PRAISEFORTHENOVELSOFSHAYLABLACK
“Scorching,wrenching,suspenseful.”
—LoraLeigh,#1NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthor
“AShaylaBlackstoryneverdisappoints!”
—SylviaDay,#1NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthor
“ShaylaBlackinspiredustowrite,andnowinspiresustodomore,getbetter.Sheisamasterofhercraft:awordsmith,astoryteller,andanundisputedgenretrendsetter.”
—ChristinaLauren,NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthor
“Wickedlyseductivefromstarttofinish.”
—JaciBurton,NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthor
“Themasteratwritingasteamy,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
WICKEDTOLOVE
(novella)
WICKEDALLNIGHT
THEIRSTOCHERISH
HISTOTAKE
WICKEDFORYOU
FALLINGINDEEPER
HOLDINGONTIGHTER
ThePerfectGentlemenNovels
(withLexiBlake)
SCANDALNEVERSLEEPS
SEDUCTIONINSESSION
BIGEASYTEMPTATION
Anthologies
FOURPLAY
(withMayaBanks)
HOTINHANDCUFFS
(withSylviaDayandShilohWalker)
WICKEDANDDANGEROUS
(withRhyannonByrd)
Specials
HERFANTASYMEN
TheSexyCapersSeries
BOUNDANDDETERMINED
STRIPSEARCH
ARRESTINGDESIRE
(novella)BERKLEYSENSATION
PublishedbyBerkley
AnimprintofPenguinRandomHouseLLC
375HudsonStreet,NewYork,NewYork10014
Copyright?2017byShelleyBradley,LLC
PenguinRandomHousesupportscopyright.Copyrightfuelscreativity,encouragesdiversevoices,promotesfreespeech,andcreatesavibrantculture.Thankyouforbuyinganauthorizededitionofthisbookandforcomplyingwithcopyrightlawsbynotreproducing,scanning,ordistributinganypartofitinanyformwithoutpermission.YouaresupportingwritersandallowingPenguinRandomHousetocontinuetopublishbooksforeveryreader.
BERKLEYandBERKLEYSENSATIONareregisteredtrademarksandtheBcolophonisatrademarkofPenguinRandomHouseLLC.
LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationData
Names:Black,Shayla,author.
Title:Holdingontighter/ShaylaBlack.
Description:FirstEdition.|NewYork:Berkley,2017.
Identifiers:LCCN2016039286(print)|LCCN2016044645(ebook)|
ISBN9780425275481(paperback)|ISBN9780698164017(ebook)
Subjects:|BISAC:FICTION/Romance/Contemporary.|FICTION/Contemporary
Women.|FICTION/Romance/General.|GSAFD:Eroticfiction.|Romantic
suspensefiction.
Classification:LCCPS3602.L325245H652017(print)|LCCPS3602.L325245
(ebook)|DDC813/.6—dc23
LCrecordavailableathttps://lccn.loc.gov/2016039286
FirstEdition:February2017
Coverphotos:Man?ClaudioMarinesco/Ninestock
Backcoverphoto:Texturedbackground?Pakhnyushchy/Shutterstock
CoverdesignbyAlanaColucci
Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,andincidentseitheraretheproductoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously,andanyresemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,businessestablishments,events,orlocalesisentirelycoincidental.
Version_1ToallthededicatedfansoftheWickedLoversnovelswhohavebeenwithmefromthetimeJackColejumpedontothepage,throughthestoriesaboutcharactersIneverintentionallyplannedtobecomeheroesorheroinesbutstillstoletheirwayintomyheart,allthewaythroughtotheend,focusedonanothersighworthybodyguard,Heath.Thisclose-knitgroupofcharactershavebeenthroughlove,hate,birth,death,terror,tragedy,laughter,andjoy.Andyoureadershavebeenwithmeeverystepoftheway.It’sbeenanenormouspleasureformetotellthesestories.Ihopefromthebottomofmyheartthatyou’veenjoyedreadingthem.I’mlookingforwardtothenextstoryinthiswonderfulworldthatleavesmewithwarmfuzzies.Ihopeyou’lljoinmethere,too.Acknowledgments
Ihavesomanypeopletothankwhohavebeenbesidemeineverywaywiththisseries.Firstandalways,myfamily.Myamazinghusbandanddaughterhavesupportedmydreamineverywayimaginable.NothinginmywritinglifeworksproperlywithoutRachelConnolly.I’dbelostwithoutyou,sothanksforbeingthebestassistantandfriendadisorganizedauthorcouldhave.Ican’tneglecttothanksomepeoplewhohavehadatremendousimpactinmylifeovertheyearsbutespeciallyduringthisbook:LexiBlake,LizBerry,JennaJacob,IsabellaLaPearl,ChloeVale,andKrisCook.Y’allaresomeofthebestfriendsagirlcouldhave.Iamblessedtohavegreatpeopleandreadersinmylife.Hugs!Contents
PraisefortheNovelsofShaylaBlack
TitlesbyShaylaBlack
TitlePage
Copyright
Dedication
Acknowledgments
ChapterOne
ChapterTwo
ChapterThree
ChapterFour
ChapterFive
ChapterSix
ChapterSeven
ChapterEight
ChapterNine
ChapterTen
ChapterEleven
ChapterTwelve
ChapterThirteen
ChapterFourteen
ChapterFifteen
ChapterSixteen
ChapterSeventeen
ChapterEighteen
ChapterNineteen
ChapterTwenty
Epilogue
AbouttheAuthorChapterOne
Ruleforsuccessnumberone:
Payattention—totherightthings.
October
AFTERNOONsunlightstreamedthroughthewallofwindowsasJolieQuinnhustleddownthehallofherNorthDallasoffice,readytomakethingshappen.Whichprobablymeantshehadtobustsomeasses.Itwouldn’tbethefirsttime…northelast.Butkeepinghersmall,slightlyoffbeatworkforcefocusedduringcrunchtimewascritical.
Herentirefuturewasridingonit.
Toherleft,GerardhoveredoverthelatestcopyofVogue.AccessoriesforthesummercollectionshedesperatelyneededsathalfdrawnasheswayedtotherhythmofMozartblastingthroughhisearbuds.Rohanhunchedoverhiskeyboard,hisfingersflying,ashescannedhisscreen,workinghisE-Tradeaccountfarmoreintentlythanhecodedhernewwebsite.Wisteria,herreceptionist,wasfreshfromanotherbreakup.Shelookedsomewherebetweencontemplativeandmaudlinassheshuffledthemountainofcustomerrecordsonthecredenzabehindher.Arthur,heraccountant,wasn’tevenathisdesk.He’dprobablyhookeduphisPlayStationtothatlittleflatscreeninthebreakroomagain.Andthelatestadditiontoherstaff,hergorgeouslydistractingsecuritycontractor,neverinhabitedhisdesk.Instead,HeathPowellconstantlycasedthebuildingandaskedquestions,watchingeverythingandeveryonewithadark,focusedstare.
Heunnervedher.
Joliedismissedthethoughtandgotbacktobusiness.
Handsonhips,sheregardedherassistantdesigner.“Wherearewewiththesketches?”
Gerard’sheadsnappedupasheyankedthebudsfromhisears,lookinglikeaquintessentialFrenchmanwithContinentalsensibilities.“Iamlookingforinspiration.Youcannotrushcreativity.”
“Ihaveto.YouknowIdon’thaveachoice.”
Hegrimacedasifthesituationwasoutofhiscontrol.“Nothingflowsasitshould,yes?”
Sheunderstood.Whenshe’ddesignedtheofficeattirefortheupcomingline,ithadcometoherquickly.Admittedly,thecasualwearhadstumpedherforweeks.
“Imagination,Gerard.You’vegotit.Ineedthosehandbags.”Jolieglanceddownatthesketchbookonhisdesk.“Offthetopofmyhead,theselooktoomuchlikelastsummer.Fashionischange.AndIwantmoretexture.Let’srevieweverythingyou’vegot.Myoffice.Tenminutes.”Conversationoveruntilthen,sosheturnedtoRohanwitharaisedbrow.“DoIpayyoutobuildawebsiteorworkyourstockportfolio?”
Rohanhadalreadyshuttledtheday-tradingsiteandretrievedthecodehe’dpreviouslywritten.“Itookfiveminutestoinvestigateaninterestingstocktip.”
Shehatedbeingliedto.
Jolieleanedintohisface.“Youweretappingawayaboutthesamesmallcap’shistoricaldatawhenItookmycallintheconferenceroomanhourago.Planningforthefutureisimportant,butdoyougraspthatifmypotentialinvestorwalksbecauseIcan’tshowhimaworkingmockupofthenewwebsite,wemayallbeoutofajob?IthastobedonebyFriday.That’sintwodays.”Sheheldupapairoffingers.“Ifyou’vegotsomeobstaclepreventingyoufromfinishing,letmeknow.I’llremoveit.Otherwise,Idon’thavetimeforyourpersonalfinancialhealthduringmybusinesscrisis.”
“Sorry.”SweatbeadedonRohan’soliveskin.Heswallowedaudibly.“Youknowdeadlinesfreakmeout,butIcandoit.”
“YoucanorIwouldn’thavehiredyou.Showmewhatyouhavereadyonthenewshoppingcartandtaxtables.Myofficeinthirtyminutes.”
“I’llbethere.Ithinkyou’llbepleasedwith…”
Joliedidn’tstaytoheartherestsincehewouldpresenteverythingrelevantshortly.Ifthesitewasn’tfunctionalandtop-notchintime,itcouldmeanthedifferencebetweenherbusinessflourishingandfolding.
Asshestrodetowardheroffice,shespottedanewpotofredtulipsonhersister’sdeskandfrowned.Kariswasoftentakinginstrays.Hadsheshiftedherattentionfromcatstoplants?
Witheverystep,Jolie’sstomachrumbled.Damn,she’dskippedlunchagain.Maybeshe’dmunchonsomecrackersatherdeskwhileshemetwithheremployeesandcompiledthepresentationforherprospectiveinvestor.Duringtheirupcomingdinnermeeting,sheintendedtoshowRichardGardneracompletestrategicplan,newwebsitefunctionality,currentfinancials,andfinishedsketchesofhersummercollection.Rightnow,shewasnowherenearready.Foodreallydidn’tfitintoherschedule.
Ofcourseshehadn’thadtimeformuchofanythinginthelastfouryears—notwaitingforinspiration,orherpersonalfinances,andcertainlynotfunorgamesorromance.AfterwaitingtablestoputherselfthroughFITinNYC,she’dearnedabachelor’sinfashiondesign.Thenshe’dgonestraightforherMBA,focusingonmerchandising,andstudiedfeverishlytograduateatthetopofherclass.
Afterward,Joliehadrefusedeighthigh-profilejoboffers.Theyhadbeenflattering,butshe’dalreadyspentenoughtimebuildingsomeoneelse’snameduringherinternships,thankyou.Herdreamhadneverbeenaboutworkingherwayupfromthebottomorlimitingherincomebasedonsomeoneelse’sarbitrarypaystructure.
Soshehadforgedadifferentpath,startingherownlineofchicyetcomfortablefashionforwomenofallsizes.She’dalsolaunchedacompletelydifferentdistributionchannelatthesametime,merchandisingexclusivelythroughhome-basedparties.Sofaritwasworkingbecausehercompanyhadgrownten-foldinthelastfouryears.Joliehadrecentlybeennamedanup-and-comingdesignerbyFashionistaandoneofthetoptenbusinesspeopletowatchinDallas.Apopularnighttimedramawouldbegindressingtheirpopular,stylishheroine,playedbyShealynWest,inpiecesfromherspringcollectionaftertheirwinterhiatus.Saleswerepredictedtoskyrocket.
JolieintendedtobuildBettiintoabrandasrecognizableasCoke,assoughtafterasApple,andasfar-reachingasStarbucks.
Itwasatallorderforathirty-year-oldwomanshortoncapital.Sheneededthisinvestorandallthebuildingblocksinplacetotakethenextstep.
Shedidn’twanttothinkaboutwhatwouldhappenifshefailed.
Jolieduckedaroundthecornerandpeekedintothebreakroom.Sureenough,Arthurwasshootingabluelaseratbothferalghoulsandraiderscuminapost-apocalypticwasteland.Currently,hischaracterwasfightingoffahordeofenemies,alongwithradiationsickness.
“Arthur?”
Hedidn’tturntoher,justpressedbuttonsonhiscontrollerlikeamadman.“Um,yeah.Twominutes.I’malmostdonewiththeseguys.”
“You’redonenow.”
Heraccountantperformedaquicksave,pausingthegame,thenturnedtoherwithasheepishexpression.Heshovedtheshaggybrownhairfromhisfaceandpushedhisglassesupthebridgeofhisnose.Slender,brilliant,andabitontheanxiousside,heoftenseemedmorelikeaslouchycollegestudentthanaCPApushingthirty.“Sorry.Igetinvolved.It’sjustthatRooskieGamerpostedagreatYouTubevideoabouthowtodefeattheseguysandearnatrophy.Iwantedtotestitout.”
“Afterhours.Athome.IneedthefinancialsreadyformyinvestormeetingASAP.”
“They’realmostdone,”heassuredher.
“Iwanttoreviewthemattomorrow’sstaffmeeting.”
“Totally.”HepeekednervouslybackattheTV,asifthescreaminggoonsandtrigger-happybaddiescouldsomehowreachthroughthescreenandannihilatehimwhilehewasn’tlooking.“I’llhaveitdonebyendofbusinesstoday.”
“Good.”Sheturnedaway,thenthoughtofonemorething.“Don’tspendtheeveninghereplayingthatcrap.Seriously.Gohome.”
Hefrowned.“Myroommateisconstantlyshagginghisgirlfriend.They’resoloud.”
AndArthurwasannoyedbecausehewasn’tgettingany.Notherproblem.
“Turnupthevolumeonyourgame.Thescreechingghoulsalonewillkilltheirmood,”Joliesuggested.
“But—”
“No.Lasttimeyoustayedhereallevening,youcookedrawfishwrappedinfoilinthemicrowave.Theplacealmostcaughtfireandreekedfordays.”
Nottomentionthatshe’dhadtobuyanewmicrowave.
“I’mnotmuchofacook.”Hepushedhisglassesupagain.“I’llleavebysix.”
Missionaccomplished,shegavehimasharpnodandturnedforthedoor.
“Jolie,beforeyougo,I’vegotaquestion.Tenminutes,tops.”
“Doyouneedananswertofinishyourpartofthepresentationformyinvestor?”
“N-no.ButI—”
“Thenlet’stalknextweek.I’vegotmoremeetingsnow.Sorry.Everythingelseisbackburneratthemoment.”
Joliedidn’twaitforhimtoobject,becauseitwasprobablyanotheroneofhiscauseslikecleanerurinalsororganiccoffee.Sheheadedtoheroffice.
Ontheway,shepassedWisteriaatherdesk.“Allthatpaperhastobescanned,filed,andlockedinsidethepropercabinetbytheendoftheday.Iknowyouhavealotonyourmind,butcustomers’addressesandcreditcardnumbersshouldn’tbelyingaround.Ifwemishandletheirpersonalandfinancialinformation,they’llshopelsewhere.”
“You’reright.”Wisterialookedappropriatelycontrite.“I’mnotinagoodheadspacebutI’llgetitdone.”
“I’msorryhehurtyou.Buthe’saman,soifhehasn’talready,he’llbemovingonsoon.Isuggestyoudothesame.”
Joliestrodeintoherofficeandshutthedoor.Shecouldn’texactlytellWisteriathatsheunderstoodbecauseshe’dbeenthere.Jolierefusedtogiveamanthatmuchpoweroverherheart.Sheintendedtobuildsomethingmorelastingthan“love.”
Leaningagainstthewood,sheshuthereyesandbaskedinthemomentofsilence.Inpart,sheblamedherselfforheremployees’lackofurgency.She’dgiveneachajobbecauseshe’dbelievedintheirtalent,buttheydidn’tquitegraspthat,despiteBetti’sgrowingprofitsandimpendingopportunities,shewouldbeunabletofinancethecompany’sexpansionforyearswithoutaninfusionofcapital.Andifshewaitedthatlongtogetahead,thecompetitionwouldundoubtedlyhavepassedherby.Sheshieldedthemfromthedailydog-eat-dogrigorsofbusinesssotheydidn’tseethethroat-cuttinghappeningallaroundthem.Justlastweek,amanhadinitiatedahostiletakeoverofagrowingcosmeticscorporationandwresteditfromtheowner—hisownmother.
Joliewouldn’trestuntilherdreamwassecure.Somemightnotunderstandhermethods,butexperiencehadprovenherstaffwasmostproductivewhenshewasprofessionalbutexacting.GainingrespectasafemaleCEOhadn’tbeeneasy.Somemisogynist,fidiot,orhackwasalwayswaitingtotearherdown.
Sherefusedtobendforsmall-mindedpeople.
Withasigh,Jolieopenedhereyestotacklethemountainofworkonherdesk—onlytobestoppedshort.Heryoungersister,Karis,satinherchair,staringoutthewindowoverlookingtheparkinglot.Thegirl’sdreamyexpressiontightenedJolie’sgut.Shelovedhersister,butasthebabyofthefamily—andtheonemostliketheirmother—Karisdidn’thavemanypracticalbonesinherbody.
“Tellmehowyou’reworkingwiththatmalegodeverydayandnottearingyourclothesoff.He’ssohot.”Karisfannedherself.“AndsoBritish.Thataccent…Hmm.Iwanthim.”
Jolieheldinagroan.Shedidn’thavetoaskwhohimwas.HeathPowell.Hersecuritycontractorwasincrediblymaleandterriblyattractive.Sherefusedtolethimbecomeadistraction.
Unfortunately,Karislackedherwillpower.
“Mr.Powellhasbeenhiredtomakesurewedon’tsufferacatastrophicsecurity-relatedevent,whetherthat’sindustrialespionageortheburglarwho’sbeenhittingallthebusinessesintheneighborhood.Heisnotheretomakeyourvaginatingle.”
Karishuffed.“Noteverythingcanbeaboutbusinessallthetime.”
“Ithastobeuntilwesecurethisinvestor.Whileyou’regettingyourassoutofmyseatsoIcangetbacktowork,let’stalkaboutexpectations.I’vecounseledeveryoneelseinthelastfiveminutesaboutgettingthejobdone.Itwouldn’tbefairifIgaveyouspecialtreatmentbecauseyou’remysister.You’reahellofagraphicartistandIthinkyou’llmakeagreatprojectmanager.StayontopofRohan.He’sbehindonhismilestonesforthenewwebsite.You’relaggingonyourdeliverables,too.Youallneedtobecaughtupbycloseofbusinesstomorrow.”
Karis’smouthtightenedinmutiny.“Ihadplansthisevening.”
“SodidI.”Joliereallywantedafewhoursofextrasleepbutthatwouldhavetowait.
“Fine.ButI’mnotlettingthathunkofaspectacularlysinglemanpassmebyindefinitely.Jolie,youshouldfindsomeone.You’resacrificingeveryshredofyourpersonallifeandfuturejustforajob.Don’tyouwantmore?”
“It’snotjustajob.”Herbloodpressuretickeduptwentypoints.“It’smydream.”
“Yeah?Maybemydreamlooksmorebalanced,withworkIenjoyandanamazingguy.That’sexactlywhatHeathPowellis.”
Didsuchamanactuallyexist?Hermotherhadbeensearchingforoneherwholeromanticlife,despiteherthreedivorcesandacopiousnumberoflive-ins.InJolie’sestimation,theoddsofanywomanfindingtheperfectmanwererightuptherewithsaddlingarainbow-huedunicorn.“Howwouldyouknow?YoumetHeathwhenhestartedheretwodaysago.”
“Ispentsometimelookingintohimthisafternoon.”
Nowthepiecesofthepuzzlefellintoplace.“Onmycomputer?”
“Youhavemorebellsandwhistlesonyourmachine,plusthesoftwarethatchecksbackgrounds.”
AndKarisknewhowtouncoverpersonalinformationonlinebecauseshe’drecentlydatedBen,ahackerwhohadtaughtherhowtodigintoanyone’sbackground,includinghisuniversitydean’s.Joliewasprettysurethedirtbaghadblackmailedhiswayintoadegree.
“MyofficealsogaveyoutheprivacyofacloseddoorsoHeathcouldn’tseewhatyouwereupto.”Sheraisedabrowatheryoungersister.
“Yeah,itcameinhandy,especiallywhenIcalledBenforhelp,”sheadmitted.“Oh,don’tmakethatface.He’sawhitehat…mostly.Hewalkedmethroughbitsofcrackingandabackdoorortwo.Someofitlookedliketop-secretstuff.”
“Yeah,Heathisobviouslyagreatguy.”Jolierolledhereyes.Shedidn’twanttoknowhowmuchofKaris’sproductivetimethathadwasted.“LookingintoHeath’sbackgroundisn’tinyourjobdescription.Don’tmakeityourtoppriority.”
“Butwhatifhe’sthe‘one’?”SheroseandgrabbedJolie’shands,herexcitedtonelikeateenagegirl’swaitingforthefootballcaptaintogiveherasweeping“promposal.”“Ineededtoknowmoreabouthim.”
“Bereal.ThatconceptisanoldmythperpetuatedbyfairytalesandexploitedbyDisney.Sis,he’ssixteenyearsolderthanyou.”
“Ageisjustanumber,”Karisprotested.
Joliesnorted.Onlysomeonenaiveactuallybelievedthat.Thenagain,thatdescribedKariswell.Sothedifferencebetweenhershelteredtwenty-threeandPowell’swell-livedthirty-ninemightaswellbeacentury.“Bullshit.Backtowork.”
“You’remysister.Whydon’tyouwantmetobehappy?”
“Ido.”Ithurtthatshe’dactuallybelieveotherwise.“Butyourhappinessshouldn’tbedependentonaman.”
“It’snotdependent,”Karisargued.“I’mjustsaying,hewouldhelpthecause.”
“Well,I’malsoyourbosswhothinksyoucouldbeveryhappyaccomplishinggreatthingshere.Sopleasestartcaringaboutyourjobasmuchassomeguyyoubarelyknow.”
Karisfinallylookedchastened.“Icare.”
“Thendon’tletmedown.I’mcountingonyou.”
“Iwon’t.Butwillyouhearmeoutfirst?Please.”
Whywassheasuckerforherlittlesister’spleading?“You’vegottwominutes.”
“Didyouknowhe’sformerMI5?”
