmymom’sdeath.Ineversawtheguyagain.They’reprobablytotallyunrelated.”
“You’reprobablyright.”Axelpalmedhercrown.
Shefeltsofortunatetohavehimhereandsenthimafaintsmile.“IjustwishIcouldhelpmore.I’vetoldyouwhatIknowaboutthedayshedied.MomandDadfoughtaboutdivorcethatmorning.”
“Wenevermeantforyoutohear.”Herfathersoundedcontrite.
“Dad,thewholehousecouldhear.”
“Shit,”hecursed.“Wereallythoughtyouwereasleep.”
“No,”Mysteryadmittedsoftly.“Momhadbeeninmyroomabouttenminutesbeforeyoutwostartedarguing.Iwoketothesoundsofhercrying.”
“I’msorry,sweetheart.”Shecouldalmosthearherfather’sheartbreakontheotherendoftheline.
“AndI’msorrytoaskeitherofyoutoreliveit,buttheinformationcanonlyhelp.”Axellacedhisfingersthroughhers—hissilentwayoftellingherhesupportedher.“You’vetoldmewhatyouknow,soI’dliketoaskyourdadwhatelseherecallsnow.”
Thatmadesense.She’dbeennothingmorethanakid.Herdadwouldknowmore.
“IremembermorethanI’dliketo.”Herdadsighed.“Icameinthatmorningaboutthree.I’dbeenoutwith . . .somepeopleIwasworkingwithonafilm.”
“Oh,juststoplyingalready.”Mysterygavehimafrustratedhuff.“Youwerescrewingthatblondeyouweredirectingintheaction/thrillerflickyou’dbeenworkingon,andMomfoundout.”
“Yes.”Herfatherhesitated.“Andshewaspregnant.”
Mysterygasped,feelingasifsomeonehadpunchedherinthestomach,andclosedhereyes.Asifthisconversationwasn’tawfulenough,thenewrevelationscomingoutnowmadeitdownrighthorrifying.
“Wassheworthit?Wereanyofthoseslutbagsyoutooktobedworthdestroyingyourfamily?”Theangerjustpouredout.Mysteryhearditbutcouldn’tseemtostopit.Itwasn’tasifherfatherhadcheatedonher . . .yetithadalwaysfeltasifhe’dbetrayedher,too,notjusthermom.Foryears,Mysteryhadpretendedshedidn’tknow.She’dneverconfrontedherdadbecausehislovelifedidn’tmatternowthathermomwasgone.Butdeepdown,itmatteredtoher.Hiswanderingdickhadrippedapartamarriage,stainedherchildhood,maybeevensomehowcutshorthermother’slife.TheresultingscarshadnearlycausedhertowalkoutonAxelforever.
“No,”hechokedout.
Smallconsolationnow.Itdidn’treallymakeadentinherrage.Evenifangerdidn’tsolveanythingnow,shecouldn’tseemtostopfeelingit.“Sobecauseyourwhorewaspregnant,youaskedMomforthedivorce?”
“No!”Hewasquicktocorrecther.“Shefoundoutsomehowandtoldmethatshe’dcalledalawyer.Shewantedtoleave.Thesexmeantnothingtomebutaconquestandsomefleetingpleasure,butyourmotherdidn’tseeitthatway.”
No,hermomhadseenitasastabintheheart.Mysterydid,too.Ithadmadeherwaryandabitcynicalofrelationships,andthatwasn’twhoshewantedtobe.
“Ilovedher,”herfatherswore.“Toomuchtoletherleave.Butsheaskedmeforadivorce.Worse,shewantedtotakeyouwithherbacktoKansas.Sowefought.Wedidn’tresolveanything.Ilostmytemperandleft.ThatwasthelasttimeIsawyourmotheralive.”
“Andtheblonde’sbaby?”Mysterysnapped.“Youjustleftthatchildtoberaisedbyasinglemother?”
“Youthinkthat’sthesortoffatherIam?”
Thehurtinhisvoicerippedthroughher.Regretfollowed.Asafather,he’dneverbeenanythingbutattentiveanddoting.“Sorry.Thatwasunfair.You’reagreatdad.”
“ThinkingIwouldsoonbeafatheragain,I’dpreparedafinancialsettlementforboththeactressandthechild,alongwithavisitationagreement.Then . . .”Hesighed.“ThebabycameoutAsian.”
Besideher,Axelrearedbackatthatinformation.Mysterycertainlyfeltherownjawdrop.“Sothatwasn’tyourbaby.”
“No.IhadeveryreasontothinkI’dfatheredthatchild.Iadmitit.ButfindingoutIhadn’twasaguiltyrelief.”Hesighed.“Ifuckedup.Believeme,Iknow.Yourmotherlovedthatforest,butIdon’tthinkshewouldhavebeentherethedayshediedifshehadn’tbeenseekingcalm.”
Mysteryhadthoughtthesamethingherself.Butherdadwasbeatinghimselfup,andshedidn’tseethepointofheapingmoreguiltonhimnow.
“Canyoutellusanythingelseyourecallaboutthatday,Mr.Mullins?”Heathcutin.“Anythingstandout?Anythingunusual?”
“It’snoteverydayyourwifeasksyouforadivorcethendies,soI’dsaythewholedaywasunusual.”
Axelclearedhisthroat.“Let’swalkthroughtheeventsandseeifwecanfindanycluethesheriffoverlooked.Wedon’tknowwhothismaninthepictureis,soweneedsomesuspects,andmaybeyourwife’sbehaviorwillgiveussomedirection.”
Herfatherletoutaroughbreath.“Imusthavedonethisfiftytimesforthepolice,butI’lltryagain.Um . . .Icameinlate.Juliawasasleep—orpretendingtobe.IcrashedandwokeupaboutsixwhensheslippedoutofbedtowakeMysteryforschool.Juliawasn’ttryinghardtobequiet.Shewasitchingforafight,andwhenshereturnedfromMystery’sroom,Icouldtellshe’dbeencrying.Weargued.Shetoldmesheknewaboutmylatestmistressbeingpregnantandshewantedadivorce.She’dhiredalawyerandwantedtomovebacktoKansas.ItoldherthatifshetookMysteryfromme,Iwouldn’tgiveheradimeofalimony.Wescreamedateachother.We’dalreadybeentocounseling,andIdidn’tseethepointofgoingback.”Hehesitatedthere.“I’mnotsureifanyofthatishelpful.”
“Whendidyoufirstnoticeyourwifewasmissing?”Axelasked.
“TheschoolcalledtosaythatJuliahadn’tpickedupMystery.Shenevermissedthattimewithourdaughter.Nanniestookcareofherwhenwetraveledorattendedeveningevents,butJuliadidherbesttorevolveherschedulearoundpickingMysteryupandhavingalittlegirltimebeforehomework,bath,andbed.Sowhentheteachercalled,Iknewsomethingwasdeeplywrong.”
“Keepgoing,”Axelencouraged.“Tellmeeverythingelsethathappened.”
“IleftthesetandpickedMysteryup.Icalledthepolice,butofcoursetherewasnothingtheycoulddofortwenty-fourhours.Icouldn’twaitthatlong,soIcamehomeandstartedlookingthroughJulia’sthingstoseeifIcouldfindanyclues.Icalledherfriends,hersister,evenheryogastudio.AllIcouldseewasthatmostofherbelongingswerepacked.She’dboughttwoplaneticketstoKansasCity,departingthenextday,andsheandsomeofherpersonaleffectsweregone.”
Mysteryrememberedthatday—thepanic,thefear,theuncertainty.She’dgonetobedknowingdeepinherheartthattheworsthadhappened.Hermotherwouldneverhaveabandonedher,andherheartwentouttoAxel.Yes,they’dbothlostmothers,buthershadbeentaken.Hishadjustwalkedoutasifhedidn’tmatter.YetdespitethefactthatMysteryhadlefthimlastnight,hesatbesideher,comfortingher.
He’dprovenitthedaythey’dmetandhekeptprovingitalloveragain—Axelwasamanofstrength,integrity,conviction.Ithadn’tbeenfairtoassumehehadthesamerovingeyeasherfatherandaccusehim.Thankgoodnessheunderstoodthatshehaddifficultywithtrustandhadgivenheragreatdealofpatience.
“Personalitems?”Axelasked.
“Herpurse,hercar,herlaptop.”
Besideher,Axelstiffened,thenturnedtoHeath,whosuddenlyscrambledtoscrollthroughhistablet.Sheleanedovertoreadwhateverheactedsodesperatetoretrieve.Whatthehellwasgoingon?
Thepolicereport,sherealizedamomentlater.Theyhadanelectroniccopyofit.
Theyintendedtodoeverythingpossibletofigureoutthiscoldcase,andMysterydidn’thaveanyillusionswhy.Theyweredoingittosaveher.
Evenastherealizationhumbledher,warmthspreadtoeverycornerofherbody.Shewasbeyondluckytohavethembothinhercorner.ShefeltevenluckierthatAxelcaredenoughtoforgiveallherstupid,rashactionsoverthepasteighteenhours.AndHeath . . .Mysteryhatedtothinkofamanasstrongandwonderful,who’dalreadysurvivedsuchshockandgrief,notfindingahappyendingforhimself.
“Wheredidyougetthatpolicereport?”sheaskedthepairofthem.
“Thesheriff’sdepartment,”Axelansweredgrimly,thenheaddressedHeath.“Doyouseeit?Anywhere?”
Hescrolledup,thenbackdown,hisdarkeyesandbigfingersmovingoverthescreen.“Idon’t.”
Mysterydidn’tunderstandatall.“What?Whatareyoutwoallagitatedabout?”
“Didyoufindsomething?”herdadaskedovertheline.
“Yourwife’slaptop,”Axelfinallyanswered.“Thepolicefoundhercarandherpurse,bothintact.There’snorecordofthemrecoveringalaptopatthescene.Forthatmatter,whydidshetakeitwayoutthere?Therewasn’tanelectricaloutletfordozensofmiles.”
“Atthattime,thebatterylifeonthosemachineswasnexttonothing,”herfatheradded.“Ineverthoughtaboutit.Withsomuchelsegoingonandtheinvestigation,mygrief,Mystery’supset . . .Ineverpursuedthat.”
“Whatdidyourwifekeeponthatlaptop?”Heathasked.
“Idon’treallyknow.”Hesighed,andMysteryheardherdad’sstrain.“Sheaskedforone.Shealmostneveraskedmeforanythingforherself,soIhadanassistantfindthebestmoneycouldbuyatthetimeand . . .”
He’dhopeditwouldmakehimfeellessguilty.Mysterycouldhearthatsubtextinhisunfinishedsentence.“Youneversawhertypeonit?Shenevertoldyouaboutanythingshewasworkingon?”
“Shee-mailed.She’djoinedoneofthosesiteswhereyoukeptupwithyouroldclassmates.Wedidn’ttalkmuchaboutit.”
Mysterywouldbettheyhadn’ttalkedaboutalotofthings,andthat’showtheirmarriagehadfallenapart.Herfatherhadn’tfeltconnectedenoughtohisbridetobefaithful,andshe’dbeenunabletotrulyexpresshersadnessandresentmentuntilshe’dhadenough.
“Irememberaskingheroncewhatshedidwiththelaptop,”Mysteryadded.“Shesaidshewaskeepingajournal.”
“Likeadiary?”Axelasked,frowning.
“Yeah.”Shenodded.“That’showshedescribedit.”
“Didsheknowsomethingthatcouldhavegottenherkilled?”Heathasked.
“Well . . .”Herfatherhesitated.
TrepidationicedthroughMystery’sveins.Hadhermomstumbledacrossdangerousinformationthathadprovokedsomeonetosilenceherforgood?Butwhat?Mom’spasthadn’tbeenshady.Shehadn’tworkedonfilmsanymoreorrubbedelbowswithpoliticians.
“IfJuliaknewasmuchaboutallmyaffairsasshedidtheonesheconfrontedmeabout,thensheknewaboutmyrelationshipwiththewifeofapowerful,dangerousman,”herfatheradmitted.“Actually,it’spossiblesheknewalotofsecrets.Ican’tsaymorethanthat.I’mheadingintoaconferencecall.Kiddo,staynearHeathandAxel.Thefactthey’rewithyouistheonlyreasonIhaven’tboardedaplaneandrushedtotheStatesmyself.Iloveyou.Becarefulwhereyoudig.Staysafe.”
Thenherfatherhungup.
Asifsensingherdistress,Axelcurledhisarmaroundher.Mysterymeltedintohisside.Whatwouldn’therdadadmit?Washekeepingquietbecauseheworrieditwouldgetherkilledifhetoldher?
“Breakfast,anyone?I’mstarving.I’llcook,”Heathofferedintothesuddensilence.
Sheappreciatedhisattempttolightenthemoodbutsuspectedithadfarmoretodowithdistractinghersoshedidn’tasktoughquestionsabouthermother’smurder.Withnewinformationcomingtolight,shewishedshe’djumpedinwithbothfeetandsolvedthewoman’skillingsooner,ratherthanfollowingherfather’sadviceandmovingon,tuckingallthoseterriblememoriesawayinaboxmarked“painful”andlettingitgatherdust.
ThistriptotheStateshadbeenaboutmorethanexperiencingAxelsoshecouldgethimoutofhersystem.Instead,shefeltasifshe’dfinallycomeintoherownandfiguredoutwhatshewanted.Nowshejusthadtoexecuteit.
“Heknowssomethinghe’snottellingus,”shemurmured.
AxelandHeathexchangedglances.Theydidn’treallyknoworlikeeachother,yettheyhadsomesilentcommunication.Mysterydidn’tcomprehendpreciselywhatthatlooksaid,butshegotthegist.
Thatshewasright.
“I’lltrytalkingtohiminabit,”Heathoffered.“Youknow,mantoman.Hemayhavefeltasifhe’dalreadysaidtoomuchinfrontofhislittlegirl.”
Bydiscussingallthesleazybimbosinhislifewillingtocashinontheirmoralstoeithersleepwithsomeonefamousorlandarole?Toobad.“Givemeyourphone.I’lltalktohim.”
“Princess.”Axelturnedhertofacehim.“You’retheonehe’sprotecting.Helovesyou.He’snotgoingtodivulgemoretoyou.Seriously.Letushandleit.”
Asmuchasshehatedit,Mysterysuspectedtheywereright.Itpissedheroffagaintobeleftoutofthebig-boypeniscluborwhateverthehelltheyhadgoingon.“Fine.I’llhavemyhandsontheitemsmymothersavedformethisafternoon.MaybeI’llfindsomethinghelpfulthere.”
“Don’tbeupset.We’reinthistogether,”Axelassured.
Inherhead,sheknewthat.Inherheart . . .emotiontangledup.Disappointmentthatshehadn’tspentmoreofheradulthoodsolvingthistragedyinherlife,impatiencetogetstartednowthatshe’dseentheerrorofherways,frustrationthatthemanshelovedwasshelteringhermorethanshewanted—evenifsheknewhemeantwell.
“I’llmakebreakfast,”sheoffered.“Youtwokeeptryingtofigureoutwhatwe’remissinginthiscrazypuzzle.”
Mysterywhippeduppancakebatterandheatedapanofbacon,hummingandswayingherhipstoachipperlittletune.Shecouldfeelbothmenstaringather.
“Stoplookingatherass,”Axelgrumbled.
“I’mherbodyguard.I’mguardingherbody.”Heathbristled.
“You’refullofshit.”
“AndIcanhearyouboth.Shutup.”Mysteryshookherhead.“Don’twehaveenoughdramagoingon?”
Thankfully,thatquietedthem.Shesetwarmplatesinfrontofeveryoneafewminuteslater,thesmellsofwarmsyrupandfriedbaconfillingtheair.
Everyoneateinsilence,scarfingdowntheirbreakfast.MysteryletherthoughtsdriftawaytothecomingdayandwhateverpersonaleffectshermothermighthavelefthereinKansasforher.Whyhadn’therauntsimplymailedthem?Orleftthemwithherfather?Whysomuchsecrecy?AskingAxelandHeathwouldbepointless;theyknewnothing.Likely,thatwastrueofherdad,too.She’djusthavetobepatientabitlonger.
Onceeveryonefinishedshovelingawaytheirfood,shestackedthedishesinthesink.Thenherauntdroveupwithabigbundleofclotheshanginginplasticwrap.Withthehangers,thegarmentsweretallerthanher,andshehadtoholdthemhighaboveherheadnottodragthemacrossthedirtroad.
Axeljumpedtohisfeetandranoutsidetohelpthewoman.Shesmiled.BeingfromTennessee,hehadthatsoutherngentlemanthingdown.Ormaybehewasjustthatsortofman.
Heathroseanddartedacrossthekitchen,cuppinghershoulder.“Areyouallright?”
Washerlifeperfect?No,butshewasdoingallrightatthemoment.MaybebetterthanallrightsincesheandAxelmighthavesomesortoffuture—providedtheycouldfigureoutwhowantedtoendhers.“Whywouldn’tIbe?”
“YouwereupsetwhenweleftDallas.”
“Axelexplainedthat.It’sfine.”Shehadtobelievethathecaredenoughabouthertotellherthetruth.
Henoddedslowly,notasifheagreedbutlikehegatheredhiswordscarefully.“Theconversationwehadbeforebreakfastcan’thavebeeneasy.Allthetalkofyourfather’sadulterymusthaveunnervedyou,too.”
“Damnit.”Sheturnedandglaredathim.“Idon’tneedyoutryingtostirupmyinsecurities.”
Heheldupbothhandstowardoffhertirade.“Iunderstand.Ijustwanttoensureyou’rethinkingproperly.”
“I’mnotstupid.”
Heathswepthisfingertipsdownhercheek.“No,you’revulnerable.AndIdon’twanthimtotakeadvantageofyou.”
Mysterydidn’twanttoopenhermouth,didn’twanttocourttrouble,butafteryearsofignoringhermother’smurder,sheknewbetterthantohopeherproblemswouldsimplyvanish.“Areyouinlovewithme?”
Hedidn’thesitate.“Yes.”
Sheclosedhereyes.“Heath,I . . .”
“Don’tsayit.”Heshookhishead,hisdarkeyeslookingsodamnsad.“Ialreadyknow.Isimplywantyoutobesurebeforeyougivehimyourheart.”
Itwastoolateforthat,butshedidn’twanttodigtheknifeanydeeperintohis.“Iappreciateyourconcern.”
“I’llbehereaslongasyouneedme.Andifyoueverwantmorethanmyfriendship . . .”Hecuppedherothershoulderandbrushedakissagainstherearbeforehewhispered,“It’syours.”ChapterSixteen
ASAxelenteredthekitchenwiththebundlefromthedrycleaners,HeathsteppedawayfromMystery.Somethinghadpassedbetweenthem—andAxeldidn’tlikeitonebit.
“Don’t.”HeshookhisheadattheBritinwarning.
“We’vetalked.It’suptoher.”Heathhelduphishands.“Ihaven’ttouchedher.”
ThiswasthesourceofAxel’smistrust—Mysteryherself.Heathwouldkeephersafe.Andifsheeverdecidedthatshewantedadifferentmaninherlife,he’dbetherewaiting.
ThecrowbarofinsecuritysplitopenAxel’scomposure.Heforcedhimselftoputamentalbandageonit.She’dsaidshelovedhim.She’dgivenhimnotjustherbody,buthertrust.Hersurrender.
Axelforcedhimselftobreatheoutandhungthedrycleaningintheclosetnearthefrontdoorbeforehereturnedtothekitchen.“Keepitthatway.”
Herauntbustledin,carryingalittlepackageandglancingatherwatch.“Icalledtheattorney’soffice.Heconfirmedthathe’llseeusatthreetoday.Canyoubeready?”
“Attorney?”Mysteryasked.
“Youdidn’tknow?”AuntGailfrowned,thenrushedtothestovetomakeacupoftea.“TheeffectsyourmotherleftbehindarewithanattorneyshehiredinEmporia.Hewasinstructedtokeepthemsafeuntilyouturnedeighteenoryouretrievedthem.”
ThosewordsclearlyconfusedMystery.TheystumpedAxel,too.
“Soshedidn’tjustleavesomejewelryorphotosherewithyou?”
“Some,yes.AndI’vegatheredthemallforyouandputtheminyourroom.It’snotmuch,butthebulkofwhatsheleft,shegavetothisattorneytoholdintrust.Iwassupposedtogiveyouthisbeforeyousawhim.”Theolderwomanheldoutthepackage.
Withafrown,Mysteryopenedit,thensentherauntapuzzledstare.“Akey?”
That’sexactlywhatitwas,anditlookedasifitbelongedtoasafe-depositbox.Axeldidn’tlikeanyofthis.
Thewomanshrugged.“Ionlydidwhatsheaskedmeto.Frankly,thatlastvisityoutwomadeoverspringbreak,justbeforeherdeath . . .Itwasaflurryofconfusingactivity.EverytimeIaskedherwhysheleftsomethingwithmeorwantedtokeepitemswithanattorney,shesimplysaidshewasleavingyouthegiftshecouldn’tgiveyouasachild.Atthetime,Ihadnoideawhatmysistermeant.”
“Ma’am,didyouthinkshehadanyideasomeonewouldmurderher?”Axelasked.
“Murder?”Thewomanrearedback,herfadedblueeyesstartled.Shepressedaveinyhandtoherchest.“Oh,dear.Ididn’t . . .Ithoughtshefell.Ialwaysimaginedshehadsomepremonitionofherdeathandleftmetheseitemsforyoubecauseofit.Butyouthinkshewasintentionallykilled?”
Theolderwomanlookedneartears,andAxelcouldimaginehowdifficultitwouldbetohearthatabelovedsiblinghadn’tsimplyhadatragicaccident,butsomeonehadsnuffedouttheirlife.“I’msorryifyoudidn’tknow.Thepoliceneverofficiallyruleditahomicide,butwehaveeveryreasontobelieveitwas.”HeexplainedthepositioningofJuliaMullins’sbodyatthebottomofthecliff.“Wecanalsoplacesomeoneatthecrimescenewithherlessthananhourbeforeherdeath.”Hewhippedouthisphoneandshowedherthepicture.“Howclosewereyouandyoursisterbeforeherdeath?Doyourecognizethisman?”