AndKarisclearlythoughtthathavinganex-spyforaboyfriendwouldbesomehowromantic.“Thatdidcomeupinourconversation,yes.IknowhowlonghewasemployedbytheBritishgovernment,thetypesofmissionshecompleted,andsomeofhisotherrelevantjobexperiences.Hewascandidabouthisprofessionalbackgroundandseemedextremelyqualified.”
CallieMackenzie,herfriendfromYogaOasis,hadrecommendedhim,basedonherhandsomehusband’sword.SeanwasaformerFBIagentandobviouslyknewhisstuff.Shewasgratefultohavefriendslikethem.
“Qualified?”Karisblinked,herchocolateeyeswidewithincredulity.“Iknowyouliketopretendthatyou’redeadfromthewaistdownbutsurelyevenyoumusthavenoticedHeathPowellisscorchinghot.”
Jolielethersister’sjabslideasshetookherseat.Ofcourseshe’dnoticedtheman.Themomenthe’dwalkedinherdoorandshakenherhand,hehadrattledherwithhisbigpresence.Hespokewithaneconomyofwordssheappreciated.He’dobviouslycataloguedeveryoneandeverythingaroundhimwithasingleglance.Andhe’dbeensodamnmale,shecouldn’tdenyhewasshiver-worthy.
Butthisemotionalshitwasn’therspeed,soshetuckeditawayasshereachedforhercomputer.“Karis,Iloveyou,butI’monlygoingtosaythisonce.Momisn’tarolemodeltoaspireto.”
“JustbecauseI’minterestedinaguy—”
“You’vebeeninterestedinfarmorethanone,andyou’renotlistening.Youhavetobeacompletepersonbeforeyoucanhaveameaningfulrelationshipwithsomeoneelse.”
“Iam,”shedefended.
Jolieshotheryoungersisteraskepticalstare.“Youdon’tknowyourfather.GodknowsI’dliketoforgetmybiologicaldad.Likeyou,IcancountononehandthenumberoftimesI’veseenthatscumbag.Theydidn’twanteitherofus,andthathurt,butexpectingsomefatherfigurewithapenis—nomatterhowattractive—tofillthevoidinyourheartnowwon’twork.AskMom.Tenbuckssaysshe’sheadedfordivorcenumberfour.”
“Iwon’tgiveuponfindingsomeonetosharemylifewith.”Kariswhippedoutherphone,tappedafewkeys,thensentJolieanaccusingstare.“Idon’tknowwhathappenedtoyou.MaybeyouhadtosacrificetoomuchofyourchildhoodtoraisemeandAustin.Maybeyouenjoybeingmiserableandalone.Ormaybeyou’retooafraidtoriskyourheart.IjustemailedyoueverythingIfoundaboutHeath.Readit.Heseemslikeagreatguy.AndIthinkheneedssomeonetomakehimwhole.”Sheraisedherchin.“Heneedsme.”
Jolietriednottolethersister’sbarbhurt.“I’mnotafraid.I’mambitious.WhywouldIwanttosurrendermyheartwhenIcouldconquertheworld?Nowgetbacktoyourdeskandstartgivingmeyourdeliverables.”
Hersistersniffled.“Iwon’tconfidemyfeelingstoyouanymore.Iknowthey’reaterriblewasteofyourtime,andyoudon’tgiveashitanyway.I’llenjoytheflowershesentmeearlierandaskhimoutthefirstchanceIget.”
HeathbetternothavegivenKarisflowers.“That’sagainstcompanypolicy.Youknowthat.I’llremindPowellhecan’tcrossthatline,either.”
“Why?SoyoucanmakesureIdon’thaveanythinginmylifebutwork?Orbecauseyoucan’tstandhimpursuingmewhenyouwanthimforyourself?”Sheheldupherhand.“Nevermind.Idon’tcare.”
Withthat,Karisslammedtheofficedoor.Thesoundreverberatedintheotherwisesilentroom,echoingoffthewalls.HurtslicedthroughJolie’schest.Sheblinkedawaytheacidstingofthreateningtearsandretrievedthespreadsheetshe’dbeenworkingon.Therewasareasonpeoplecalledittoughlove.Ifitwaseasy—eithertogiveorreceive—itwouldbecalledsomethingelse.Moreimportantly,Jolieknewshewasright.Romancealwaysletawomandown.Ambitionneverwould.
Butifshehadtobreakupthebuddingofficeflingbetweenhertemporarysecuritycontractorandhersistertoensurenoone’sheartwasbrokenandshitgotdone,Joliehadnoproblemdoingit.
***
AThalfpastnine,HeathPowellstaredintohisScotch.Thebararoundhimwasdarkandloud,apressofperfumedbodies,despiteitbeingaWednesdaynight.Thenagain,itwassmackinthemiddleofatrendyareaafewblocksfromBetti’soffices.CollegestudentsfromnearbySMUrubbedagainstsingleprofessionalsandafewovergrownpartiers.TheplacethumpedwithFallOutBoyanddrinksflowedfreely.Withhisbacktothewall,hewatchedpeoplecoming,going,smiling,flirting,andhopingforagoodtimetonight.
Hewastheoldestmanintheroom.Fromexperience,heknewthatcouldbeanadvantage.Helikedhisodds.Morethanoneprettygirlslidherinvitinggazehisway.Nowifhecouldjustmusterupmoreenthusiasm.Damndifficulttodowhenhismindwasonsomeoneelse.
Whenhe’dacceptedthejobwithBetti,thepositionhadbeenshortterm—perfectforhiscurrentneedsbecausehedidn’thaveahomehereinDallas.Hell,hedidn’tevenhaveacountryatthemoment.Thisjobgavehimafewweekstodecideifhewantedtostayorstartoverelsewhere.
Withfortybreathingdownhisneck,Heathwasn’tcertainanymorewhathewantedoutoflife.
Sevenyearsago,ithadbeensimple.Anna,hiswife,hadbeenhisworld.He’dgiveanythingnowtogohometoherandthesmallbroodofchildrentheyshouldhavehad.Butanafternoonoftragedyhadwipedawaythatpossibility.Sixmonthslater,he’dbegunworkingforMarshallMullins,theworld-famousmoviedirector,bodyguardinghisdaughteraftertheirmovetoLondonfollowingherheadline-makingabductioninL.A.Mysteryhadbeensweetandreserved—atfirst.She’dgivenhimhertrustslowly,bloominggradually,andawakeningmorethanaprotectiveinstinctinsidehim.He’dfanciedhimselfinlovewithher—andtoldherasmuch.Mysteryhadn’tfeltthesame.Instead,she’dpairedoffwiththesoldierwhohadoncerescuedher.SheandAxelwouldbemarriedsoon.AndHeathwouldstillbealone.
Afterlosinginlovetwice,hewasn’tinamadrushtofallagain.Butheenjoyedsexandmissedawoman’stouch.Sotonight,likemanyothers,hefoundhimselfinalamentablecesspoolofboozeanddesperation.Onlynowhehadacompletelynewreasontofindadistraction.
JolieQuinn.
AfterasummerspentinLondonandencounteringconstantremindersofAnnawhilstrunningintoMystery,dotingfiancéintow,HeathhadheadedbacktotheStates.OnceinDallas,MitchellThorpe,Axel’sformerboss,hadcalledaskingforafavor.Thorpe’ssubmissive,Callie,didyogawiththislovelyup-and-comingclothingdesigner,andwouldHeathbeinterestedinshoringuphersecurity,justtemporarilyofcourse?Hehadn’tturneddownthequickcashorthechancetoearnareputationlocallyforhiswork.Nowhewishedhehadbecausehecouldn’tgetthebloodywomanoffhismind.
Blisteringlyquick,acerbic,andambitious,Jolieworeherconfidencelikeasexysequineddress.Brightandsparkly,ithuggedhereverywomanlycurveanddip—andmadehermadlyattractive.Sheneverbotheredwithfemininewilesorcoyflirtations.Whenshewantedsomething,shewentafterit.Shewasagreen-eyedshark.Damnifhedidn’twanttoswiminherwatersuntilhegotherunderhimandmadehersurrendertothebiggerfishinthetank.
Abrilliantbutriskynotion.Hewasn’tinterestedinanythingthatlastedmorethananight.Ontheotherhand,neitherwasshe.ButJoliefascinatedhimasnowomanhadinyears.Hesuspectedthathisdesiretostayafterthesheetshadgrowncoldmightexceedhiswilltowalkaway.
Sohe’dcometoNiteTime,thisterribleexcuseforawateringhole,lookingforawomanwhowouldneitherintriguehimnorlingerinhismemory.
Afewfeetaway,ayoungwomansidleduptothebarwithaglancefromunderathickhoneycurl.Blueeyes.Asmatteringoffreckles.Slightlycrookedfrontteeth.Alittlescaronherchin.Giventhewaysheleanedagainstthesurface,shewasslightlytipsybutnotincapableofmakingarationaldecision.Hershortskirtandsky-highheelsindicatedshe’dcomelookingforsomethingmorethanacocktail.
“Hi,”shemurmured.Herlasheswerefake.Herbreastsprobablywere,too.Buthewouldn’tknowforcertainuntilhewrappedhisfingersaroundthem.
“Hello.”
“Yourvoice…”shesaidwithahintofasoft,southerndrawl.“Youaren’tfromaroundhere.”
“I’mnot.”Hedidn’telaboratebecausehereallydidn’twanttotalk.Hedoubtedshedid,either.
“Oh,IloveyourAussieaccent.”
Heathdidn’tbothercorrectingher,merelyglanceddownatheremptywineglass.“Drink?”
“Sure.”Shesmiledandstood,teeteringslightly.
Hetookholdofherglass,sniffed,thendownedthelastswallowbeforemotioningtothebartender.“Aglassofmerlotforthelady.”
Thebartendernodded,andHeathfeltrelievedthat,evenafterafewvisits,themanknewhisroutine.Helpfultohavesomethingofawingmanpouring.“Yougotit.AnotherGlenfiddich?”
“Please.”Heathtappedthebarandturnedtothegirlwithasmile.“Herewithfriends?”
Hersmilefalteredassheglancedtowardthedancefloor.“Icamewithacoworkerandherboyfriend.”
“Theylookbusy.”Thecoupleshewatchedclungtoeachotherlikeovergrownvines.
“Yeah.”Thegirl’sglumvoicesaidshe’dsoonbehavingapityparty…unlesshedistractedher.
Whenthebartenderdeliveredtheirdrinks,Heathpaid,thentookholdofhistumbler,waitinguntilshedidthesamewithherstem.“Tofindingyourownfun.”
Shesmiledbrightlyagain.“I’lldrinktothat.”
Theyclinkedglasses,andHeathsippedhisScotch,watchingthewomanovertherim.Shechuggedhalftheglass,thensetitdown,sendingacoyglancehisway.“Youwanttodance?”
“Ifyou’dlike.It’snotwhatIdobest.”
Alittlesmiletippedupthecornersofherlips.“Andwhatisityoudobest?”
Heeasedcloser,sendingheraweightyglancefilledwithmanufacturedseduction.Thenhebrushedhisknucklesdownhercheekbeforeslidinghisthumboverhermouth.Hereyeswidenedandherlipspartedtoforman“O”ashismeaningsunkin.Shedrewinashudderingbreath.
Nowthatsheunderstoodhim,sheseemednervous.Hewouldn’tpush,ofcourse.Everythinghedidwithanywomanwascompletelyconsensual.Ifshedeclined,anotherwouldcomealong.Butsofar,shewasn’twalkingaway.
“HowdoIknowyou’renotbragging?”Shestudiedhim,hereyesglittering.
Ah,thegoodgirlwholongedtobebad.Byday,sheprobablyhadaveryresponsiblejob.Shepaidherbillsontime,calledhermotheratleastonceaweek,andhadalwaysdoneeverythingexpectedofher.Tonightshewasfeelingabitenviousofherfriendanddidn’twanttobethewallywhocouldn’tsnareaman.Basedonthesmudgesunderhereyesandtheslightlydroopycastofherlids,he’dbetshehadn’tbeensleepingparticularlywell.LackofREM,coupledwithalcohol,couldheightenpeople’semotions.Sheobviouslyfeltmorethanabitlonelytonight,soshe’dwornthe“slaggy”dressshe’dlikelyboughtinamomentofweaknessorimpulse,tornthetagsoff,tossedonwhateverdaringshoessheowned,andcometothisbartoproveshewasbothattractiveandmerelyalonebychoice.
“Talkingtome,youdon’t.”HesippedhisScotchagain.
Itdidn’ttakeherlongtodrawaconclusion.“You’resayingIhavetosleepwithyoutofindoutwhatyou’rebestat?”
Herglancehadturnedslightlydisdainful,asifshewantedhimtothinkthatmeninbarsregularlypropositionedher.Thepulsethrobbingatthebaseofhernecksaidotherwise.“Notatall.Inthisinstance,sleepingwouldberatherawasteoftime.”
Thewoman’sjawdroppedinshock.“You’vegotballs.”
“Ido,indeed.Iassumedyouhadn’tmistakenmeforafemale.”
Shetskedathim.“Imeantyou’vegotalotofnerve.”
“Youwillneverhaveanythingyouwantifyoudon’tpursueit.”
ThecleavageaboveherplungingV-neckroseandfellrapidly.Heathgrabbedherwrist.Herpulsehammeredunderhisfingertips.Already,hereyesweredilated.Hesteppedcloserandwrappedahandaroundhernape,tiltingherfacetohis.
“Andyouwantme?”shebreathed.
“You’reabeautifulwoman.”Hecaressedhiswaydownthegracefulcolumnofherthroat.“Amanwouldbeveryluckytotouchyou.Infact,Idaresayitwouldbeapleasure.”
“Really?”
Athreadofguilttuggedathimforplayingonherloneliness.Butintruth,sexwouldbenefitthemboth.Hecouldmakeherfeeltreasuredandgorgeousforatime.Shecoulddistracthim—hehoped.
HedownedtherestofhisScotch.Itdidnothingtoquelltheacheinhiscockhe’dbeenfightingsincemeetinghisnewboss.
“Ofcourse.Buteverythingisuptoyou,”Heathtoldthestranger.“Wecanstayhereandhaveanotherround.OrIknowaquietspotwherewecould…talkprivately.”
Thewomanbitherlipasifshecouldn’tquitedecide.Shesentasidewaysglanceatthecoupleshe’dcomewith.Theydancedtheirbestimitationofverticalsexwhilstmovingtothebeatofthemusic.Desirefusedtheirlipstogetherinaninterminablekiss.Heathdoubtedtheywouldbecomingupforairsoon.
Thewomanbesidehimtensed,hergazeskitteringbacktoherwine.Sheswallowedthelasthalfquicklyasifdowningliquidcourage.“Let’sgo.Andfortherecord,Idon’twanttotalk.”
“Excellent.”
Heledtheblondeacrosstheroom,towardacordoned-offstaircase.Onthefarside,heglancedback,swearingsomeonewatchedhim.Butacrosstheloud,smokybar,nooneinthecrowdseemedtopayhimmuchnotice.
Heathshruggedoffthefeelingasheledthewomanuptotheprivateareaoftheclub.Thesoundsbelowthemfadedtoadullroar.Thelightinggrewevenmoredim.Thescentsofsweat,alcohol,anddesperationchokingthefirstfloorgavewaytocologne,money,andsex.
“What’syourname?”sheaskedwithashyglancewhentheyreachedthelandingatthetop.
“Doesitmatter?”
Shehesitated,glanceddownthestairs,thenbacktohisface.“No.”
“Right,then.”Heathledhertowardaquiet,poorlylitcorner,thenturnedhertofacethewall.Heliftedhershortskirtandloweredherknickersjustenoughbeforereachingintohispocketforacondom.“Braceyourhandsandfeelfreetoscream.”ChapterTwo
Ruleforsuccessnumbertwo:
Instinctisn’tsynonymouswithimpulse.
DAMNit,”JoliemutteredasshewatchedHeathandayoungblondedisappearupthestairs.
NotsurprisingthatunderhisseeminglyrefinedBritishdemeanorlayaseasonedskirt-chaser.
Forthepastfewminutes,she’dwatchedthetwofromjustinsidethedoorway,blendingwithagroupofrevelerscelebratingsomeone’sbirthday.Almostinstantly,she’dspottedhersecuritycontractor.Shewasn’tatallshockedthewomanlookedwillingtospreadherlegsforHeathafterexchangingbarelyahundredwords.
Butthecasualeasewithwhichhe’dpickedupastrangerjustreinforcedallthereasonsHeathPowellwouldbebadforhernaivesister.JolieintendedtostayrighthereuntilshemadeitperfectlyclearthatKariswasofflimits.
Inherpocket,herphonerang.Probablywork,andwhatevershedidn’ttakecareoftonightwouldonlybewaitingforherinthemorning.
Sighing,shepluckedthedevicefromherpocket,glancedatthedisplay,thenwinced.
“Hi,Mom,”sheshoutedoverthemusicasshemadeherwaytothedoor,thenoutintothebreezyOctobernight.“I’msorryIhaven’tcalledback.”
“I’mgladIfinallycaughtyou.I’vebeentryingfordays.”
Yeah,thethreemissedcallsinthelastforty-eighthourskindofspelledthatout.“Workhasbeenazoo.Idon’thavemuchlongertopersuadethisinvestortocomeonboard.”
“You’llmanage.You’rethesmartest,hardestworkingwomanIknow.”Shegaveaself-deprecatinglaugh.“BythetimeIwasyourage,Ihadn’taccomplishedmuchexceptahandfulofdisastrousrelationshipsandhavingyouthreekids.”
Hermomhadneverbeentheambitioussort,andJoliewonderedifsheeverregrettedthat.“Howareyou?”
“Notverygood,baby.”
Joliefroze.Sheknewthatvoice.DianaQuinn-Michaels-Weston-Galehadmaritalproblems—again.
“AreyouandCharliegettingdivorced?”
“Howdidyouknow?”Hermothersoundedsurprisedbyherinsight.
Joliecouldn’timaginewhy.MomhadbeenmarriedtoCharlieGalefornearlysixyears,whichwasaslongasanyofhermother’smarriageslasted.Joliehadsuspectedfromthebeginningthathusbandnumberfourwasaphilanderingbastard.Afterall,he’dhoppedintobedwithhermomwhileshewasstilllickingherwoundsfromapreviousbreakup—andhe’dstillbeenmarriedtosomeoneelse.
“Yousoundsad,soIguessedwhatmightbeupsettingyou.DidCharliefindanotherwoman?”
Hermomsniffledovertheline.“Ishouldhaveknownwhenhestartedeatingatthatdinereverydaythatitwasn’tthemashedpotatoesheliked.Apparently,hernameisDestiny.Shesoundslikeastripper.”Hermomhuffed.“She’sdefinitelyahusbandthief.”
“I’msorry.”AndJoliewasbecausehermomwasclearlyhurting.Still,shekepthopingDianawouldlearnthatshecouldn’tcountonmen.“Whenareyougoingmoveoutandfindaplaceofyourown?Doyouneedanything?”
“Ialreadymovedout.Charlie’sbrother,Wayne,helpedmegetbackonmyfeet.He’sbeenagreat…comfort.”
Joliegroaned.“Pleasedon’ttellmeyou’resleepingwithyoursoon-to-beex-husband’sbrother.”
“I—um…”Shesoundedasifshedidn’tknowhowtoworkaroundsayingyes.“He’sreallywonderful.You’lllikehim.”
Ifhewasanythinglikehisbrother,shewouldn’t.“Isn’themarried?”
“Toaterriblecowwhodoesn’tappreciatehim.She’sadoctor.She’shighandmighty,ifyouaskme.Wayneisamanwithneeds,andsheisn’tmeetingthem.”
Apparentlyhermotherwasanddidn’trealizethatWaynewasnobetterthanCharlieorseetheironyofcallingDestinyahusbandthief.
Joliesighed.Beratinghermotherwouldn’tdoanygood.Norwouldpointingoutthatshewasmakingthesamemistakesshe’dalreadymade.Joliehadtriedtoreasonwithherduringthelasttorridending.She’dhavehadbetterlucktalkingtocement.Shelovedhermother,butDianawasagrownwomanandinclinedtodowhatevershethoughtwouldmakeherhappy,whetherornotitmadesense.
“DidyougetthemoneyIsent?”Jolieaskedinstead.“ImailedittoCharlie’saddress—”
“Yes.IwaitedtoleaveuntilIreceivedit.ThankyouforunderstandingIhadtoquitmyjob.Workingforthefloristsoundedlovelybutitwasalotoflonghoursandgrouchypeople.IpromiseI’mlookingforanewjobandI’llpayyoubackassoonasIcan.”
Doubtful.Momalwaysneededalittlemoretimetogetherfeetbackunderheragain,thensheinevitablymetanewmanandhadafewunexpectedexpensesbeforeshedecideditwasn’tworkingoutandhadtokeepthemoneyshe’dtuckedaway—andborrowabitmore—tolookforhappinesselsewhere.ButthewomanhadgivenJolielifeandalotoflove.She’ddoneherbestbyherkidsindifficultcircumstances.Joliedidn’tunderstandhermombutshealsodidn’tbegrudgeherafewhundredbuckshereandthere.
“Sure.Wheneveryou’reready.”Joliesmiledtoherself.
“Thanks.Ipaidoffoneofmydoctorbillswiththemoney.Theyweregettinginsistent.”
“Andyoumovedoutwiththerest?”
“No,Waynehelpedmewiththat,soIlenthimwhatwaslefttobuyanewhuntingrifle.”Shelaughednervously.“He’samanlymanbutsuchasweetheart.Hehadanemptyrentalandhe’slettingmestayhereforfreeuntilheandhiswifeseparate.He’sgoingtoleavehersoon.AndbeforeyousayI’veheardthatlinebefore,Waynereallymeansit.”
Jolieshookherheadanddidn’tsayaword.Howcouldanearlyfifty-year-oldwomanwho’dbeendisappointedoverandoverstillbesoblindlyoptimistic?Granted,peopleoftenaccusedJolieofbeingtoocynicalbutshedidn’tletanyonetakeadvantageofher.Sheworkedherassoff,kepthereyesopen,andalwaysexpectedtheworst.Thatway,ifsomethingbetterhappened,shewaspleasantlysurprised.
“Foryoursake,Ihopehe’severythingyou’veeverwanted.”
“Oh,Ithinkheis,baby.”Hermomsoundedgiddy.
“That’sgreat.Hey,canwetalklater?”JolieglanceduptomakesureHeathhadn’talreadyfinishedwithhisconquestandheadedoutthedoor.Butotherthanafewsuitsreturninghometotheirwivesafteraneveningofboozeandbimbos,nooneenteredorexitedthebuilding.
“Sure.Callmenextweek?”Dianaaskedhopefully.
“Yeah.Willdo.”