Gailblinkedandstaredinopenmouthedshock.“I . . .Oh,goodness.Thisisallsomuch.”Shefannedherfacewithadelicatehand.“I’dsteeledmyselftovisitherattorneyandseetheitemsshe’dleftwithhim.That’salreadylikesufferingherdeathagain.Butthisnewsisterrible.”
“Iknow.”Mysteryhuggedheraunt.“Doyouhaveanyideawhothemaninthepictureis?”
“Well,no.Ihadn’tbeenouttoCaliforniasinceIgaveuponmysillyHollywooddreamsandmovedhome.Yourmotherstayedbehindtomarryyourfatherand—”Shesighed.“I’mafraidIdidn’tknoweveryoneinherlife.Weweren’tterriblycloseafterImovedhome.”
“Sothismanisnotfamiliar?”Axeldirectedherbacktothephoto.
“No.Andshedidn’tconfidemuchtomeaboutwhoorwhatwasinherlifebeforeshedied.TheonlythingIknowisthatshe’dbeendiscussingleavingyourfatherandmovinghome.Iapplaudedherdecision.Iknowyouloveyourfather,buthewashardlyafaithfulhusband.”
“Hewasn’t,”sheagreed.“AndIknowhowmuchthathurther.”
“Ofcourse.Shelovedthatman,andhedevastatedheroverandover.Iwashelpingherfindahomehere.We’dplannedtoenrollyouinschoolherebeforethefalltermstarted.Honestly,thoselastfewweeksofJulia’slifewerethemostI’dtalkedtoherintenyears.”
“Youmentionedconfusingactivitywhenshewasherelast,”Axelremindedher.“Canyoutellmemorespecificallywhatyoumean?”
“Well,Juliawasquitesecretive.Shedidn’tsayalottome,really.Duringtheday,we’dtakeMysteryondaytripsandlookaroundthecountrysideforpotentialplacesshecouldmove.Atnight,aftershe’dtuckedMysteryin,she’ddragoutthatdrattedlaptopandtapaway.Iaskedherwhatshewasworkingon,but . . .shedidn’ttellmemuch.”
AshockwavezippedthroughAxel.Thatlaptopofhers,themissingone.WhateverJuliaMullinswastypingonitcouldwellbeattheheartofhermurder.HeglancedoveratHeath.Yeah,theymightnotagreeonwhogottoclaimMystery,buttheybothknewinstantlythiswasimportant.
“Canyourecallanythingshedidtellyou?”Heathasked.
“Ifyouknowanythingaboutmymother’smurder,please.Evenasmallspeckofinformationwouldbehelpful.Ithinkwhoever’sbehindherdeathmeanstokillme,too.”
“Killyou?”Thewomanlookedpositivelypetrified.“Oh,my.Oh,dear.”Shefannedherselfagain.“Areyousure?”
“Very,”Axelanswered.“Soanythingyoucantellusishelpful.”
Thewomansankintoachairatthekitchentable,emptymugforgotten.“Well,sheseemedwithdrawnandwouldn’tanswerquestions.TheonlythingshesaidthatIrememberisthatsheexpectedyourfatherwouldtakeforevertogiveherasinglecentfromthedivorce.Sosheknewthatmoneywouldbeanissuewhenshelefthim.”
Mysteryfrowned.“Shewaswrongaboutthat.Mydadsaidhe’dgivehermoneyaslongasshedidn’tmovemebacktoKansas.”
Gailshrugged.“Whenshecametovisitthemonthbeforeshedied,JuliawascertainMarshallwouldcutheroff,soshewasdeterminedtomakeherownmoney.Shetoldmeshe’dbeenwritinga . . .memoirorsomething.Sheintendedtosellitandhadapublisherinterested.WhenIpointedoutthatshewashardlyafamouswomanafterafewsmallrolesinmoviesandTV,shehuffedatmeandadmittedthatshewasn’tthefocusofthebook.”
MarshallMullinshadbeen.Hiswifehadintendedtoblowthedoorswideopenonhisextracurricularlovelife.She’dbeenwritingatell-allbook.Axelsworeunderhisbreath.AcrossthetopofMystery’shead,henoticedthatHeathdidthesame.
Timetoquestionherfatheragain.Hedefinitelyknewmorethanhewaslettingon,andhe’dpressthefamousbastardhard—withoutMysterylisteningtoinhibithistongue—untilhegotsomedamnanswers.
Seemingtoreadhismind,Mysterygaped.“ButDaddydidn’tkillher.Iknowhedidn’t.”
“Hedoesn’tlooklikethemaninthatphoto,”Axelconceded.“Butcertainlythereareplentyofdouchebagswillingtokilladefenselesswomanforafewdollars.”
“Yeah,but . . .”Mysteryshookherhead.“Mymomaskedforthedivorce,nothim.Hewasupsetwhenshedemandedtheysplit.”
“Maybethenhesnapped,”Gailsupplied.“Ithappens.IwatchtheIDTVchannelallthetime,andyouseetheshowsaboutthesecrimesofpassionthat—”
“Withallduerespect,we’rejustspeculatingnow,”Axelcutin.“Yoursistercouldhavewrittenthingsinthatbookthatupsetanynumberofpeople.”
“Indeed,”Heathagreed.“Mr.Mullinssaidsomethingaboutthewifeofaverydangerousman.Maybethatmanfoundoutabouttheaffair.Maybesomeotherwomandidn’twanthersecretflingwithMullinsexposed,soshemadesurehiswife’saccusationscouldneverbeprinted.”
“Maybe.”Mysteryfrowned.“Butwhoelseknewshewaswritingthisbook?Notmydad.”
“Shewouldhavetriedtohideit,I’msure.It’snotlikeshe’dhavewantedhimtoknowthatsheintendedtoblowthelidonhissexlifewideopen,”Axelpointedout.
Shescoffed.“Allanyonehadtodowasreadthetabloids.Daddidn’ttryveryhardtohidewhohewassleepingwithonanygivenday.”
“Thatmaybetrue,butyourmomcouldgivefarmoreaccurateinformation,nottabloidspeculation.Andmaybeshe’dfoundoutaboutsomeloverofyourfather’swho’dgotoanylengthtokeeptheircheatingoutoftherags.”
“Thewaytheyhoundedhimrelentlessly,Ican’tseethepaparazzimissingevenoneofhisgirlfriends.ButIguessit’spossible.”
“Whateveryourmotherknewmayhavegottenherkilled.”Axelreachedforherhand.“Wehavetokeepdiggingandfigurethisout.”
“Yes.”Gaillookedflustered.“Yes,ofcourse.Ithink . . .Ineedafewminutestomyselftoprocesseverything.Mypoorsister.”Shestoodandlookedasifshefoughttears.“Ifwe’regoingtoreachthelawyer’sofficebythree,weshouldleavehereshortlybeforetwo,butthere’sacaféinEmporia.It’soneofmyfavorites.Ifweleaveinthenexthour,I’dliketohavelunchthere.ItwasoneofJulia’sfavorites,too.”
NowayandnoreasonAxelcouldsaynotothat.“Ofcourse.We’llbereadytoleaveaboutnoon.”
“I’llbringyousomeofthosecookiesIbakedlastnightandmyhomemadelemonadetotideyouover.”AuntGailsniffled.“Thankyou.”
Thenshelefttheroomandranupthestairs,lookingdistraught.
Mystery’sfacefell.Shelookedathimwithtearsswimminginherbigeyes.“Whatdidmymotherknowthatgotherkilled?Itcan’tbewhomyfathersharedabedwith.”
Axelagreedwithherassessment.“Wedon’tknow.Thebiggerquestionishowdowegetourhandsonthatmanuscript?Canyouthinkofanyplaceshewouldhavestashedacopy?”
“No.We’vemovedtwicesinceshedied.Someonewouldhavefoundit.Ifshe’dleftitwithafriend . . .”Hereyeswidenedasifathoughtoccurredtoher.
ItoccurredtoAxel,too.“Shewasfarmorelikelytoleaveitwithhersister.”
“Ornearher.Perhapsthat’swhattheattorneyhasbeensafekeeping,”Heathmused.“Perhapsthat’swhatthekeyisfor.”
Sheletoutashudderingbreath.“Ithinkyou’reright.”
Mysterystood,lookingpale.Axel’sheartthuddedinhischest.Hefuckinghatedtoseeherworriedorinpainorafraid.Rightnow,hisprincesslookedasifshe’dbeenflattenedbyalloftheabove,anditmadehimwanttodrawadamnswordanddobattleforher—whateverwasnecessarytohelpherslayherdragonsandfindpeaceagain . . .ascornyasthatsounded.
“Axel,”Heathmuttered.“Wehavetodiscussthis.”
HenoticedtheothermannowglidedhispalmsoothinglybetweenMystery’sshoulderblades.
ShelookedupatHeath.“Youthinkthere’sdanger?WhoeverleftmethephotoatthehotelroomcouldstillbewatchingandhavesomeplantokillmeifItrytoclaimwhatevermymotherleftwiththatattorneyforme?”
Despitethecoilingofdangerthatmadehisgutburn,AxelshotHeathawrystare.“Whycouldn’tshehavebeenastupidgirl?Sometimes,likenow,ifshehadfewerbraincells,itmightsetmeatease.”
Mysteryscoffedbutflubbedthesound.Itturnedintoalaugh.“Idon’tthinkyou’dlikemeifIwasadumbass.”
“Probablynot,”Axeladmitted,thenbracedhishandonthesmallofherback,soothingherwithabrushofhispalm.
HisfingerscollidedwithHeath’s,stillcaressingher.Hesenttheothermanaglarethatwarnedhimtobackoff.AndHeathjustsmiledinatight,fuck-offsortofway.
Asifhedidn’thaveenoughfuckingproblems . . .Besidestheemotionalauntandtheflaringdanger,nowhehadtoputupwithawould-beRomeo.Fuckingawesome.
“Weshouldgetreadytogo.”AxelusheredMysterytowardthestairs,awayfromHeath’stouch.“I’massumingyouwantashower?”
“Yeah.”Sheswipedahandoverhertiredface.“God,IhopeI’mreadyforthis.Butit’snowornever.”
“I’llalwaysdoeverythingIcantokeepyousafe,”Heathvowedacrosstheroom.
Sheturnedbacktohimwithagratefulstare,andAxeltriednottotaketheBrit’sheadoffforexpressingconcern.Heneededtodownshiftontheresentment.IfMysteryhadwantedtheman,shewouldhavealreadybeeninhisbed.BecausenowaywouldHeathhaveturnedherdown.Rightnow,sheneededprotectionmorethanjealousy.AndheneededtopullhisheadoutofhisassandcallMullinsagain—outofMystery’searshot.
“Webothwill.Let’sgo.”
* * *
INEmporia,thepaceofthetrafficwasdefinitelyanupswingfromMarion,butitstillhadasmall-townfeel.AuntGailhadmadeeveryoneaglassofhomemadelemonadebeforethey’dstartedthedrive,remindingMysterysomuchofvisitsherewithhermom.Shewasstillfeelingwistfulastheyreachedthediner.
Mosteveryonehadbeenquietduringthehour-longdrivehere.MysterylookedoveratAxel.Heseemedsurprisinglyjumpyandabitimpatient,preoccupied—probablywithkeepinghersafe.Sheappreciatedtheprotectorinhimasheslidintoabooth,heragainstthewallacrossthefauxwoodentablefromHeath,Axelbesideher,facingAuntGail.
Thisplacehadn’tchangedabitsinceshewasakid.Samerust-coloredvinylseats,samedarkwoodentrim,sameaginglinoleum,samebubble-bulbfixturesfromtheseventies.Mysteryrememberedbeinghere,laughingwithhermom.They’dsatonthefarsideoftheroomandeatenfriedchickenwithmashedpotatoes,toppeditoffwithicecreamandlaughter.
Lessthanamonthlater,hermotherhadbeendead.
Today,shemightfinallyfindoutwhy.SheonlyhopedshelivedtotelltheworldwhathadreallybefallenJuliaMullins.
Mysteryfoldedherhandsonthetableinfrontofher.
“Youallright?”Heathasked.
Shedidn’tbotherlyingtohim.Heknewhertoowell.Soshejustsmiled,butherheartbrokealittleforhim.Mysteryhadalwayssuspectedthathecared,butlove?Everythingaboutherlifewasamessrightnow.Besidesallthiscrapwithhermother’sdeath,shenowheldherbodyguard’sfeelingsinherhands.Itwouldhavebeensomucheasierifshecouldhavelovedhimback.Theylivedinthesamecountry.He’dneverrefuseher.Theygotalongfairlywell.
ButherhearthadfixatedonAxellongago,andherchancesofgettingoverhimnowwerenil.Shewantedtobelievethathewasinasdeepwithher,buthe’dmerelysaidhewasfalling.Hehadn’tactuallysaidthe“L”wordtoher.Wouldheever?
Tuckingthethoughtaway,sheforcedasmileasthewaitresshandedthemeachamenu.Honestly,shewasn’thungry,havingjusthadbreakfastafewhoursagoandknowingthathermeetingwiththeattorneycouldbeanywherebetweenpainfulanddifficult.Butthismeantalottoheraunt,andMysteryenjoyedthememorieshere.Shelikedtheplace.
AtleastuntiltheperkywaitresssidledclosertoAxelandsenthimaflirtysmile.“WhatcanIgetyou?Friedchickenisourspecialty,butIalsohavesometastypie.”
Mysteryrolledhereyes.Didthewomanthinkshewasbeingsubtle?“I’llhaveaglassoficedtea.”
“Thatsoundsgood,too.”Axeldidn’tseemtopaythewomanmuchattention
Asthewaitressjotteddowntheirdrinkorders,herauntorderedicedtea,too.Heathshiveredandmurmuredsomethingaboutsacrilege,thenaskedforwater.
“Sure.”Thewaitressflashedthemamegawattsmile,herbrassyblondtressesspillingoverhershoulderstobrushthetopsofherfullbreasts,whichshearchedandthrustoutjustabitinAxel’sdirection.“CanIgetyouanythingelse?”
AuntGaillookedatherwatch.“Giveusafewminutestolookoverthemenu,please.”
Thewaitress,whosenametagreadPATRICE,lethergazelingeronAxelagain.“Sure.”
Mysterysighed.Clearly,shewasgoingtohavetogetusedtowomenhittingonhermanifsheandAxelmanagedtostayaliveandworkoutalltheirotherdifferences.
Hefidgetedinhisseatandliftedhisheadfromthemenu.StaringatPatrice’sswayingassasshewalkedaway?
Thethoughtreallypissedheroff,andMysterytookadeepbreath.Shecouldn’tconvictAxelofcheatingbecausehe’dlookedaroundtheroom.Evenifhe’dlookedforthewaitress,maybehe’dthoughtofsomethingelsehe’dliketodrink.
God,shesodidn’twanttobelikehermom.
“Howfaristheattorney’soffice?”sheaskedherauntforadistraction.
“Aboutthreemileseast.”Shegesturedvaguelyinthedirection.“I’mgladIcalledtoconfirmtheappointment.Ididn’twanttomistakethetime.Idon’talwaysremembereverythinganymore.”Shesighed.“C.R.S.”
“C.R.S.,ma’am?”Axelasked.
Gailflushed.“Can’tremember,um . . .”Shedroppedhervoicetothemerestwhisper.“Shit.”
Mysterylaughed.ThiswastheAuntGailsheremembered.Alittledotty,alittleunexpected,andusuallyalotoffun.
Afterhermother’sdeath,sheseemedtohavebecomemoresolemnandpious.Mysteryunderstood.JuliaMullins’smurderhadaffectedthemall.
Patricedroppedoffeveryone’sdrinks,bustledaway,thenreturnedwithsomecornbread.Shetookeveryone’sorders,“accidentally”brushingagainstAxel’sthighacoupleoftimes.Mysterywishedhewouldputanarmaroundherorindicatetotheforwardwaitressinsomewaythathewastaken,butheseemeddistant.No,distracted.
AfterPatricecollectedtheirmenuswithawinkandsashayedoff,Heathturnedtoheraunt.“You’refeelingbettersincewegaveyoutheterriblenewsaboutyoursisterinthekitchen?”
AuntGaildrewinathoughtfulbreathandseemedtocontemplateheranswer.“Itwasashock,butIprayedbeforeweleft.Inmyroom,IcaughtthelastfewminutesofHourofGraceonTV.IjustloveReverendGrace.Doyouwatchhim?”
“Idon’tthinkI’veheardofhimintheUK,”Heathdeferredpolitely.
“Isthattrue?”herauntasked.
Mysterynodded.“Idon’tknowwhoheis.Atelevangelist,I’mguessing.”
“You’dsayso.He’sbrilliant.Anyway,partofthesermonIcaughtwasaboutlettinggo.Youcantellfromhisstirringwordsthathe’slostdeeplyinlife.HehelpedmerealizethatthecauseofJulia’sdeathdoesn’tmattermuch.Nothingwillbringherback.Ihatethatherlastmomentswereofaggressionandfear.Butshe’swiththeLordnow,andinafarbetterplace.”
WhileMysterysupposedthatwastrue,itwasn’tascutanddriedforher.Maybebecauseshedidn’thaveAuntGail’ssortoffaithtobolsterorcalmher.Instead,shejustfeltangrythatshestilldidn’tknowwhotohateorwhotopicturetakingthementalviolenceshe’dneverdishout.Butwhyspoillunchwiththisconversation?
Acrossthetable,Heathlookedasifhefiercelydisagreedwithheraunt.Shefrownedathiminquestion,andhegaveasubtleshakeofhishead.Mysterymadeamentalnotetoaskhimlater.
“Absolutely,”shemurmured.“TellmeaboutyourupcomingmissiontriptoIndonesia.”
“Isn’titexciting?”Herauntsmiled,lookingfaryoungerthanheryears.“I’mlookingforwardtoawholenewadventure.There’ssomuchneedformedicalcareinsomanythird-worldcountries,sothechancetohelpvaccinatechildrenandassistmothersgivebirthsafelywhilespreadingthegospelissuchafabulousopportunity.”
“Areyoujusttravelingwithpeoplefromyourchurch?”
“No.It’sactuallybeenorganizedthroughReverendGrace’sministry.He’ssendingtenmedicalprofessionalsthere.We’llassesstheirneeds,theirexistingequipment,andtheirreceptiontotheLord.It’saspiritualreconnaissancetrip.Ithinkit’smycallingnowthatI’mretired.Ihavethetimeandthewilltohelpthesepeople.”
Mysteryfeltalittleashamedthatshe’dneverhadsuchaselflessneedtohelpstrangersontheothersideoftheworld.“Itsoundslikeagreatcause.I’msuretheyneedeverythingyouandtheotherswillbringthem.”
Herauntsmiledasifaninnerpeaceglowedfromwithin.“ServetheLord,andyou’llneverbeleftwantingagain.”
Besideheraunt,Heathtappedonhisphone,lookingdistracted.Mysterydrankhertea,noticingthatAxelfidgeted,glancingaroundtherestaurant.Whywerethesetwosoonedge?Yes,shewasnervousaboutseeingwhatshe’dinherited,andmaybeshe’dbecollectingwhateverhadgottenhermomkilled.Butafteralltheseyears,couldwhateversecretJuliaMullinshadtakentothegravestillbethatimportant?
Thefoodarrivedmomentslater,andPatriceseteverythingdown,savingAxel’sforlast,servinghisgrilledchickenandveggieswithasaucywink.
Mysteryjustreallywantedtoslapthewoman.Instead,sheforcedasmile.“CanIhavetheketchup?”
Patricereachedtothenextboothover,nowempty,andpluckedoneup,almostslammingitdownonthetableinfrontofher.“Anythingelse?”
Axelshiftedhisweightinhisseatagain.“Where’stherestroom?”
Clearlygladtobeofservice,thewaitresssenthimasultrysmile.“I’mheadedthatdirectionmyself,sugar.Whydon’tyoufollowme?”
“Youokay?”Mysterymutteredtohimasheslidoutofthebooth.
“Yeah.Quickrestroombreak.I’llbeback.”
Ashehustledacrossthecafé,herauntreachedforherhand.“Let’spray.”
MysterytookAuntGail’soutstretchedfingersandbowedherheadoncue.Shelistenedwithhalfanear,utterlydistractedtoday.
“Amen.Digin,dear,”herauntinstructed.“Itlooksdelicious.”
Itdid.Mysteryrememberedtheamazinghamburgersthedinerservedfromherchildhood.Withgusto,shepickedthesandwichupandtookabigbite,thenmoaned.Heaven
Heathpickedathisporkchops.Histhoughtswereturning,shecouldtell.Healwaysgotalittledistantwhensomethingbotheredhim.ButMysteryhadnoideawhatmighthaveputhiminsuchamood.
Herauntseemednottonotice.ShewaxedpoeticaboutherfriedchickenandfilledtheemptyspaceatthetablewithchatteraboutallthethingssheplannedtodoinIndonesia.“Theyhavesomebeautifulcoastline,andthisKansasgirlislookingforwardtojustsoakingitallin.”
“Isn’tthataprimarilyIslamiccountry?”Heathasked.
Sheturnedtohim,lookingabitsurprisedbyhisquestion.“Allthemorereasonforustotravelthere.LessthantenpercentofthepopulationisChristian,andit’sashamethey’remissingoutontheLord’sblessing.”
Mysteryplasteredonasmileandrefrainedfrompointingoutthatthepeopletherehadreligion,justnotnecessarilyhers,mostlybecausesheknewitdidmattertoherauntwhichGodthesepeoplehadchosentofollow.AuntGailhadalwaysbeenreligious.Thatcrosshangingabovethestovehadbeentherefordecades.ButtheoneatthetopofthestairswithpicturesoftheTVpreachersrakinginmillionsintax-freecashwerenew.Mysteryhatedtobesocynical,butdidn’tquitegrasphowthesetelevangelistscouldbesogung-hotoministertothemillionstheycouldn’tinteractwithifalittlebitofgreedwasn’tinvolved.