“Whereareyou?”hermomasked,concernlacinghervoice.
“Atabar.I’mhuntingdownalotharioIintendtokeepfarawayfromKaris.”
“Pleasewatchoutforher.She’sstillsoyounganddoesn’tunderstandmen.”
Kariswasn’ttheonlyone.Hersisterhaddefinitelyinheritedtheirmother’sdreamydisposition,oftenchoosingtooverlooktheprobableshittinessofarelationshipinfavorofembracingallitswonderfulpossibilitiesifthestarsaligned,hellfrozeover,andgoldrainedfromthesky.
“Iwill,”Jolieassured.“Iloveyou.”
“Iloveyou,too,baby.Bye.”
Theyrangoff,andsheshovedherphonebackinherpocket,headingforthedoor.Assoonassheduckedinside,themusicthumpedsoloudly,shesworeitmadeherorgansvibrate.Havinggivenuptheclubsceneaftercollege,shewasalittledisgustedthatshehadtopullagrown-assmanoutofameatmarketshe’dheardhescoredinalmostnightly.
Thebartendernoddedather,andsheorderedaGreyGooseandcranberry,moresoshewouldn’tstickoutratherthanfromanydesireforalcohol.AndvodkawouldhelpcombatherboredomwhileshewaitedforherBritishRomeotofinishhisbusinessupstairsbecausehewaseithertooimpatientorimpersonaltofindabed
Yeah,sheprobablyshouldn’thavetrackedhimdownathisfavoritehook-upjoint.Butwhatshehadtosaytohimhadnothingtodowithbusinessanddidn’tbelongintheoffice.ShewantedHeathPowelltoknowthatsheunderstoodexactlywhohewassothere’dbenomisunderstandingaboutwhyKariswasofflimits.
Thebartendersetherdrinkdown.Joliepaidhimandtookasip,glancingaround.God,shedidnotmissthis,thesizinguppotentialbedmatesforthenightovertherimofherdrinkandwonderingifhewastaken,terribleinbed,amama’sboy,orinsomeotherwaylacking.She’dbeensomuchhappiergivingupon“romance”andfocusingonwork.DianaGalewasn’tgoingtogrowup,butJoliestillhadhopeforhersister.
Afterwitnessingalotofbumpingandgrindingonthedancefloor,sheturnedherbackonawannabeCasanovawho’dstaredherwaywhenshesawHeath’sbimbofinallystumblingandgigglingdownthestairs.Oneofthespaghettistrapsofthewoman’sdresshungoffhershoulder.Evenacrosstheroominthedimlight,theblonde’shairlookedmussedandherfaceincrediblyflushed.Shewasstillbreathinghard.Andsheworealoopysmile.
ApangofannoyancesettledinthemiddleofJolie’schest.Shedidn’twantHeath.Scratchthat.Someimpracticalpartofhercravedhim.Sherefusedtolietoherself.Hewouldprobablybefantasticinbed.Powellwasblisteringlyhot.Andclearlyhe’dhadlotsofpractice.Beingnearhimmadeherheartraterampupandherpalmsdamp.Whenhelookedather,sherememberedthathewasmale,thatshewasfemale,andthatchemistrycouldbeapowerfulforce.Nomanhadinterestedherformorethananhourinthelastfewyears,soshegavehimcredit.Butherattractiondidn’tgoanyfurther.
Afewpacesbehindtheblondeinthemicroskirt,Heathemerged.Withasatisfiedswagger,hedescendedthestairs,finger-combinghisdarkhairlacedwithsilverandzippinghisslacks.
Jolietoldherselftoremaincalmagainsttheriseofirrationalanger.
Unfortunately,thatshiphadsailed.
Shetossedbackthelastofherdrinkandmadeabeelineforhim,pushingherwaythroughthecrowd.Whenshereachedthem,JolielookedpastthemidtwentiestwitandoveratHeath.“Iwanttotalktoyou.Now.”
Hemetherhostilitywithashrug.“Aboutwhat?”
Hisdismissiveattitudeannoyedhermore.
“Whoareyou?”Theblondeglancedbetweenthem,blinkingasshethoughtthroughthesituation.“Issheyourgirlfriend?”Shegasped.“Yourwife?”
Neitherofthemanswered,Joliebecauseshedidn’towehis“date”anything.ShecouldonlyassumeHeathremainedmutebecausenowthathe’dnailedher,henolongercaredwhatshethought.
“Yousonofabitch!”ShortSkirtscreeched.“YoutookadvantageofmewhenIwasvulnerable.”
Hecockedabrowather.“Youfailedtomentionfeelingvulnerableduringanyofyourthreeorgasms.”
“You’reanasshole.”Thewoman’sfaceflushedredasshestormedawayandleftthebar.
Thoughhe’dbeennothingbutprofessionaltoher,Joliehadsuspectedhehadaruthlessside.Shefeltsomewhatsorryfortheblondebuttookanoddcomfortinthefactthatshe’dbeenrightinherassessmentofHeathPowell.
“Dowehaveaproblem,Ms.Quinn?Ican’timagineanotherreasonyoufollowedmeherefortheobviouspurposeofdeliveringadressingdownthatapparentlycouldn’twaituntilmorning.”
Aragtagbandtookthesmallstagethen,andhehadtoshoutsoshecouldhearoverthemusic.Acoupleofpeoplelingeringnearthestairsnursedtheirbeersandwatchedintently.“Comeoutsidewithme.”
Sheturnedandheadedforthedoor.HersixthsensetoldherthatHeathwasn’tfollowing.Whenshewhirledback,sureenough,heleanedagainstthebanister,watchingherwithadissectingstare.
Joliemarchedbackinhisdirectionandtossedherhandsintheair.“IknowyouspeakEnglish.”
“TheQueen’sEnglish,thankyou.”
HiscondescensionaboutbeingBritishandobviouslybetterannoyedher,too.ShetriedtoputalidonhertemperandfocusonKaris.Inherhead,shekepthearinghimremindhistemporaryhoneyaboutherthreeorgasmsandwonderinghowgoodhemustbeinordertogetthatreactionfromastrangerinfifteenminutes.
Totallynotimportant.“Willyoupleasefollowmeoutsidesowecanhaveacivilizeddiscussionthatdoesn’trequireshoutingatoneanother?”
“Ofcourse.ButIsuspect,givenyouragitation,therewillbeshouting,regardless.”Withanacerbicsmile,hegesturedhertowardthedoor.
Jolieresistedtheurgetohuffandthreadedherwaythroughthecrowd.Hewouldnotgetthebetterofher.
Onceoutside,sheheadedawayfromtheparkinglot,puttingafewdozenfeetbetweenthemandanyoneloiteringoutside.Heathfollowed,watchingtheirsurroundingsasshepausedattheopeningofanalley.
Heshovedhishandsinhispocketsasifhedidn’thaveacareintheworld.“Ihopeyou’rehereaboutasecurityissue.”
“Stayawayfrommysister,”shewarned.
Hefrowned,lookinggenuinelyperplexed.“Yoursister?”
“Karis.”
Heathbarelyresponded.Hisbrowsgathered,buthegavenootherreaction.“I’mawareofyoursister’sname.I’mmerelyexpressingsurprisethatyouthinkI’m…what?Sexuallyinterestedinher?”
“That’sexactlywhatIthink.Iwatchedyouworkovertheyoungblondeinthebar.Itdidn’ttakeyoulong.Aglassofwine,afewwell-placedwords,asoftcaress,andshewasyours.”
“Whydoesthatbotheryou,Ms.Quinn?”
“You’retargetingKarisbecauseyoupickthedoe-eyedgirlstoonaivetoknowwhytheyshouldn’tspreadtheirlegsforaplayboylikeyou.”Shescoffed.“Youdidn’tevenchallengeyourselfwithtonight’sconquest.”
“I’mfascinatedbyyourunsolicitedopinionofmycharacter,”hedrawled,lettingherknowhewasanythingbut.“What’spromptedthischarmingdiscourse?DoyoualwaystellthoseinyouremploywhatyouthinkoftheirpersonallivesorareyoumakingaspecialexceptionformebecauseyouthinkIintendtodebauchyoursister?”
“LeaveKarisalone.It’sagainstBetti’spolicytodateanothermemberofthestaff.”
“Ididreadtheguidelinesyouprovided.ButI’mguessingyourrationaleforthisconversationismorepersonal.”
“Fine.She’sgotsomebreathlessadorationforyou.Karisislookingforagrandromance,andshe’slikelytopinherfoolishhopesonthefirstmanwhomakesherfeelprotectedandtreasured.Idoubtyouwantthat.”
“Herattitudebothersyou,”heobserved,studyingherlikeabughe’dpinnedtoacorkboard.
Shebristled.“Womenshouldn’tbelookingforsomeoneto‘complete’them;theyshouldbeacompletepersonbythemselves.Andyoupreyonwomenwiththosemisguidedfantasies,don’tyou?”
“Iprovidesinglewomenwithmutual,iftemporary,companionshipandpleasure.”
“That’sasmisleadingascallingtoothextractionwithoutNovocain‘naturaldentalcare.’”
Hecockedhisheadather.“YouhavesomeunsubstantiatednotionthatI’mmadforyoursister,soyoufollowedmeafterhoursandsawmefindawomanwithwhomIchosetospendafewpleasurablemoments.Therefore,you’vebrandedmeasociopathicpredator.That’squitealeap.”
Joliehadwatchedmenbehavethiswayherwholelife.“Imerelyunderstandyou,Mr.Powell.Iseepastthegentlemanlyfacadetothemanwhorebeneath.Youmusthavelovedyourlastposition,guardingtheprettybodyofthatworld-famousdirector’sdaughter.Howfabulousforyouthatshepaidforeverythinginyourlifewhileyouenjoyedthefringebenefitoftakinghertobed.”
Thatfinallyriledhim.
“InevertouchedMysteryMullinsonce.”Hiseyesnarrowedinfuriouswarning.“Don’tspeakwhenyouknowabsolutelynothingabouteitherofusorthesituation.”
AsmuchasJoliehatedtobelievehim,Heath’sbitingreplyconvincedherhe’dtoldthetruth.Fine,she’ddropthataccusation.ButsherefusedtoletupaboutKarisuntilHeathagreedtoleavethegirlalone.
“Allright.ButIwon’thaveyoutargetingmysister.Iexpectyoutotellhertomorrowthatthoseflowersyousenttosoftenherupwereatokenofyour…professionalesteem.Pickareason.Idon’tcarewhatyousayaslongasyougentlydiscourageher.”
NothingovertgaveawayachangeinHeath’sdemeanorbutJoliefelthissurprise.“Ididnotsendyoursisterflowers.”
“Redtulips.Isawthemonherdeskearlier.Shetoldmeyouleftthemforher.Andnowshelikesyou.Stopromancingher.”
Heleanedin,andshesawthefainthintofascarbisectinghisstubbledcheek.“Youjustwitnessedmyversionofromance.IfIwantawoman,Idon’tbotherwithflowers,merelyacondom.Yoursisterisutterly,one-hundred-percentsafefrommyattentions.Youhavemyword.”
“Isthatsupposedtomeansomethingtome?”
“I’vegivenyounoreasontodoubtme,Ms.Quinn.”Hestudiedherwithacynicalgaze.“Thisisaboutyou.Whyareyouhostile?Didaformerflametellyouhewouldfulfillyourlittle-girldreams,thenleaveyoubrokenhearted?”
“Idon’tbelieveinlove,especiallyinitlasting.Karisisanotherstory,andI’mintenselyprotective.”
“Clearly.ButIgenuinelyhavenointerestinyoursister.”
Hesaidthewordswithallsincerity.Jolieweighedthem.Maybe…Karishadmisunderstoodwhohadgivenhertheflowersorwhy.OrshehadwantedtobelievetheywerefromHeathsoshe’dconvincedherselfofthat.Itwasevenpossiblethat,somewhereinKaris’soffbeatbrain,she’dwantedtoseehowheroldersisterwouldreacttotheideaofherinarelationshipwiththemanJoliehadthehotsfor.
HeathPowellmightbeexperienced,calculating,andtotallymale,buthe’dcomehighlyrecommendedasasecurityconsultantfrompeopleshetrusted.Herguttoldherthat—atleastinthisinstance—hewasn’taliar.
“Excusemeforasecond.”ShewhippedoutherphoneandtextedKaris.
AreyousureHeathgaveyoutheflowers?Didheleaveacard?
Hersisterrepliedalmostimmediately.Thecardwasn’tsigned,justsaidthathethinksaboutmedayandnight,andhedoesn’tcarewhodisapproves.Whoelsecoulditbe?
Soyoudon’tknowforsurethatHeathsentthem?Shewroteback.
No.
Jolietuckedherphoneawaywithasigh.Mortificationrolledthroughherinahotflush.She’dhavetoapologize,damnit.“Apparentlymysisterisn’tsurenowwhosenttheflowers.I’msorrythatIaccusedyouanddisturbedyourevening.Goodnight.”
Shewhirledaroundandheadedforhercar.God,she’dallbutjumpeddownhisthroat,andJoliefeltridiculousfornotaskingKarismorequestionsbeforesheconfrontedHeath.Sheneverwenttoanymeetingunprepared,damnit.
“Wait.”Heathgrabbedherarm.
Somethingelectricarcedbetweenthem,andshegrittedherteethagainstthesizzle.
Thereactionmadeherevenmoreprickly.“What?”
“Sincewe’reofftheclockandwe’veclearlysetasideourworkingrelationshipforthemoment,Ithinkit’sonlyrightthatIhavethechancetosaywhatIthinkofyou.”
Sheswallowed.Ifhewasthishiptogiveherhisopinionaftershe’dhurledabunchofinsultsathim,shecouldn’texpectanythingbutugly.Joliesighed.Itsuckedbutshe’dearnedit.“I’mlistening.”
“Excellent.”Hereleasedher,hisfingerscurlingintoafistashebeganwalkingaroundher,studyingher,drawingconclusions.“Youdon’ttrustmenandthatrunsdeep.Itcolorsyourdecisionsandprejudiceseverythingyousaytome.Ifyou’veneverbeeninlove,thenyourdeep-seededdistrustmustcomefromthelackofanystablefatherfigureinyourchildhood.”
“Thanks,Freud,”shesnapped.
Heathjerkedbacktofaceherandleanedinsoclosetheirnosesnearlytouched.“AmIwrong?”
Sherefusedtostrolldownthatmemorylane.“Doesitmatter?”
“Idaresayitdoes.Butwe’llcomebacktothat.Ifyouweremerelymistrustfulofmen,youwouldhavewaiteduntiltomorrowanddeliveredawell-placedwarningtokeepmeawayfromyoursister.Instead,youcameafterme.Andwhenyoufoundmewithanotherwoman,yourtemperflared.IfImerelyliveduptoyourexpectationsofbeingawomanizingprick,thatshouldn’tmakeyouangryatall,simplysmugatbeingright.Butyouwerelivid.Idoubtallthatdispleasureisonyoursister’sbehalf.Infact,Isuspect,Ms.Quinn,thatyouhavemorethanapassinginterestinme.Youwerejealous.”
Apprehensionracedthroughherveins.Hewasuncomfortablyclosetothetruth.“You’reegotistical.”
“ButI’mright.”Hegaveheratightsmile.“Fortherecord,ifIintendedtodisregardpolicyandpursueawomanintheoffice,Iwouldn’tbotherwithyoursister.Asyousay,she’snaiveandprovidesnochallenge.Butyou…Youwouldbefarmoreinteresting.Pretty,strong,smart,noteasilybendable.Colormeintrigued.”
Shetensed.“I’myourboss.”
“Temporarily.We’rebothadults.Surelyneitherofusarepronetotorridemotionalattachments.Wecouldkeepbusinessseparatefrompersonal,couldn’twe?”
Normally,she’dsayyes.Butworkingwithhimconstantlybuzzingaroundher,askingquestions,andwatchinghereverymovehadalreadydentedherfocus.“Ihavenointentionofbecomingyournextconquest.”
“Ineverplannedtopursueyou.”
Joliewonderedwhy,thendismissedthequestionasshebuttonedherredcoat.“Perfect.There’snothinglefttosayexceptI’msorryforintrudingonyourevening.Ihopewecanforgetthisbymorning.”
Shehadtogetoutofhere.She’doverplayedherhandandneededtoregroup,tothinkabouthowtotreathimtomorrow.ThelastthingshewantedwasforHeathPowelltodecideshewasachallengeheshouldconvertintohisnextbedpartnerafterall.Normally,thesexualurgesofamanwouldn’tconcernherunlessshewasinterested.Ifso,shefoundawaytohavehimforanightortwo,thenendedit.
SomethingtoldherthatnothingwithHeathwouldeverbethatsimple.
ButwhenJolieturnedherbackonhimandheadedfortheparkinglot,hesnakedanarmaroundhermiddleandpulledheragainsthisbig,steelybody.“Ineverplannedtopursueyou…butI’vechangedmymind.”
Thosesoftwordsagainstherneckrolledashiverthroughher.“Getyourhandoffme.”
“I’llbetthebitchacthasscaredoffamanortwoinyourpast.”
Shejerkedawayandcockedherhandonherhip.“Whyisitthatwhenamanisassertive,he’shailedasalphaandtake-charge.Butwhenawomanisequallyassertive,she’sabitch?”
“Oh,let’sbeclear.Idon’tbelieveyou’reabitchatall.Ithinkthatunderyoursteelyexteriorisawomanwithasoftheart.Youtakeinstrayemployeesthewayotherpeoplefosteranimals.Theirformeremployershaveallcastthemoff.Theyaren’tperfectbutunderyourleadership,they’reproductiveagain.Youmakethemworkhard—astheyshould—butyou’refair.Youdon’twheedleeffectivenessoutofthembypretendingtobetheirfriend.Youtellthemexactlywhatyouexpect.Butyou’rechillywithmebecauseyoufearthatifyoudon’tguardagainstwhatImakeyoufeel,I’llslipunderyourdefensesandbruisethatuntriedheartofyours.”
God,he’dseenwaytoomuchofher.“Don’ttouchmeagain.IfIwanttobepsychoanalyzed,I’llhireashrink.Otherthanthat,Iexpectyoutobeprofessionalanddoyourjob.YouhavemypromisethatIwon’tcontactyouafterhoursunlessthere’sanemergency.Nowwe’redone.Don’tforgetwehaveastaffmeetingtomorrowmorningateight.”
Shepulledherkeysfreefromherpurseandwalkedawayasquicklyasherhighheelscouldtakeher.
“Ifeltyoutremblingagainstme,”hecalledafterher.
Jolieclampedherlipsshut.Nosenseinacknowledgingthat.ThebestwaytohandleamanlikeHeathPowellwastoignorehim.
Ittookeverybitofherwilltofollowherownadvice.Whydidhehavetoberight?
Asshemarchedtohercar,shefoughttocatchherbreath.Onceinsidethevehicle,sheshutthedoors,lockedthem,thenglancedoutthewindowtoseethemanstillstandingwhereshe’dlefthim.Hewatchedhereverymove.Swallowingdownashiver,shegrippedthewheelanddraggedinabreath,unabletododgethesuspicionthatshehadpokedasleepingbear.
Herphonebuzzedinherpocket.Anothertextfromhersister.Sheignoreditandlaunchedhere-mailinstead.AdozennewmessagespouredintoherinboxbutshesoughttheoneKarishadsentafewhoursago.Theoneshe’dswornshehadnointerestin.Theoneshe’dneverintendedtoopen.
ThereportKarishadcompiledonHeathPowell.
Herfingertrembledasshetappedthescreen.Theattachmenttookitssweettimedownloadingbeforeitfinallyopened.Shescannedthedocumentbecausesheneededtoknowherpotentialadversaryonapersonallevel.Well,inpart.Shealsofeltadangerousfascinationshecouldn’tshake.
Jolieletoutabreath.Thatadmissionhadbeentoughbutnecessary.Lyingtoherselfservednopurpose.Heath’swordshadbeenlikeacrowbar,pryingpastherdefensesanduncoveringtroublingfactsshehadn’twantedtoface.
Herbusinessneededhim.Tomorrowmorning,hewouldtellherallthevulnerabilitiesinherphysicalandcybersecurityafterobservingherofficeanditshabits.Shehadnodoubthe’dfoundmany,andshewouldaddressthemall.Ifthatwastheextentoftheirinteraction,Joliewouldberelieved.Buttheunspokenattractionshimmeringbetweenthemwaslikeagenie.Nowthatitwasout,shecouldn’tforceitbackinthebottle.
Damnit.
Thewordsofthereportswambeforehereyes.BornoutsideofLiverpool.Upper-middle-classupbringing,luckyhim.Decentstudentwithapenchantforferretingoutinformationbetterkepthiddenandworkingthesystemwhenitsuitedhim.Joliehadn’tknownthatbutshecouldpictureit.Aftersometimeinuniversity,heservedforafewyearsinthemilitary,includingatourinAfghanistan,beforehesuddenlyappearedonMI5’spayroll,justashe’dsaidduringtheirinterview.
Buthe’dfailedtomentionthebitabouthiswifebeinggunneddowninbroaddaylightinthemiddleofanopen-airmarketinLondonsevenyearsago.Joliegasped.Thecaseremainedunsolvedbutthegovernmentsuspectedhome-grownextremists.BasedonwhatKarishadtrackeddown,Heathhadn’tbeeninvolvedinanylastingrelationshipsince.Therewasmorebutshedidn’tneedit.
Againstherwill,empathysoftenedherresolve.WerethosewomenCalliesaidhefrequentlypickedupabalmforhisgrievingheart?Awaytopassthetime?Hisattempttoforgetthepainofhiswife’sloss?
ThesoundofJolie’sbreathsechoinginherheadmingledwiththeloudthumpofherheart.Shewishedshecouldtakebackeverywordshe’dsaidtohimtonight.Shehadnoexcuseexcepttheonehe’dalreadydiscerned.Herreluctantpersonalinteresthadcloudedherbrain,andwhenhe’dgivenanotherwomanhisattention,she’dhandleditbadly.
Joliestaredoutthewindshield,thenturnedtoglancebackatthealley.
Heathstillstoodthere,unflinching,unmoving.
Sheowedhimagenuineapology.
Withasigh,shepushedhercardooropenandstood,shovingherphoneinhercoatpocketalongtheway.Whenshereachedhim,hedidn’tsayaword,justraisedabrow,hisdarkeyesdissectingandundressingheratonce.
“I’msorry.Really.”Shedidn’tdaretellhimthatKarishaddugintohisbackground.Joliedoubtedhe’dappreciateknowingshe’dreadabouthistragicpast.“Youdidn’tdoanythingtodeservemyoutburst.I’vehadabadday.Imeanttoprotectmysister.Youpushedsomeofmybuttons.”