Liftingherglassofteaonlytorealizeitwasempty,shelookedaroundforPatrice.Shewasnowheretobefound.Typical
BesideMystery’sburgersatAxel’suntouchedfood.He’dbeengonemorethanafewminutes.Hadhegottensick?Washeokay?
“Excuseme,”shesaidtoHeathandheraunt,thenfiledoutofthebooth.
HeathnudgedAuntGail.“I’mafraidIhavetofollowher.Occupationalhazard.”
Thatstartledtheolderwoman.“Oh,ofcourse.Youknowwheretofindtherestrooms?”
Absently,Mysterywishedheraunthadn’tshoutedthatinsuchapublicplace,butthewomanoftentalkedontheloudside.Thankfully,onlyafewpatronslingeredatnearlytwoo’clock.“I’mfine.”
Astheybothscootedoutandtotheirfeet,Mysterymadeherwaytothebackoftherestaurantandturnedrighttoenterthehallwaythatheldthebathrooms,Heathrightbehindher.Thelightinginthenarrowhallwaywasn’tspectacular,butshemadeouttwoshapesleaningagainstthewall,entwined.
Axelstoodwithhisbackagainstthedarkpaneling.AndPatricewasdrapedalloverhim.
Mysterystoppedshort,takinginthewaitress’smouthonhis.Hershirtandbrahadbeenrippedwideopen,andnowshepressedherbarebreaststohischest.She’dalsowrappedonearmaroundAxel’sthickneckwhiletheykissed.Thefingersofherfreehandtuggedathiszipper.
Mysteryblinked,stunned.Shocked.Painhitherchestwithaterribleblow.Everyinchofherfrozeover.Shegasped.
Suddenly,Axelshovedthewaitressoffhim,arranginghisexpressiontolooksomewherebetweenstunnedandpissedoff.
Oh,hehadn’tbeguntoseepissedoffasfarasMysterywasconcerned.
“Whatthehellareyoudoing?”heaskedPatrice.
Thewaitressbitherlipandfastenedherbra.“Oops,isthatyourgirlfriendwhocaughtus?Youwereright;weshouldhavegoneinthebreakroomacrossthehallandlockedthedoor.”
“Whatthefuckareyou’retalkingabout?”Axeldemanded,settingPatricefartheraway.
Mysterywonderedhowoftenherdadhadsaidsimilarwordstohermom.Howoftenhadhemadeherquestionherjudgment,feelparanoidforbeingsuspicious,ordeflectedthesituationtomakeitsoundlikeherfault,nothis.
Shewasn’tgoingtofallintothattrap,notwhenshe’dseenAxelwithanotherwoman—again—lessthantwenty-fourhoursafterthelastfiasco.
“Youfuckingbastard,”shegrowled.
Axelsteppedtowardher,hisfaceimploring.“Takeadeepbreath.Thinkrationally.It’snotwhatyou’reimagining,princess.”
“Ofcourseit’snot.Itneveris.”
“Seriously.Shecrawledonmelessthantwosecondsbeforeyoucamearoundthecorner.Ididn’ttouchher.Ihadnothingtodowithit.”
“Stop!Juststop.”Shethrewupahandtowardhimoff,icybetrayalchillingherbloodstreamthatotherwisesizzledwithfuryandscorn.“Don’tcomenearme.Anddon’tyoudaretouchme.”
“Iguessshe’ssensitive?”Patricemuttered.“Ihadnoidea . . .”
“Shutup,”Mysterysnarled.“IguessIshouldn’tbesurprisedbythislittlequickieflingbutsomehowIam.Twocanplaythatgame.”
Withoutwarning,sheturnedandcollidedwithHeath’ssubstantialbody,thenwrappedherarmsaroundhisneckandslantedherlipsoverhis.Hestiffenedinshock—thenbegandevouringherlipswithhisownlikeastarvingmanneedingsustenance.
Mysterypulledaway,dazedandoutofbreath.Shedidn’tfeelvindicatedorevenhappilyspiteful.Instead,everythingshe’ddonefeltterriblywrong.Shedidn’twantHeath,anditwasn’tfairtousehimtomakeAxelangryorleadhimon.Butshewassodamnangry . . .
“Areyoufuckingserious?”Axeldemanded.“That’sreallyhowyou’regoingtoplaythis?”
No.Shewasn’t.NomatterhowshefeltaboutAxel,shecouldn’tbeunfairtoHeath.He’ddonenothingbutbeafaithfulprotectorandfriendforsixyears.
Shebackedawayandsentherbodyguardanapologeticglance.Hisdarkeyesheldhurtandcensurethatpromisedalongdiscussionlater.Abladeofshamestruckherdeep.
Curlingherarmsaroundherself,MysteryturnedtoAxelagaintofindhimtuckinginhisshirtandrightinghispants.Thesightinfuriatedandhurtheralloveragain.Newtearsstunghereyeslikeacid.
“Ibelievedyouweredifferent,”shesobbed,wishingshecouldholditback.“IbelieveditwhenyoutoldmeyouwerejustfriendswithSweetPea.Iletmyselftrustyou.Ifellinlovewithyou.I’msuchanidiot.”
Mysterystumbledaway.Shehadtogetoutofhere,awayfromhim,beforeshebrokedownandsuccumbedtotheurgetoaskiftherewasanywayshe’dmistakenwhatshe’dseenandwhetherPatricereallyhadbeentheaggressor,takingAxelbysurprise.
Butitwastimetoacceptthatnomanwasperfect,eventheonewhohadoncesavedherlifeandstarredastheheroofallherfantasies.Attheendoftheday,hewasjustaman,likeherfather,whowasafabulousdirector,friend,coworker,anddad.Buthecouldn’tbeperfectateverything,andhehappenedtobealousymate.Axelhadsomanyamazingqualities,shecouldhaveputupwithsomefaults.Whydidhishavetobethathewasacheatingasshole?
Thequestionrippedherinsidesapart,andallshekeptseeinginhermindwasthewaitress’slipsagainsthis,herhandsathiszipper.
“Let’sgo.”HeathshotAxelalookofdisbeliefanddisgust,thenwrappedhisarmaroundher.
Herauntstoodstock-still,lookingtooshockedtoevenbreathe.“Oh,my . . .Youpoorgirl.”
Mysteryletthetwoofthemtuckherbetweenthemandleadherawayfromthedarkenedhallwayandtheterriblenightmareunfolding.
“Don’tyouleave,Mystery.”Axelcameafterher,hisheavyfootfallsresoundingontheoldflooring.“Don’tyouwalkoutonmebeforewe’vetalked.”
Moretearsstabbedhereyes.Shecoveredherfaceinherhands.Yes,she’dpromisedtheywouldtalkthingsoutfromnowon.He’dspankedherforleavingoncebefore . . .thenmadelovetohersomasterfully.No,he’dfuckedherbodyandherheadallatonce,andshedidn’towehimadamnthing.
Whywouldhebothercheating?Didhesimplyhaveawanderingeye?Didhegetathrilloutofindulginginalittlesomethingontheside?Orhadheviewedherasnothingmorethanapathtofameoramealticket?Maybeshe’dneverbeenremotelyrelevanttohimatall.
Thethoughtonlymadehersobmore.AndwhenHeathshovedhertowardtheexit,pausingonlylongenoughtothrowsomebillsonthetablefortheirmeal,Mysterydidn’tfighthim.
“Ifyoudothis,youknowhowI’lltakeit,”Axelshoutedafterher.
Yes,ifshewalkedoutonhimnow,theywouldbedoneforever.He’dwarnedher.Butwhatdidtheyhavetosave?Ifhecouldn’tlovejusther,thentheyhadabsolutelynothing.
Heathpushedthedooropenandgaveheranudge.Sheresistedforamoment,thenturnedtolookatAxelonelasttime.Helookedbig,agitated,sodamnmasculine.Andblurry.Moretearsspilledandscaldedhercheeks.
Maybethey’dalwaysbeendoomed.Ifeverythinghappenedforareason,maybethishadtranspiredbecauseshe’dneededtoseetherealhimtogrowup,moveon.Maybeshe’dwitnessedthissoshecouldfinallyfalloutoflovewithhim.
“Gotohell!”sheshouted.
Thensheranoutthedoor,tumbledintothecar,andrefusedtolookback.ChapterSeventeen
THATmotherfucker,HeathPowell,droveMysteryawaybeforeAxelcouldsaymorethanahandfulofwordstoher.Heheardthelastofthespinningtiresandwatchedtheblackcardisappeardownthestreet.Hisgutsfellsomewherearoundhistoesandhisheartbrokeopenwide.
Whythefuckwashejustnowgraspingthefactthathe’dfallencompletelyinlovewithMysteryMullins?Notthathisstupidassrealizationdidhimanygoodnow.
Hell,she’dblindsidedhim.Oneminutethesexhadbeensohotshe’dnearlymeltedhim,buthisneedformorethanherbodyhadbeensomethingnew.Axelhadn’tknownhowtointerpretit.He’dneverfeltanythinglikethat.Sohe’davoidedlabelingit.
Wasn’tthatbitinghimintheassnow?Maybeifhe’drealizedhisfeelingssooner,hecouldhavesimplytoldherhelovedherandtheycouldhaveavoidedthisstupidmisunderstandingatthecafé.Instead,she’dseenhim“cheating”andoverreacted.ButAxelkindofunderstoodbecausewhenhe’dseenherkissHeath,he’dfeltsomeweirdredhazejackuphistemper.Thenshe’dthreatenedtoleave,andhe’dtotallyoverreacted,too.
Soratherthanholdingherclose,hegottowatchMysteryskidoutoftheparkinglotwiththemanshe’dlockedlipswithbehindthewheel.Axeltriedtoimaginespendinghislifewithouther.Hecouldn’t.Hedidn’twantto.
Sowhatnow?Chaseafterherlikeadamnpuppy?Axelsighedatthepicturethatpainted.Butwasn’tthatbetterthanspendingtherestofhislifewithhisinsidescrushedandfeelingasifheweremissingtheotherhalfofhissoul?
Putlikethat,thedogscenariosoundedwaybetter.
Butwouldthatbetheendofit?Wouldsherunoutonhimyetagainbecauseshewasn’tcapableofthedeath-do-us-part,foreversortoflove?Hedidn’twanttobegloomanddoom,butforthethirdtimeintwenty-fours,she’dlefthimcold.Howwashesupposedtogetoverthat?
Axelstoodwithhishandsonhiships,gapingatthestreet,thoughthetowncarwaslonggonefromview.Hehadnoridebacktohisrentalatthefarm.He’dhavetofindone,thenwaitforMysteryandheraunttoreturnsohecouldtalksomesenseintoher.He’dfigureoutwhyhe’dsuddenlyfeltapressingneedtopeeyetagainandapologizefornottakingthewaitress’soverturesseriouslyuntilitwastoolate.Ifthatdidn’twork,ifMysterywouldn’ttalktohim . . .he’dhavetofigureoutwhatfuckingtactictotakenext,becausehecouldn’tgiveup.Thatonlyledtothebottomofabottleanddecadesofmisery.
“Whatjusthappened?”awomanaskedbehindhim.
HeturnedtofindPatricelookingbrutallyconfusedandgrabbedherarm.“Youtellme.Whythehelldidyouclimballovermeuninvited?”
Grimacing,sheyankedherarmfreeandremovedtheelasticbandsecuringherblondtressesinaponytail.“Iwashiredto.I’manactress.Someonecontactedmyagentandpaidmytravelexpensesouttothisone-ponytowntopullapracticaljokeonyou.”
Axelheardherwords—andshemightaswellhavebeenspeakingaforeignlanguage.“What?”
“Yeah.I’mfromL.A.Myagentjusttoldmethatsomeoneimportantwantedmetoplayajokeononeofhisfriends.Igotyourpictureandsomeinstructions . . .”Sheshrugged.“I’msosorry.Ireallyhadnoideaitwouldscrewupeverythingbetweenyouandyourgirlfriend.”
Whothehellwoulddothat?Andwhy?Axel’sthoughtsraced.SomeonewantedhimseparatedfromMysteryandhadfiguredoutthatshe’dstompawayifshebelievedhecouldn’tkeephispantszipped.Hecouldonlyseetwopossiblemotives:Eithersomeonedidn’tlikehisrelationshipwithMystery—Heathcametomind—orsomeonedangerouswantedhertobeminusaprotectorwhowouldlaydownhislifetosavehers.
“Howmuch?”hedemanded.
“What?”
“Money.Howmuchwereyoupaidtodothis?”
“Tengrand,plustravelexpenses,”sheadmitted.“Ifeelterrible.Ireallyamsorry.”
Toolateforthat.“Callyouragentandaskhimwhohiredyou.”
“IaskedbeforeItookthegig.Hewouldn’ttellme,butIneededthemoneytomakerent.Theonlyconditionwasanonymity.Saltoldmethatwhoeverhiredmesworeyou’dknowwhoitwas.”
SoHeathwastoyingwithhim . . .orthekillerwas.Axeldidsomequickmentalmath.CouldHeathcomeupwithtengrandplustravelexpensesinlessthantwenty-fourhours?SinceJoaquinhadalreadygivenhimtheguy’sbankbalancebeforePatricehadbeenhired,Axelknewtheanswerwasno.Heathhadinvestments,butnonehecouldgethishandsonrightaway.
Sincehedidn’tthinkHeathwantedtokillMystery,thisstuntprobablyhadnothingtodowithherlovelifeandeverythingtodowiththereasonforhermother’smurder.ThatmadeHeaththelastlineofMystery’sdefenseagainstthepsychohuntingher.
Axelgroaned.Yeah,he’dsaidthathewouldn’tcomeafterMysteryifshelefthimagain.Buthecouldn’tstayaway.Thecircumstanceshadbeenextenuating,andsomeonehadsetthemuptofail.Heintendedtomakesuretheydidn’tsucceed,especiallyifherlifewasontheline.
“Shit,”Axelcursed,feelingbehindtheeightball.HehadtotalktoHeath,ensuretheBritknewsomethingwasupandthekillerwaslikelyplanningtomakehismove.
WhowantedMysterydead?Who,amongherfriendsorfamily,hadthemoneyandconnectionstohirethisactressatthelastminute?GailLeedyhadchosentherestaurant,whichcastsuspiciononher,butthewomandidn’thaveanymoneytohiresomeone.Axelhadseenherbankbalance,too.Aftersellingoffthelandaroundherfarmforapittancetoaneighborabouttenyearsago,she’dlivedonitandhersalaryfromthemedicalclinic,savingamodestamountinanIRA.Shedonatedmoremoneytoreligiousorganizationseachmonththantotheupkeepofherownhome.Andwhywouldthepiousolderwomanwantherniecedead?
Axelsighed.Hedidn’thavetimeforafuckingpuzzle.HehadtogettoMysterypronto,buthehadnocaranddidn’tknowthenameofherattorney’soffice.
Besidehim,Patrice—ifthatwasevenhername—hovered,lookingutterlycontrite.
Heturnedtoher.“Didyoumeetthecafé’smanagerorownerbeforeyoustartedthisfarce?”
“Awaitress.”Shenoddedquickly,asiffinallygladshecouldbeofassistance.“I’mactuallytakingBetty’sshifttoday.She’swaitingintheemployeebreakroomtotakeoveragain.”
“Askhertocomeouthere.Ineedtotalktoher.Tellherit’samatteroflifeanddeath.”AtleastAxelsuspecteditwas.
“S-sure.”Patricedartedoff.
Yankinghisphonefromhisbelt,AxelscrolledthroughhiscontactsuntilhefoundHeath’snumber.Itrangonce . . .twice . . .athirdtime—thenrolledtovoicemail.
HesworeasthelastoftheBrit’sclippedgreetingplayed.“Mysteryisindanger.Ihaveabadfeelingthatonceshegetsherhandsonwhateverhermotherleftforher,allhellwillbreakloose.Callmeassoonasyougetthis.IfIcanfigureoutwhereyou’regoing,I’llheadinthatdirection.”
Axelendedthecall,thensomeonetappedhimontheshoulder.HeturnedtofindPatricestandingtherewithasaltyolderwomanwhosehairwasaveryunlikelyshadeofred.Shewassixty-fiveifshewasaday.Shechompedonapieceofgum,lookingathimasifshe’dseenanddoneitallandnowitboredherterribly.
“Betty?”heaskedher.
“That’sme.Whatyouneed?”Shesmiled.“Backinmyday,Iwouldhavedonejustaboutanythingtohelpahunklikeyou.”
Nice,buttheydidn’thavetimeformemorylanenow.Heclearedhisthroat.“Mygirlfriendhasgonetoanattorney’sofficetodealwiththelastprovisionsofawill.I’mtoldtheofficeisaboutthreemileseastofhere.AnyideawhoseofficeIshouldbelookingfor?”
Shenoddedasifhe’daskedaneasyquestion.“Sure.YouwantPressandOsborne.I’llgiveyoutheaddress,butyouheaddownthemaindrag . . .”
Axeltooknoteasthewomangavehimdirections,committingcrossstreetsandthenameofthebuildinginwhichtheofficeswerelocatedtomemory.
“Thankyou.Caneitherofyougivemearidethereortellmewheretofindataxi?”
“Igottastartmyshift.Dinnerrushstartshereaboutfive,andwe’restillamessfromlunch.”ShesentPatriceanaccusingstare.
Theblondeheldupherhands,stareincredulous.“I’manactress,notawaitress.”
“Andaslob,too.Youcangetoutassoonasyoupaymethetwohundreddollarsforgivingyoumyshift.”
Patricerolledhereyesandextractedawadofbillsfromapocketinherlittleskirt.SheshovedahandfulofbillsintoBetty’spalm.“IfInevercomehereagain,I’llbethrilled.”
Dittoforhim,Axelthought.
“Yougotacar?”heaskedtheactress.
“No.Ihaveashuttlecomingtomyhotelatfivetotakemetotheairport.Thehotelisonlyafewblocks,soIwalked.”
FrustrationcrawledoverAxellikeamillionstingingants.“Caneitherofyoutellmehowtofindafuckingtaxiinthistownbeforemygirlfrienddies?”
Atthat,Bettyscrambledtoattention.“Yeah.ShouldIcallthepolice?”
Foracrimethathadn’tactuallyhappenedyet?Thecopswouldn’tdoadamnbitofgooduntilitwastoolate.“Icandothat.Justgetmeataxi.”
AsBettydartedawaytodohisbidding,Axelstabbedatthescreenofhisphoneagain.Heonlyknewonepersonwhohadmoneytoburn,contactsinHollywood,andsecretstokeep.Heintendedtogetthesonofabitchonthephonenow.
Finally,hepressedthebuttontoengagethecall.
“Hello?”MarshallMullinsansweredalmostinstantly.
“I’llskipthe‘how-the-fuck-could-you’speechandgetrighttoaskingwheresheis.”
“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”
“Well,yourplantosendmeanactresstoplaytheroleofwaitressslashnymphoworkeddamnwell,andnowMysteryisconvincedI’macheatingscum.”Likeyou.“She’srunoffwithHeathandherauntandleftmebehindatsomecraptasticdinerwhilethesecretsyou’vebeenholdinginarebreathingdownherneck.ButIguessyouplanneditlikethat.”
“WhywouldIdothat?”heaskedincredulously.“I’vewantedyoutostaywithmydaughtersincethedangerstarted.YouandHeatharetheonlytwoItrustwithhersafety.”
“Thetaxiwillbehereinafew,”Bettywhisperedinhisotherear.“Goodluck.”
WhenAxelturnedtonodather,henoticedthatthejadedwoman’sfacehadsoftened.“Thanks.”
HesteppedoutsidetoawaithisrideandturnedhisfocusonMullinsagain.“Didyouhaveanythingtodowithyourwife’smurder?Didyoupaysomeonetooffher?Who’sgoingtorubMysteryouthereinKansas?You’llhaveanevenbetteralibithistime,bytheway,beingoverathousandmilesaway.Smartthinking.”
“You’rewaythehelloutofline,Dillon,”Mullinsroared.“Ididn’tkillJulia.Ididn’thaveherkilled,either.IwouldneverharmahaironMystery’shead.WhyelsewouldIsendhertotheStateswithprotectionifIwantedherdead?”
“Youtellme.You’rekeepingashitloadofsecrets,andit’sputtingherindanger.Soyoustarttalkingandtellmewhateveryou’vekeptquiet.Ifyoudon’tandsomethingterriblehappenstothewomanIlove,sohelpme,Iwillhuntyoudown.Onedaywhenyouleastexpectit,youwillfindmebesideyouinanalleyandI’llhaveevenlessmercyforyouthanyoudidforyourwifeanddaughter.YouhavenoideahowpainfulI’llmakeyourdeathorhowmuchI’llrelishit.”
“Whoa!”Mullinschoked.“What’shappened?Whydon’tyoustartatthebeginning?”
“Idon’thavetime.Ifyou’reseriousaboutkeepingMysterysafe,proveitbytellingmewhatthefuckyou’rehidingfromherandtherestoftheworld.”
Herfathersighed.“LetmeseeifIcangetaholdofHeathandhavehimskipthisappointmentwiththeattorneyandtakehertoasafelocation.”
“Itriedtocallhimalready.Noanswer.”
“Frankly,Idon’tthinkyou’rehisfavoriteperson,sohemaynotansweryou.Hangon.”
“Allright,butifyoudouble-crossme . . .I’vewarnedyou.”
Thedirectorletoutaroughbreath.“Youdid.Iswear,myonlyconcernisMystery’ssafety.I’llberightbackwithyou.”
Axelsquirmedinhisseat.Damnit,heneededtopeeagain,andhehadnoideawhy.Hedidn’thavetimetodealwiththisshit.