“StilltellingmeI’mwrongaboutwhy?”
Ofallthethingsthathadpassedbetweenthemtonight,hezeroedinonthat.“WhyareyoufishingtohearthatIwantyou?”
Hedrilledherwiththosedarkeyes.“BecauseIwantyou,too.”
Withasilentgasp,shestared,themomentstillandsharp.“Forgetit.I’vegivenyoureasonsformyearlierbehavior.Ipromiseitwon’thappenagain.Canwebetwoprofessionaladultsandmoveforward?”
“Intheoffice?Certainly.Ineverbringmypersonallifetomyjob.”
“Good.Thatmakestwoofus.”
“ButI’mnotlettingthisgo.Girlsliketheoneinthebartonightareawaytogetthroughanevening,buttheydon’tactuallyinterestme.YouremindedmethatIhaven’tchallengedmyselfinfartoolong.”
She’dwalkedrightintothattrap.Unlessshewantedtosuddenlydeclarethatshewasunabletoseparatethepersonalfromtheprofessional,shehadtofigureoutsomeotherwaytocombathim.
“Takeyourchallengeelsewhere.Ihavetoomuchgoingonnowtohandleafling.Idon’tdofriendswithbenefits.I’mevenlessinterestedinanythinglasting.”
Hesentherafaintsmile.“We’reonthesamepage.”
“Perfect.”
“Butitdoesn’tmatter.Considerthisfairwarning:I’mcomingafteryouandIintendtohaveyouunderneathme.Iwon’trestuntilIdo.Soshoreupyourdefensesandworkyourselfuptightly.ThatwaywhenIseduceyou,itwillbeevensweeter.”
“It’snotacompetition,”shegratedout.
“It’snot.”
Thenwhybother?Becauseheneededanotherconquesttomakehimselffeelbig?Becausehewantedtousehersohedidn’thavetothinkabouthislatewife’smurder?“Fixateonsomethingelse.Tryyoga.”
Heathopenedhismouthtohitherwithsomewittyrejoinder,shewassure.Insteadherphonebuzzedinsistently.Sheglancedatthedisplay.Hersister.AstickedoffasshewaswithKarisrightnow,JoliemighthavedeclinedthecallbutitgaveheranexcusetopausethisconversationwithHeathuntilshegotherheadtogether.
Shepressedthebuttonandliftedthecelltoherear.“What?”
“Didyougetmytext?”shewhispered.“IwashearingnoisesjustoutsidethebuildingbutnowIhearfootstepsintheoffice.Headingdownthehall.They’recomingtowardme.”ChapterThree
Ruleforsuccessnumberthree:
Noteverythingwillgoyourway.
STANDINGinchesfromhim,Heathcouldn’tmissthewayJoliefroze.Panicwidenedhereyes,andwhethersherealizeditornot,shelookedtohim,hermossygazesilentlybeggingforhishelp.
Somethinghadgonewrong.
Hecuppedhershoulderinsilentcomfort.Yes,hewashereforher.Ifshehadn’tbeensoworried,shewouldn’thaveappreciatedhisgesture.
“Whereareyou?”Jolieasked,thenyankedthephonefromherearandenabledthespeaker.
“—Turnedoffthelights,leftmydesk,andsneakedintothebreakroomwhenIheardwhatsoundedlikesomeonemessingwiththedoortooursuite,”Karispanted.“ThenIheardfootstepsinthehall,soIeasedthedoorclosedandcalled911.Theytoldmeitwouldbeanothertenminutes.I’mscared.”
Heathhadheardallheneededto.HegrabbedJolieandhustledhertohismotorcycleonlyafewpacesaway.
Ashetossedherhishelmet,shetriedtosetKarisatease.“I’mwithHeathjustdownthestreet.We’reonourway.”
“Doyouknowwheretheintruderisnow?”heaskedthegirlontheotherendoftheline.
“IthinkinJolie’soffice.”Karis’smutedvoicetrembled.
“Aretheremorethanone?”
“I-Ididn’thearanyothers.”
“Good.Getoutofthebreakroom.”Shecouldn’treachthelonedooroutofthesuite,whichleddirectlytotheparkinglot,withoutpassingtheintruder,sohecouldonlydohisbesttokeephersafe.“Duckbehindthecubiclesanddashtothefileroomattheendofthehall.Thatdoorhasalock.Useit,thenquietlywedgeoneofthechairsinsideunderthedoorknobandwaituntilhelparrives.”
“Okay.”
HeturnedtoJolie.“Youhavetodisconnectthecallandholdontome.”
Reluctantly,shenoddedandtoldKaristostaysafe.Ashestartedthemotorcycle,anxietybitintohisgut.Herefusedtoletanyoneelsedieonhiswatch,especiallynotsomeonewhoselosswouldcrushJolie.
Hedidn’twanttothinkaboutwhythatmatteredtohim.
Thoughrattled,shequicklystraddledthebikeandsettledontotheseatbehindhim,wrappingherarmsaroundhiswaist.ThenHeathboltedoutoftheparkinglotandzippedtowardtheoffice.Tomorrowhe’dplannedtopresenthisrecommendationsforamoresecureworkplacetoJolieandhopefullygetthemeasuresinplacequickly.Hewishednowhe’dsimplybypassedherapprovalprocessandinstalledtheequipmentheknewsheneeded.
Streetlightsblurredoneithersideofhimashedodgedcars,speedingtowardBetti.Hisheadspunwithallthescenarioshemightencounteroncetheyreachedtheoffice.Behindhim,Jolieclungtightly,herwholebodystiff.Hesuspectedshe’dneverbeenonthebackofamotorbike,andhe’dlovetotakeherforalongride,gaugehermoodafterbeingplasteredagainsthimforanhourortwowiththepurrofthemotorbetweenherlegs.
Yes,heshouldleavehisbossalone.Butshe’dsparkedsomethinginsidehimhedidn’tthinkhecouldsimplysnuffout.Hecouldn’trecallthelasttimehe’dfeltthisalivemerelybeingnearawoman.
Dangerousthoughts,andheshovedthemaside.OnlysavingKariswasimportantnow.
WhothedevilcouldbeinBetti’soffices?Thatburglarwho’dbeenreportedintheareaseemedthemostlikelysuspect.Thecowardapparentlywaiteduntilafterhourswhenhewasn’tlikelytoencounteranyonewho’dputupafight.Heintentionallyhitsmallbusinesseswithoutalarmsystemsandquicklythievedalltheirtechnicalgadgets,probablyhavingsomeblackmarketbuyerreadyandwaiting.Butnoonehadeverreportedcomingface-to-facewiththeprowler,soHeathdidn’tknowifthemanwasarmedorwouldbedangerousifconfronted.
AstheyreachedtheparkinglotoutsideofBetti’soffices,hesawKaris’sbluecompactstillinthelotanddimmedtheheadlightofhiscycle,puttingtheengineinneutralandcoastingaroundthesideofthebuilding,awayfromthedoortoJolie’ssuite.
Shetoreoffthehelmetandshoveditathim,thendartedforthedoor.Withonehand,hehungthehelmetonthehandlebars.Withtheother,hegrippedherarmandgaveitayank.“Stayhere.Youcan’tbargein.”
“Mysister—”
“Won’tbeanysaferifyoudashinhalf-cocked.Waithere.”
“Likehell.”Shejerkedfromhistouch.“I’llstaybehindyouifthatmakesyoufeelbetterbutIwon’tletyouleavemealtogether.”
Heathpulledhisgunfromhisholsterandgrittedhisteethashetookherhandandcrepttowardthebuilding.“Ifthesituationweren’tdire,I’dtakeyouovermyknee.”
Shesenthimasidewaysglare.“I’mnotamisbehavingchild.”
“No,you’reabloodystubbornwoman.”
Thelightbulbseemedtogooffinherhead.“Idon’tsubmit.”
Shemightnotthinkso…butinterestingthathermindhadgonethere.Givenalltheresponsibilitiesshejuggledandhowtightlyshewaswound?Heathwouldbetshedid.“Let’sgo.”
Nowthathesuspectedtheyhadamutualinterest,hedidn’tsimplywanttotouchJolie,hefeltcompelledto.
“Isthatthingloaded?”Shenoddedatthesemiautomatic.
“Itwon’tdomeawhitofgoodifitisn’t.”
“Thankgod.”
Heathlikedthatsheunderstoodtheneedforafirearminmomentslikethisanddidn’tactsqueamishthathekeptone.Thenagain,Jolieseemedpracticalifnothingelse.
Hepalmedtheguninonehandandgrippedherswiththeother.“Staybehindme.”
Foronce,shedidn’targue.Heapproachedthefrontofthebuilding,peekingthroughthewallofwindowsthatoverlookedthecubiclearea,searchingforanylightsthatshouldn’tbeonorobviousbeamsfromatorch.Nothing,whichmeanttheintruderlikelywasn’tsneakingaroundtheemployees’desks.Heprobablywasn’tbotheringwiththebreakroom,either.Noelectronicsthereexceptaless-than-stellarcoffeepotandaTVworthsixtypoundsatbestoneBay.Thatmeanttheburglarcouldonlybeinthefileroomhe’dtoldKaristobarricadeherselfin,theconferenceroomwiththeprojector,orJolie’soffice—nearthesuite’sonlyexteriordoor.
Hewishedlikehellthewillfulwomanbehindhimwouldstayoutsidebutshewasdetermined.Sohetuggedonherhandandledhertowardtheoffice.
Heathglancedathiswatch.Anothersixminutesbeforethepolicearrived.Jolie’ssistercouldbeindeepperilnow.Theycouldn’taffordtowait.
“Staydown,”hewhispered.
Shenoddedandcrepttowardthedoor,mirroringhiseverymove.Throughthewallofwindowstowardtheendofthebuilding,theintensebeamofanLEDflashlightsuddenlyarcedthroughJolie’soffice.Momentslatertheglowfromhercomputershaftedtheroomwithasofterglow,andtheintruderclickedoffthetorch.
Cursingunderhisbreath,HeathpeeredthroughthewindowsagainandspottedsomeoneinJolie’schair—shorthair,broadshoulders,definitelytall.Male.Thatdidn’tsurprisehim.ButthesightofthemanhunchedoverthePC,studyingitintently,did.
“Whyishereadingmycomputer?”shehissed.
Goodquestion.“Anythingsensitiveontheharddrive?”
“ThesketchesofthesummercollectionI’llbelaunchingsoon,alongwithmymanufacturingsources.That’sprobablythemostvaluableinformation.”
Whenshe’dsuggestedindustrialespionagetohimduringtheirinitialinterview,he’dbeenhard-pressedtobelievethatabunchoffashionistascouldbecutthroatenoughtostealintellectualproperty.Afterafewhoursofresearch,he’drethoughthisposition.Nowitlookedasifshe’dbeenright.
“Isthecomputerpasswordprotected?”
“Ofcourse.”Shehesitated.“ButafterIhadtheflulastfall,ArthurinsistedIleavesomeonethepasswordincasehehastogeneratepayrollinmyabsence.Ikeepeveryone’selectronictimecardssecurebecausetheyincludeSocialSecuritynumbers.Wisteriahasthepasswordtapedtothedesk,underherkeyboard.”
Heathnearlygroaned.They’ddefinitelybetalkingaboutthatvulnerability,alongwithalistofotheritems,attomorrowmorning’smeeting.Provided,ofcourse,everyonesurvivedtonight.
“Isyourcomputersecuredtoyourdesk?”heasked.
“No.Someonecouldunplugitandwalkoff.God,thatsoundsridiculouswhenIsayit.”
“We’lldiscussprecautiouslater.”
“Idon’tseeKaris.”Jolietextedhersisterandstaredatthephone,herapprehensionthickintheair.“She’snotanswering.”
“Shemaynothavereceptioninthebackofthebuilding,”hereminded.
Undernormalcircumstances,Heathwouldslipin,takedowntheintruderandwrestlehimintocuffs,thenensureKarisstayedsafewhilehewaitedforpolice.WithJoliebesidehim,thescenariohadtoworkdifferently.
Hecounteddownwithhisfingers,maintainingsilence.Whenhereachedone,hepointedtowardtheofficeentranceandbegancreepingforward.Shefollowed,crouchedlowsotheydidn’tthrowanyshadowsinsidefromthestreetlightsbehind.
Theopeningtothesuitesatslightlyajar.Theintruderhadpickedthelock,andthere’dbeennoalarmtodisable.Justinside,thedoortoJolie’sofficewasclosed.Heathpeekedthroughthesidelightwindowtoseetheintruderstillsittinginthecomputer’sblueglow.Hehopedthethugwastoofocusedtonoticethetwoofthemsneakpast.
Hegavethedoortothemainentranceagentleshoveandslippedinside,weapondrawnandpointedattheportaltoJolie’soffice.Shestayedrightbehindhim.
Hiskneesprotestedcrouching,andhewasfeelingeveryoneofhisthirty-nineyears,butadrenalinekepthimuprightandsharp.Withawaveofhishand,hemotionedJolietowardthebackofthesuiteandthefileroomhehopedKarishadbeenabletoreachsafely.
BeforeJoliecouldheadback,Heathheardthefirstpealofthepolicesirens.
Hepeekedthroughthesidelightagainandsawthemomenttheintruderheard,too.Themanjerkedandleapttohisfeet,thechairrollingacrosstheindustrialrugbeforeheyankedonthecomputer’scords.Thebeamofhisflashlightjerkedandcircledagain.Footstepspoundedtowardherofficedoor.
Afewfeetaway,Joliefroze.Damnit,shewouldbeoneofthefirstthingstheburglarspottedonceheemergedfromheroffice.
“Hide!”Heathhissed,pointingatWisteria’sbigwoodendesk.
Withashakynod,shedoveunderthemonstrosity,outoftheburglar’ssight.
Amomentlater,thestrangeremergedfromheroffice.Hewastoobusystompinghiswaytothedoor,tryingtoescapeamidthesirensdrawingcloser,tonoticeanyonehiddeninthenearbyshadows.
Heathwaiteduntilthemaninchedpasthim,obviouslycarryingacomputerinhislatex-glovedhands—andnoweaponinsight.
Assoonasthemantriedtosneakoutthesuite’sdoor,Heathtackledthethugfrombehind.
Theburglargruntedashewentdown.Jolie’scomputerclatteredtothecarpetashecameupswinging,twistingtodislodgetheunexpectedweightontop.Heathwasn’tabouttoletgo.
Hepressedhisgunagainsttheskimaskcoveringtheintruder’shead.“Don’tmove.”
Themanbeneathhimfroze.HeathglancedbacktoensureJoliewassafe.Hespottedher,stillcurledbeneathWisteria’sdesk.
“ShouldIfindsomethingtotiehishands?”sheasked,hervoicesurprisinglyeven.
“Thepoliceshouldbehereanymoment.Youdidwell,”hepraisedherbeforefocusingonthethiefagain.“Whatareyoudoinghere,wanker?”
Silence.
“Isuggestyoutalktome.IdaresayI’llbemorereasonablethanmySIGSauer.”
Stillnotaword.Heathknewthemanhadn’tpassedout.Everymusclebeneathhimfelttenseandpoisedforaction.Hecouldalmostfeelthetrespasser’sthoughtsracing,mostlikelyplottingaviablemethodofescape.
Thesirensdrewcloser,andHeathshiftedhisinterrogationintohighgear.Ifhewantedtoknowwhatthiscriminalhadbeenuptobeforethepolicetookthemanaway,hehadtoactfast.
“TalknoworI’llshootyourfingersoffoneatatime.You’vegotfiveseconds.”
Suddenly,everylightintheofficeflippedon,temporarilyblindinghim.
“Jolie!”Karisscreamedanddarteddownthehall.
“Staydown,”hegrowledather.
“Karis?”Joliesoundeddownrightdesperatetoreassureherselfthatthegirlwasallright.
Theymightseemasdifferentastwosisterscouldbebuttheylovedeachother.
Duringthatdistraction,theintruderelbowedHeathintheribs,squirmingbeforegivinghimamightyshove.AsHeathtoppledback,thethugscrambledtohisfeetanddartedforthedoor,drawingasemiautomaticandpointingitHeath’sway.Withtheotherhand,hebenttoretrieveJolie’slaptop.
Adrenalinemakinghimsweatandhisheartpound,Heathfoundhimselfstaringdownthebarrelofagun.Hepulledthetriggerfirst,firingattheassailant.Theblokefeintedrightbutgruntedoutacurseanddroppedthecomputertoclutchhisarm.Asthemachineplunkedtotheground,theburglarfiredbackintotheemptydoorwayafewtimes,thenran.
Afterabulletwhizzedpasthisear,Heathdartedaftertheintruderasthesirensdrewcloser,nowamereblockaway.
“Stayhere,”hebarkedatthesisters,thentookoffafterthethief,hisfeetpoundingthepavement.
WhythebloodyhellhadthemanbeeninJolie’soffice?Whathadhesought?Andwhyhadhetriedtotakeonlyhercomputer?Diditcontainmoresecretsthansheleton?
ThequestionsracedthroughHeath’sheadashepursuedthedarkform,grippinghisweaponandreadytoshoot.Hesizeduphisfoe.Fast,athletic,smart.Notquitetheamateurhewouldhaveexpectedfromatypicalburglar.
Assoonastheprowlercould,hedisappearedintoaclusteroftreesbehindthebuilding.Thefoliageshroudedtheambientlight,swallowingthembothupindarkness.
Heathgrippedhisgunandfollowed,shovingleafybranchesfromhisface,pursuingwheretherustlingaheadledhim.Adozenstepslater,whenheshovedhiswaythroughathickwallofbrush,themanwasgone.Heathscannedthesidewalksdimmedbyshadow.Thesoundofnearbycarsdrownedoutfootfalls.
BehindandbesideBetti’sofficessatindustrialbuildingsandwarehouses.Theyshouldbelockedtight.Beyondthatlayamajorroad.Pedestriantrafficlessthantwo-tenthsofakilometerdownthatstreetwouldbeheavyaroundthearea’sbarsandrestaurants.
Heathfollowedhisgut.Ifhe’dplannedthisjob,hisexitstrategywouldhavebeentoblendinonthebusystreetanddisappear.
Oncehecoveredafewblockseastandpeoplemilledabouteverywhere,heholsteredhisweapon.Thecriminalcouldeasilybeswallowedbythecrowd.Hewouldfinditequallysimpletostealoneofthemanycarsparkedalongthecurbanddisappear.
ThepolicewouldbewithJolieandKarisbynow.AsmuchasHeathhatedtoleavethem,herefusedtoletthisthievingprickgowithoutgivingchase.
Hedodgedpedestriansastheystrolledfromrestauranttobar,headedtotheircars,walkinghandinhand.Manypausedtostareathim.Somejumpedoutofhiswayasiftheysensedtheurgencyandadrenalinepouringoffhim.Heathfellbackonhistraining,scanningeveryonehepassed.Finally,hezeroedinonamanfumblinghiswayintoablacksedanatthecurb,holdinghisforearmawkwardly.
Heathkickedintooverdrive,reachingthevehiclejustasthemandoveinside,yankeddownhisskimaskagain,andstartedtheengine.Heathdidn’tdareshootnoworhe’driskhittingabystander.Instead,hedoveforthebackofthecarasthevehiclelurchedintotraffic.
Launchinghimselfontothetrunk,Heathtriedtoholdonbutasthecaraccelerated,helosthisgripandtumbledontothestreet.
Hecameupwithacurse.Thiswasn’tover.Hislegsmightnotrunasfastaswhenhe’dbeentwenty-fivebuttherewasnothingwrongwithhiseyes.Evenwithoutthecar’staillightsengaged,he’dmanagedtoseeeverynumberandletter.
Hehopedthatwouldbeenoughtonailthisbastardbecausehedidn’twantJolieindangeragain.
***
HEATHjoggedbacktoBetti’soffices,multitaskingwithaphonecalltoMitchellThorpe’sfriendandCallie’slegalhusband,SeanMackenzie.AsaformerFBIagent,themanhadcontactsHeathneeded.
“Hello?”
“Nottoberude,butIneedtobypassthesmalltalk.Willyourunalicenseplateforme?”
Seandidn’thesitate.“Sure.I’llpullafewstrings.What’sthenumber?”
Heathrattleditoff,stilldraggingindeepbreaths,andexplainedthesituation.“IchasedthewankerallthewaytohisdamnedcarbutI’mdeterminedtofindoutwhoheisandwhyhebrokeintoJolie’soffice.”
“Givemeafewhoursandsomeonewillgetbacktoyou.Callieishavingcontractions.She’snotdueforanotherthreeweeks.IfThorpeandItakehertothehospital,I’llputthisingoodhands.”
Heathcouldn’taskformore.“Thankyou.IhopeCallieandthebabywillbeallright.”
“Thanks.Ifyouneedanymorehelp,callJackColeoroneoftheEdgingtonbrothers.I’lltextyoutheirnumbers.”
He’dmetthemoncebrieflyafterreturningfromLondon.Hehopedhedidn’thavetoringreinforcementsbuthewouldifdangerwarrantedit.
TheyrangoffasHeathtrekkedthroughBetti’sparkinglot.Thedoortothesuitestoodwideopen.Acoupleofpatrolunitshadskiddedtoastop,bracketinganunmarkedcar.Theofficerswereobviouslyinside,probablytakingstatementsfromthesisters.
Asheapproachedthedoor,apatrolmanstoppedhim.“Sorry.Onlywitnessesallowed.”
“IfoughttheintruderbeforeIchasedhimdownthestreet.Hemanagedtogetawaybut—”
“That’sverydangerous,sir.Youshouldhavewaitedforthepolice.We’retrainedforthissortofthing.”
Heathdidn’thavethepatienceforthisyoungcop’sposturing.“IservedthreeyearsintheBritishmilitary,thenanothertenwithMI5.”He’dbeenwelltrainedlongerthanthisofficerhadbeenoutofpuberty.“Where’sthedetectiveincharge?”
“Heath!”awomanscreechedacrosstheoffice.
Whilehedidn’tthinkJoliewouldkeensoloudlyforanyman,hewhirledaround.Instead,Karisbarreleddownthehallandlaunchedherselfagainsthim.Shestunnedhimevenmorebythrowingherarmsandlegsaroundhim,thenpressinganurgentkisstohislips.HewasstilltryingtoprocesswhythedevilshemeanttosucktheairfromhislungsandhowtogracefullyextricatehimselfwhenJoliestrolledintoviewwithascowl.
Damnitall.