TheminuteseemedtotaketenyearsbeforeMullinsclickedbackoverandletoutapanickedgroan.“Heathisn’tansweringme,either.Youthinksomethingiswrong?”
Axelcouldalmostguaranteeitwas.“Tellmewhosesecretyou’rekeepingorwhatyou’reprotecting.Itmayhelpmesaveherlife.BecauseIcan’tthinkofanyotherwaytohelpherrightnow.”
Mullinsgavehimashakysigh.“Allright,butIkeptthistomyselfpurelyforMystery’sprotection.Ineverwantedanythingtotouchher,andIneverdreamedthatitcouldbecomeherworstnightmare.WhatI’mabouttosaycanneverleakouttothepublic.Anditcan’teverreachherears.”
“Goahead.I’mlistening . . .”
* * *
INthepassenger’sseat,Mysterycurledherkneesagainstherchest,heelsclingingtothecorneroftheseat,andloweredherhead.Shedidn’twantanyonetoseehercry.HerauntwouldonlytellhertorelyonGod.Maybethatwouldbeacomforttothewoman,butMysterycouldn’tmanagespiritualjustnow.AndshehadnorighttoaskHeathforanythingaftershe’dtriedtousehimtomakeAxelfeelaswretchedasshedid.
Whathadshebeenthinking?Nothing,clearly.She’dletemotiontakeoverlikeanidiot.Normally,she’dscoffatpeoplewhocouldn’tkeeptheircraptogether.Infact,Mysterycouldn’trememberatimesincethatspatwithAxelatthehotelintheghosttownwhenshe’dbeenworkedupenoughtoloseallsenseoflogic.Butnow . . .sheknewhowbeingcompletelyshockedandemotionalscrewedwithherhead.
She’dlashedoutatAxelforhurtingher,anditdefinitelyhadn’tbeenherproudestmoment.Infact,she’dreallyliketoforgetit,gobacktotheweehoursofthemorningwhenshe’dbeencoziedupwithAxelinbed,feelingsolovedandsecure.Sheknewthatunleashinghertemper,asshe’ddoneafterAxel’srejectioninCerroGordo,solvednothing.ShealsoknewhowmuchrunningoutwouldhurtAxel.Butshe’ddoneitanyway.Nowshehadtofacethatfact,likelife,head-on.
“I’msorry,Heath.”
Henoddedslowly,thenglancedintotherearviewmirroratherauntinthebackseat.“Whereto?”
“Drivedownthisroadabouttwomiles.Threeblocksup,takealeft.It’sthesecondbuildingonyourright.”
“Verygood,”hesaidtoherauntastheystoppedatalight.Hestaredstraightahead,asifherefusedtolookatMystery.
Shewinced.She’dhurthisfeelings.Somehow,shehadtomakeamends.
“Kissingyouinthatsituationwaswrongandunfair,”shewhispered.“IfIcouldtakeitback,I—”
“Butyoucan’t,”hecutinsoftly.“Andyouwouldneverhavekissedmevoluntarilyifyouhadn’tbeentryingtohurtAxel.”
MysterywantedtosaysomethingthatwouldsootheHeath,buthewasn’twrong,andlyingwouldonlymakemattersworse.“I’msorry.”
“ThistriphasmademerealizethatI’vebeenanidiot.Whenyourfatherfirsthiredme,youwerealovelygirl,andIwasagrievingwidower.Ididn’tseeyouasawoman.ButasIgottoknowyou,Ienjoyedyourcompany,yourwitandsmile,thewayyouslowlycameoutofyourshell.Ilikedthatyouneededme,confidedinme,persuadedmetoemergefrommyself-imposedexile.Ididn’trealizeuntilIsawyouwithAxelhowcompletelyI’dfalleninlovewithyou.I’vebeenblindallthistime.NowIcan’tunseewhat’sinmyheart.”
Mysterypeeredoverathim,eyeswillingandwishingshecouldcomforthim,evenassheacknowledgedthatshewastheproblem.Andthatmadeherfeelawful.“Icareforyou.Ireallydo.”
“ButtodayprovedthatI’llneverbemorethanasubstituteforyou.EvenifyouneverseeAxelagain,youlovehim.Icouldprobablytakeadvantageofyourvulnerabilityandcoaxyouintosomesortofrelationshipforafewdays,afewweeks,maybeevenforever.Butyou’llnevertrulybemine,andImustbreakawayfromthisunhealthyconnectionandstartlivingagain.”
Aboltofshockstruckhersquareinthechest.“Whatareyousaying?”
“AssoonasIhaveyoubacksafelyinLondonanddeliveredtoyourfather,I’llberesigning.Ifhe’sinterestedinhiringanotherbodyguardforyou,Icanrecommendseveralwhowouldbeexcellent.ButIcannotstay.”
Shedidn’tdeservetoindulgeinapityparty,butshecouldn’tseemtonotmakeherselftheguestofhonor.Howhadshemanagedtoscrewupeverythingsocatastrophicallysoquickly?Howdidshepullherselfoutofit?
Suckitup,cupcake.Tomorrow,shecouldbeonherwaybacktotheUK.She’dsortthroughwhateverhermomhadlefther,alongwiththemessshe’dmadeofherlife,andfigureoutwhattodonext.Rightnow,shejusthadtogetthroughthismeeting.
Mysterysniffledandrifledinthegloveboxforsometissues,usingthemtodabhereyes.“Iunderstand.Inevermeanttohurtyou.”
Heansweredwithamanlygruntandfocusedunwaveringlyontheroadahead.Finally,theyreachedtheattorney’sofficeandparked.Aftercheckingherface—hereyeswereapuffynightmare,butatleastshehadn’tbeenwearingmascara—Mysterydugsomelipstickoutofherpurseandappliedit.
“Areyouallright?”herauntasked,cluckinglikeamotherhen.
“I’llbefine.Whatfloor?”Mysteryaskedmoretochangethesubjectthanbecauseshereallycared.
“Fourth.”AuntGailsmiledandpattedherhand.
AsHeathexitedthecar,helookedaroundcautiously,takingnoteofthestreet,passersby,othercars,anyopenwindows.Mysteryknewthedrill.Hewentthroughtherundowninhisheadanytimetheywereinpublic.
“DoyoustillhavethekeyIgaveyou?”
Mysterynoddedatheraunt.“Inmypurse.I’mready.”
“Areyou?”Heathasked.
No,butshe’drunoutoftime.She’ddraggedherfeetinclaiminghermother’sbelongingsateighteen,tellingherselfthatherfriendsandfutureweremoreimportantthanabunchofhermom’sjunkfromthepast.Thetruthwas,shehadn’treallywantedtosiftthroughthecontentsandhavetodealwiththeaftermathofwhatshefound.Thenshe’dmovedtoLondon,sotheexcuseshadbeeneasy.WhenwouldsheevergettoEmporia,Kansas,again,right?Butinordertopursuewhatshe’dbeenfeelingforAxel,she’dhadtogiveherfatheraplausibleexcuse,andretrievinghermother’seffectshadslippedoffhertongue.NowthatherrelationshipwithAxelwasinshambles,Mysterywishedshecouldsnuggleinfrontofthefireinherflatbackhomewithherlaptop,hercharacters,andaglassofwine,farawayfromtheuncertaintyanddanger.
“Sure,”shemurmured.
InfrontoftheelevatorasignaffixedtoadanglingredchainhangingbetweentwostanchionsreadOUTOFORDER.AuntGailgroanedastheymadetheirwayupthestairs,huffingandpuffinghardbythethirdflight.Enroute,theypassedadentist’soffice,atutoringfacility,andquiteafewsuitesunderrefurbishment.
Whentheyreachedthefourthfloor,Heathopenedthedoorandpeekedout.Oncehedeemedtheemptyspacesafe,hewavedthemoutofthestairwell.
Mysterysteppedthrough,checkingtheopenlandingwithfauxtreesandnondescriptdark-woodandbeigechairs.Theshortpilecarpetinginanuninspiringshadeofoatmealandthewallsconceswithbrassaccentslookedtiredandoutofdate.
Whatever.Shejustwantedthisoverwith.ShewasconcernedthatwhoeverhadleftthethreateningpictureinherhotelroominDallaswouldbelyinginwaitforherhere.Mysterywouldlovetobelievethat,somehow,she’dlostthepsycho’strailandcouldjustsearchhermother’sbelongingsinpeace,butatinglingatthebackofhernecktoldherotherwise.Andafterallthedramaoftheday,sheabsolutelydidn’tneedmore.
Insidetheoffice’sfauxfrosted-glassdoubledoors,afortysomethingreceptionistlookedupfromhergossipmagazine,barelyconcealingirritationattheinterruption,andbuzzedMr.Osborne.Twominuteslater,sheusheredthemtotheback,pastacoffeestation,adarkoffice,thentotheendofthehall.TheplacardonthedoorreadNELSONOSBORNE.
Amanpushingsixtyrosetohisaverageheight,wearinghisgraysuitwellashestoodandgreetedthemwithajauntywave.Themovementdidn’trufflehisartificiallydarkhair,sprayedintoplacejustso.
“Comeonin.”Hestuckouthishand.“Welcome.I’mNelson.”
“Hi.I’mJuliaMullins’sdaughter,Mystery.”Theyshookhands,thensheturnedtotheothers.“Thisismymother’ssister,GailLeedy.”
“Ithinkwemetyearsago,”Osbornesaid.
“Ibelieveso,”herauntsaidplacidly,thenscootedtothefarsideofthedesktotakeoneofthetwoguestchairs.
“Andthisismy . . .friendHeath.”Mysteryhesitatedtoadmithewasabodyguard.Tosome,itsoundedeitherparanoidorpretentious.AndifOsborneoranyoneinhisofficewassomehowinontheplottokillher,shedidn’twanttotipoffthefactthatshe’dcomearmedwithprotection.
ButHeathgavehimselfawaywhenhenoddedsharply,casedtheoffice,thentookupsentrybythedoor.Soinconspicuous . . .Mysterysighed.
Osbornesatagain.“Youlooksomuchlikeyourmother.It’suncanny.Shewasabeautifulwoman,too.Iwassosorrytohearabouthersuddenandterriblepassing.”
Mysteryreallydidn’twanttorehashitnow.Shefeltasifshe’dreachedthedramaquotientlately,andshe’dgrievehermother’sdeathagainonitsanniversarynextTuesday.“Thankyou.Asyouknow,I’vecomeforhereffects.”
Henodded.“We’llhaveafewpaperstosign,butlet’sclaimyourmother’sbelongings,thenyoucanacknowledgereceiptandwhatnot.Youhaveyourkey?”
“Ido.”Shenodded,wonderingwhereMom’ssafe-depositboxwaslocated.Thisofficedidn’tlooklikeasecurefacility,andshecouldn’timaginewheretheattorneywouldkeepsuchthingsproperlylockedup.
“We’llbeheadingtothebankacrossthestreet.I’vegiventhemacopyofyourmother’sdeathcertificateandpreparedtheothernecessarypaperwork.Youraunt,asexecutorofherwill,providedtestamentthatyouarenowtheexclusiveboxholderand,therefore,theonlypersonwhocanopenit.AslongasyouhaveaphotoID,weshouldsailthroughtheprocess.”Osbornerosefromhisseat.
Mysteryfollowedsuit.Whilekeepinghermother’spossessionsatthebankmademoresense,shewishedOsbornecouldhavesimplyhadthemwaitingforher.Legally,sheknewthatwasn’tpossible,butshewasanxioustohavethisbehindherandreturnsafelytothefarmsoshecouldlickherwoundsinprivate.Andshehadtoadmitthatshehopedshe’dseeAxelifhecamebackforhisduffelandrentalcar.Noideawhatshe’dsaytohim.Shedidn’tknowhowtoreconcilesomanyredflagsthatpointedtohimbeingacheaterwiththeheroshe’dfirstfallenfor.Hadshegottenitallwrongtoday?Evenifshehad,shedidn’tthinkhe’dtoleratethefactthatshe’dtoldhimoffandwalkedout.
“I’llfollowyouoverthere,”Mysterymurmured.
“Verygood.”OsbornesteppedaroundhisdeskandsentawaryglanceHeath’sway.“Wheneveryou’reready . . .”
AuntGailfidgetedinherseat.“Goodness,I’drathernothavetowalkupanddownthestairsagain.Yourelevatorisoutoforder,andI’mafraidI’mnotrecoveredfromthelasthike.MayIstayhere?”
Osbornelookedaroundhisfastidiousoffice.Notasinglesheetofpaperclutteredhismassivemahoganydesk.Heensuredallhisfilingcabinetswerelockedandclosedhislaptop,whichlikelyneededapasswordtoaccess.“Ofcourse.Forgiveme,butI’mrequiredtobecautiouswithotherpeople’ssensitivelegalissues.”
“Ofcourse.”Gailsmiledinrelief.“MayIhelpmyselftocoffee?”
“Pleasedo.”
MysteryfollowedOsborneoutthedoor,downthestairs,andtothebank.Itwasasterileenvironmentthattriedtolookfriendly,withpostersofpeoplesupposedlyhappyabouttakingoutloans.OrmaybeshewasjustfeelingcynicalrightnowbecauseshewasmiserablethinkingaboutAxel,nottomentionworriedthatsomeonewouldtrytokillher.
Withinmoments,afemalebankemployeeingraypantsandabluesweaterhadgivenheraformtosignandcheckedherID.Everyonefollowedthewomanwiththeflowingbrowncurlsintotheroomwiththesafe-depositboxes,passingrowafterrowofthedrawersindifferentsizes.Towardtheback,thebank’sofficerproducedherkey.Mysteryfishedtheotherfromherpurse.Together,theyopenedtheduallocksandwithdrewtheboxfromitsslottoplaceitonthelonetableintheadjacentroom.
“I’llleaveyoutolookthroughthecontents.Whenyou’redone,letmeknow.”Theyoungwomangaveherablandsmile,didadoubletakeasshediscreetlycheckedoutHeath,thenmeltedaway.
Osbornesteppedback.“Wouldyoupreferformetostayorgo?”
“IthinkI’dliketodothisalone,”shemurmured,bothbecauseitwastrueandbecauseshewasn’tsureshecouldtrusthim.“Thanksforunderstanding.”
“Ofcourse.”Heturnedawayandheadedoutofthevault.
“Iwon’tleaveyouunprotected.Don’taskthatofme.”Heathcrossedhisbeefyarmsoverhischest.
“Iwouldn’t.”Mysteryshookherhead.“Iwantyouhere.”
ShekindofwishedAxelwashere,too,butrefusedtodwellonwhatwasn’tandmightneverbeagain.Thenshetookadeepbreath,wonderingifshecouldeverreallybereadytofacewhateverhermomhadsafeguardedforher,shutthedoortotheprivateroom,andliftedthebox’slid.
Inside,shefoundsomejewelry,includingsomediamondearringsthathadoncebelongedtohermaternalgrandmother.Juliahadwornthemonherweddingday,andthey’dbecomeagift,asMysteryhadheardthestory.Shealsofoundagorgeouscrossmadeofroseandyellowgoldentwinedwithlovelyflourishesandembellishments.Thecentersparkledwithadiamondthathadtobeatleastacarat.Wherehadthatcomefrom?Shedidn’trememberhermomwearingit.
Mysteryalsofoundwhatlookedlikesomeletterstohermomfromherdad.Instantly,sherecognizedherfather’shandwritingontheyellowedenvelopes.Basedonthepostmarkofthefirstfew,theyhadbeenwrittenduringtheircourtshipandtheearlydaysoftheirmarriage.
Despitetheirill-fatedunion,thesenoteshadbeenvaluabletohermother.Mysteryalreadyknewthatherfatherkeptsomefromhislatewifelockedinhisdesk,alongwithacollectionofherpictures.They’dlovedeachothercompletelyandpassionatelyonce.Whyhadherfathernevertriedtobeabetterhusband?They’dbothbeenhuman,filledwithinsecurityandcapableofstupidmistakes.Hadhermothersomehowfailedtounderstandthat?
Tearssprangtohereyes,andMysterysniffedthemaway.Nowwasn’tthetimetogetphilosophical.Shehadtocarryon.
Shedidn’tseeanythingelseatthebottomofthebox.Soodd . . .Itdidn’tseempossiblethatthesefewpiecesofjewelryorthedozenlovenoteswouldreallybeworthkillingordyingfor.
“That’sit?”Heathlookedoverhershoulder.Hesoundedaspuzzledasshefelt.
“Iguess.”
Mysteryliftedtheearringsoutofthebox,wonderingwhathermotherhadbeenthinkingwhenshe’dplacedthemhereforthelasttime.Hadsheknownshe’dneverwearthemagain?
Swallowingbackalumpofgriefandloss,shetuckedthediamonddropsinherearsandclosedhereyes.Theearringsweren’theavy.Infact,shebarelyfeltthem,butwearingthegorgeousglitterythingsmadeherfeelsomehowclosertohermom.
Shetouchedthecrosswithareverentfinger,tracingthelines,beforepickingitupandfasteningitaroundherneck.Thecrossfelljustbelowthehollowofherthroatandfeltshockinglycoldagainstherskin.Thenagain,thenecklacehadbeensittinguntouchedbyhumanwarmthforsixteenyears.
“Letmelook.”Heathtookherbytheshouldersandturnedhertofacehim,studyingherwithintent,darkeyesthatmissednothing.“It’sbrilliant,butitisn’tyou.”
“Theearringsorthecross?”
“Thecross.It’stooornatecomparedtoyourusualjewelry.Theearringslookperfect,simplebutelegant.”
Mysterydidn’thaveamirrorsoshecouldn’tcomment.Heathwasprobablyright,butshewantedtowearthecross.Itmadeherfeelasifdeath,alongwithnearlyadecadeandahalf,didn’tseparateherfromhermom.
Sheliftedthestackofnotestoopenthefirstoneandpeekatthecontents.Asshedid,shenoticedsomethingtotallynewunderneath.
Alittleelectronicdiscofsomesort,smallandalmostsquare.Thekindcapableofholdingatell-allbookthatmighthavegottenhermotherkilled?
Mystery’sbloodturnedtoice.
Heathtookthediscfromhernumbfingers.“It’sanSDcard.Weneedtoreadthisquicklyanddecideonourbestcourseofaction.”
Sheknewthat,evenifeverythinginsideherviolentlydisagreed.“How?”
“Mylaptopisinthecar.Itwillreadthisdisc.”
Justlikethat,he’dopenhistrunk,andinsidetwominutesshewouldbereadingwhateversecretshermotherhadkeptuntilthedayshedied.Wasshereallyreadyforthis?
Didshehaveachoice?
“I’llreadonthedrivebacktoAuntGail’sfarm,”shemurmured.
Hegaveherbackasoothingpat.Shemayhaveinsultedorupsethimatthecafétoday,buthe’dputallthatasidetocomfortherbecausesheneededit.Mysterywishedshecouldhavelovedhiminreturn.Heathwouldbeadevotedprotectorandlover.Hecouldbeseriousorfunny.Hewashighlyintelligentandhadagreatsenseofadventure.Unfortunately,kissinghimhadn’tgivenherafractionofthegiddy,heart-beatingthrillthatsimplybeinginthesameroomwithAxeldid.
SheshovedthelettersandtheSDcardinherpurse,leavingthejewelryon.Shesignaledtothebankmanagerthatshewasdone.Oncetheemptysafe-depositboxwaslockedup,shesignedthepaperworknecessarytoterminatethebox,thenleftwithHeathandOsborne,theattorneymentioningjustafewmorepaperssheneededtosigninhisoffice.
Awarmbreezebrushedherfaceandthelateafternoonsunblindedherasshewalkedbetweenthembacktotheofficebuilding.Theattorneyledtheway,whileHeathwatchedherback.Heartpumping,Mysterykeptvigilant,almostexpectingsomeonetojumpoutatheranddemandsheturnoverhermother’seffects.
Insidetheofficebuildingagain,theairwasalmosttoostill.Thecarpentersrenovatingtheemptysuitesonthelowerfloorswereeitherpackingupforthedayoralreadygone.
Finally,theyreachedthefourthfloorandOsborne’sofficeagain.Inside,theyfoundAuntGailreadingapaperbackshe’dlikelypulledfromherpurse,andsippingcoffee.She’dpouredseveralothercupsandleftthemonthecornerofthedesk.
Assoonastheyentered,shejumpedoutofherseat.“Wereyousuccessful?”
Mysterydidn’treallywanttotalkaboutit,butofcourseherauntwantedtoknowwhatheronlysisterhadleftbehindbeforeherdeath.“Yeah.Ifoundlettersandjewelry.”Sheshowedofftheearringsandthecross.“Andsomeotherstuff.We’lllookatitmorecarefullyinthecar.”
“Excellent.Coffee?”AuntGailaskedher.
“Sure.”Mysterydidn’tactuallywantany,butasevidencedbythecookiesandlemonade,thewomanlikedtofeedothers.Shedidn’twanttorefuse,soshesetitonthedeskinfrontofher.
“No,thankyou,”Osbornemurmuredasheretrievedsomepapersinafolder.“Atmyage,caffeinepastnoonkeepsmeawakehalfthenight.”
“Luckily,Ihaven’trunintothatyet.”Heraunttookanothersip.“Isleeplikeababy.Heath?”Sheallbutpressedthecupintohishand.“It’sreallydelicious.Inoticedyoudranknearlyawholepotthismorning.You’llappreciatethisbrew.”Sheturnedtotheattorney.“Whatsortofbeansarethese,Mr.Osborne?”
Hesmiledalmostsmugly.“Ittookmeoveradecadetofindtheperfectcoffee.It’saKona-Colombianblend.IhaveitspeciallyroastedinMexico,butit’saboutthebestcoffeeI’veevertasted.”
“Wonderful.”HerauntallbutmoanedaroundthelipofherStyrofoamcup,thenturnedtoHeath.“Creamorsugar?”