Withafirmgrip,hepriedKarisawayandsetheronherfeet,clearinghisthroat.“Areyoubothallright?”
“Yes.”Theyoungersisterlookedathimwithsomethinguncomfortablyakintoheroworshipasshepressedahandtohischestandblinkedathimwithbigbrowneyes.“Thankstoyou.Iwasterrifiedoutofmymindbutknowingthatyouwerecomingtosaveme,Ikeptcalm.”
“I’mfine,”Jolieansweredinclippedtones.“You?”
Obviously,she’dbeenworriedabouthersister.Butdidsheimaginethathe’dcometoKaris’saidandchasedtheintrudertoearnthegirl’sadorationandseduceher?Perhaps.Joliewasacynicalcreature.Heunderstoodthatwell.
Butashe’dalreadypointedout,shewouldn’tbeannoyedbyanypotentialloverofhisifshedidn’tcare.
HeathputmoredistancebetweenhimselfandKaris.“Excellent.I’msorryIdidn’tcatchtheprowler.ButI’mworkinganotherangle.”
Andherefusedtosaymorewithinearshotofthepolice.Iftheirintruderhadbeentheburglarcommontothisarea,theDallasPDhadsoughthimunsuccessfullyforweeks.Heathintendedtoinvestigateonhisownandfigureoutwho’dbrokeninandwhy—withoutstickybureaucraticredtape.JoliehadhiredhimtokeepBettisafe.Heintendedtodohisjob.
Still,herattituderemainedchilly.“Thanks.”
Heheldinacurse.EvenifJoliebelievedhehadnodesignsonKaris,shemightcuthimcold.Besidesbeingdriven,shewaswaryoflettingmenclose.
Heathwantedtounderstandher.
“Iwassoworriedaboutyou,chasingdownthatawfulburglarwhocorneredme.”Karispressedclose.“Iwasafraidhe’dhurtyou,shootyou.Oh…”Shegasped.“Icouldn’thavelivedwithmyself.”
Hegaveherabrotherlypat.“Asyousee,I’mperfectlywell.”
“Thepolicearestillaskingquestions.Excuseme.”Joliesteppedaway.
Helungedintoherpersonalspace,wishinghecouldtakeawaytheworryanddispleasurepinchinghermouth.“Areyoucertainyou’reallright?”
Beforeshecouldreply,afortysomethingfemaledetectiveapproachedand“invited”himtotheconferenceroomsoshecouldaskalltheusualquestions.TheinterrogationtoldHeaththeyhadalreadydecidedtheneighborhoodburglarwastheirman.ThedetectivealsodemandedheshowhispermittocarryafirearminTexas,explainhisspentshellcasings,andhandoverhisgunforaquickexamination.Theonebitofgoodnews?TheintruderhadbledenoughforthemtocapturehisDNA,andtheyintendedtorunitthroughtheirsystems.Sadly,thatcouldtakemonths.
HeathfearedtheDallasPDwouldbeuselessinthisinvestigation.
Finally,thewomanfinishedinterrogatinghim.Whentheyemergedfromtheconferenceroom,hespottedalankymaledetectivestandingwithJolieandKaris.Hespokeafewwordsmeanttobereassuring.Thepolicewould,ofcourse,investigatefully,checkin,haveunitscanvasstheneighborhood,andallthatrubbish.
ThenbothofthedetectivesdisappearedintoJolie’sofficetohoveraroundtheCSIunit,whowrappeduptheirexamination.Astheygatheredtheirthings,Jolieduckedintoheroffice,straighteningtheroomtoherusualpristinestandards
Heathcouldn’tstophimselffromwatchinghereverymove.Obviously,shewasn’thappy.Besidesherearlieranger,thedisarraynowallaroundagitatedher.Thesenseofviolationthatsomeonehadbrokenintoherspacedid,too.Heunderstoodherconflict.Herbelovedsisterhadbeenindanger.Herworrychurned.Heradrenalinepumped.Thenthemomenttheperilpassed,thatsamecoddledsiblingputalip-lockonthemanshewasreluctantlyattractedto.TheentireeveningmusthavejarredJolie’smeticulouslybalancedworld.Rightnowshecouldn’thidebehindinvestorreportsanddesignsketches.
Thoughhewisheditwasn’tnecessary,hehadtosetherevenmoreoff-kiltertonight.
Karistuggedonhissleeve.Whenheturnedtoher,sheblinkedathimwithbigbrowneyesbrimmingwithtears.
“Willyouholdme?”
Hehesitated,turningoverpossibleoutcomesandconsequences.Finally,heshookhishead.“I’mthebig,badwolf,thesortwhowouldeatyoualiveforsportandleaveyourbloodycarcassinthedirt.Choosewisely.Pickanotherman.”
Sherearedback.“You’renotlikethat.You’rebraveandwonderfuland—”
“Notinterestedinyourwhitelaceandpromises.”
Karisblinkedinnocently.“I-Ididn’t…I’mnot—”
“LookingforyourPrinceCharming?Yes,youare.I’venowishtohurtyourfeelingsbutIdidnotleaveyouflowers.”
“Oh.”Shelookedcrestfallen,thenshesenthimanintentlittlefrown.“Wouldyou,ifyouhadthoughtofit?”
“No.ThelastwomanIhadsexwith,aboutanhourago,wassomeonewhosenameIstilldon’tknow.She’shardlythefirstsuchstranger.Ihaveaverysimpleiron-cladno-repeatrule.Soevenifyouwerefoolishenoughtoletmewhiskyoutobed,Iwouldnevertouchyouagain.Foryoursake,don’tflirtwithme,don’tpinyourfairy-talehopesonme,anddon’tkissmeagain.”
Karisswallowed,lookinghurt.“Youdon’thavetobeharsh.”
Hesoftenedhistone.“I’mbeinghonest.I’mnotgoodforyou.”
“Youcouldbe,”shewhisperedsoearnestly,italmostmadeadentinhiscynicalshell.“AndIcouldbegoodforyou.”
“I’donlyhurtyou.”
Andhedidn’twanttodiscussitanymore,especiallywhenheturnedtofindJolietalkingtothemaledetective,atall,athleticmaninhisearlythirties.ThesuitsmiledatJolieashepassedherhiscardandpattedherhand.
Heathhadnorightorreasontobejealous.Shecouldprobablygutamanwithhertongueandleavehimtremblinginapoolofhisownblood.Butdamnifhedidn’twanttoshovethedetective’sballsdownhisthroatuntilheunderstoodthatJoliewasoff-limits.Heathonlyrefrainedbecausehehadn’ttouchedher—yet
Whydidhewanthersobadly?Shewasn’thisusual.Hiswife,Anna,hadbeenbeautifulbutreserved,soft.She’dneededhissteadyhandandguidance.Mystery,thoughmorespirited,hadbeenmuchthesame.Joliewouldeatamanforbreakfast.Infact,thismorning,he’dwatchedherbarkintothephoneatasupplierwhohaddispleasedher.She’dlaiddownthelawwithasharprebukeandsomehardball.He’dbeenfascinatedbythepursingofherfulllips,thesassyflipofherdarktressessweepingawayfromherstrikingfacetobrushhershoulders.Shedideverythingwithpassion,conviction,andafeminineconfidencehe’dneverseen.
Morethanhisinteresthadrisen.Themeaninglesshookupwiththeblondehaddonenothingtotaketheedgeoffhisdesire.Heathfearedverymuchthat,untilhehadJolie,onlyshewoulddo.
Withatremblinglowerlip,Karisturnedtowardherdesk,pretendingtofumbleforherpurseandkeyssoshecouldavoidtheembarrassmentoflookingathim.Itprobablymadehimabastard,butthatsuitedHeath.Shemighthavetakenhiswordsmorefirmlythanheintendedbutshe’dfinallygottenthemessage.
OncethepolicehadleftandJolieclosedthedoorbehindthem,sheapproached,glancingbetweenhimandhersisterwithafrown.“Whatdidyousaytoher?”
“Nottotouchmeagain.”
Satisfactionsettledonherfacebeforesheblankedit.“Thankyouforbeingprofessional.”
Hedrilledhisstaredeepintoher.“Iwasn’t.IwarnedherawaybecauseIwantyou.”
“It’snothappening,Romeo.Ifyoudon’tleaveitalone,I’llfireyou.”
“Youcoulddothatbutyouwouldbeputtingyourselfandeveryonewhoworkshereatgreaterrisk.Ihavepagesandpagesofrecommendationsthatyoucan—andshould—implementtokeepyourbusinessandemployeessafe.Ifyouhavetostartoverwithanothersecurityspecialist,thatwillsetyoubackweeks,maybemore.I’mnotsureyouhavethatsortoftimebeforewhoeverthisintruderandwhatherepresentsstrikesagain.So,youcaneithercutmeloosebecauseyoufeelthreatenedoryoucanworkwithme.”
“Idon’tfeelthreatened,justannoyed.”
Rubbish.I’vegotyournumber.“You’retheonemostatrisk.”
Witharollofhereyes,sheanchoredahandonherhip.“Howso?”
“Thisintruderdidn’tmakeagrabforeverytechnicalgadgetinyouroffice,merelyyourcomputer.Thosepolicemenwhodustedyourofficediligentlyforprints?Theywon’tfindanything.Heworesurgicalgloves.Hewasn’tstealinginordertoaffordhisnextfix.Norwasheterriblyrattledafterbeingconfrontedbyunwantedcompany.Hehadaweaponandaquickexitstrategy.SoIdoubtverymuchhewasyourneighborhoodburglar.Hewas,however,aprofessionalwithatarget.”
Shehesitated.“Sowhatdoyouthinkisgoingon?”
“Iftonight’sbreak-inwasaboutindustrialespionage,you’rethebrainsbehindtheoperation.Youholdthecapitalandconnections.Youarethebrand.Ifyourcompetitorswantyououtofbusiness,theywouldstartwithyou.”
“Agreed.Whatdoyouproposenext?”
“IneedmoretimetogettothebottomofthissoIcanprotectyou.”
Shesenthimasidewaysglare.“Ifyoustoptryingtowheedlemeintobed,I’monboard.ButIdon’tdatewhereIwork.”
“Idon’twanttodateyou.”
Herlipstightenedmore.“Idon’twanttofuckyou.”
“Liar,”heaccusedsoftly.
“Iwon’tbeoneofyourconquests.”
“Youcan’tbe.Those,oncescaled,areeasilyforgotten.You’redifferent.IwantyoufarmorethanI’mcomfortableadmitting.”
“Well,nowIknowwhichsisteryou’dratherhiton.Whydidn’tyoujustsayso?”Karisgrippedherkeys,shootingJolieapoutystare.“Goodnight.”
Evenashecursedthegirl’stiming,hesteppedinfrontofher,blockingherexit.“Notsoquickly.”
“What?”Theyoungersisterflounced.
“Becauseyouweretheoneintheofficewhentheintruderbrokein,Iwanttoensurehe’snotwaitingforyouathome.Letmefollowyouthereandmakesureyourapartmentisclear.”
Karisshookherhead.“I’llbefine.”
“Don’tputembarrassmentbeforesafety,”hechided.
“Whatever.”Shegrabbedthestrapofherpurse.“Keepup.”
“You’recomingaswell,”hemurmuredtoJolie.“TheintrudermighthavebargedhiswayinwhileKariswasworkingherealonebuthefocusedonyouroffice.Ifhewaslookingforsomethinginparticular,it’squitelikelythathe’lllooknextatyourplace.”
Jolie’sexpressiontoldhimthatshewantedtodisagreebutcouldn’tfaulthislogic.“Fiveminutes.Youlook,thenyouleave.”
“WhileI’mthere,Iintendtomakesureyoursecurityisuptosnuff.”
Reluctantly,shegavein.“Thenbequick.OnceIlockupmycomputer,we’llgo.”
Theymadetheirwaytothecarpark.HeathtookJolieonthebackofhisbiketohervehiclebeforetheyallcaravannedtoKaris’slittleapartment.Sheparked,andhedidthesamebeforehefollowedtheyoungersisterintoherflat.Withinseconds,heknewnoonehaddisturbedit.Still,hesearchedcarefullybeforedeclaringherclear.Thewindowsofthethirdfloorunitwouldbedifficultforanyonetoclimbthrough.Herdoorseemedsolid,herdeadboltrelativelysturdy.
“Youshouldbesafeheretonight,”hetoldKaris.
“Youdon’tcare.”
“Don’tconfusealackofromanticinterestwithalackofconcernforyoursafety.”
Shelookedaway,visiblychagrined.“I’llbefine.”
Andshewouldbe.Kariswasstrongerthanshethought.
Hecuppedherchinandraisedit,peeringdownintohereyes.“You’relovelyandyoungandsomeonefarlesscynicalwillscoopyouupsomeday.I’msimplynotthatman.”
“You’dratherhavemysister.”Andshesoundedglum.
Hewasn’tgoingtojustifywhohewantedorwhy.“Thatsimplymeansyou’reintendedforsomeoneelse.Ifyouseeorhearanythingsuspicious,youhavemynumber.”
Karisnodded.“BegoodtoJolie.Veryfewpeoplehavebeen.”
HeandMs.Quinnmightbeterribleforoneanotherinthelongrunbuthewasn’tthinkingabouttomorrownow.“Sleepwell.”
Heathheadedoutthedoor,thenfollowedJolie.Heintendedtomakesureshearrivedhometoanemptyplaceandstayedsafe.Whateverhappenedafterthat…happened.ChapterFour
Ruleforsuccessnumberfour:
Whenopportunityknocks,answerthedoor.
AStheyapproachedthefrontdoorofJolie’schiccondocomplex,Heathscannedthelobbyforanyonewholookedtoowatchfuloroutofplace.Nothingbuthipstersarguingpoliticsandyoungprofessionalsontheirmobiledevices.Thebuildingwaseverythingtrendyhedidn’tsubscribeto.Nearbycoffeebar,twenty-fourhourgymfacilities.Sleekandchromeandgray,lackingallhintofcharacter.
He’dlivedinBritainwithitstraditionalarchitecture,quirkylayouts,andpokeyroomsfortoolongtounderstand,hesupposed.
Besidehim,Jolielookedtense.“Wasmysisterallright?”
“Iassuredherthatherapartmentwasclear.Shelockedupbehindme.Igavehermynumberjustincase.”HevolunteeredinformationbecauseJoliewouldneverask.“Ididn’ttouchher.”
Shepunchedthebuttonfortheelevator.“Ididn’tthinkyoudid.”
“Really?”
“Youwereinherplaceforlessthanfiveminutes.Thatwouldbeworkingfast,evenforyou.Besides,you’dalreadytoldKarisno.Shewouldneverhavepoutedthatwayifshehadn’tbeensureyoumeantit.”
“Youaskedmetogentlydiscourageher.Itriednottoupsether.”
Theelevatorarrivedwithading.Sheclimbedintotheemptycarandpressedthebuttonforthesixthfloor.“Iknow.Andifyoutoughenedherupalittle,maybethatwouldbegoodforher.Someheartachemighthelphermature.”
Heathcouldn’tdisagree,basedonwhathe’dseen.“I’llbetyouwerenevernaive.”
Sheshookherhead.“I’mtoopragmatic.”
“Indeed.Becauseyourfatherbrokeyourheartsomewherealongtheway.”
Asthedoorsslidshut,enclosingthemaloneinthelift,Joliestiffened,thentriedtosteadyhertemper.“Whydoyoukeepdiggingatme?”
Itwasafairquestion.Hesimplydidn’thaveananswershewouldlike.“Iwanttounderstandyou.”
“That’snotnecessaryforyoutodoyourjob.”
“It’snot.”Buthehadnointentionofbackingdown.
JolieQuinncompelledhim.Ifhelearnedherwellenough,maybeshe’dlosehershine.Orhe’dfigureouthowtogetherintobedandfuckheroutofhissystem.
“Here’swhatyouneedtoknow:Iliketowin.I’vealwayswantedtobemyownboss.Ihaveaneyeforfashionandseeingtrendscome.I’magoodnegotiator.Bettiwasaperfectfitformypassionsandtalents.”
Shehadn’tboasted,asfarasHeathcouldtell.“Beforeyouhiredme,Ilookedintoyou.Youdoubledyourprofitsafteryourfirstyearinbusinessandeveryyearsince,despiteadifficulteconomy.Infact,lastyearyouincreasedthatpercentageevenmore.”
“I’mproudofmyaccomplishments,butmoneyisn’tthegoal.It’sameanstopreventbeingbeholdentoanyoneelseandtokeepscorewiththecompetition.Nodenyingit’snice,butwhatI’vebeenabletomakewon’tsupportmyexpansionplansinthenecessarytimeframe,whichisallIreallywant.SoIclearlydidn’tdowellenough.”
Hescowled.“You’reawfullyhardonyourself.”
Theliftstopped,andthedoorsdingedopen.“IfI’mnot,afewdozencompetitorsandfashionbloggersarealwayswillingtobe.It’sbetterifIanticipatetheircriticismandcounterbeforeit’stoolate.”
SomethingdroveJolietosucceed.Shehadathirsttothrivewithoutrelyingonothers.Herstrengthintriguedhim,butmore,hewantedtoseeifhecouldscratchherhardsurfaceandfindthesoftwomanbeneath.Hewantedhervulnerabletohim.
Sofuckingdangerous.
Whenshestrodefromtheelevatoranddownthehall,shebentherheadtodiginherpurseforherkeys.
Heathcouldn’tresistprovingsheneededhimforsomething.
Oncetheyjingledinherhand,herushedherfrombehind,grabbedtheringfromhergrip,andjammedthekeyinthelockwithonehand.Withtheother,hegrabbedherhairandtugged.Beforeshecoulddomorethangasp,heshovedherinsideandslammedthedoor.
Heartracing,hepushedheragainsttheadjoiningwallface-first,thencoveredherbackwithhisbody.
God,hecouldn’twaittotakeeveryoneofhercurvesinhishandsandcaressheruntilshebeggedforhim.
“Whatthehellareyoudoing?”Herbreathingaccelerated.Nodoubt,herheartratedidthesame.
“Whenyouapproachyourdoor,youshouldneverburyyourheadinyourpurse.Haveyourkeysinhandwellinadvanceandbealert.Otherwise,you’vemadeyourselfaneasytarget.”
Shestruggledtodislodgehimbuthe’dwedgedheragainstthewall,fistinherhair,renderingheressentiallyimmobile.“Letgo.Theintruder,whateverhewanted,didn’tcomeaftermephysically.”
“Yet.Buthemight.Youhavealottolearn.”
“Checkmycondoforintrudersandgetthehellout.”Shestruggledtoshakehimoff.
HerangerfiredHeath’sbloodevenmore.“Wedothismyway.Youdesigntheclothes,leadthestaff,andruntheoffice.ThisiswhereI’mincharge.”
“Security,fine.That’swhyIhiredyou.”
“Andsex,”hevowedinherear.“I’malwaysinchargethere.”
Shebuckedagain.“I’mnothavingsexwithyou.”
“You’llfindIcanbepersuasive.”
Shescoffed.“Withnaivelittledoormats,sure.Sadlyforyou,that’snotme.Letgo.”
Heathdidn’twantto.Heburnedtoholdher.Oddly,herrefusalonlymadehimmoredeterminedtochangehermind.
Fornow,hereleasedherandsteppedback.“Lockyourdoor.”
Joliedid,butwhensheraisedherhandstoherdeadbolt,hesawhershaking.
“DidIscareyou?”heasked.
“Pfft.No.”
Good.Thatmeantheaffectedheronadeeperlevel.Heshookherfoundations,madeheraware,arousedherinawayshedidn’tunderstand.Thesamewastrueforhim.
“Waithere.I’llchecktherestofyourflat.”
Heinspectedeveryroom,closet,andcrannyinthenexttwominutesandlearnedthatshewas,indeed,alone.Andshekeptherpersonalspaceeverybitastidyasheroffice.Hesmelledhereverywhere,somethingcitruswithahintofmusk—teasingandfeminine.Imaginingherinthequeenbedwithallthefluffypillowsorthebigglass-walledshowerturnedhimon.
AssoonasHeathfinishedinherbedroom,hesaunteredintothekitchentofindherpouringaglassofredwine,seeminglydeterminednottolookathim.“Coastclear?”
“Indeed.”
“Good.Seeyoutomorrow.”
Normally,he’dtakehiscueandleave.Butnothingthathadhappenedtonighthadbeennormal.“I’dliketoaskafewquestions.”
“Thepolicehavealreadydonethat.”
“You’repayingmetogettothebottomofthisbreak-in.DoyoureallyworrysomuchthatI’llseduceyouthatyou’rewillingtoletyourburglarygounsolved?”
Jolieslammedherglassonthecounter.“God,youropinionofyourselfishigh.Youdon’tdothatmuchforme.”
“SoImisunderstoodyourtremblingearlier.Ifyouaren’tafraidofme—andwhyshouldyoube?—theonlyotherexplanationisthatIgettoyou.”
“I’mhungryandtired,”shebitout.
“Thatmakesyourheartrace?”Hesteppedcloser,determinedtohaveherlookathim.“Makesyournipplesbead?”
Instantly,herheadsnappedupandsheflippedanangrystareathim.“Okay,soInoticedyou’reaman.Idon’tsleepwitheveryguyI’mattractedto.”
Heathlikedflusteringher.JustlikeabitofheartachewouldhelpKaris,alittlelossofcomposurewoulddoJolieloadsofgood.
“IthoughtIdidn’tdothatmuchforyou,”heteased.
“Youdon’t.Ifyoudid,Iwouldhavealreadysleptwithyou.”
Shewasdeterminedtokeeptheupperhand.Hewasequallydeterminedtoshowherthatshedidn’thavetowithhim.
“Whydoyouthinkyouneedtocontroleverythingandeveryonearoundyou?”
“What?”Assoonasshespitouttheword,sheshookherhead.“Idon’t.”
“Theabsolutelymeticulousapartment?Control.”
“Ilikethingsneatandorderly,”shecountered.
“Thewayyouruntheoffice,manageprojects,negotiatedeals.You’realwaysincontrol.I’vewatchedyou.”Heswipedafingeracrossthefasteningattheneckofherblouse.“Youcontrolyouremployees,yourschedule,yourappetite,yourtemper.Youevencontrolthethermostat—”
“I’madoer,Mr.Powell.Imaintainordersothere’snochaos.Askyourquestionsaboutthebreak-inandleave.”
“Doyouthinkyoucancontrolme?”
Shedidn’tanswerrightaway.“Iwasn’ttryingto.”
Butsomepartofherwantedtogiveitago,atleastlongenoughtomakehimstopdiggingintoherpsyche.Hesuspectedshe’dgrownupwithchaos,minusastrongmalefigure,andnowsoughtordertokeepuglysurprisestoaminimum.