“Blackisfine.”Hesniffedthebrew,thensippedit.“It’sstrong,thewayIlikeit.”
Herauntsmiled,thensettledbackintoherchair,shovingthebookinherpurseasMysteryandOsbornegotdowntobusiness.
Severalconversationsandahandfulofformslater,shestoodandshooktheattorney’shand.Herauntdidthesame.Heathnodded.AsMysterylookedhisway,shenoticedhewasslowtopushawayfromthewall.
“Areyouallright?”sheasked.
“Sure.”
Helookedpale.Hislidsdroopedtiredly.Hismouthlookedabitslack.Mysterydidn’tthinkhefeltallright.Butsheknewthestubbornman.Hecouldhavealimbhangingofforbedyingofahemorrhagicfeverandhe’dstillinsistthathefeltfine.
Withasighathisstubbornness,theymadetheirwayouttheoffice.Heathstoppedatthereceptionist’sdesk.“Canyoushowmewheretofindyourloo?”
Attheslurofhiswords,Mysteryfrownedandwrappedahandaroundhisarm.
Thewomanbarelypeekedoverhermagazinetosendhimaconfusedstare.Thenshenarrowedhereyesathim.“Loo?I’veneverhearditcalledthat,butnowayamIliftingmyskirtforatotalstranger—Idon’tcarehowhotyouare—andshowingyoumy—”
“Hemeansthebathroom,”Mysteryclarifiedforthecluelessreceptionist.
Shehadthegoodgracetoturnpink.“Sorry.Acrossthehall,totherightoftheelevator.Seconddoor.”
Heathnodded.“Thanks.”
Whenhetrippedoverhisowntwofeetheadingacrosstheopenspace,Mysterytuggedonhisarm.“Areyousureyou’reallright?”
Hisexpressionlookedatadunfocuseduntilheblinkedandspentsomeeffortfocusingonher.“I’llbeallright.Thejetlagandlackofsleeplatelyjusthavemeabitknackered.”
Whilehisanswermadesense,hiswordssoundedevenmoreslurredthanbefore.Mysterydidn’tlikeit.
“Youwantmorecoffee?”sheasked.
“No.I’llstepinthereandsplashsomecoldwateronmyface.”
“We’llwaitinthecar,”herauntsaid,totteringonherfeet.“I’mafraidIfindmyselfabitdizzy,too.”
Asthewomanputahandtoherhead,Mysterywatchedthemboth,wonderingifsomeonehadslippedsomethingintheircoffee.Afterall,sheandMr.Osbornehadbeentheonlyonesnottodrinkit.
Withanod,Heathshovedthecarkeysinherhand,thenpushedintotherestroom,notquitesteadyonhisfeet.Asshewatchedhimwithaconcernedfrown,herauntnearlylostherbalancewhilestandingperfectlystill.Mysterycursed.Shedidn’twanttoleaveeitherofthemalone.
Axelwouldreallyhavecomeinhandyrightnow,avoicewhisperedinherhead.Yes,hewould,butsheneededhimforfarmorethanhelpingherailingtravelingparty.Herheartneededhim.AssoonasHeathreachedthecar,she’dreturntothecaféandhunthermandown.Theyhadtotalk.Shejustcouldn’tbelievethattoday’slunchwastheendofthem.Itcouldn’tbe.Mysterydidn’tthinkshecouldlivewithouthim.Shedidn’treallywanttotry.
Wasthiswhyhermotherhadtakensolongtoworkupthegumptiontoleaveherfather?Hadsheknownitwasinherbestinterestbutshejusthadn’tbeenabletobreakawayfromthecharismaticmanshe’dfallenfor?
Disquietedbytheparallelbetweenherlifeandhermom’s,sheturnedtoAuntGail,firmlyfocusingonthepresent.“I’llhelpyoutothecar.”
Theolderwomangaveherashakynod,thengrabbedherarmtosteadyherself.“Thankyou.”
“Onesecond.”Mysteryleanedherauntagainsttherailing,thenpressedagainstthedoortothemen’sroom.“I’llbebacktohelpyouassoonasIcan.”
Sheheardwatersplashing,heardhimgruntoutananswer.Hedidn’tsoundgood,andshewonderedwhatthehellwasgoingon.
AsMysteryracedbacktoheraunt’sside,forebodinggongedthroughherbelly.Everyonearoundhertodayseemedafflictedbysomeailment.Hadsomeoneconcoctedaploytogetheralone?ButwhocouldhavetamperedwithAxel’sbladder,aswellasHeath’sandAuntGail’sequilibrium?Shewouldhavesuspectedtheattorney,buthehadn’tbeenatthecafé.She’dlovetoblamePatrice,butshouldn’tanydrugtheskankywaitressputintheirfoodhavetakeneffectwithinthirtyminutes?
Thankfully,Mysteryguidedherauntdownthestairs,andsheseemedtorecoverabitwiththeexertion.Outside,thebriskwindinherfacerevivedherabit,too.
ShehelpedAuntGailaroundtothepassenger’sdoorandopeneditforher.“Thereyougo.Getsettled,andI’llbebackwithHeathinamoment.”
“Idon’tthinkso.”Theolderwomanreachedintoherpursewithatightsmile.Whenshewithdrewherhand,shepointedasmallgunrightaMystery’sheart.“Givemethekeysandgetin.Whereyou’regoing,Heathwillonlybeinmyway.”ChapterEighteen
WHENthetaxirolleduptotheattorney’sbuilding,Axeldidn’tseeHeath’scarparkedalongthestreetorintheadjoininglot.Hecursed.He’dwaitednearlytwentyminutesfortheshufflingolddrivertoshowupinthefirstplace.Thankstothedelay,hehadnoideawheretofindMystery,Heath,orherauntnow.
Hepulledouthisphoneagainandtriedtodialthebodyguard.Nothing.
“Canyouwaithere?I’llbebackinfiveminutes.”
Axeldidn’tevenhangaroundforthetaxidrivertoacknowledgehim.Inlessthananinstant,heslammedthedoorandranintothebuilding,pausingtolookatthedirectorytofindtheattorneybeforehedartedupthestairs,takingtwoatatimeuntilhereachedthelawyer’soffice.
Athisapproach,thereceptionistsighedassheloweredhermagazine,thenblinked,gavehimaonce-over,andsmiledsweetaspie.Axeldidn’thavetimeforhergames.
“MysteryMullinsandherparty,howlongagodidtheyleave?”
Thefortyishwomanwithherteasedhighlightsgapedathim.“Justafewminutes.”
“Didtheysaywheretheywereheaded?
Sheshookherhead.“Nottome.Waitonesecond.”ShepickeduptheofficephoneandpresumablycalledMystery’smother’sattorney.Amomentlater,shehungup.“Ms.Mullinsdidn’tsayanythingtoMr.Osborne,either.Themanwithheraskedmefortheloo.That’sBritishfortherestroom.”Sheactedasiftheknowledgemadehersuperior.“Idirectedhimacrossthehall,andtheyleft.”
Anotherfreakingdeadend,damnit.ButAxelcouldstandtohittheheadagain,sohejoggedinthedirectionthereceptionisthadgestured.Ashewalkedin,hespottedHeathcomingoutofastall,lookingpalerthanasheet.
“You’rehere.ThankGod.Whatthehellhappenedtoyou?”Axelasked.
“IthinkIwasdrugged.Itwasthecoffeeinthelawyer’soffice.”Hegrimaced.“Inearlypassedout,thenrealizedwhathadhappened.Imademyselfvomit.It’sstillinmysystem,butIdon’tthinkIabsorbedallofthesedative.”
Maybenot,buthestilllookeddamnweak.Withagrudgingsigh,Axeltuggeddownhiszipperandusedtheurinal.“Where’sMystery?”
“Whydoyoucare?”Heathshotback.“Youallbutshaggedthatwaitressatthecafé.Didyoufinishthat,getbored,anddecidetofollowMysteryagain?”
“No.Fuckoff.Thewaitressadmittedthatshe’sanactressandwaspaidtocomeontome.”
SurpriserolledacrossHeath’sface,thensuspiciontookoveragain.“WhyshouldIbelieveyou?WhyshouldMystery?”
“IfIhavetolietoawomantokeepher,thenIdon’tdeserveher.Seriously,someonestagedthewholescenewithPatriceatthecafétoseparatemefromMystery.I’dsuspectgoodol’AuntGail,butshehasnomoney.”
Heathfrowned.“Ifsheintendedtosellhersister’ssecrets,shemayhaveborrowedthefundsagainstherforthcomingpayday.Orperhapsshe’sblackmailedsomeoneintomurderingMystery.”
Axelhadn’tconsideredthatpreviously—anddidn’twanttonow.“WhereareMysteryandGail?”
“Theyshouldbewaitinginthecar.”
“Whereisitparked?”Hehopedlikehellhesimplyhadn’tseenwhereHeathhadparkedit.
“Outfront.”
Asheraisedhiszipper,forebodingrolledthroughhisgut.“Notanymore.It’sgone.”
Heath’seyesflaredwideashesoapedhishandsinthesink.“Ican’tthinkofasinglereasonthey’dmovethecarelsewhere.Weweren’tinano-parkingzone.”
Quickly,Axelwashedup,too.“Thenshe’sindanger.I’mbeginningtosuspectthatherauntsoldherout.”
Afteraconsideringpause,Heathnodded.“Shemadecoffeeforeveryonewhilewewereatthebank.Shewastheonlyonewhocouldhavedoctoredthebrew.”
“I’mconvincedshegavemesomethingthat’smademeneedtopeeeverytendamnminutes,probablyinthatlemonadeIdrankasweleftthefarm.”
“It’spossibleshe’sbeenwaitingalltheseyearsforMysterytoclaimhermother’sarticlessoshecouldgaincontrolofwhateverbloodysecretsMrs.Mullinsheld.”
“Orshemaybeguiltierthanthat.Maybeshe’slookingtocoverupherowncrimes,”Axelgratedout.
Together,theypushedoutofthebathroom,Heathwearingafrown.Theyhitthestairsandbeganrunningdown.Somanypossibilities.Solittletimetosavethewomanheloved.
“Wehavetofindthem.Anyideawheretostart?”
Heathstilllookedweak,likehewantedtopukeagain,buthesuckedinabreathandgrinned.“She’sgotmykeyfob.”Hereachedforhisphone.“I’mforeverlosingmykeys,soImadesureIcantrackthem.”
* * *
WITHherfreehand,AuntGailsnatchedHeath’skeysfromMysteryandshovedtheminherpurse.Thewomanwasallbusinessasshefishedoutapairofhandcuffsand,withanawkwardone-handedmaneuver,usedthemtorestrainherniecetothecardoor.
Mysterywouldhavefoughtback,butthebarrelofthefirearmhoveredbarelyafootawayfromherface.
Herauntworealadylikelittlesmileassheclickedthecuffsintoplace.“Youcouldn’thavebeenpoliteandsimplydrankyourcoffee.Itcontainedalittlesomethingtokeepyoucompliant.Aftersomanyyearsasanurse,Iknowmycontrolledsubstances.IhadalovelyScheduleFourwaitinginyourcoffee,butyouhadtobedifficult.”Sheheavedasighofannoyance.“Stayput.”
Whenherauntwouldhaveshutthedoor,Mysteryworkedherwaypasttheshockandstuckherfootouttoblockher.“No.Stop!Whatareyoudoing?”
Herauntthrustthegunclosertoherface,thenglancedatherwatch.“Shutup.I’llexplainonthedrive.We’rerunninglate.”
“Forwhat?”
AuntGailjustkickedherlegoutoftheway,herpracticalshoessurprisinglymean,thenshutthedoorandbustledbehindthecar.Theolderwomanclimbedintothedriver’sseatandstartedtheengine,pullingoutoftheparkinglotsedately,asifrefusingtoattractattention.“Ihadacarlikethisonce,anicebigsedan.Myfathergaveittomeasanengagementpresent.”
Engagement?Mysterythoughtheraunthadneverbeenmarried—notthatitmatteredrightnow.Figuringoutwhattheheckwasgoingonandescapingdid.
“Wherearewegoing?”shedemanded.“Youcan’tshootme.I’myourniece.You’re—”
“PreparedtodowhatImust,”shesnapped.“You’veaskedquestions,andI’mtryingtoexplain,sopayattention.
“Whenmyengagementfellapart,IdecidedtomovetoHollywoodandtrymyhandatacting.I’dbeeninafewschoolplays.Icouldsinganddancereasonablywell.I’dbeentoldIwaspretty.SoIsavedsomemoneyandpackedmybags.Juliahadgraduatedfromhighschooltheyearbeforeanddidn’twanttoliveonthefarmanymorethanIdid.”AuntGailgavealong-sufferingsigh.“WhyIletherwheedleherwayintodrivingtoCaliforniawithme,I’llneverknow.”
“I’dappreciateitifyoustoppedpointingthegunatmeandletmego.”Mysterycouldbarelyconcentrateonheraunt’swords.Herstarelockedwiththesemiautomaticintheolderwoman’shand,nestledagainsthertorso.
“Quiet!You’rejustlikeyourmother.Youthinkyou’respecialanddeservemorethaneveryoneelse.Youwanteveryonetocatertoyou.You’recertainlyawhore,likeher.Iheardyouandthat . . .manearlythismorning.Butthefactthatyou’reapromiscuousslutdoesn’tsurprisemeatall.”
WasthiswomaneventhesameAuntGailshe’dknownallherlife?Sheseemedunhingedandbitter,nottomentionviolent.
“Whatdoyouwant?ThethingsIpickedupfrommymother’ssafe-depositbox?”Mysteryoffered.“I’llgivethemtoyou.Youcanletmego.”
“That’snotformetodecide.I’mtellingyouwhatyouwanttoknow,jezebel.WhatI’vebeendyingtotellyou.Nowcloseyourmouthandlisten.”Sheclearedherthroat,obviouslyincensed.“WhenJuliaandIreachedHollywood,webothfoundagentsquicklyandstartedauditioning.Julialandedafewroles,nothingmajor.Shewaswhollyunremarkablebutsomehowmanagedtocatchyourfather’seye.I’dmetMarshallfirstatapartyandwedatedabit.Thenhehiredmysisterforabitpart.Thatwasthelastmoviehemadebeforethatsillyactionfilmthatlaunchedhimwide.”Shescoffedasshestoppedataredlight.“NextthingIknew,heandJuliawereanitem.Icouldn’tbelievewhenheproposedtoher.”
Mysteryblinked.Heraunt’swordsregisteredbut . . .She’dhadnoideathatGailhadeverdatedherfather.Shealsoknewherfathertoowell.“Youhadsexwithmydad?”
“Yesandno.”Shegiggled,thensobered.“Youkeepinterrupting.Stopthat!”Shewavedthegunagain.
Thethoughtthatherfatherhadtakenheraunttobedbeforemarryinghermommadeherill.Yeah,whataboutafter?
Honestly,ifthey’dcontinuedscrewingafterhisweddingtohermother,Mysterydidn’twanttoknow.
“Noneofthisshouldhavesurprisedme.Juliahadalwaysbeenthedevil’smistress.Everyonethoughtshewassobeautifulandsultry—likeyou.SheseducedyourfatherintoforgettingIexisted.Butaftertheymarried,hiscareertookoff.Itwasn’tlongbeforeyourmotherheardrumorsofhisinfidelity.”Herauntsneered,thenspedawaywhenthelightturnedgreen,headingtowardtheedgeoftown.“Shesaidsheneededspiritualsolace,andshesoughtitfromamanofGod,oneofthemostesteemedI’veeverhadthehonorofmeeting.ButcouldsherespecthispiousservicetotheLord?No,notyourmother.Sheluredhimlikeaserpentinthegarden,coaxinghimtoeattheforbiddenfruit.Shecoercedhimtoimmoralityandrenderedhimtemporarilywicked.Fromthatunholyalliance,youwereconceived.”
“What?”Mysterybreathedbutshecouldn’tpossiblyhaveheardthatright.NowayhadAuntGailjusttoldherthatMarshallMullinswasn’therbiologicalfather.
“Soyoudidn’tknow.”Shesmiledwithmaliciousglee,pickingupspeedastheyapproachedtheoutskirtsofthedowntownarea.“Idon’teventhinkyoususpected.JuliahidthetruthfromMarshallandgaveyouthatsillynametodisarmhissuspicions.”
Mysterywonderedhowshecouldeverlivewiththissecret.If,bysomemiracle,shedidn’tdietoday,whatwouldshetellherdad?
“Astheyearswenton,Juliabeganinsistingthatsheintendedtodivorceherhusband,”herauntcontinued.“Shetoldmethatsheintendedtowriteatell-allbook,tellingall.”Shescoffed.“IapplaudedherdesiretodragMarshallthroughthemud.Hedeservedit,alwaysthinkingwithhisinstrumentoflust.Butyourmothercouldnotbeallowedtoshameandstainsuchabeaconoflight—ofGodhimself—becauseSatan’smistresshadweakenedhiminoneterriblemoment.Shehadtobesilenced.”
Mysterygapedatheraunt,amillionthoughtsracingthroughherbrainsoquicklyshecouldn’tgraspontoorgivevoicetojustone.Theimplicationsjustzoomedthroughherhead.Sheblinked,gaped,jawhangingasherauntpulleduptoanabandonedbuildingwitharustymetalladderleadinguptotheroofandaFORRENTsigninsideitslone,dark-tintedwindow.Therestofthebuildinghadbeenboardedup.Ononeside,shesawadirtlotwheresomeone’santiqueshophadbeentorndownandtherubbleremained.Ontheothersidesatshabbystoragefacilities.WhywouldAuntGailbringherhere?
“Youhadsomethingtodowithmymother’smurder?”Mysteryfinallyvoicedthethoughtthathadbeenbuzzingthefastestandloudestinherhead.
“Everything.Yourbiologicalfathercan’thavehislife’sworkdestroyedbyonestupidwhore.He’sdestinedformuchgreaterthings,andwhenItoldhimaboutJulia’splans,weworkedtogethertosendmysistertothelight.HeassuresmeI’vehelpedhimachieveGod’swillandthatshe’satpeacenow.”
Mysterystared,blinked,shookherhead.Itoccurredtoherthatshehadtogetoverhershockandfightback,butGailjustkeptdroppingbombshells,oneaftertheother.“I—Idon’tunderstand.Shewasyouronlysister.”
“Whospreadherlegsoftentotemptmentosin.”Gailscoffed.“She’dsteppedofftherighteouspathlongago.Iinsistedthatshebeblessedjustbeforeherdeath,andtheblessedmanassuresmethatshewas.SowecanresteasythatwesavedthereputationofamanofGodandmysister’ssoulthemorningshewenttoheaven.”
Everywordoutofhermouthsoundedtwisted,andMysterycringed.“MybiologicalfatherwasthemaninthatpicturesnappedbythehikersjustbeforeMom’sdeath?Hekilledher?”
“You’remissingthepoint;hesenthertoGod,whoisgloriousandwillforgiveall.Hewillremakehersoulintosomethingworthy.”
AndAuntGailsoundedonehundredpercentwhackadoodlecrazy.
Astheypulledaroundtothebackofthebuilding,Mysteryspottedanothersleekblackcaremptyandwaiting.Someoneelsewashere.Itwasfinallyhittingherthatherauntmeantherharmandmayhavecalledforsomehelp.
“AfterJuliawasgone,thingswerelovelyandquiet.Thenyouturnedeighteenandwerelegallyabletocollectyourmother’seffects.Youdidn’tseemtowantthematfirst,soallwaswell.Butthenyoumentionedcomingtogetthemduringyoursecondsemesterofcollegeand . . .somethinghadtobedone.”
Mysteryabsolutelydidn’trecallthat,butshealwaysgotsentimentalabouthermotherandtheirlasttriptoKansasbeforeherdeath.Maybeshehadmentionedit.“Something?”
“YourabductionandtheDNAtest.Didyouremembersomeonetakingyourblood?”
Shockdrilledthroughhercomposure.“That’swhy?”
“Wehadtoknowforcertainthatyouweretheout-of-wedlockspawnofsin.Andyouwere.ButMarshallhadyourescuedbeforeyoucouldbeeliminated.”
Eliminated?“Youandmybiologicalfather—whoishe?—plannedtokillme?”
Gaillookedherwayasifspeakingtoasimpleton.“Wedidn’tsilenceJuliaonlytohavethissecretrevealedbyasillygirl.Thankfully,theabductionseemedtoputsomefearintoyou.ThenyoumovedtotheUKandseemedtoloseallinterestinanythingassociatedwithyour‘misfortune’oryourmother.Webreathedeasier,atleastuntilyouinsistedoncomingbacktotheStates.Andyouknowtherest.”Herauntwavedheraway.“IdrovetoDallasandleftyouthepictureinyourhotelroom,hopingyouwouldtakethehintandleavethecountryagain.Butyouprovedstubborn,likeyourmother.YoubroughttheoneNeanderthal,Heath,withyou.Thankfully,drugginghiscoffeetookcareofhim.Buttheotherone,themanyoufornicatedwithinmyhouse . . .Gettingridofhimwasfun.Ioverheardyoutwotalkinginmykitchen.Poorlittlegirlscarredbyhercheating‘daddy.’”Shesneered.“Andhim,alldamagedbyhismother’sabandonment.”Sherolledhereyes.“Itwaspitifullyeasytoorchestrateyourbreakup.Mymessiah,themanwhogavehisseedforyou,knewjusthowtohireanactresscapableofcausingafightbetweenyoutwo.IslippedadiureticinAxel’slemonade,andwhenhewenttotherestroom,shemovedin.Thenyousawwhatyouexpectedandwalkedoutonhim.Itwasperfect.Ofcourse,IsuspectAxelmayalreadybelookingforyou.He’snotonewhowillgiveupeasily,solet’shurryinside,shallwe?”