“I’mnottheenemy,Jolie,”heassuredsoftly.
Theirexchangehadonlyservedtoputheronedgeandincreaseherneedtomanagethesituation.She’dhadadifficultevening.Ifhewantedtofindoutmoreabouthersohecouldexorcisehisattraction,hehadtosetheratease,focusonhisjob.Thenmaybetheycouldseewherethatled.
Sheglaredathim,allgreeneyesandfire.“Thenstopharassingme.Idon’tneedit.”
“Youdon’t.Butyoubringoutsomethingprimalthemaninmecan’tignore.”
“Well,youshouldn’tbetooprimalnowsinceyou’vealreadyscratchedyouritchwith…whatwashername?”
“Noidea.”
“Lovely,”shesaidtartly,thendownedmorewine.“YouandIdon’thaveapersonalinteraction,justtobeclear.Askyourquestions,thengohome.”
Hewouldn’tmentionjustnowthat“home”wasaroomatDominion,theBDSMclubMitchellThorpeowned.IfhedecidedtostayinDallas,he’drentaplaceofhisown,butthisservedhispurposefornow.
“Ofcourse.Shallwesit?”Henoddedatthespotlesswhitesofaontheothersideofthebreakfastbar.
“Allright.”Then,asifsherealizedshehadn’toffered,sheheldupthebottle.“Wine?”
“I’lltakeaglass.Thankyou.”
Shepoured.“You’rewelcome.”
Assoonasshehandedhimastem,hesteppedbacktoallowhertopass.Shesettledintoanoversizedgraychair,sohetooktherightthirdofthecouchandsippedhisvino.Lushanddense,layeredwithnotesofberryandplum.“Thisisagoodcab.”
“Youknowwine?”
“Thatsurprisesyou?”
“MostmenIknowdrinkJackDanielsorlightbeer.”
Heraisedabrow.“Maybeyoushouldimprovethecaliberofthemenyouspendtimewith.”
“Ididn’tchoosetospendtimewiththem,”shecorrected.“Mymomdid.”
Yes,herememberedreadingthathermotherhadacheckeredlovelife.“She’sbeendivorcedthreetimes,asIrecall.”
“Soontobenumberfour,withlotsoflive-inboyfriendsinbetween.Thanksforinvadingmyprivacy.”
“Occupationalhazard.”Heshrugged.“Doesyourmotherleavethemordotheyleaveher?”
“Theyleaveher.Shehasthisself-esteemissueIdon’tunderstand.She’sconvincedherselfthatshedoesn’tdeservebetter.Isometimeswonderiflosersjustlookatherandknowthatshe’llletthemtakeadvantageofher.”
NowJolie’sneedforcontrolmadeperfectsensetoHeath.Toomuchupheavalasakid,ofcourse.Butsheobviouslystrivedeverydayofherlifetobenothinglikehermother.“You’reworriedKariswillfollowinherfootsteps.That’swhyyouwarnedmeaway.”
“Yep.”Shetookanothersipofwine,thenslosheditaroundherglass.“She’steeteringandcouldgoeitherway.Iwanthertodevelopasenseofself-worthandresponsibility,torealizethateverychoicecomeswithaconsequence.Thatambitionwillneverletherdown.”
“Sheisn’tyou.She’snotdriven.”
“Itcanbealearnedskill.”Jolieraisedherchindefensively.
Heathshookhishead.“Yourburninghungertosucceedisapassionthatcomesfromwithin.Youwanttobesomeone.Shesimplywantstobehappy.”
Joliesatback,studyinghim.“Idon’tunderstandyou.You’reasoldierandasecretagent,butyoudrinkwineandpsychoanalyzeme…”
Hedidn’tfitintoanyofthoseneatboxesshesoughttocompartmentalizehiminto.“Yoursisterwillfindherway.She’sasmartgirl.”
“SheisorIwouldn’thavehiredher.”
“Letherfigureitout.Youcan’tcontrolthatobviously,butonceshelearnsherworth,Ithinkshe’llbloom.”
Shesighed.“It’snotyourproblem.Askmeyourquestions.”
Subjectclosed.Heathletitgo.Intruth,Kariswasn’tanyofhisbusiness,andheknewJoliewantedhimoutofhercondo.Hewishedlikehellhedidn’tachetoreachhersobadly,thathecouldlookatherasanotherjob.Butalmostfromthebeginning,somethingaboutherhadmadehimcravemore.
“Iassumeourintruderisn’tasimpleburglar?”
“Ithinkwe’veestablishedthat.Sowehavetoaskourselveswhathewantsandwhy.”
“Eitherhesoughtthescansofmysketches—”
“Butifhe’sbeenhiredbyacompetitor,wouldn’tyouknowwhostoleyourworkthemomentyousawasimilarcollection?”
Jolieshiftedinherchair.“Unlessheorshealtersitsignificantly.Ormerelymeanttoburyit.”
“Whatelsecouldoneofyourrivalswant?”
Shescannedtheroomabsently,bitingherpillowylowerlip.Thesightmadehimhardagain.“Mycustomerdatabase,mysupplierinformation,mybusinessplan.”Thenshepaled.“Thedetailsaboutmypotentialinvestor.”
“Tellmeabouthim.”Heathwantedtolookintotheman,ensurehewasn’tpartoftheproblem.
“HisnameisRichardGardner.He’sthesonofarecentlydeceasedTexasbusinessmogulwhoinheritedamind-bogglingamountofmoney.Evenafractionofthatcouldmakemybusinessahouseholdnamealmostovernight.He’sagreedtobeasilentpartner.He’sreallyinvolvedinlocalLGBTcauses.We’vespokenoverthephone.HeunderstandsthefinancialarrangementI’mproposing:Inexchangeforhisup-frontfunds,he’llreceivetwentypercentoftheprofitsforthenextfiveyears.”
Ifthebreak-inhadanythingtodowithGardner,maybeHeathcouldpinpointwhysomeonewouldstealJolie’scomputer.Ordigupusefulinformation.“Doyouknowofanyoneelsecourtinghim?”
“No,butwhodoesn’twantaninvestorwithdeeppocketsandnointerestininterfering?”Shetossedhimawrystare.“ImetGardnerafewweeksagoatafund-raiser,andbecausehissisterlovesmyclothes,wedecidedtotalk.We’llseewhereitgoes.It’safirstmeeting.Wehaven’tagreedtoanythingbeyondbarebones.SoIdoubtanyonewouldbreakintomyofficebecauseI’mhavingdinnerwithhimonFriday.Andbeforeyouask,no,Ican’tthinkofanyotherenemies.”
Heathtendedtoagreewithherabouttheinvestorbuthe’ddouble-check.Hefeltlesscertainthatshedidn’thaveanemesissomewhereintheshadows.“Adisgruntledex-employee?”
“I’veneverneededtodownsizeand,untiltonight,I’veneverhadaviolentorunpleasantincidentattheoffice.”
Goodtohear,butJoliecouldbeverydirectandnotatallshyaboutexpressingheropinion.Justbecausenoonehadlashedoutortalkedbackdidn’tmeanshehadn’tearnedafoe.“Tobesafe,I’dlikealistofallformeremployees.”
“I’llhaveWisteriacompileitinthemorning.”
He’dfigureoutifanywerecapableofpickinglocks,firingweapons,andsellinghersecrets.“Brilliant.Whataboutformerneighbors?Classmates?Friends?I’dlikelistsofthoseaswell.Anyhaveareasontoholdagrudge?”
“Nonewho’dwanttostealthecontentsofmylaptop.Theyhavenointerestinmybusiness,sowhywouldtheybother?”
ExactlywhatHeathwantedtoknow.Somethingaboutthissituationsetoffhissenses.“Ifwefigureoutwho,wemayfindoutwhy.Iftheworsthappenstoyou,whatbecomesofBetti?”
“EverythinggoestoKaris.We’vetalked.SheknowsI’dwanthertotakecareofmymomandbrother,butonepersonneedstoruntheorganization.”
“Canyoursisterdothat?”heasked.
“Nooneelseinmylifeisevenremotelyqualified.”Joliesoundedtired.
“Pointtaken.”Anotherreasonshepushedthegirlsohard.Someday,shewouldlikelyleaveKarisherlegacyandshewantedhersistertokeepitthriving.“Whataboutformerlovers?Wouldanyofthemwanttodoyouharm?”
“Ifanymanraisedahandtome,he’dfindhimselfwithoutballs.”
Heathwonderedaboutherexperiencewithdomesticviolencebutdidn’tasknow.“Rightlyso.Howaboutalessphysicalformofretaliation?Didyouendarelationshipandbreaksomeone’sheart?”
Shedownedthelastofherwineinafewlongswallows.“Noneofthosemenmeantanything,andI’msuretheyfeltthesameaboutme.SoIcan’timaginethey’dbeharboringlatentanimosity.Besides,Ineverkeptanymanaroundlongenoughtolearnaboutmybusiness.”
Sononeofherex-flamesshouldcareaboutthecontentsofherlaptop.Goodtohear.
Hetappedatoe,gladhissturdybootshidthenervousticandwishingherformerlovelifedidn’tmattertohim.
Joliestoodandwanderedrestlesslytothekitchen.“Morewine?”
“Please.”Hebroughtherhisglass.
Asshepoured,Heathcouldn’tdismissthefactsthattheywerealone,thatinthenearsilencehecouldhearherbreathe,thatthelongerhestaredthemorehecouldseeafaintflushcrawluphercheeks.
Shefinishedandhandedhimtheglass.“Ireallyhavenoideawho’sdonethis.Guessyou’llhavetoearnyourpaycheck.”
Asshebrushedpasthim,Joliewouldn’tlookathim.Buthecouldn’ttakehiseyesoffher.Norcouldhehelpbutnoticehowpaleandexhaustedshelooked.“Ilookforwardtothat.Didyoueatdinner?”
“Ineverhadthechance.Oh,well.It’snotthefirsttime.”
Heathalreadyknewshe’dskippedlunchandhedoubtedshe’dmadetimeforbreakfast.
Hegrabbedherarmandpulledherclose.Shelookedupathimwithasurprisedgasp.
“Listentome,”hesaid.“Ifindyourambitionsexyashell.Idon’tfaultyouforskippingamealnowandthen.Butthereisnofuckingwayyoushouldbeneglectingtoeatforanentireday.”
Shefrowned.“It’sfine.I’lleatagoodbreakfastinthemorning.Letgo.”
“You’lleattonightifIhavetoholdtheforkandfeedyoumyself.”
Joliegrittedherteeth.Shelookedasifshewantedtospitinhisface.“Don’ttellmewhattodo.”
“Thendon’tberidiculous.Eat.I’llevencook.What’sinyourrefrigerator?”
Hisofferclearlysurprisedher.“Alittleofthisandthat.Youdon’thaveto—”
Heshovedthewineinherhands.“Sit.I’llbringyousomething.”
Afterscroungingupsomepre-cookedchickenstrips,snowpeas,andmushrooms,hemadealittlestir-fryandaddedatouchofgingerandsoybeforepouringthemixoversomeinstantriceandsettlingitallonaplate.
Whenhehandedittoher,shelookedathimasifhe’dcomefromanotherplanet.“Youcancook?”
“Amanshouldhaveskillsbeyondafiringrange,atoolbench,andamattress.Eat.”Heheadedbacktothekitchentowashthedishes.
“Where’syourplate?”
“Iatebeforecarousing.”Hesentheracaddishsmile.
Sherolledhereyesandtookabite.“Thanks.Ittastesamazing.Mmm…”
Heathenjoyedhearingherpleasure.He’dliketogivehermore.
“I’msurprisedyoufindmyambitionsexy.”Sheswallowedanotherbite.“Mostmenareintimidated.”
“They’refoolswhosesmallmindsmatchtheirotherundersizedattributes.”
Shestifledalaugh.“Strongmother?”
“Inherway,Isuppose.Verymuchahomebody,really.Shelovestocookandspendtimewiththefamily.Ithinkshemerelyraisedherchildrentobesecureinthemselves.Idon’tfeellessmasculinearoundanambitiouswomanwhohasachievedsomethingfantastic.Anywankerwhodoesneedstofigureoutwherehe’slacking.”
“Butyoudon’tdatestrongwomen,Iguess.Iftonight’s…companionwasanythingtogoby.”
“Typically,Idon’tdateatall.”
Joliedidn’taskwhy.Instead,shefinishedupthelastfewbitesasheslidthepaninthedishwasher.Afteranotherswallowofwine,shebroughteverythingtothekitchen.Heathdownedthelastofhisvino,thensettheglassesonthetoprack.
“Thanksforcooking.Ittastedgreat.”
Shelookedasifshe’dcaughtasecondwindnowthatshehadsomecaloriesandvegetablesinher.Hereallydidn’thaveanyotherquestionsforhertonight.Nodoubttheybothneededsleepbeforewhatwaslikelytobeabusydayahead.Yethewasloathtoleaveher.
“Itwasmypleasure.Now,forthesakeofyoursafety,Iintendtosleeponyoursofatonight.WherecanIfindapillowandablanket?”
***
JOLIEstared.Yes,she’dfeelsaferwithsomeoneheretonighttowatchoverherbut…“No.Nothappening.”
Afterthewineandfood,she’dfeltmellow,almosthappy.Withonesentence,theattractionthathadbeensimmeringbetweenthemheatedtosomethingnearaboil.
Hecrossedhisarmsoverhiswidechest,thedarkcottonofhisT-shirtstretchingtoaccommodateeverybulgeandripple.“Iwon’tnegotiateonthis.Youhavenoideawhobrokeintoyourofficeorwhattheysought.UntilIcaninvestigateabitmore,I’llbethesentrybetweenyouanddanger.Inordertoreachyou,anyrobber,rapist,orkillerwillhavetogothroughme.”
Whowouldsaveherfromhim?
Hisprotectivemienmadeherbellytightenandflutter.Stupidfemaleresponse.Sheappreciatedtheoffer.Busylovelifeaside,hewasadecentguy,sohedidn’twanttoseeherhurtordead.Thatdidn’tmakehimherhero.Thatdidn’tmeantheyshouldgetinvolved.
Heathcouldbepolite.Hecouldbeconfrontational.Hecouldbeapaininherass.Shealsosuspectedhecouldbedangerouslyseductive.
“Ihaveanalarmsystem,”sheargued.“It’swireddirectlytothepolice.”
“It’sstandard-issueshit.IfIwantedyoudead,Icouldbypassitinthirtysecondsandkillyouinthenextfive.”
“Stoptryingtoscareme.”
“I’mmerelygivingyouafact,notaploytostaythenight.Sayyes.”
“No.”
Hestaredatherasifhecouldseerightthroughherandenjoyedrattlingher.“Theonlyreasonyouwouldrefuseisbecauseyou’relessafraidofphysicaldangerthanhowImakeyoufeel.”
Joliemanagednottogrimace.Hewasrightandshedidn’twantthis…whatevertheyhadbetweenthemtocloudherhead.“Ifthat’swhatyouthink,thenstay.Tonightonly.Ihavetobeontopofmygametomorrowformystaffmeeting.It’sthelastbiginvestorprepsessionbeforeFriday’sdinner.Waithere.”
Whensheturnedandscurriedtothelinenclosetinthehallbathroom,sherealizedherhandswereshaking.Thefirstmantointrigueherinforeverwouldspendtonightsprawledonhersofajustdownthehall.Wouldsheactuallysleep?
Grabbingafluffypillow,Jolieputacrispwhitecaseonitandsnatchedaspareblanket.WasHeaththesortofmanwhosescentwouldswirlintheairafteranight’srest?She’dbetsobecausesheoftencaughtwhiffsofsomethingmasculineandwoodsywhenhewalkedby.Justthismorning,he’dlethimselfintoherofficetoaskaboutkeysandpasswords,andshe’dbeensodistractedshecouldbarelyanswer.
Totallyunacceptable.Timetogethershittogether.
YetasJolieheadedbacktothelivingroom,shecouldn’thelpbutwonderwhatsortoffiveo’clockshadowwoulddarkenHeath’sfacecomemorning.Already,thestubblecoveredthesharpanglesofhisjawandthesevereridgeofhischinasifhismasculinitywouldn’tbedenied.
“Hereyougo.”Sheshovedthelinensintohishand.“Helpyourselftowhatever’sinthekitchen.Youknowwhereeverythingisnow.Guestbathroomisthefirstdoorontheright.Towelsareunderthesink.Goodnight.”Beforeshecouldturnaway,Jolierealizedthathe’dvolunteeredtoinconveniencehimselfbysleepingonasofatoosmallforhisframeinordertokeephersafe.Hemightwanttogetinherpants…buthewasalsohelpingherout.“Andthanks.”
Whenshetriedtoescape,Heathdroppedthelinensandgrabbedherwrist.Hestaredthroughherbravado.Wasthereanypartofherhisdarkstarecouldn’tdismantle?“I’lltakecareofyou.”
Washetalkingabouthersafety?Orhersexuality?
“Iknow.That’swhyIhiredyou.”
Maybesheonlyfeltvulnerabletonightbecauseshewastired,notthinkingstraight.Tomorrowshe’dbereadytotackleeverything.Anditwouldbeacolddayinhellbeforesheevermadeherselfasvulnerabletoamanashermotherdid.
Whenhereleasedher,shesenthimalittlewave,grabbedherphonefromherpurse,andheadedbacktoherbedroom,easingthedoorshut.Itdidn’thelp.Theknowledgethatonlyathinpieceofwood,somedrywall,andafewfeetseparatedthemplaguedherthoughts.Feelinghisbigpresencewasworse.HeathPowellwaslikeabeaconshecouldn’thelpbuthomeinto.Rightnow,hewasprobablystrippingoffhisshirtandpantsand—
Thepipesclinked.Waterrushedintothehallshoweramomentlater.Joliebitbackagroan.Hereallywasgettingnaked.Somehow,thatonlyremindedherthatshehadn’tbotheredtotakehersexdriveoutforaspininmonths.Butmorethananeglectedlibidounsettledher.Thefactwas,sheactuallylikedHeath.Besidesbeingattractive,hewasinsightful,confident,andinterestingtobanterwith.Healsoseemedperfectlycomfortablewithhimself.Andreallyhot.Joliedidn’tfindthatcombinationoften.Trynever.
Damnit.Listentoherwaxingpoetic.ShesoundedalotlikeKarisjustbeforeshe’dchastisedheryoungersisterearlierthisafternoon.
Droppingherclothesintothehamper,sheeyedherfavoriteLaPerlanightie,alovelysplurgemadeofblacksilk.Itwhisperedoverherskin.Sheerwhitelacecuppedherbreasts,makingherfeelfeminineandsexy.Yeah,shedidn’tneedmoreofthattonight.
Soshedonnedaplaingraycottoncamishe’dpickedupatTargetasapoorcollegestudent.
Afterwashingherface,shefellintobed,pluggedinherphone,andflippedoffthelights.Sheturnedonsomesoftinstrumentalmusictohelpherbrainwinddownandclosedhereyes.Almostinstantly,HeathcrashedintoherZen.Shelikedhissmile.Itneverfailedtomakeherjittery,justlikethatdarkstareofhis.Whydidthemangettoher?Nevermindthat.Sheknew.Thebetterquestionwas,whydidheseemsodeterminedtoprovokeher?Tounderstandher?
Maybeshematteredtohimagainsthiswillandbetterjudgment,too.
IwantyoufarmorethanI’mcomfortableadmitting
Thosewordsskitteredthroughhermemory.Themomenthe’dconfessedthatherbodyhadflashedhot,reactingalmostasifhe’dtouchedher.
“Thatmakestwoofus,”shemurmuredtoherself.
Withagrunt,Joliethrewoffthecoversandpaced.Itwasn’tasifshehopedthatsheandHeathwouldsharesomefairy-talehappily-ever-after.Ontheotherhand,theirattractionwasn’tgoingaway.Soshehadtwochoices:keeptryingtoignoreit—whichwasn’tworking—orconfrontithead-on.
Joliewasn’toneforavoidance.“Let’sgetthisoverwith.”
Withasqueak,thefaucetshutoff.Sheheardhimyankbacktheshowercurtainandstepfromthetub.Sheimaginedhimnakedandhardandwantingherasbadlyassheachedforhim.
“Damnit,”shemutteredasshestrippedoffhercami,pulledopenherdoor,andmarcheddownthehall.ChapterFive
Ruleforsuccessnumberfive:
Passion.It’sallaboutpassion…
ONCEshereachedthelivingroom,Joliebracedherhandsonherhips,hernakedbodyilluminatedinthesoftglowofthekitchenlight,andwaited.
Thecoolaircaressedherskin,puckeredhernipples.Secondstickedby.Shecouldn’tdenythatshe’dneverfeltmorelikeawoman.WhydideventhethoughtofHeathPowellmakeherfeelsodamnalive?
Chemistry,anunsolvedmysteryoftheuniverse.Orsomethinglikethat.Ifshehadsexwithhimtonight,tomorrowshe’dnolongerwonderwhatitwouldfeellikeifhetouchedher.Shecouldsatisfyhercuriosityandlibidoatonce.Sameforhim.Thenwhateverthisattractionwasbetweenthemwouldbeover.Done.Finished.Poof!Bytomorrow,everythingwouldbenormalagain.Shewouldbeincontrolofherlifeoncemore.
Downthehall,Heathjerkedopenthebathroomdoor.Heenteredthelivingroomwithawhitetowelwrappedaroundhisleanwaist.Waterbeadedonhisbroadshouldersthattapereddowntoridgedabs.Heheldhisclothesinonefist,hisgunintheother.
Hewasunbearablysexy.Joliefoundithardtobreathe.
Whenhecaughtsightofher,hestopped,stared—anddroppedhisclotheswherehestood.Hesethisweapononthearmofthesofa,stillwithinreach.Hedidn’teventrytobankthehungeronhisface.
Joliepanted,awareofhowcompletelynakedshewas.Thefeelingwentfarbeyondmereflesh.
Heprowledcloser,stoppingwhentheirbodiesnearlybrushedandshesmelledsoaponhisskin.“IsthisaninvitationorareyoutemptingmewithwhatIcan’thave?”
Oncesheansweredhim,therewouldbenogoingback.“Spendthenightwithme.”
“You’vedecidedIdosomethingforyou,afterall?Isthatwhyyou’reseducingme?”
Thewordsshe’dtossedathimearlierhadcomebacktohaunther.Joliewasn’tsurprisedhehadn’tletthatgo.Shehopedhewouldn’tturnherdownbuthemight.Heathhadchidedherforhavingcontrolissues,yethe’dalreadyadmittedhewantedtobeontopinthebedroom.Notbeingtheonetoinitiatemightgratehismasculinityorrubthein-chargemaninhimwrong.