SoAxelhadn’tgivenintoamoment’slustinthecaféandbetrayedher?Hehadn’tcomeontothatwaitress?Mysterytriedtopieceitalltogetherinherhead.Thedetailsslippedthroughherfingers,butthebigpicturewasfrightfullyclear.Heraunthadconspiredwithhermother’slover—herbiologicalfather—tosplitherapartfromAxelandHeath.Heraunthadgonetosomuchefforttogetheralonebecauseshe’dbemorevulnerable.Mysterywonderedwhatthehellshewasgoingtodonow.
Nophone,noally,nofriendsinthistown,nopolicenearby.TheonlypersonperhapscapableoffindingherwasAxel,andhe’dswornthatifshewalkedoutonhimhe’dconsiderthemdoneforever.
Still,somepartofherhoped,wantedtohavefaith—notinthewarpedversionofGodheraunthadclutchedtoherbitter,dried-upheartandtwistedtofilltheemptinessinside,butinthelovethatsheandAxelhadshared,howeverbriefly.
“Iwon’tgointhatbuilding.”
“Youwill,”herauntinsisted,grabbingMystery’spursefromthefloorboard.“Ifyourefuse,Iwillshootyourighthere.”
Itsucked,andMysterywasterrified,shocked,andbeyondfurious.Butrightnow,cuffedtothecardoor,shedidn’tseeanywaytoescape.She’dhavetowatchforopportunities.Afterall,herauntwasolder,presumablynotasstrong.Ifsheplayedthisright,shemightbeabletooverpowerthewomanonthewaytothedoorandscreamforhelp.“LookslikeIdon’thaveachoice.”
Gailsentheranacidsmile.“Exactly.Now,it’stimeyoumetyourtruefather.”ChapterNineteen
THISfaroutoftown,theonlysignsoflifeneartheabandonedbuildingweretheweedsgrowingupthroughthecracksinthesidewalk.HerauntwalkedwiththegunpressedtoMystery’sspinestraightuptotheominousdarkdoor.Shewouldhavescreamedforhelpifanyonewasaroundtohear.Scramblingforotheroptions,Mysterydecidedtotakeherchancesandtackleherauntonthesidewalkinpublic.
Suddenly,thedooropenedfromtheinside.
Clutchingherpurse,Mysteryblinked,hereyesadjustingtotheinteriordarkness,focusedonablackshadowinfrontofher.Slowly,theshadowsharpenedintoamanwithgrayhairsportinghintsofbrownandpaleblueeyes.Hispaleskinlookedoddlysmooth,giventhefacthemustbeinhisearlyfifties,andheworeaplasticallykindsmilethatshowedarowofevenwhiteteeth.Sheknewthatface.
“PeterGrace?”
“ThegreatReverendPeterGrace,”Gailcorrected,hertonesuperior.“He’sasclosetoGodasyou’lleverseeonthisEarth.”
Thepictureofthemanatthetopofheraunt’sstairs,alongwiththechatterabouthimtoday,onlyreinforcedhernotionthatGailwasoneofhisbiggestfans.
“Yes.Isn’tshedevoted?”HesentheranemptysmileashetuggedMysteryinside.
Herauntfollowed,andslammedthedoorshut,lockingitbehindher.Mysterywatched,herheartsinking.Shewastrappedinanabandonedbuildingwithagun,acrazybitch,andamancapableofcommittingmurder.
Sheblewoutanervousbreath,prayingtheyjustwantedhermother’spossessions.“Whatareyouafter?TheSDcardmymotherleftinthesafe-depositbox?Youcanhaveit.I’mnotsureIwanttoknowwhatitsaysandIdon’tcare.Tome,MarshallMullinswillalwaysbemyfather.”
“I’mgladwe’reonthesamepage.Iwouldpreferfortheworldtobelievethataswell.”Headjustedhistie,hisstarealmostwistful.“Youdolooksomuchlikeyourmother.”
“She’sasinner,too.Fornicator!”herauntbrokein.
ReverendGracerestedawell-manicuredhandonGail’s.“We’llshowhertheLord.”
Thatseemedtosoothethewoman.
Mysterytensed.Didtheymeantheymeanttokillher?“Look,Idon’twantanythingexcepttowalkoutthisdooralive.I’llsignanythingyouwanttohavedrawnupstatingthatyouandIareofnorelationandIhavenointentionofeversuingyouforanyreason.Iwillneverspeakofthisand—”
“That’salovelygesture,”heassured.“I’mafraidit’snotthatsimple.Yousee,looseendshave,overthedecades,proventobeaproblem.Toomanystilldangle,especiallynowthatwhateveryourmotherwrotehasbeenunlocked.Ineedtocleaneverythingup.Otherwise,areallyintrepidreporterordetectivewilluncovermysin.AndwhatwouldmymillionsoffollowersthinkiftheylearnedtheirfavoritemanofGodhada‘lovechild’whilehisownwifewasexpectingbabynumberthree?JimmySwaggart’sinfamous‘Ihavesinned’speechwasuselessthen,justasitwouldbenow.No,Ihavetoeradicatealllingeringtraces.Evenyourmiddlenameisaclue.”
Grace.AwaveofdizzyshocksweptoverMystery.Hermotherhadgivenherhissurnameforhermiddlename.AsatributetoReverendGrace?Orasatauntatherfather?“I’llchangeit.I’llgotocourtandmakeitwhateveryouwant.”
Hesentherafaintlyregretfulsmile.“I’mafraidthatwon’twork.Thechangeofnamewouldstillbeamatterofpublicrecord,andtherefore,aclue.”
Washesayinghisonlyalternativewastokillher?Mysteryswallowedhardandstartedlookingaroundtheempty,cavernousroomforanythingshemightuseasaweaponoranyexitshehadn’tspottedfromthestreet.
“I’veensuredtheroomisemptyandallthedoorsarelocked.”ReverendGracesnappedhisfingers.“Eyesonme.”
Mysterywasn’tsimplygoingtotakehiswordforit,butitsoundedasifhe’dplannedtwostepsaheadofheranddoneallhecouldtopreventherescape.“Youdon’thavetokillmetokeepyoursecret.I’mjust—”
“GivemetheSDcardyoufoundinhersafe-depositbox.”Hesteppedcloser,avoidingallnegotiationwithher.“AndI’llneedthatcrossfromaroundyourneck.”
Automatically,sheliftedherhandtoherchesttocoverit.“What?”
Shedidn’tlovethepiece,buthermotherhadleftittoher.Shecouldn’timaginewhyhewantedsomethingthathadmostlysentimentalvalue.Sure,itwasworthsomething,butPeterGracehadmillions—taxfree.Hedidn’tneedtostealhermom’scross.
“Iinscribedourinitialsonthebackandgavethattoher.Once,shewasmy . . .specialfollower.Shecametomeforspiritualguidanceafterhernew,troubledmarriagewasfallingapartduetoMullins’sinfidelity.Icounseledherforseveralmonthsandencouragedhertobringhiminforcouple’stherapy,soIcouldshowhimGod’sway.Herefused.Apparently,theysawasecularmarriagecounselor.IapplaudedthemforgettinganysortofhelpuntilJuliarealizedMullinshadlainwiththeverywomanthey’dhiredtohelpthemresolvetheirtroubles.Shefoundoutwhileherhusbandwasoutofthecountryfilmingamovie.Shecametomeinastate—confusedandangryandwantingrevenge.Shetemptedme,andSatancansneakuponamanwhenhe’snotalwaysvigilant.”Hesighed.“Itwasn’tmyfinestmoment.I’vesufferedformysineversince.”
Mysteryjuststared.Inhiscustomsuit,Italianloafers,andperfectmanicure,PeterGracedidn’tlooklikehe’dsufferedabit.Norwouldhesufferinkillinghisillegitimatedaughter.
Shehadtofigureouthowtogetoutofhere.Shecouldn’ttakeonbothReverendGraceandherauntatonce.Somehow,she’dhavetoeliminatethemoneatatime.Maybeshewasgraspingatstraws,butshehadnothingbetternow.
Slowly,Mysteryremovedthecrossfromaroundherneck.Knowingshe’dreceiveditfromthereverendwho’dblamedhermotherforhisownlust,justlikeanuttercreep,madeMystery’sskincrawl.Onceshe’dunclaspedit,shehandedthepieceofjewelrytohim.“Allyours.”
Hetookitinhispalm,lookingwaytooplacidforsomeoneabouttocommitmurder.“Thankyouforyourcooperation.”Hetuckedthecrossintohispocket.“NowtheSDcard.Haveyoureadanythingonit?”
“Notaword.Wehaven’thadtimesinceretrievingitfromthebank.”Shewishednowthey’dhadtimetograbHeath’scomputerfromthetrunkofthecarsoshe’dknowwhatsecretshermotherheldsacred,butshe’dgladlytradetheknowledgeforherlife.
“Excellent.”Henodded.“Thegoodnewsis,notonlywilldestroyingthisfilehelpme,butMullins,too.IfthisisthesametextIreadonJulia’scomputerafterhersaddeath,manyofthatman’ssecretswillneverseethelightofday.Sothisdebaclewillatleastendhappilyforafew.”
Justnotforher,ifhegothisway.
MysterytriedtofocusmomentbymomentasshereachedintoherpursefortheSDcard.Sheknewexactlywhatpocketshe’dsecureditinbutpretendedotherwisetobuyherselftimetolookforanythingthatcouldbeusedasaweapon.Shefoundahairbrush,lipstick,wallet,breathmints . . .butnothingsharporblunt.
“Hurryup,”herauntdemanded.“Givethecardtome.”
“OrI’mafraidwe’llbeforcedtoshoot,”ReverendGraceadded.
Sincehe’dpushedthemotherofoneofhischildrenoffaclifftoherdeath,shebelievedhim.
Withshakinghands,shestartedtodoashebid,thenrealizedthatonceshegavehimthedisc,shewasdisposable.Hewouldkillherandnotthinktwice.Hemightalsokillherifsheplayeddumb,butheroddswerebetterifshestalled.
“Ican’tfindit,”shelied.
“Howcanthatbe?”herauntcried.“Yousaidyouhadit.Didyoualreadyloseit,youterriblespawnofsin?”
MysterylookedatGailagain.Hadthewomanfeltthiswayaboutherduringeverychildhoodvisit?Everycraftprojectthey’ddonetogether?Everycookiethey’dbaked?Thethoughtsaddenedher,almostdefeatedher.ButMysteryknewshecouldn’tdwellonthat.ThewomanunderGail’sfa?adewaspetty,small-minded,andfanatical.This“pious”womanbelievedshewasasoldierofGodandwouldrejoiceinherownniece’sdeath.
“Maybeitfelloutofmypurse,”Mysterysuggestedwithashrug,secretlyscoopingitbetweenherfingerswhilepretendingtoscourtheinsidesofthebag
“Givethattome,”herauntsnapped,grippingtheleatherstrapsandgivingthemagoodtug.
Asherauntseizedthebag,Mysterymanagedtocatchthediscinherpalm.Instantly,sheshovedherhandinherpocketlikeitwasanervoushabit.Thatwasn’tthebesthidingplaceforthecard,butstashingitboughthermoretime.MaybebythenHeathwouldfindher.She’dlovetothinkthatAxelwouldcomelookingforher,too,but . . .Don’tgothere.Onesecondatatime.Dealwithheartachetomorrow.
Still,shewishedshecouldgobackintimetothemomentshe’dseenAxelwiththewaitress—theactress—andhandleeverythingdifferently.Shehadtostopknee-jerkingandseeingeverythingthroughhermom’sfilter.Shehadtostartusingherownhead.
Ifshelivedthroughthisordeal,Mysterysworethat’sexactlywhatshe’ddo.
Gaildumpedthepurseupsidedown,andthecontentssplatteredalloverthefloor.Thewomanknelt,settingthegunatherfeet,thensiftedthrougheverything,pryingintoherbelongingsandeitherthrowingorshovingthemawaywhentheinvasivesearchprovedfruitless.
Mysterycouldn’treachthefirearmwithoutreachingacrossheraunt’sbody,andeitherthecrazybitchorthepsychowouldkillherforit.Still,shehadtotry.
Asshetriedtoinchtowardit,Gailpickedthebagupbyitsbottomandshookvigorously.Withafrustratedgruntwhennothingnewfellout,shetossedthepurseacrosstheroomandretrievedthegun.
“Beforeweleftthecar,yousaidthediscwasinhere.”Herauntsentheranaccusingstare,pointingtheominousbarreloftheweaponather.
“Ithoughtitwas,”Mysterylied,shrugging.“Maybeitfelloutinthecaroronthewalkoverhere.Ormaybe . . .”Shepretendedhorror.“AtOsborne’soffice.Idon’tknow.”
Heraunthuffed,thenlookedatReverendGrace.“Itoldyoushe’safoolishjezebel,likehermother.”
HeraisedabrowatMystery,thenknelttoretrievethelettersshe’dretrievedfromhermom’ssafe-depositbox.Heopenedoneofthelovenotesandscanned.“Jealousyissuchadestructiveemotion.Yourmotherresentedeveryfemalewhoflirtedwithherhusband.Heisamaneasilyledbylust—aweakmansheshouldneverhavefalleninlovewith—butJuliaallowedthatjealousytodriveawedgebetweenthemthatneverhealed.”HeturnedtoAuntGail.“It’sthesamejealousythatallowedhatetofesterintheoldersisterfortheyounger.”
Gailblinkedathiminshock.“Jealous?Ihadnoreasontofeelamoment’senvyforJulia.”
WhenMysteryrealizedheraunt’shandwaveredattheaccusation,shepiledmoreon.“Youtotallydid.Youresentedthatshehornedinonyour‘adventure’toHollywood.YouwerepissedoffthatshegotabitpartinamovieandsomeTVroleswhenyouneverevenreceivedacallback.Youespeciallyhatedthatmyfather”—shesneeredatReverendGrace—“tossedyououtofhisbedbecausehepreferredmymother.Andhemarriedher.Hemaynotbeperfect,butyouwantedMarshallMullins.Andhelovedher.”
Withwide,furiouseyes,Gailcurledherfingeraroundthetriggerofthegunandsteadiedherstance.“Givemetheword,Reverend.”
“Notyet.Ithinkyournieceknowsexactlywherethatdiscis,andIthinkIknowexactlyhowtomakehergiveittome.”TheministersaunteredclosertoGail.
Whathelackedinstyle,hemadeupforwithacalm,knowledgeablecharismathatprobablyspoketohislostandconfusedfollowerswhodesperatelysoughtaleaderintheirdailylives—likeheraunt.Howgullibleamarkshemusthavebeenforhim.
“DidyousleepwithGail,too?”Mysteryblurted.
“Ofcoursenot!”herauntgaspedout.
ReverendGraceshookhishead.“No.YouwillneverbelievemewhenIsaythatJuliawastheonlywomanwithwhomIstrayedfrommymarriage.ItrulydostrivetobuildaChristianempireGodwouldbeproudofandlivebyHisteachings.Occasionally . . .unfortunatesituationspresentthemselves,andI’mstillpayingformymostterriblesin:you.”Hesentheratightlittlesmile.“Juliareallywastheprettiersister.”
Mysterycouldbarelytakeinallthecrazinessdrippingfromthatspeech,buttheverbalslapacrossheraunt’sfacecamethroughloudandclear.
HereachedforGail’shand,theonecurrentlygrippingthegun,andwrappedhisfingersaroundhers.Ashedid,ashaftofsunlightleakedthroughtheceiling,andMysterysawthenthatheworeflesh-coloredlatexgloves.Hegrippedtheweaponfirmlyoverherhandandraisedtheweapon.AsheraisedittoGail’stemple,heentwinedhisfingerwithhers,smilingintohergapingexpression.“Youreallyhavebeenagoodsoldier.”
Thenhepulledthetrigger.
Mysterygaspedsoloudly,thesoundreverberatedthroughtheentirebuilding.Sheshookasshewatchedherauntcollapsetotheground,herbrainssprayedacrossthetilefloor.Bloodsplatteredeverywhere.Gail’seyeswerestillopen.
“DoIhaveyourattentionnow?”heasked,retrievingthegunfromheraunt’slimphand.
ShejerkedhergazeawayfromthecorpseandovertothesupposedmanofGodwho’dpulledthetriggerasifdoingnothingmoreoutoftheordinarythanstartingacaroropeningawindow.
“Yeah.”Shegavehimajerkynod.
“Excellent.Poor,distraughtwomansimplycouldn’thandlethestressofseeingallthepersonaleffectshersisterleftbehindandthatdrovehertokillherself . . .”Heaffectedasadpout.
Mysterywantedtochoke.“Howcanyoutreatpeopleasifthey’reexpendable?”
“Thelivesofthelowlymanysimplyaren’tworththoseoftheexaltedfew.”
Herjawdropped.“Likeyou?”
“Precisely.Now,let’ssearchyourpockets.Ifthatprovesunsuccessful,I’llhavetoretraceyourstepsand . . .”Wearingablandexpressionthatprobablysoothedhisgulliblefollowers,hetskedather,indicatingthatitwouldn’tendwellforher.
ThatscaredthehelloutofMystery.
Asirenwailedinthedistance,andsheprayedthatHeathhadnoticedhermissingorsomeonehadheardthegunshotsandcalledforhelp.Arattlingatthefrontdoorsoundedthroughtheeeriestillnext,asifsomeonegaveitafewgoodtugs,thenrealizeditwaslockedtight.
ReverendGrace’sgazezippedtothedoor.“I’dhopedtohavethepeaceofknowingyoufurtherbefore . . .ButIneedthediscmore.Let’sgetdowntobusinessandnotdwellonunpleasantries.Turnoutyourpantspockets.”
Onceshedid,he’dknowthatshe’dplottedandlied.He’dpullthetrigger.He’dspewherbrainsalloverthefloor,too.
Mysterycutherstaretoheraunt’slifelessbody,surroundedbyathickpoolofhercopperyblood.Thesmellnearlymadeherwretch.Shestartedshakingagain.Thinkfast.Now!
Ifshecouldlurehimclosertoher,shemightbeabletoswipethegunfromhim.Orifhecameatherlikeanattacker,shecouldfighthimoff.Afterfeelingsohelplessinthatshackwithnothingbutsandandshriekingwindaroundher,thenhavingAxelrescueherandinsistthatshelearntodefendherself,Mysteryhad.
“Makeme.”Sheshovedherfistsonherhipsforeffect,prayingitneedledhim.
Instead,hejustlookedweary—andpointedthegunather.“DoitorIpullthetrigger.”
Sheswallowedasshestareddownthebarrel.Herfather—theonewhomattered—wouldsufferahugeblowifshedidn’tmakeitoutalive.Mysterywantedtolivetoexplainthetruthabouthermother’smurdertohim.ShewantedtolivelongenoughtoapologizetoAxelandtellhimthatshelovedhim.Shewantedtohavehischildrenandgrowoldand . . .Foranyofthattohappen,shehadtobesmart.
“No,youwon’t,becauseifIdon’thaveitinmypocket,I’mtheonlypersonwhoknowsexactlywhichpathIwalkedallday.Gailcouldhavehelpedyou,butyouwerehastyandimpatientandyoumurderedsomeonewhoidolizedyou.”Whatwouldhisfollowerssayaboutthat?Mysterywantedtotaunthimwiththatbutifshedid,he’dprobablyonlykillhersooner.Shewasdefinitelyalooseendhewouldn’tleavedangling.
Thewailofthesirencamecloser.Somethingrattledatthesideofthebuilding,anoiseofmetalscrapingwood.Mysterycouldn’tplaceitbutsheprayeditwassomeonetryingtohelphergetfreeandlive.
ReverendGraceloweredthegunfromherhead,aimingforherthigh.“I’mrunningoutoftime,Ifear.I’llwoundyou.Itwillhurt,butyou’llstillbeabletohelpmeretraceyourpathtofindthedisc.Nowhurryandturnyourpocketsoutoryou’lllearnthatGodhasfarmoremercythanIdo.”
“Andifyougetyourhandsonthedisc,you’llkillme.”Sheshrugged.“You’renotgettingoutofhere,youknow.Someoneisontheothersideofthewall,lookingforawaytosaveme.”
Atrickleofsweatranfromhistempledowntohischeek.“You’reright.You’llmakeamuchbetterhostage.”Withoutwarning,hegrabbedherarmandsmackedheronthesideoftheheadwiththeguninhishand.Painexplodedthroughherskull.Shegasped,feelingdazed.Shestumbled.Herworldnearlywentblack
ReverendGraceusedtheopportunitytojerkherbackagainsthischest.Hegaveaviciousyankonherhair—andwedgedthebarreloftheguntoherribs.Thenheshovedhislefthandintheemptypocketofherjeansandturneditinsideout.
Whennothingemerged,heheavedafrustratedsigh.“Don’tmove.”
Heleanedaway,switchedtheguntohislefthand,andfumbledabit.Despiteherheadthrobbingandthenauseachurninginherstomach,Mysteryknewshehadtoact.Becauseifheputhishandintoherrightpocket,itwouldbegameoverforher.
Summoningherbalanceandstrength,sheraisedherfootandstompedonhistoes.Hehoppedononefootbehindherwithanastycurse.
Inthesamemoment,thesirenscreamedevercloser.Herheadthrobbed.Somethinglandedontheroofofthebuildingwithathud.Ametalliccreakingfilledtheroom.Shewhirledaround,lookingforthesourceofthesound.
Instead,ReverendGracegotrightinherface.“Bitch!ImournedJulia.ItsaddenedmetokillGail.You?I’llenjoy.”
Thenhepointedthegundirectlyatherhead,mereinchesaway.
Hewoulddoit,Mysteryknew.Shewasn’treadytodie,andshedidn’twanttohurtherfather—notthisspermdonor,buttheonewho’dactuallyraisedher.MarshallMullinswouldgrieveterribly.Forthat,shewassorry.SheknewHeathwouldfeelguiltythathe’dfailedtosaveher,justashe’dbeenunabletosavehiswife.AndAxel . . .theselfishpartofherhopedthathe’dmournher,butthensheshutthatdown.Whatshereallywantedtoknowbeforeshediedwaswhetherhelovedher.Butitwouldbebetterforhimifhedidn’t.Hecouldeasilymoveonwithhislife,maybemakepeacewithhismother,findsomeonehecouldlove,andlivehappilyeverafter.