“Doyouwanttoanalyzemyinvitationorhavesex?”
“Iwanttohavesex.I’vewantedthatsinceIlaideyesonyou.”
Thenwhyhadhescrewedtheblondeatthebar?
Itdidn’tmatter.Thiswasahookup,notthestartofaromance.Shehadsimplycutthroughthecrapandmadeiteasyforthembothtoscratchtheirmutualitch.
“Iwantedyou,too.Mybedroomisdownthehall.”Sheheadedtowardthebackofherunit.
Heathdidn’tfollow.“IsaidIwanttohavesexwithyou.Ididn’tsaywewould.”
Shestoppedmidstride,gratefulthathecouldn’tseeherface.Hisrejectionhurt.Shewouldneverrevealhowmuch.Bettertopretendthatshecouldsimplyshrugitoff.
“Iguesssinceyou’vealreadyhadapieceofasstonight,Ishouldn’tbesurprisedyou’renotreadytogoagain.Imean,you’regettingoldersoyoumustneedeighthoursofsleepandalittlebluepillinbetweenyourmeaninglessfucks.”
“Lookatme.”Hewaiteduntilsheturnedtofacehim.Hiseyesglintedwithabitingdesirethatleftherbreathless.“Letmerephrase.It’slikelywe’llhavesex,probablyfortherestofthenight.Infact,ifwedothis,don’texpecttobewellrestedforyourmeetingtomorrow.Isimplywantedtobeclearthatyoudon’tordermetofuckyou.Youdon’tsaywhenorwhereorhow.That’smyrole.”
Shebracedherhandonherhip.“Becauseyou’rethebig,dominantstudmuffin?Look,thatwholetaking-ordersthingisnothowIroll.Ifyouwantme,cometothebedroomandwe’llbetwoconsentingadultschoosingtohaveorgasmsinawaythatmutuallysuitsusboth.Orwecandroptheideaandyoucangofindsomeothernamelessbimbotomorrownightatthatmeatmarketofabar.”Sheshruggedandtriedtopretendhisanswerdidn’tmatter.“Yourcall.”
Heathdidn’tsayaword,justgrabbedhisgunandstalkedcloser,unwindingthetowelfromaroundhiswaistanddroppingittothefloor.Shegasped,herstaregluedtohisbody.Hisoliveskin,whichshesuspectedwasathrowbacktosomeItalianorSpanishancestor,stretchedoverbulgingmuscles,leansinew,andhardbone.Everythingabouthimlookedpowerfulanddetermined.Hisbody,hisexpression,hiscock.
Joliehadhitthesheetswithsomehotguysinherlife.Athletes,afewmodels,somehigh-poweredbusinessexecutives.Notonehadmadeherbreathcatchorherheartracelikethis.
Hadprovokinghimbeenamistake?
Shecouldn’tthinkclearlywhenheurgedherbackagainstthewallandbracedhisforearmaboveherhead.Thegunclatteredagainsttheplasterasheleanedinandloomedaboveher.Thenine-inchdifferenceintheirheightssuddenlymadehimseemlikeamountain.Thoughhewasn’ttouchingheranywhere,heboreaholethroughhercomposurewithhismidnighteyes.Theystrippedherresistancewhilevowinguntoldpleasure.
Jolieheardrapidlittlepantsfillingthesilencebetweenthemandwashorrifiedtorealizetheywerehers.Shecouldn’tmakethemstop.Instead,shesettledherfingersonthehardslabofhischest,asifsomepartofherthoughtshecouldpushhimawayifheoverwhelmedher.Buthisstaretoldheritwastoolateforthat.
Withhisfreehand,hecurledhisfingersaroundhernapeandpulledhercloser.“Youmustbethemostopinionated,guarded,difficultwomanI’veevermet.AndIwantyousobadly.”
Heathbentintowhatwasleftofherpersonalspace.Hislipshoveredjustoverhers.Hishotbreathcaressedher.Hedidn’tkissher,merelywaited,studyingher.Shetrembled,herheartthumpingwildly,ashesurroundedherwithhisscent,hismasculinity,hisdesire.
“Areyouready?”heasked.
No
Butasmuchasheoverwhelmedher,Joliecouldn’tdenythedesperateacheforhim.“Yes.Hurry.”
“Maybethisfirsttime.Afterthat…”Hesmiled,leavingherimaginationtorunwild.“It’sgoingtotakemeallnighttofuckyouproperly.”
Heathturnedjustlongenoughtosethisweapononthehalltablebesideher,thenclosedthedistancebetweenthemagain,bracketingbothhandsaroundherface.Tohershock,hedidn’tpushhiswayintohermouthandplunder.Heemployedstealthasheslowlysettledhislipsabovehers.Hepaused,breathingherinasifhewantedtocatalogeverythingaboutherbeforehedecidedhowtoproceed.Hispatiencenearlymadeherscream.Theywerenaked.Herbodywashumming.Shewasbreathlessandachingandneedy,damnit.
Thathadtostop.
Hewasgettingtohertoofast,butshedidn’tknowhowtostopreacting.Andhehadn’tactuallykissedheryet,merelyteased.Herreactionswereunacceptable.
Joliejerkedherfaceaway.Almostinstantly,shemissedtheintimacyoftheircloseness.Itmadesense,shereasonedwithherself.She’dwornoutacouplesetsofbatteriessinceshe’dbeenthisnearanotherhumanbeing.
Buttryingtofoolherselfwaspointless.Thisdesireeatingathercomposureandsuckingherresistancedrywasn’tlikeanythingshe’deverexperienced.Toweringandterrifying,yes.Butdamnifshedidn’tfeelbeyondeagertomeltintothismanandlethimtakewhateverhewanted.
Heathdidn’tpullhermouthclosetohisorchidehercoyness.Instead,hepressedlong,lingeringkissestohercheek,hertemple,herforehead,thenbackdowntoherthroat.“Idon’tthinkanyonehaseverproperlyworshippedyourbody.Iintendtochangethat.”
Jolie’sbloodcaughtfire.Sheswallowed.
Anticipation.Apprehension.Arousal.Themixbloomedinherbelly,burstinherhead.
Shecouldn’tstopherselffromanglingherfacecloserandrubbinghercheekagainsthis.Hecuppedherfaceandsheexhaled,pressingherselftohisbig,solidform.
He’dbarelytouchedherandhewasalreadyundoingher.Normallywithaguy,shegotnaked,enjoyedhalfanhourofadulttime,managedanorgasmortwo,andwasmentallyscrollingthroughherto-dolistbeforeshe’devenfinisheddressing.WithHeathpressingherintothewallandhislipsworkingagainstherjaw,hisbreathsinherear,shecouldbarelyrememberherownname.
“Justkissmealready,”shemanagedtogetout.
Heathcradledherface.Withaburning,solemngaze,heheldherstill.Everycellinherbodystrainedformore.Hetsked.“Soimpatient.”
Beforeshecouldshootbackasnappyreply,hebentandbrushedhislipsoverhers—asecondofbliss.Thenhebackedaway,draggedinashakybreath.Hisbattle-hardenedhandsstillheldherinaninexorablegrip,trappingheragainstthewallashehoveredoverherandinhaledherslowly.
Joliecouldn’tstanditanymore.Sheclutchedhishead,thrustingherfingersintothedarkspikesofhishair,andsurgeduptocoverhislipswithherown.
Shecouldalmostsensehistriumph,andJolierealizedhe’dplayedher,rampedherup.Andshe’dtippedherhand,walkingrightintohistrap.
Amomentlater,heforcedherlipsapartandsurgedinsideasifitwashisrighttotakeeveryinchofher.Hesweptthroughandsliddeep,savoringherlikeshewasthesweetestmorselhe’deverstrokedwithhistongue.Hekissedherasifherefusedtolethergo.
Withawhimper,shemelted,clinging,indesperateneedofananchor.She’dworrylaterabouthowshewouldrecoverfromthistotalbreakdownofherdefenses.Rightnow,histouchfeltonce-in-a-lifetime.Thisthingbetweenthemengulfedher,consumedherwhole.Shecravedevenmore.
Heatheasedback,nippedatherbottomlip,thendraggedinaharshbreath.“Wrapyourlegsaroundme.”
Joliedidn’tquestionhim.SheletHeathdragheruphisbodyandclutchedhimwithherthighsashesnatcheduphisgunfromthenearbytableandstalkeddownthehall.
Insideherbedroom,herrelaxingmusichadgivenwaytosomethingwithadark,steadybeat.Itsoundedprimal.Sexual.
Ashedroppedherontothebed,hesethisweapononthenightstandandbenttoher.Joliedidn’twait.Shesurgeduptomeethimhalfway,armstanglingaroundhisneck,legshookingaroundhiswaistagain,asshecrashedherlipsontohisoncemore.Hungryandurgent,shedevouredhim,demandingeverythinghecouldgiveher.
Heathhadotherplans.
Hejerkedfreefromherembraceandgrabbedherwristsinanirongrip.Thenhepinnedherarmstothemattressandpressedhisforeheadintoherswhileheheldherdownandsettledhimselfinthecradleofherthighs.“You’reveryimpatient.”
“Youwantme.Iwantyou,”shepanted.Everyhardinchofhimcoveredher.“Weagreedtohavesex.”
“Yes,anightofit.Butyoucan’tcontrolthis.Itwon’thappenonyourtimetable.Iwon’tputmycockinsideyouinthenextthreeminutesbecauseyou’retootwitchytowait.I’llfuckyouwhenI’msuretheonlythingyou’llgivemeisyourutterandcompletesurrender.”
Hiswordsdetonatedinsideher.Joliehadneverbeenafraidshewouldgiveamantoomuchofherself.
Untilnow.
“Youdidn’tdemandallthatfromtheblondeearliertonight.”
“Thisisaboutus,youandme.AndIwantyoutospreadyourlegswider.”
Heathmaynothavemeanttobuthe’dansweredherperfectly.Hewantedhermorethantheblonde,morethanhisusualhookup.Shewasn’ttheonlyoneshockedthateverytouchbetweenthemfeltasifitburnedintobothpsycheandsoul.
Jolierefusedtocomply.“Notuntilyoufindacondom.Topdrawerofthenightstand.”
“Oh,we’renowherenearthat.Iintendtolearnyoufirst.Whereyou’resensitive,whereyouache,whereyou’reticklish,whereyoulikedtobetouched…andwhereyoudon’t.I’mgoingtomapeveryinchofyourfleshuntilIknowitaswellasmyownname.OnceI’msatisfiedIcanarouseyoutoafrenzy,then…”Hedraggedhislipsupherneck.“ThenI’llfuckyou.”
Oh,god
Shedrewinadeepbreath.Didhefeelthatwaybecauseshewasachallengehewantedtoconquer?Becausehewouldenjoythetriumphofseeinghereverydayforthenextfewweeksandknowshe’dgivenhimeverypartofher?Orbecause,forsomecrazyreason,shematteredtohim?
Joliewasn’tsureshewantedtoknow.Infact,sheshouldstopthis—formanyreasons.
Butshedidn’tthinkshecould.
“Youtalktoomuch.”Somehowshemanagedtokeephervoiceeven.“LetgoofmyhandssoIcantouchyou.”
“You’renotincharge.Shutoffyourbrain.Giveyourselftome.”
Ifshedid,hewouldcompletelyunravelher.
“Idon’tneedyouinmyhead,Powell.Justmyvagina.Thepointisorgasm,andwe’rewastingtime.”
“You’renotlistening.Orlearning.ButIhaveallnighttofixthat.”
Beforeshecouldreply,heeasedoffherenoughtoflipherontoherstomach.Sheyelpedinsurprisewhenhepinnedhertothemattresswithhisbodyoncemore,hardchestpressedtoherback,hisfingerscurlingaroundherwrists.Hisbreathingsoundedroughinherear.
Shestruggledbeneathhisbigbody.“Getoff.”
“Isuggestyougetcomfortable.We’llbehereforabit.”
Shedidn’tevenhavetimetoquestionwhathemeantbeforehetransferredbothofherwriststoonemeatyhandandclampedthemtogetheraboveherhead.Thenhenestledhiserectionbetweenhercheeksandrocked,nippingatthesensitivespotbetweenherneckandshoulder.Withhisfreehand,hewedgedhiswaybetweenherbodyandthemattresstocupherbreast.
Shefeltoverpowered.Taken.Dominated.
And—oh,hell—shelikedit.
Joliedidn’teventhinkaboutfightingback.Withashudderinggasp,shetossedherheadbackuntilitmethissolidshoulder.Shearchedhernippleintohispalm.
Hegroundagainstherassagainandsethislipstoherear.“You’resexyasfuck.Ilikeyouavailableformyhands,mymouth,mycock.”
Joliecouldn’tanswerwhenhegraspedhernipplebetweenhisthumbandfingerandsqueezedwhileheskatedhislipsupherneckinaslowtease.Ashiverrippledthroughher.Heatflashedinherbloodstream.Theheavyacheofdesiregatheredbetweenherlegs.
Histouchfeltsosearinglyintimate.
“Nowlet’stryagain,shallwe?Spreadyourlegsforme.Yourpussyisminetonight.”
Nomanhadevertalkedtoherthisway.Herheadtoldhersheshouldhateit.Herbodydidn’tgiveashit.
Sheopenedherselfafraction,thenhesitated.Ifshegavetoomuch,he’dtaketherest—especiallyhersanity.
“More,”hedemanded.
“I’mnotacontortionist.”
Hegruntedinherear.“I’mnotatosser.Ifyouwantthis,openup.Giveyourselftome.”
Joliewasdebatingwhethershe’dratherhavethispleasureorherwits.Heendedherindecisionwhenheworkedhishandfromherbreast,downherstomach,finallyslidinghisfingersacrossherswollensex,pausingoverhermostsensitivespot.“Youwantedthis.Letmegiveittoyou.”
“Iwanteditmyway.”
“Apolite,meaninglessfuck.We’vebothdonethatwithtoomanyotherstosettle.NowstopfightingmeorI’mgoingbacktothesofa.”
Hegaveheraspine-meltingincentive,brushingalazycircleoverherhardclit
Shebitherliptoholdinhercrybutthetinglingblisswasmorethanshecouldfight.Shepartedherthighs.
“That’sbetter.”Satisfactionlacedhisgrufftone.“Justabitmore,thenI’llseeaboutgettingasdeepinsideyouasamancanbe.”
Thatsoundedlikeheaven,andJoliedidn’thavethestrengthtoresist.
Shespreadherlegsevenmoreandliftedherhips,gyratinguponhisthickstaffstillplantedbetweenhercheeks.Hislow,masculinegroantorethroughherbody.Goosebumpscoveredherskin.Theheavythrobbetweenherthighsdemandedmoreofhim.
“Dosomething.”Shedidn’tknowwhethershewasbeggingformercyorecstasy.
Hesettledhispalmpossessivelyoverhermound,hisfingerspressinghersensitivebuttonagain.“Movewithme.Showmethemotionyoulike.Letmefeelwhatgetsyouoff.”
Shebarelymanagedalittlemoanbeforeherhipsrolledinaslow,grindingglidethatquicklyundidher.Joliefoundherselfgasping,grippingtheblankets,fallingapart.Everymomentonlymultipliedthestaggeringpleasureuntilshecouldn’tbreathe,untilshesurgedfasterandheldherbreath,waitingforthemomentshe’dfinallyknowsatisfactionatthisman’shands.
Hedidn’tdisappoint.
Withskillfulfingers,herubbedherandamassedaheavyknotofneedbetweenherlegs.Theswellofsensationwasbig.Huge.Andasitbegantocrest,Jolieknewitwouldbeunlikeanythingshe’deverfelt.
Thenhesentherovertheedgeinacascadeofbeautifulagonythatgrippedherentirebodyandshookhertohercore.Thepleasureheldherimmobileasshehowledoutascreamofsatisfaction.Itmorphedintoalow,agonizedgroanasitwentonandon.Itwasunlikeanysoundthathadeverfallenfromherlips.
Theecstasywouldn’tletgo.ShehadnocontrolbecauseHeathforcedhertoaccepteverysensationwhilehepinnedherdownwithhispowerfulbodyandclevertouch.Heheldhercaptiveevenashegaveherexactlywhatsheneededtosoar.
“That’sit.”Hekeptstrummingherclit.“Takeit.LetmehearhowgoodImakeyoufeel.”
Nowayshecouldrefusehim,soshemerelyrodethewaveofsensationforthoselong,incrediblemoments,cryingoutastherestoftheworldfellaway.
Slowly,theeuphoriataperedoff,dissipated,leavingheraheapofhumminggratification.Shemeltedintothemattressasherbreathingrecoveredslowly.Crap,hemusthaveturnedherbraintogoo.Nothingmatterednowexceptbliss.
Whenhadorgasmeverbeenthatintense?Heputanythingbattery-operatedtoshame.
“You’regorgeous.”Heroseandsheheardawhiskofasoundthatvaguelyregisteredasadraweropeningbutshewastoowrungouttoinvestigate.Arippingsoundcommencedamomentlater.“ButIwanttolookatyouwhenIslidemycockinsideyouandfillthatsnugpussywitheveryinchI’vegot.”
Jolielackedtheenergytotellhimhowbadlyshewantedthat,too.Ortomove.Butwhenherolledherontoherbackandeasedbetweenherlegs,toweringoverher,hisclosenesswiredherbodyalloveragain.Sexualneedblazedfromhismidnighteyes.Withonehand,hestrokedhissheathedcock.Withtheother,hegrippedherthigh.
Shegaspedhelplessly,wantingoncemore.
“Lookatyou.Cheeksflushed,muscleslax,cuntswollen.Idon’tknowwhenI’veseenasightsopretty.Ifyouwantmore,opentome.Spreadyourlegswide.”
“Yousaythatalot,”shemumbled.
“Becausethat’showIwantyou.”
Foronceinherlife,shedidn’targue,justcomplied,plantingherfeetwideanddraggingafingertipdownthevalleybetweenherbreastsasshesenthimacome-hitherstare.
Hisglitteringgazefollowedhermovementashecoveredherwithhisownbody,slidinghislipsuptheswellsofherbreasts,tothesensitivecolumnofherthroat,beforehetookhermouthlikehehadafeveronlyshecouldslake.Asecondlater,shefeltthethickheadofhisshaftprobeheropening.Oncehefoundthefit,hebegantopushin.
Theclimaxhadswelledherflesh,andshe’dalreadyseenthatlackofsizewouldn’tbeanissuewithHeath.Sherelishedthechallengeoftakingallofhim.
ShegroanedatthefeelofHeatheasingdeeperandclutchedhisshoulders,refusingtoletgo.
Grippingherhipsnow,heshovedwithanimpatiencethatfedhers.Herearedbackagain,plungingevenfartherinsideher.Shemewledoutherapproval,wrigglingformore.
“Givemeyourhands,”heinsisted.
Joliehadnoillusionsaboutwhathewanted.Sheshouldn’tlikebeinghelddown,overpowered,used.Heathwastheonlymanshe’devermetwiththegutstodothattoher.Awarningvoiceinherheadtoldhershewasgivinghimtoomuchofherself.
She’dworryaboutthatlater.
Whensheunpriedherfingersfromhisshoulders,hegatheredtheminonehandandshovedthemtothemattressoverherheadasheslammedinsideher,fillingherupcompletely.
Herfleshburnedasshestretchedtotakehim.Withtheheadofhiscock,heproddedatenderspotdeepwithinhernomanhadevertouched.Itsetoffapain-to-pleasurechainreactionunlikeanythingshe’dfelt.
Withakeeningcry,shearchedherback,writhedagainsthim,androckedherhips.
Hetuckedhisarmaroundherwaist,palmatthesmallofherback,andheldherimmobileagainsthim.“You’renotdictatinghowIfuckyou.”
“Hurry.”Joliewrappedherlegsaroundhim.“Please…”
“Ah,thereitis,thepleading.That’ssosweet,love.Haveyoueverbeggedaman?”
Briefly,sheconsidereddistractinghimwithakissortellinghimitwasnoneofhisbusiness.Butheeasedoutalmostcompletely,theninoncemore,bottomingoutatthehilt.Sparkslitherbody.Jolieclosedhereyesandletsensationsovertakeher.Shedidn’tconcededefeatveryoften,buttonightsheadmittedhehadfarmoreexperienceandknow-howinthebedroomthanshecouldfight.
“No,”shegaspedoutashenudgedthatsensitivespotagain.
“You’veneverletamanhavecontrolofyou.”Satisfactionlacedhisvoice.
“No.”
Hehissedoutabreathashestrokeddeep.Thatknowledgewasclearlyapleasuretohimallitsown.“Youlikeit.Icantell.You’resowet.Andalreadytighteningaroundme.IhatethatIhaven’thadthechancetosuckoneofthoseplumpnipplesyetbutIwill.I’llmakeyoufeelmymouthalloveryourbodybeforeIfuckyouagain.That’sapromise.”
Hiswordsdestroyedher.Involuntarily,herfleshclampeddownonhimharder.Yes,she’dalwaysenjoyedsexbut…thisdidn’tfeellikemereintercourse.Hewasmakingastatement.
Evenfearinghewasruiningherforothermenwitheverywordandeachpossessivepushinsideher,Joliecouldn’tstopherselffromyieldingtohim.
“Iwantthat,”shegasped,secondsawayfromanotherscreamingclimax.
“Ido,too.You’resoclose.”
Yes,hisclimaxmustbenearing,too,right?Hisaccentthickened.Hiscockswelled.Hisheartslammedagainsthischestashispacequickened.
“Don’tholdoutonme,”hecoaxed.“Ifeelyouarching.You’reready,aren’tyou?Letitgo.Giveittome.”
Joliewouldgivehimherpleasure;shedidn’tseeanywaytostopthat.Thequestionwas,howwasshegoingtokeephimfromtakingsomethingshecouldneverhaveback,likeherheart?
***
PASSIONrushedlikearagingriverinhishead,thick,strong,swift.Heathpulledback,thengroundintoJolieagain.Bloodyhell,he’dneverexperiencedadesiresooverwhelmingitnearlydrownedhim.Hecouldn’tbreathe,couldn’tescape.Sohegavein—andquickenedhispace.
Witheverythrust,heinchedherupthemattress.Thebedframesqueaked.Hercriesturnedhighandsharp.Hisguttorquedup.Theorgasmwouldtearhimopenbutitwastoolatetopullback.Toolatetostop.