She’dbelying,though,ifshesaidshedidn’twanttobethewomannexttohiminthatvision.Shehadoneopportunitytomakethathappenbeforethis“devout”pieceoftrashinherfacepulledthetrigger.
“I’llmakeitlookasifyourdistraughtauntshotyoubeforeturningthegunonherself.Whataterribleshame.”Hegaveheracruelsneer.
“Howareyougoingtogetoutofherewithoutbeingseen?We’resurrounded.”
Helookedaroundthebuilding,thesweatrollingdownthesideofhisfaceabitfaster.“I’llthinkofsomething.Ialwaysdo.IhavetheLordonmyside.”
Theonlythinghehadwasflatfuckingcraziness.
“Nowgivemethedisc.Turnoutyourdamnpocket!”
Mysteryshovedherhandintoherpocket,pretendingsheneededtowidenherstanceinordertodigdeeper.Herheadwasstillswimming,anddizzinessbegantoovertakeher.Shedraggedinadeepbreathofair.Thesmellofbloodmadeherstomachturnoncemore,andshealmostlostherlunch,buckingandheaving.
“Nofuckingway.Emptyyourpocketnow!”hescreamed.
Thesirensnowsoundedrightoutsidethedoor.Anothernoiseontheroofsnaggedherattention.Hisfingertightenedaroundthetrigger.
Itwasnowornever.
Shegatheredallherstrength—andkickedhimintheballs.
Withacry,hedroppedthegun,sendingitclatteringacrossthetiletothebackoftheroomasheclutchedhisgenitalswithaterriblegroan.“Cunt.”
“Asshole,”shetossedoverhershoulderassheranforthedoor.Safetyandfreedomawaitedheroutthereifshecouldjustgetthedooropen.
Heartracing,everymuscletrembling,shestruggledtoretainherbalanceandreachthefrontentranceofthebuilding.Shebarelyheldhernauseaatbayasshegrippedtheknobofthedeadboltandturnedit.Butwhenshetriedtopushthedooropen,itwouldn’tbudge.
Mysterywhimpered.Shetriednottopanicasshesuckedbackhertearsandforcedherselftofocus,turningtheknobintheotherdirection.
Behindher,sheheardfootstepsandwhirledtofindReverendGracerecoveredandreadytopullthetriggeragain.“Thatcardisinyourpocketoryouwouldn’tbefightingmesohard.I’mgoingtoblowyourbrainsalloverthisfuckingdoorandtakethatcard.I’llpreservemylegacy.You’llbenothingbutafadingheadlineanddust.Good-bye.”
Assheheardthedoor’sdeadboltfinallyretract,Axelsuddenlyappearedfromtheshadowsinthecavernousroombehindthepsycho.Hehadhisweapondrawnandgrippedfirmlyinhisbeefyhands,hisfacefierce,hisstanceallwarrior.
ReliefsweptthroughMystery.Herkneesalmostwentoutfromunderher.“Axel.”
Hedidn’tlookherway.
“Putthegundown,”hedemandedofReverendGrace.“OrI’llkillyoubeforeyoucantwitch,youscum-suckingmotherfucker.”
Hedidn’tturntofaceAxel.“Herfirst.”
Asthetelevangelistmovedtopullthetrigger,thedoorinfrontofherwhooshedopen,andHeathfilleduptheportal.Hiseyeswentcoldasheshovedherdowntowardtheground.Suddenly,gunfireechoedallaroundher.Herheadhitthemetallicdoorframe.Painrippedthroughherskull.Shefell,crumplingonherside,andsawAxelsprintingtowardherwithworryandfearalloverhisface.Heathloomedaboveher.
“Areyouallright?”oneofthemshouted.
“Youcame,”shemanagedtoekeout.“Isavedit.Rightpocket.”
Theneverythingwentblack.ChapterTwenty
MYSTERYwokeinthehospitaltothesoundsofamanmurmuringsoftly.
“Shesufferedamildconcussion,butshe’llbefinewithrest.We’vetreatedherothervariousabrasionsandcontusions.Sherequiredtwostitchesinherscalpfromablowtothesideofthehead.Withagun,accordingtothepolicereport.Butshe’llrecoverfullysoon.Allinall,she’saluckywoman.”
“Oh,thankgoodness.”Worrytightenedthatfamiliarvoice.Thoughitwaveredabit,Mysterywouldhaverecognizeditanywhere.
“Dad,”shemanagedtocroakoutasshestruggledtoopenhereyes.
Thesoundsofscufflingcamenext,andshefeltastronghandgripherswithsuchcare.“Mystery,mybabygirl.”
“Excuseme,sir.Thisisthefirsttimethepatienthasbeenconscioussincetheambulancebroughtherin.You’llhavetoletmeexamineherfirst.”
Herfathersqueezedherhandandreluctantlyletgo.Mysterywasn’treadytoreleasehisfamiliarcomfortyetandtriedtoreachoutforhimagain,butherarmseemedtoweighathousandpounds.Withthelureofsleeptryingtopullherbackunder,shesimplycouldn’tliftit.
Thedoctormovedcloser.Hesmelledlikeantisepticandlatex.Whenhetouchedhercheek,hefeltcoolbutgentle.
“Canyouopenyoureyes,Ms.Mullins?”
Mysterysummonedherstrengthandliftedherlashes.Everythinginherviewlookedfuzzyatfirst.Shefocusedfromtheblurofwhiteallaroundhertotheflashinglightsofthemonitorskeepingtrackofhervitalsigns.Thedoctorworebluescrubs.Beyondhim,shesawtheOscar-winningdirectorshe’dalwayscalledherfather.Helookedhaggardandfrantic.Nomatterwhatthepressthought,thatfamedidn’tshieldhimfromnormalhumanemotionsandconcerns.Shefroze.Didheknowthetruthaboutherparentageyet?
Thedoctorcheckedafewmorevitals,readherchart,andaskedquestions.Yes,herheadstillhurt.Yes,sheknewhernameandwhathadhappenedintheabandonedbuilding.Yesterday?Hadshebeenunconsciousforawholeday?
“Sedated,”saidthedoctor,akindmaninhisfortieswithbrowneyesandacalmdemeanor.“Youdon’tremembercomingtothehospital?”
Sheshookherhead.
“It’snotuncommontohavelapsesinmemorywithconcussions.YourCATscanslookotherwisenormal,andI’dliketomonitoryouonemoreday.ButIthinkyou’llbeabletoleaveheretomorrow.”
Mysterythankedhiminacroakyvoice.Themanshe’dalwaysconsideredherfathershookhishand,thenrushedtohersideasthedoctorleft.
“Youhadmesoworried,”hesaid,hisvoicebreaking.
“Whendidyougethere?”Itwasgoodtoseehim,buthelookedasifhehadn’tsleptindays.He’dclearlyrakedhisfingersthroughhisshaggysalt-and-pepperhairalot.
“Afewhoursago.Ispoketoanurseonthephone,thenIsawHeathandAxel,followedbythepolice.I’mjustnowreachingyourside.”
Herstomachtightened.“Soyouknoweverything?”
Hedidn’tpretendtomisunderstand.Hisfacesoftened.“I’vealwaysknown.NotwhoJuliahadtheaffairwith,butthatyouweren’tminebiologically.Itsimplywasn’tpossible.”
Hereyeswatered,anditimmediatelymadeherheadhurtworse.“Younevertoldme?”
Hebrushedthetearfromthecornerofhereye.“YourmotherandIintendedtowhenyouwereolder.Aftershedied,Imeantto.IknewIshould.ButIneverconsideredyouanylessthanmydaughter.Iguess . . .apartofmeworriedthat,ifyouknewthetruth,youwould.”
“Never.”Hervoicesoundedmorelikeasqueakashereyesfilledagain.“You’remyfatherandyoualwayswillbe.”
PastherIVandalltheelectrodesforthemonitors,herdadhuggedherastightlyashedared.“Iworriedaboutyousomuch,kiddo.Ifithadn’tbeenforHeathandAxel,Idon’tknowwhatwouldhavehappened.”
Ashechokedonhiswords,Mysteryabsorbedallhisworryandpain.Shecuppedhisface,wincingasthetapeoverherIVpinchedherskin.“Iwasthisclosetoescapingbymyself,butyeah,theygotmeoutsafely.I’mgoingtobefine.”
Shewantedtoaskwheretheywere,butherfatherjumpedin.“IthankedHeathwithenoughmoneytolivewellforacoupleofyears.He,um . . .gavemehisnotice,effectiveimmediately.Hepassedonarecommendationforafewcapablecolleaguesbut—”
“Iknewhewasgoingtoquit.”Shewinced.
God,shewouldmissHeathsomuch.He’dbeenapartofhereverydaylifeforoversixyears.Butitwasn’tfairofhertoclingontohimwhenshecouldn’tclingback.Hedeservedthechancetomakealifewithawomanwhocoulddevoteherselfutterlytohim.Maybehe’dfindaniceBritishwomanwithsomecatswhotaughtprimaryschoolandwouldgivehimafewchildren.Mysterycouldn’tpicturehimsettlingdownagain,butstrangerthingshadhappened.
“Didhefinallyadmitthathelovesyouordidyoufigureitout?”herfatherasked.
“Youknew?”Mysteryblinked.
“I’veknownforawhile.”
“Isuspected,soIasked.Idon’tfeelthesameway.”Andshefeltterribleaboutkissinghimthewayshehad.She’dliketoapologizetohimagain,butatthispoint,itwouldsoothehermorethanhelphim.“HashealreadyreturnedtoLondon?”
“Notjustyet.”Herfathergrimaced.“Insavingyou,hetookabullet.Anickintheforearm,really,buthe’sjustcomeoutofsurgery,soIthinkhe’llbehereatleastafewdays.Thegoodnewsis,PeterGraceisdead.HeathandAxelbothlandedaheadshot,oneinfront,oneinback.Wasn’tmuchleft.Thecrosshegaveyourmotherispartofthepoliceevidence,butwilleventuallybereturnedtoyou.ButtheSDcardyouretrievedfromyourmother’ssafe-depositboxmysteriouslyvanished.”Hesentheranexpressionofmockinnocence.“Regardless,thepresshasalreadyrunwiththestorythathekilledbothyourmotherandyouraunt,soit’sahugescandal.Hisreligiousfiefdomisdone.”
“Dothepressknow . . .whythatbastardmurderedthemandtriedtokillme?”DotheyknowI’mnotyourdaughterbyblood?Shecouldn’tbringherselftovoicethequestion.
“No,”hemurmured.“ThepolicehaverefusedtocommentaboutGrace’smotiveortheparticulars.”
Mysterybreathedasighofrelief.“Weretheyabletodiscerntheeventsfromthesceneofthecrime?”
“BasedontheevidenceandstatementsfromHeathandAxel,yes.They’vepiecedtogetherenoughsotheyshouldbeabletoclosethecase,onceyougiveastatementandcorroboratetheiraccounts.Thenwe’lldealwiththepress.Sofar,they’respeculatingwildlyaboutGrace’smotives,buttheyhaven’tcomeanywherenearthetruth.I’llleavethatuptoyou.Ofcourse,HeathandAxelknow,butI’llnevertellanyoneifyou’dratherkeepthatasecretbetweenus.”
Mysteryturnedthatnotionanditsconsequencesoverinherheadasmuchasherwearinessallowed.Butreally,itdidn’tmatterwho’ddonatedthespermthathadcreatedher.Whatmatteredwasshe’dbecomethewomanshewastodayinlargepartbecauseofthisflawed,artistic,infuriating,incrediblylovingfatherinfrontofher.“It’soursecret.”
Hesmiledather,hiseyestearingup.“Iloveyou.”
“Iloveyou,too,Dad.Iwishyoucouldbehappysomeday,findthatonewomanwhocouldreallycompleteyou,evenifthatsoundscheesytoyouand—”
“It’sdoesn’t,andI’mdamntiredofbeinglonely.”Herakedhishandthroughhishairagainandforcedalaugh.“I’mfifty-two,Idrivearedsportscar,anddatewomenhalfmyage.I’mafuckingwalkingcliché.Ineedtofigureoutwhat’smissingorbrokeninsidemeandfixit.Believeitornot,I’dliketobemarriedagain,maybeevenhaveanotherbaby.Whoknows?”Heshrugged.“Iactuallystartedseeingatherapistlastmonth.It’s . . .goodsofar.We’llsee.I’maworkinprogress.”
Shecrackedasmile.“That’strue.SometimesIdon’tknowwhethertocallyouapieceofworkoraworkofart,butyou’reawonderfulfatherandIcouldn’thaveaskedforbetter.”
“You’vemademesoproud,kiddo.Iknowifyourmomcouldseethewomanyou’vebecome,she’dsmileandtellyouhowmuchshelovesyou.Youwerehereverything.”
“Iknow,andIstillmissher.”
“Ido,too.IwishIhadasecondchancetotellhersomanythings,butIcan’ttakebackthewordsIneversaid.Hell,ifIhadherinmylifeagain,I’ddosomanythingsdifferently.IcanonlysaythatI’velearnedandgrownsincethen.Ihopeshe’sforgivenme.”
“YouknowMom.Shedidn’thavetheuglinessinhertostayangryorhate.Sheprobablywishedshecouldunderstandwhyyoustrayed,butI’msuresheforgaveyou.”
“I’mworkingonunderstanding,too,sowhenIfindtherightwoman,itwon’thappenagain.”
Silencelulledbetweenthemforalongmoment,andMysterycouldn’thelpbutthinkaboutallthathadhappenedintwoshortdays . . .andwonderwhatcamenext.Sheknewsomeonetowhomsheowedahugeapology.
“So,you’veseenAxel?Isheallright?”Ahorrifyingthoughtoccurredtoher.“Didhegethurt,too?”
“No,”herfatherrushedtoassureher.“He’sfine.He’sbeenfieldingthepressandspendingtimeatyourbedside,fromwhatIunderstand.Youlovehim.”
Herfather’swordsgaveherhope.“Ineverstopped.Spendingthelastfewdayswithhimjustmademylovethatmuchdeeper.IfeelterribleaboutthethingsIbelievedandsaidatthatcrappycafé.Ishouldhavestoppedtothink . . .torealizethesortofmanheisandnot—”
Mysterybrokeoffwhensherealizedthatherfatherprobablyhadnoideawhatshewastalkingabout.
Helaughed.“I’msurehe’llbehappytohearthat.Ibelievehesaidsomethingaboutanapologyaswell.ButI’llleavethattoyoutwo.”Herfatherreleasedherandeasedbacktowardthewall.
ThenAxelfilledhervision,andforamoment,shewasstruckspeechless.Helookedsovitalandmasculineinadarkblueshirtthatshowedoffhisbroadshouldersandbulgingchest.Hecarriedhimselfwithaquietconfidencethatstillmadehermelt.Forthesecondtimeinherlife,he’drescuedherfromalife-or-deathsituation.He’dalwaysbeherhero.Nowshesimplyhopedthathewantedhertomakehimherman.
“Marshall.”Hestuckouthishandtoherfather,andtheyshook.“Pressconferencehandled.Ihatethoseflesh-eatingbastards,butyourPRfirmhelpedagreatdeal.They’rewaitingforyou.”
“I’mgratefulforeverything.Iknowit’sabsolutelynoneofmybusiness,butIthinkyou’rewonderfulformydaughter.You’dmakeagreatson-in-law,too.”Hegrabbedsomethingfromhispocketandwinked.“Ibroughtthatitemyouaskedfor.”
AsAxeltookwhateverherfatherheld,Mysterytriednottogape.Herdadhadnotjustsaidthat.Shebitbackagroan,vowingtoclobberherfatherlater.
Withanapologeticgrimace,herfatherslidacrossthefloorandkissedherforeheadagain.“I’llseeyouinabit.OnceI’mgone,saywhatyouneedto.Andbehappy.”
“Bye,Dad.”Sheputjustenoughbiteinhervoicetoreinforcethefactthatshe’dhavewordsforhimlater.
Pressingherlipstogether,shewatchedhimclapAxel’sarmagainandleavetheroom.
ThenMysterydidn’tknowwhattosay.Theoldhermighthavefeignedsleeptoavoidtheembarrassmentandpotentialrejection.Shewasn’tthatgirlanymore.
“Hi.”
“Hi,”heanswered,thesyllablealowrumblefromhisbigchestasheshovedthesomethingherfatherhadbroughtinhispocket.Hisvoicehadalwaysmeltedher,andtodaywasnoexception.
“I’msorryifheembarrassedyou.”Mysterywantedtocringealmostasmuchasshewantedtoknowwhatherfatherhadgivenhim.
“Notatall.Ineedtotalktoyou.”Hesoundedbeyondserious.Hissquarefaceandblueeyeshadgonesolemn.
Sheswallowed.“First,Ihavetosayacoupleofthings,ifyou’llletme.”
Hegesturedtoher.“Ladiesfirst.”
Mysterynodded,tookadeepbreath,gatheredhercourage—andjumpedofftheproverbialcliff.“First,yourescuedmeagain,andI’mgrateful.Thankyousoverymuch.”Sheshookherhead,hatingthatshetearedupandherheadfeltasifitweresplittingopenandsheprobablylookedasappealingasthebottomofashoe.Buthewaslistening.Nothingelsemattered.“Wordsaretotallyinadequatetothankyouforallyou’vedoneforme.I’mbetterforknowingyou,Axel.YouwerethefirstpersonwhotoldmeIcouldaccomplishanythingIwantedinlife.Youtaughtmetoclimbamountain—literally.Afteryourescuedmethefirsttime,IstartedclimbingthemalonefigurativelybecauseIfinallybelievedIcould.Afteryouopenedmyeyes,Ilearnedtodefendmyself,Ipublishedbooks,Iembracedlife.Ilearnedtodoalmosteverything,excepttolivewithoutyou.Ijustcouldn’tdothat.”
Hereachedbehindhimwiththathugewingspananddraggedtherollingchairovertoherbedside,thenthumbedthetearsfromhereyes.“Princess—”
“Letmefinish,okay?”
“Sure.”Hebrushedthehairfromherface,caressingherheadinaslow,soothingmotion.
“Beforeyousavedmethistime,youtaughtmewhatsexfeltlikeandhowwonderfulbeingadoredfeels.AndIscrewedupeverything.IthinkdeepdownIwasalwaysthatscarednineteen-year-oldwhowantedyouraffectionandneverbelievedI’dhaveit.I’msorryIranoutonyou.I’msorryIdidn’tbelieveyouatthecaféorlistentoyouor . . .”Shedrewinashudderingbreath.“DoanythingthatproveshowmuchIloveyou.Imademistakes.I’llalwaysmakethem.ButtheselastfewdayswithyouhavetaughtmethatifIwantforever,Ihavetofightforit.SoI’maskingyouforanotherchance.Letmegetthingsrightthistime.I’llneverleaveyouagain.”
Heeasedcloserandswallowed.“You’vetaughtmeafewthings,too.Youknow,Ireallydidn’tknowwhatthehelllisteningtomyheartfeltlikeuntilyou.Iwasasoldier.Ikneworderandrulesanddiscipline.You,Mystery,burstintomylifeandgavemelovelychaos.Isawtheworldthroughneweyes.Everymomentwithyouhasbeenanadventure.Icoulddowithabitlessadrenalinegoingforward.”Hesmiledsoftlyather,hisblueeyessotendershetearedupalloveragain.“Butuntilyou,IneverbelievedI’dhaveanyonetocallmyown.”
“Axel . . .”Shewantedtogetoutofthisdamnhospitalbedandhughim.Frustrationthatshecouldn’twelledup.
“I’msorryIlostmytemperafterlunchandletyougo.Andyou’llneverknowhowbadlynearlylosingyouyesterdayscaredthehelloutofme.Afterthatsonofabitchnearlyshotyou,Iranacrosstheroomandscoopedyouupinmyarms.”Hisfacetightened,asdidhisgriponherhand.Hiseyesswamwithtears.“IknewIcouldn’tlivewithoutyouanothermoment.AndIknewIlovedyou.Well,Iknewitwhenyouleftthecafé,andlikeanidiot,I’dfailedmorethanoncetoseetheotherhalfofmysoulrightinfrontofme.Neveragain.You’remine.”
Hisexpression,thewarmglowofhisblueeyes,toldherthathemeanteveryword.Herheartnearlyburst.Ahugesmilebrokeacrossherface.“Andyou’remine.”
Heleanedinandkissedhersogentlyitmadeherchesttightenandherheartsoar.“Iknewhowtofightforforever,butIdidn’tknowhowtoembraceit . . .untilyou.Sowhatdoyouwanttodonext,princess?Obviously,youneedtomarryme.”Hegrippedherhandtighter.“Andwe’llhavetodecidewheretolive.I’veneverbeentoLondon,butI’mnotopposed—”
“Saythatagain?”Mysterycouldn’tpossiblyhaveheardthatright.
“I’llmovetoLondonwithyou.”Hegrinnedather.
“Actually,I’dliketostayhere,butrepeatthepartyousaidjustprior.”
Hesighedheavily,thenpressedanotherkisstoherlips.“Ican’tslipanythingpastyou,canI?Allright.Marryme.”
“You’resure?We’vereallyonlyknownoneanotherforafewdays.”Sheplayeddevil’sadvocate.“Areyoucertain?”
“Yep.”Hegrinnedbroadly,showingoffhisdimples.“Idon’thavetothinktwice.Whenyouknow,youjustknow.Infact,I’msosurethatwhenIcalledyourdadtotellhimeverythingthathadhappened,Iaskedhimforpermissiontomarryyou.IwantedtoproposetoyouwithanengagementringbutIwantedittobespecial,likeyou.Meaningful.ThemostmeaningfulthingIcouldthinkofwasyourmother’sweddingring.”
Heextracteditfromhispocketandhelditup,hisbigfingersaroundthethinbandholdingupthewinkingdiamondsolitaire.Mysterygasped,touchedallthewaydowntothebottomofherheart.Momcouldn’tbewithher,butwiththisring,Axelbothgaveherthepromiseofafutureandsomethinglikehermother’sspiritandblessing.
Tearsstunghereyes,rolleddownhercheeks.
“Wecanhaveanewweddingbandmadetomatch.Orifyouwantsomethingthat’sallyours,that’sfine.Iwantyoutohavewhatever—”
“Thisisperfect.Ohmigod,Ilovethatyouthoughtofthis,”shesobbedout,losingherselfinhiseyes.“I’vealwaysknownyouweretheoneforme.IswearI’lldomybesttobethemostloving,trusting,supportivewifeever,butI’mnotperfectandImayslipup—”
“Imight,too.Listen,Itookyouradviceandtrackeddownmymomthismorning.Turnsoutsheregretsleavingthefamilymorethananythinganddidn’tthinkanyofuswouldeverspeaktoheragain.She’ssadandlonelyandbroken,justlikemydadandbrothers.JustlikeIwouldhavebeenwithoutyou.We’regoingtokeeptalking,butthewholethingmademerealizethatImaskedmyisolationwellbytakingcareofeveryonearoundme,especiallySweetPea.Butnooneevertouchedmyheartuntilyou.We’renotperfectpeople,butIthinkwe’reperfectforeachother.Isn’tthatwhat’simportant?”
Happinessbrokethroughherheadache,thefogofhersedatives,herexhaustion,insecurities,andtremblingdesperation.
“Yes.”Mysterymethimhalfwayforareverentkiss.Shepressedherlipstohisforalong,lingeringheartbeat.“Withmywholeheart,yes.Nothingismoreimportantthanhowperfectwearetogether.Iwillveryhappilymarryyou,youwonderfulman.”Shecuppedhisface;shecouldn’ttouchhimenough,couldn’tthinkofanythingshewantedmorethantoseehiminherarms,acrossherkitchentable,smilinginthecar,holdingherandtheirchildren.Shecouldn’tthinkofanyoneelseshewantedtoshareafuturewith.
“Oh,thankGod.”Axelsoundedlikehe’dbeengenuinelyworriedaboutheranswer.“AndyouwanttostayinDallas?”
“Ithinkso.It’shotterthanhell,andImaychangemymindcomeAugust,butyes.I’manAmericangirlatheart.Icanwriteanywhere,butthisisyourhome.”
“You’reanamazingwoman.I’msoluckyyousaidyes.”
Mysterysmiled,thenrolledhereyes.“Howcouldyoudoubtmyanswer?Comeon,I’vethrownmyselfatyousincealmostthemomentImetyou.Attheghosttown . . .”
Hegroaned.“Iwantedsobadlytothrowyouagainstthewallandfuckyoublind.”
Mysterysmiled.“Iwantedyouto,butyouwereright.NowthatI’vefelthowconnectedwearewhenwemakelove,Icouldn’thavehandledtheemotionthen.”
Hedraggedinashudderingbreath.“Idon’tknowifIcouldhaveevenhandledit.Butwhenyoupickedmeupatthatlittlebeerdivetheotherday?Oh,princess,thethingsIwantedtodotoyou.Youknow,I’veonlyscratchedthesurface.”
Hehissedthroughhisteeth,asoundsizzlingwithneed.Everycellinherbodypingedwithlife.“Isthatright?Well,then . . .Ireallywishwecouldgosomewheremoreprivateand . . .”
“Talk?”Heechoedthewordshe’dsaidtoherinthebartheafternoonthathadchangedboththeirlives.Theheatedgrinhepairedwiththatdeep,darksyllablehadhershivering.Conversationwasthelastthingonhismind.
“No.”Sheshookherheadandsenthimasaucy,come-hitherstare.“Tofuck.Wouldyoubeinterested?”
Asshetracedarandompatternacrosshisjawandovertherapidlybeatingpulseathisneck,hesuckedinabreath.“Everyday.Iloveyou,princess.”
“Myhero.”Shesighed,smilingathimwithherwholeheart.“Iloveyou,too.”DON’TMISSTHENEXTBOOKINSHAYLABLACK’SNEWYORKTIMESBESTSELLINGWICKEDLOVERSSERIES
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IDON’Treallyneedabodyguard.”LaraArmstrongtookasipofherchaiteaandsatback,staringoutthecoffeehousewindow.Everywhereshelooked,peoplebustledby,theirbriefcasesinhand,cellphonespressedtotheirears.Theywerelawyersandpoliticians,alongwiththeiraides,andanyoneelsewhothoughttheywereimportantinthepoliticalspectrum.Soon,oneofthosepeoplehustlingaboutwouldbethemandesignatedtothrowhimselfinfrontofabulletforher.
Connor.Nolastname.Ormaybethatwashislastnameandhehadn’tgivenherhisfirstname.Shewasn’tsure.SheonlyknewthatenigmaticConnorhadcommandedshemeethimhereatthreethirty.Didherealizehowbadtrafficwasgoingtoget?
“Look,someoneknowswhatyou’vebeendoing,L,andthatmeansyouneedabodyguard.”Herbestfriend,Kiki,tradedalookwiththeonlymaleatthetable.
Tomsatforward,hishandsaroundhisnonfatlatteasthoughheneededthewarmth.“Idon’tknow.IkindofagreewithLara.”
Kikirolledherdarkeyes.“YoualwaysagreewithLara.Youevenagreedwithherwhenshebrokeoffyourengagement.You’readoormat.”
“I’mhelpfulandpractical.”Hefrowned.“Look,she’sonlyreceivedacoupleofe-mails,anditwasn’tasifthesenderattachedabomboranything.Thecontentssimplystatedthatthey‘know.’Knowwhat?Thatcouldmeananything.”
Larasighedandloweredhervoice.Onlyacoupleofpeopleintheworldknewwhatshedidforaliving,andshemeanttokeepitthatway.“HeknowsIrunCS.”
CapitolScandals,DC’smostfunandinformativenewssite.Oh,mostpeoplecalleditahorridtabloidragthataimedtoruinthelivesandreputationsofpoliticiansandbigwigs,butLaralikedherdescriptionbetter.Andsheneverranapiecethatwasn’ttrueoraimedatsomeonewhodidn’tdeserveit.Well,sheneverranaseriouspiecethatshecouldn’tverify.Shedidn’tpersonallyknowthesizeofthecurrentpresident’spenis,thoughseveralconfidentialinformantshadusedthewordsextraextralarge
“Shit.”Tom’sthinlipsflattenedfurther,andsheknewshewasinforalecture.UnlikeKiki,whooftenwrotearticlesforCS,Tomthoughtthesitewasahorribleidea.“Itoldyousomethingbadwouldcomeofthis.Youcan’texposethepeopleyoudoandexpecttogetawaywithit.Ithoughtsomeonehadrealizedyouspearheadedtheefforttoremovevendingmachinesfrompublicschoolsorsomething.”
“Thosevendingmachinesneversellanythingbutprocessedfoods.Kidsshouldhavehealthieroptionsinschool,”shebegan.
Tomshookhishead.“Peopledon’tlikeitwhenyoutakeawaytheirsodas,L.Theygetcrabby.Still,Iwasfairlycertainnoonewouldactuallykillyouoverthat.Runningatabloidthatruinshigh-poweredcareers?Thatmightbealittledifferent.”
Kikinodded.“Exactly.Haveyoutoldyourfather?”
Larawinced.HerfatherknewaboutCapitolScandals.He’dbeenverysupportivewhenithadbeenalittlesitethatreportedonthingslikeenvironmentalbillsandranessaysontheLillyLedbetterAct.Whenshe’dchangedtothecurrentiterationofthesite,sheknewshe’dtestedhim.He’dcalledscreamingwhenshe’drunanot-so-glowingstoryaboutoneofhisclosestallies.She’ddetailedjusthowmuchmoneythecongressmanhadspentonhookersoutsidehisdistrictwhilethoseactuallyworkinginhisdistricthadlamentedaboutadrasticdownturninincome.
She’dbeenperfectlyrighttopublishthestorysincethecongressmanhadbeenrunningonaplatformtobringnewjobsandopportunitiestohisconstituency.Allthewhile,he’dbeenmakingdealswithbusinessmentosendjobsoffshoretoKorea.Soitreallywasatrue-lifemetaphorforallthatwaswronginpolitics.
Shortlyaftershe’dpublishedthestory,thelate-nightcircuithadpickeditup.Whilethecomediansandhostshadlaughedaboutthehookers,theirviewershadalsoheardtheverytruenewsaboutbackdoordeals,too.Larahadlearnedearlyonthatshehadtocatchthepublic’sattentionifshewantedtodoanygoodintheworld.Andshewouldn’tdothatwithaprotestorawell-craftedop-edpiece.
“I’mnottellingmydad.Healreadyblackmailsme.Ifhefoundoutthatsomeoneelseknowsandissendingmesemi-threateninge-mails,hewouldlikelyforcemetomoveinwithhimorsomething.Itwouldbeawful.”
Itwasn’tasifshedidn’tloveherfather.Herparentswereamazingpeople.Shecouldn’tthinkofanothermanintheworldwhowouldsupportherthewayherdaddid.He’dbeenangrywhenhe’dlearnedaboutCS,buthehadn’toutedher.AndgiventhathewasasenatorfromthegreatstateofVirginia,heprobablyshouldhave.Instead,he’dforcedhertoacceptanapartmentinaswankypartoftown.ShecouldneverhaveaffordedherDuPontCirclecondoonherown.She’dwantedalittleloftinamorerealpartoftown,butherparentshadbeeninsistent.
Luckily,she’dneverhadtodecidewhetherornottorunastoryaboutherfather.Hewasmadlyinlovewithhermomandheplayedthingsstraight.Larahadnevergottenatipabouthimtakingbribesorsellingouthisconstituents.Whenshe’dstartedCapitolScandals,she’drealizedasurprisingmajorityofpoliticianswereactinginthepublic’sbestinterests—evenifyoudidn’tagreewiththeirbeliefs,theywerefollowingtheirownconvictions.Itwasjustthatrancidtenpercentwhoreallyscrewedthingsupforeveryoneelse.
She’dcreatedCapitolScandalstocallthemout.
“Maybeyoushouldmovebackinwithhim.Hehasserioussecurity.”Kikisetdownhermocha.“NotjustadoormannamedMoewhosleepsonthejob.”
“Moehasaseriouscaseofnarcolepsy.Youshouldn’tjudge.”Sheshookherhead.“Besides,Ican’triskworkingatDad’splacefortworeasons:One,Idon’tknowwho’swatchinghim.I’velongthoughttheCIA,theNSA,orDARPAlistensinonallelectedofficials.”
Tomcoughedbutitsoundedsuspiciouslylikeparanoid
Sheignoredhimbecausesheknewparanoiacouldbealifesaver.“Andtwo,ifanyoneeverlearnsmysecretandoutsme,Iwantmyparentstohaveplausibledeniability.”
“Idon’tthinkthey’dcare.Theywouldstandbyyou,”Kikisaid.
Bringingtroubledownonthemwasheronlyrealfear.Well,thatandglobalclimatechange.Shefoughtforwhatshebelievedin,butshelovedherparents,too.Shedidn’twanttocauseherdadissues.
“Ihaveaplan,”Tomsaid,gettingseriousagain.“Hearmeout.Youclosedownthesiteforawhileandcomestaywithme.Ihaveasecondbedroom.Icanwatchoutforyou.IamaKravMagagod.We’llhang,andtheheatwilldiedown.Thenyoucangobacktofightingthegoodfight.”
ShelovedTom,butshewasn’tgoingthereagain.Therewasareasonshe’dbrokenofftheirengagement.TherewasalsothefactthatNiallthoughtsheneededsomeonetowatchoutforher.
Niall.Herheartdidalittleshudderasshethoughtabouthim.SinceheranasmallsitethatcalledfortransparencyinCaliforniapolitics,he’dcometoheraconfidentialinformant.Nothinghe’dsentherhadactuallypannedout,butthatwasn’tsosurprising.Ninetypercentofherleadsweredeadends.ButNiallhadcometomeanmoretoherthanjustasource.Overthecourseofthemonth,she’dcometoviewhimassomethingofasoulmate.
“No,”shesaidwithasigh.“Ineedtomeetthisbodyguard.I’lltalktohimandseewhathethinks.He’ssupposedtobeaprofessional.Hecangivemeadvice.”
“Hecangiveyouprotection,”Kikiargued.ShewasdressedinhernormalBohemiangarb:apeasantblouseandaflowyskirt.Shesomehowmanagedtomakeitsexy.“Youhavetotakethisseriously.Whoeversentyouthatthreatknewyourpersonale-mail.”
“Buttherewasn’tanythingspecificaboutthethreat,”Tomargued,thenturnedtoKiki.“Infact,I’mnotevensureitwasathreat.Maybewe’refreakingoutaboutnothing.Whataretherealoddsthatsomeone’sputthisalltogether?TherearerumorseverywhereaboutwhorunsCS,andnotaoneofthemmentionsyou,Lara.”
Shewasn’tsurethatwastrue.Whatelsecouldsomeoneknowabouther?ShewasSenatorArmstrong’sveganhippiedaughter,whomeveryoneintheRepublicanpartyknewnottoputoncamerabecauseshewouldusetheopportunitytotalkaboutpolicyasshesawit.
Therereallywasn’tanythingelseaboutherthatwouldbeconsideredevenslightlygossip-worthy.Goodgradesintherightschools.Adegreeinpoliticalsciencethatwouldprobablyleadtolawschoolwhenshefoundthetimesomeday.She’dbrokenherengagementanacceptableamountoftimebeforethewedding.Shehadn’tevendatedinthetwoyearssincesheandTomhadbrokenup.CapitolScandalswasthesumofher“nefarious”existence.She’dputeverythingshehadintoit,andshewasfinallyscentingsomethingbig.
CouldthisnewthreathaveanythingtodowiththeanonymousstrangerwhoclaimedtoknowwhatreallyhappenedtoMaddoxCrawford?He’dhintedthatifshefiguredoutthetruth,thetrailwouldleadtosomethingmuchbigger.
ShemerelyneededtofindawomannamedNataliaKuilikov.JustfindoneRussianimmigrant,andtheyellowbrickroadwouldopenupandtakeherstraighttoOz.
Larafounditinterestingthatherfirstbigcaseandherfirstdeaththreathadcomesoclosetogether.
“Idon’tknowthatthere’snothreat,butsimplyfiguringoutwhoIamdoesn’tmeansomeoneintendstokillme.Imighthaveoverstatedthat,”sheadmitted.
“ToyourInternetguy?”Kikiwasn’tNiall’sbiggestfan.Shemighthavementionedonmorethanoneoccasionthathewaslikelyamiddle-agedcreeplookingforsomeonlinehookup.“He’stheoneyoutold,evenbeforeyoutoldme.BeforeyoutoldTom.Ihatetosayit,butyouseemtohavesomestakeintheguy,andthat’swhyyou’relisteningtohim.”
“Maybeyoushouldlistentothepeoplewhohavebeenwithyouforyears.WhatdoweknowaboutthisNiallguy?Nexttonothing.Youcan’tjustletthisrandomdudestarttodictateyourlife.”Tomhoppedoffhisbarstool.HestraightenedhisV-necktee.“I’vegottorun.WehaveoralargumentsontheMcNallycasetomorrow.Lara,callmeifyouneedme.YouknowI’malwayshereforyou.”Hewalkedaway.
Tomclerkedforanappellatejudge,sohewasalwaystalkingaboutoralargumentsanddraftingopinions.Shehadtoadmit,watchingTomwasoneofthereasonsshehadn’tgivenintoherparents’pressureandgonetolawschool.Hewasendlesslywritingotherpeople’sopinions.Shewantedtomakeupherownmind.
“Holyjeez.”Kiki’seyeswentwideasshestaredbeyondthedoorthroughwhichTomhadexitedmomentsago.“Ithinkmymouthjustwatered.Ifinallyunderstandwhatthatmeans.”
“What?”LaraturnedandcaughtsightofamaninjeansandaT-shirt.Hestoodrightoutsidethecoffeehouse,hiscellphoneagainsthisear.
Hisshouldersweresowidetheyalmostspannedthewindow.Hehadtobesixandahalffeettall,andhisT-shirtmoldedtoeverymuscleandsinewofhisleanstrength.
Heturnedslightly,hisprofilecomingintoview.Lararealizedthenthatmouthwateringwasreallyjustanelevatedterm.Droolingwasmoreaccurate.Themanwasstunning.Hisjawlookedperfectlysquare,thoughthelinesofhisfacewerefartooangulartobebeautiful.Hisdarkblondhairwascutinanalmostmilitarystyle,accentuatinghisfeatures.Manly.Handsome.Sexy.
Hislipssuddenlycurledupinthehottestsmirkshe’deverseen.
Caveman.Alphamale.Probablystraightoffsomemilitarybase.Shecouldappreciatehimonanaestheticlevel,butshepreferredhermenalittlemorecivilized.“He’sverynicelooking,Kiki.”
Kikigroaned.“Nicelooking?Thereisnothing‘nice’abouthim.He’sdirty.He’sbad.Andyoucan’tdarecallhimaboybecausehe’sallman.”
Laraadjustedherglasses.“IlikeNiallmore.”
Niallhadperfectsurferhairandthesweetestface.
“You’venevermetNiall.”
Sheshrugged.“Niallismoremytype.”
“Andbythatyoumeanathousandmilesawayandunobtainable.Safe.”Kikislappedthetable.“Damnit,it’stimeyougotlaid.Howlonghasitbeen?”
“Notlong.”Sheputherheaddownandmumbled.“Twoyears.”
Kikigasped.“Youhaven’tsleptwithanyonesinceTom?Ohmygod.Ineverimagineditwasthisbad.Ithoughtyoujustdidn’twanttotalkaboutit.”
“Italktoyouabouteverythingandyoudidn’tthinkIwouldmentionacoupleofone-nightstandssomewhereinthere?”HereyestrailedbacktoCavemanHottie.Hereallywasamazingtogawkat.Theslightesthintofabeardspreadacrosshisjaw.Thoughhe’dprobablyshavedthismorning,hismasculinitywouldn’tbedenied.
“It’samuscle,youknow.Youhavetouseittokeepithealthy.Ithinkyourvajayjayhasatrophied.That’swhyyoucan’tthinkstraightaboutthisdeaththreatstuff.”
“It’snotamuscle,”Laraargued.Butitprobablyhadatrophied . . .andmaybegrownafewcobwebsbecauseshehadn’tevenplayedarounddownthereherselfinthelongesttime.Shehadn’thadtime.Eveninherheadshesoundedprim,likeshewasalreadycollectingcatsandpreparingforold-maid-dom.
Shehadasuddenvisionofthatcavemanputtinghishandsonher.Bighands.Theywouldn’tbesoft.Whenhetouchedher,shewouldbeabletofeeleverycallousandroughedgeofhisskin.Hewouldhaveworkinghands,handsthathadbuiltthingsandprotectedpeople.Hewouldn’taskherwhatshewanted.No,hewouldn’thesitatetogiveherwhathethoughtsheneeded.
“Um,doyouwanttoborrowmysweater?”Kiki’squestionforcedheroutofherdaydream.
“No.Why?”Laraturned,notwantingtogetcaughtstaring.
“Yoursisreallythinandyournipplesaregivingthisgroupashow,”shepointedout.
Laracrossedherarmsoverherridiculouslyerectnipples.“GuessIwasalittlecold.”
Kikigaveheraskepticalglare.“Howaboutwegoandintroduceourselvestothehottieandseeifwecanbuyhimacoffee.Orbetteryet,wecouldtakehimtothebarnextdoor,gethimtipsy,andhaveourwickedwaywithhim.”
“Our?”
“There’sareasonI’mknownasKinkyKiki,hon.”Shegrinned,lookingbackatthecaveman.“I’llgotalktohimandyoucanjoinusafteryouinterviewthebodyguard.”Sheglanceddownatherwatch.“He’slate.”
Laracheckedherphone.Sureenough,shewassupposedtohavemetthemysteriousConnorfiveminutesago.She’dgottenhereearlyenoughtohaveacupoftea,butthenshe’dactuallybeeninstructedtomeethim . . .outside.
Oh,god.Laranearlyfelloffherseat.Therewasonlyonepersonstandingoutsidethecoffeehouse.
Thatglorioushunkofman.
“Kiki?”shesqueaked.
Herfriendsettledadesignerbagoverhershoulder.LarahadtriedtoconvincehertobuyapursefromsomeNepalesewomen’sorganizationthatsupportedindigenouschildren,butKikihadrepliedthatwhenLouisVuittonsupportedthem,shewould,too.“Yes?”
“Ithinkthat’smybodyguard.”AbouttheAuthor
ShaylaBlackistheNewYorkTimesandUSATodaybestsellingauthorofmorethanfortysizzlingcontemporary,erotic,paranormal,andhistoricalromancesproducedviatraditional,smallpress,independent,andaudiopublishing.ShelivesinTexaswithherhusband,munchkin,andoneveryspoiledcat.Inher“free”time,sheenjoyswatchingrealityTV,reading,andlisteningtoaneclecticblendofmusic.
Shayla’sbookshavebeentranslatedinaboutadozenlanguages.ShehasalsoreceivedorbeennominatedforthePassionatePlume,theHoltMedallion,ColoradoRomanceWritersAwardofExcellence,andtheNationalReadersChoiceAward.RTBOOKclubhastwicenominatedherforBestEroticRomanceoftheYear,andalsoawardedherseveralTopPicksandaKISSHeroAward.
Awritingrisk-taker,Shaylaenjoystacklingwritingchallengeswitheverynewbook.FindShaylaatShaylaBlack.comorvisitheratFacebook.com/ShaylaBlackAuthorLookingformore?
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