HeaththreweverythinghehadintopossessingJolieQuinn.Thismightbetheironlynighttogetherbutheintendedtomakedamncertainsheneverforgotit.
Heclenchedhisteeth,breathingroughlyagainsttheragingpleasure.“Openyoureyes.”
Herhandscurledintofists.Shesqueezedhereyesshutevenmoretightlyasherlittlewhimpersfilledtheroom.Sherockedbeneathhiminperfectsync,wantingtheecstasyeverybitasbadlyashedid.
Butshefailedtodowhathe’dasked.Likeineverythingelse,Jolietrieddictatingtheterms.Heintendedtomakesuresheunderstoodshecouldn’tcontrolthis.Hewouldtakecareofher.
IfHeathhadmorewillpower,hewouldhavemadeherwait,forcedhertoburninthefirebetweenthembeforeheletherscreaminrelease.Butthefuseonhisimminentexplosionalreadyfelttooshort.
Still,he’dbebloodydamnedifhecamebeforeher.
“Lookatme,”hegrowled,hearingtheLiverpoolofhisyouthslipintohisvoice.
Again,Joliedidn’tcomply.Everypartofherbodyclenchedandcoiledasshestrainedagainsttheexplosionthatwouldsplinterhercontrol.Hersilencefeltlikeabarrierbetweenthem,asifsheshiedawayfromsharingthisstartling,searingecstasywithhim.
Notbloodyhappening.
Withacurse,henestleddeepinsideherpussyandwentutterlystill.
Hereyesflaredwidewithshock,thenpanic.Thatbeautifulbegginghe’dwantedfromheroncemorereturned.
“Heath?”Herbreathhitched.
“Doyoufeeltheburn?”
Shearched,struggledtowritheunderhimevenasheheldherstill.“Yes.”
Ittookeveryounceofhisrestrainttoslidebackandinagainwithaslowstrokedesignedtokindlehersenses,ratherthanplowdeepandsendherovertheedge.“Wantmetorelieveyourache?”
“Yes.”
“Youwanttocome?”
Shenoddedfrantically,eyessqueezingshutagain.“Yes!”
“Thenlookatme.WatchmewhileIfuckyou.”
Foronce,shegaveintohisdemands,lashesliftingtorevealthosestartlinggreeneyes.Inreward,herampedupthepaceofhisthrustsuntiltinglesskitteredoverhisskinanduphisspine,untilherlittlecriesslidoverhissenseslikealicktohiscock,untilhesawherpupilsdilateandhermouthfallopenandecstasybegintotransformherface.
God,eveninpleasurethewomanlookedfiercewithaburningstareandgrittedteeth.Shewasawarriorfightingforwhatwashers.Heathlikedthat.Helovedwatchingthemomentthefullbruntofecstasyrolledoverhersensesandcrushedhermentalarmor.Finally,heglimpsedthevulnerablewomanbeneath.
Itsethimofflikenothingelse.
Heathrocketedinsideheragain,plaguedbyaneedhedidn’tunderstandtotakeher,affecther,markher,ownher.Makesuresheonlyeverwantedhim.
Beforehecouldtellhimselfhowfoolishandunrealisticthatwas,hispleasurecatapultedupandorgasmroaredthroughhim.Theoverwhelmingcrestofsensationclawedthroughhisgut,overtakinghissystem.Shescreamedagain,clampingonhimlikeavise.Thenhecriedoutinsublimeecstasy,knowingJoliewasn’ttheonlyonemovedbythisnight.
Evenassatisfactionrolledheavyandlanguidthroughhisbody,Heathwithdrew,rolledover,andstaredattheceiling,pantingwildly.Whatthebloodyhellhadjusthappened?Despitethefacttheynolongertouched,hefeltherkeenlybesidehim.Heknewwhatshesmelledlike,soundedlike,lookedandfeltlikewhensheclimaxed.Hedidn’tknowhowhewouldeverstopwantingheragain.
“Thatwasgreat,”shesaid,swallowing.“Thanks.”
Heturnedtostareandfoundherfacealmostdevoidofexpression.She’dthankedhimwithallthepassionofsomeoneshowingappreciationforacoworkerwho’ddoneherafavor.
Didsheactuallythinkhebelievedherimpassiveshit?Orwouldacceptit?
“Yes,itwas.ShouldIthankyouaswell?”Herolledontohissideandproppedhisheadonhiselbowtostareather.“Shouldwehaveameetinglaterandcomparenotesabouthowmuchwebothenjoyedit?Perhapsanalyzeitforitsmeritsanddrawbacksandcomeupwithanactionplanonhowtoimprovethenextfuck?”
“Don’tberidiculous.”Sheroseandreachedforherplaingraytop.
Asiftheywerethroughforthenight.Notevenclose.
Whatsheneededwasagiantdoseofintimacy.Ifshecoulderectherdefensesmomentsaftertheorgasmended,thenhehadtokeeptearingthemdown.Tomorrow,shecouldgobacktoherbossy,charmingself.Buttonight,bygod,shebelongedtohim.
Heathleapttohisfeetandsteppedonthecamibeforeshecouldreachit.“Youpromisedmeawholenight.”
Finally,sheturnedtostareathim.“Surelyyoudon’tmean…again?”
“That’spreciselywhatImean.”Hetoreoffhiscondomanddepositeditinthenearbybin.Thenhegrabbedherlittlegraycottonscrapandtosseditoutoftheroomanddownthehallbeforeheshutthedoorandfacedher.“Iwanttotasteyou.Rightnow.FreshfromtheorgasmIgaveyou.”Whenshehesitated,heraisedabrow.“It’smorepersonal,intimatethatway.You’renotafraid?”
Jolielookedterrified.Butsheliftedherchinandsoldieredon.“Ofcoursenot.Butwe’vekepttheneighborsawakelongenoughandwebothhaveameetinginthemorning.”
“Idon’tcareabouttheneighborsormeetingsrightnow.Icareaboutgettingbetweenyourlegs.”Hesaunteredtowardher,watchingafreshglowcreepupherchest,pinkenhercheeks.“Icareaboutmakingyoufeelgood.Icareaboutbeinginsideyouandhearingyouscreamformeagain.”
Hemaneuveredherdowntothebed,ontoherback.Whenshelayblinkingupathim,tornandarousedagainstherwill,hefelltohiskneesandtookherthighsinhishands,spreadingthemwider.
“Idon’tthink—”
“Precisely.Rightnowyoushouldn’tthinkatall.”Hecouldn’tresistbaitingherbecauseheknewshewouldgivein.“I’llmakethatpossible.C’mon,love.Giveeverythingtome.”ChapterSix
Ruleforsuccessnumbersix:
Getyourheadinthegame.
HERconcentrationwasnilthismorning.WheneverHeathspoke,Jolierememberedeverydirty,amazingthinghe’dsaidhewoulddotoherbody—justbeforeheliveduptohiswordandperformedwaybeyondherexpectations.Despitetheimportanceofthismeeting,shecouldhardlythinkaboutanythingelse.
Forallthetimesshe’dchastisedherfriends,hersister—especiallyhermom—forbeingtoowrappedupinsomeguy,shewasfinallyunderstandinghowamancouldwreakhavoconherconcentration.Andkarmawaspayingherbackinspades.Whenhesaid,“Lackofpropersecurityprotocolsaroundallentrancesandexits,”whatJoliesomehowheardwasHeathcommandinghertotakehimdeepagain.Ashedemonstratedtheproperuseofthesecuritycardreadersheadvocatedfortheofficesuite,shezonedouttomemoriesofhimslidinghistonguethroughhersensitivefoldsbeforehesettledonherclitandatehertoscreamingclimax.
Damnit,shereallyneededtofocus,butshecouldn’tseemtostopsquirminginherseatandrevelinginthedelicioussorenesspervadinghermostintimateplaces.Couldeveryoneelselookatherandknowthatshe’dspentthenightwithHeathburiedinsideher?
“Whatdoyouthink,Jolie?”
Startledoutofherthoughts,shepeereddownthetableatKaris,whostaredexpectantly.WhenhadsheprojectedthatmockupforBetti’snewwebsite,completewithgraphics,onthescreen?
BlinkingandresolvingtoignorethehotBritishsexgodacrosstheconferenceroom,shefocusedontheimage.Immediately,shespottedKaris’shandiworkinthevisualelements.Slightlywhimsical,alittlebitretro,yetsomehowcutting-edgeandchic,thesplashpagedazzled.
“Itlooksfantastic,”shepraised,smilingathersister.Thenshenoticedthegirl’sdarksmudgesanddroopinglids.“Areyouallright?Youdon’tlooklikeyousleptmuch.”
Karisblinked,herexpressionstartled.
Hersistercouldn’tbesurprisedthatshecared.Butopenlyexpressingconcernduringabusinessmeetingwasdefinitelyunusual.Attheoffice,JoliefocusedhardonBettianditsproblems,leavingherpersonalstuff—whatlittleshehad—atthedoor.
“I’mfine.”
ButKariswasn’t.Besideslookingpaleandtired,sheseemedagitated.SheglancedatHeath,thenbackJolie’sway,herfacenowsharpwithspeculation.
Jolietriednottowince.NotoncelastnighthadshestoppedtothinkthatsleepingwiththemanKariscurrentlymoonedoverwouldhurthersister.Remorseslashedher.Yes,Karisprobablyfeltnothingmorethanacrush,andHeathwasn’tinterested.Ittooktwototango,right?Butshecouldhaveletthegirl’sfeelingswanebeforeshejumpedonthesexyBrit.
Joliebitbackanapology.Nowwasn’tthetimeorplace.“Justchecking.”
Karissethermouthinaflatline.“I’mguessingyougotevenlesssleepthanme.”
Shelookeddownatthepapersinfrontofhersonoonecouldseetheblushheatinghercheeks.“Ineversleepmuch.Showmemoreofthesite.You’vedoneagreatjobwiththehomepage.Doyouhavethefallcollectionreadytodisplayhere?”
Rohanjumpedintoclickthelink,explainthecoding,andtalkthroughsomeoptionswithher.Afterthat,theysloggedthroughGerard’saccessoriesandArthur’sfinancialswhileJoliestruggledtoconcentrate.Shereallyshouldrethinktheconceptoftheeighta.m.staffmeeting.
No,sheshouldstopsleepingwiththemanshe’dhiredtokeephercompanysafeandpaycloserattentiontothemostimportantmeetingofhercareer.
Whenitwasover,everyonebegantogathertheirbelongingsandrise.Heathstaredatherlikeamanwithsomethingtosay.JoliehadtothinkaboutKarisfirst.Sistersbeforemisters,andallthat.Shedidn’twantaconfrontationnow.Honestly,shedidn’thavetime.Butshe’dneverbeenonetopushsomethinguncomfortableoffuntiltomorrowwhenshecouldtackleittoday.
“Heath,let’stalkmoreindepthaboutthesecuritysystemthisafternoon.”Sheglancedatherphone,shockedtodiscoverthatitwasnearlynoon.“I’mgoingtotakemysistertolunchnow.”
Henodded.“Onethirty,allright?”
“Perfect.”
“Seeyouthen.”Hesoundedprofessionalbuthisgazelingeredafractiontoolongbeforehesaunteredoutoftheconferenceroom.
Karisjammedherphoneontopofhernotebookandshovedthepeninthewirespiralbeforeheadingtothedoorwithanexaggeratedhuff,glaringJolie’sway.PoorArthurwatched,lookinglikehe’dratherbekillingasupermutantinthewastelandthanwatchingthisawkwardexchange.
“Wait!”Shefollowedafterhersister,whoutterlyignoredher.“Karis.”
“I’mbusy,”shecalledbackoverherslendershoulder.
Arthurchosethentostepinfrontofher.Headjustedhisglassesandclearedhisthroatnervously.“Um,Iknowyouaskedmetowaituntilnextweek—”
Kariswasgettingaway,andJoliedidn’twantherleavingmad.
“Sorry.Notnow.”ThenshedartedafterKaris,catchinguptoherinthehallandwrappingagentlehandonherarm.
Hersisterjerkedaway.“What?”
“Let’sgotolunchandtrythatnewIndianplaceyou’vementioned.Mytreat.”
“LikeIsaid,I’mbusy.”Karisfoldedherarmsacrossherslightchest.
Joliedroppedhervoicetoawhisper.“Ifyouwanttotalkaboutthis,thencometolunch.I’mnotdiscussingitintheoffice.”
Hersisterhesitatedforsuchalongmoment,Jolieexpectedhertorefuse.Orworse,threatentoquit.Thegirlcouldbesweetandfun…andsodamnimpulsive.
Thankfully,Karissighed,herspinelosingsomeofitsstarch.“Fine.I’llgetmypurse.”
Neithersaidawordinthecarorasthehostessshowedthemtoatabletuckedintothecornerofthecavernousrestaurant.Darkandatmosphericratherthantrendy,theplacewasn’tparticularlycrowded.
Thatwouldbeabonustoday.
Themomentthewaitertooktheirdrinkorders,Jolieglancedatthemenutoconfirmtheyhadchickentikka,thensetitdowntofindKarisglaringather.
Joliedidn’tdragherfeet.“Yes,Isleptwithhim.”
“YouknewIlikedhim.”Shelookedbothangryandhurt.
“Idid.AndIhandleditbadly.I’msosorry.”Jolietriedtosaythenextwordsgentlybutdiplomacyreallywasn’therforte.“Butyourfeelings…Youknowtheyaren’treciprocated.”
“Yeah,”Karissaidglumly.“Butthatmighthavechangedintime.Youneverknow.Maybehejustneededtoknowmebetter.NowIhavenochance.Thewayhelookedatyouduringthemeeting,likehecouldn’twaittostripyoudownanddevouryou—”
“Hedidn’t,”Jolieprotested.Butshefearedheactuallyhad.Thefewtimesshe’ddaredtopeerathimformorethanamomentortwo,hisstarehaddarkened,lingered.
She’dflushedhoteverydamntime.
“Oh,please.Itwassoobvious.Everyonenoticed.”JoliegrimacedbutKariskepton.“EvenGerardlookedcrushed.HereallyhopedHeathmightswingbothways—”
“Icanwholeheartedlyvouchforhisheterosexuality.”
“Yeah,mygaydarisprettyaccurateandItoldhimHeathwasstraightasanarrowwhenhewalkedinonMondaymorning.Gerardstilldidn’twanttobelievemebuthedidn’taskHeathoutbecauseofyourpolicyforbiddingdatingamongthestaff.Rememberthat?”
Jolierememberedwhenshefearedofficeromanceswouldbeadistraction.Nowsheknewtheywere.“He’sacontractor,notanactualemployee.”
“Aren’tyousplittinghairs?”
Probably.SoinadditiontoKaristhinkingshewasamanthief,nowshesoundedlikeahypocrite.“You’reright.IreallyamsorryifIhurtyou.Thatwasn’tmyintention.”
Inthepast,Joliehadchidedwomenfortheirweaknesseswhenitcametomen,butlastnightshe’dbecomethatbimbowillingtodosomethingdesperateandstupidtobewithahotguy.Damnit.Howhadshegottensoturnedinsideoutbyastiffpenisandhersofteningheart?Shedidn’tlikeit.Worse,sheknewsheshouldtakeastepbackfromhim.Butshewasn’tsurehow.She’dneverhadtofightherfeelingsbefore.
Wasthisdesperategiddinesswhathermotherfeltwhenshethoughtshewasfallinginlove?
“Youseemedreallyoffyourgameatthemeetingthismorning.Didheupsetyou?Hurtyou?”
TheconcerninhervoicetouchedJolie.SheandKarishadn’tbeenreallyclosesincetheywerekids.Backthen,they’dbandedtogethertosurviveachaoticlifewithafickle,almostgypsymother.Duringcollege,Joliehadworkednonstoptoaffordhertuitionandbooks.She’dscrapedenoughtogethertoaffordacrappystudioapartmentshesharedwithacash-strappedmedstudent.IthadbeenatightsqueezethatreallyonlyworkedbecauseMelaniehadbeengonemoreoftenthannot.Joliehadn’tvisitedherfamilyalot.Intruth,shehadn’twantedto.Bythetimeshegraduated—withhonors—Kariswasfifteenandheadstrongandunwillingtolistentoanythingherbigsisterhadtosay.She’dhopedthisjobwouldmakethemcloser…butthatdidn’tlookpromisingnow.
IfJoliewantedthattochange,shehadtomakeithappen.
“No.Hedidn’thurtme.”Shesippedhertea.“ButIwishIcouldhaveabottleofwinerightnow,KK,becauseheshockedthehelloutofme.”
Karissmiledalittleatthechildhoodnickname.“Washekinky?”
“Dominant.”
“I’msurprisedyoudidn’tshredhimwithyourtongue.”Shegasped.“Ohgod.Youlethimbossyouaround?”
Joliesqueezedhereyesshut.Wassheactuallytalkingtohersisterabouthersexlife?“Wheneverythinghewantsyoutodogivesyouthemostamazingorgasms,it’snotthatdifficulttocomply.”
Itwasonlylaterthatshe’dhadserioussecondthoughtsaboutbeingsovulnerabletohim.Whatwassupposedtohappenbetweenthemnext?Theyhadn’tendedthenightwithpromises,whichwasfine.Buttheyalsohadn’tstartedtheirmorningbytalking.Joliehadneverbeforefoundherselfinthepositionofcaringifshehadatomorrowwithaman.
Hersistergiggled.“Seriously?Thatgood?”
“Incredible.”Joliecoveredherfacewithahandandshookherhead.“Isoundlikeastarry-eyedgirl.”
Kariscockedherhead.“Isthatbad,tobehuman?Tobeawoman?I’veoftenthoughtthat,ifweweren’trelated,youwouldhavedriftedoutofmylifelongagobecauseyou’veneverletyourselfcaretoomuchaboutanyone.Maybehe’sgoodforyou.”
“I’mprettysureitwasaone-nightstandforhim.”Jolieliftedoneshoulder,refusingtowantmore.“Besides,it’sareallybusytimeforme.Andhopefully,I’llbeevenbusiersoon.IfIgetthisfinancingfromGardner,I’llbeswampedwithalltheexpansiontasks,includinghiringadditionalstuff,overseeinganationwideonlinemarketingcampaign,gettingmysuppliersrampedup…Thelistgoeson.Ican’tgetinvolvedwithanyonenow.Idon’tthinkHeathwantsto,anyway.”Shepeeredathersister,whosebrowneyesnowlookedsweetlyempathetic.“Ireadsomeofthereportyoucompiledabouthim.It’sbeensevenyearssincehiswifedied.Ifhewasgoingtogetseriouslyinvolvedwithsomeoneagain,wouldn’thehavedoneitbynow?”Sheheardherselfandgroaned.“Crap,Ican’tbeangstingaboutaguyIhookedupwithonce.Wedon’thaveafuturetogether,andI’mokaywiththat.”
“Areyou?”Karisaskedpointedly.“Hemaynothavegottenseriouslyinvolvedwithanyoneelsebecausehe’snevermettherightwoman.Notsayingit’syou,buthowdoyouknowifyoudon’ttry?”
TherewassomewisdomtoKaris’sstatementbut…“BecauseI’mnotanyone’sperfectwoman.I’mbuiltforbusiness.Formycareer.”
“You’recapableofmore.”Hersisterraisedabrow.“Ithinktherealproblemisthatyou’reafraidtobelikeMom.”
“IloveMom,”Jolieprotested.
Shedid.ButtheideaofbeingdependentonamanorlosingherselftoonesocompletelythatsheforgottobeherownpersonterrifiedJolieutterly.
Thewaitersetdowntheirfoodandpromisedhe’dcheckbackshortly.Joliedugin,hopingKariswouldpaymoreattentiontohertandoorichickenthantotheturnofthisconversation.
Nope.Sheshovedabiteinhermouthandkeptthechatterrolling.“Butyoudon’tcallherontheshityoushould.IfIdidthatstuff,you’dhaulmeintoyourofficeandberatemeuntilIadmittedtheerrorofmyways.It’sasifyou’veacceptedthatMomisjustgoingtodowhatevershewants,andyoustillsendhermoneyandlistentotheplightsofherromanticlife.Iknowyouloveher.Butyoudon’trespecther.Andyouworkhardtomakesureyou’renothinglikeher.”
Jolieopenedhermouth.Thensheclosedit.Whatwastheretosaywheneverywordwastrue?Shestalledbypushingthecreamychickenaroundonherplate.“Whydoesshegetmarriedanddivorcedoverandover?”
“I’mnotsure.She’slookingforsomethingshe’snotfinding…”
“Perfection?”ButJoliedidn’tthinkthatsoundedlikehermother.
“No,”Karisagreed.“Idon’tthinkshehasunrealisticexpectations.Imean,sheputsupwithstuffthatwouldtotallypissmeoff.”
Dianaenduredway,waymorefromherformerhusbandsandex-boyfriendsthanJoliewould.Ofcourse,themomentanyhadstoodbetweenherandthesuccessshe’dyearnedtoachievesincesketchingoutherfirstdesignsateight,Joliehadditchedtheguyandspentmoretimeonherdreams.
“Herself-esteemisn’tthegreatest.ButIdon’tthinksheeverhadanygoalsinlife,either.”Jolietookabiteofthechickentikkaandchewed.“I’veneverseenherstriveforanything.”
“Yeah.Aresomepeoplebornwithoutambition?”
“Maybe.Whataboutyou?Whatdoyouwanttoachieveinlife?”Sincethiswasthemosthonestconversationthey’dhadinforever,shemightaswellseewhatKariswouldsay.
“Ilovemygraphicart.Photoshop,Sketch,andPixelmatorallthrillme.IfindanoddpeacewheneverItakemylaptoptoaquiet,prettyspot,turnonsomegoodmusic,andjust…be.NoteverythingIcreateisfantastic.Butit’smyart.Mytruth.”
Asubtlejab.Jolieenjoyedsketchingbutwasabottom-linewoman.Achildhoodwithtoomuchresponsibilityhadstartedherdownthatpath.Herentrepreneurialspirithadhonedit.ForKaris,lifewasn’taboutthedestinationbutthejourney.HersisterknewwhatmadeherhappyandJolieenviedthat.Successwasfantastic…butshewasbeginningtowonderiflifewasaboutmore.
“Weallhavewaysofexpressingourindividuality.It’saboutbeingtruetoourselves,right?”
Karischewedonthat,thengrinned.“Whatyou’resayingisthatyoumakechoicesthatIwouldn’tandIshouldbackoffpreachingtoyouabouthowyoushouldberelaxing.”
Heryoungersisterwasprovingtobedeeplyinsightfulandmorematurethanshe’dthought.
Jolienodded.“JustlikeIshouldstoplecturingyouaboutambition,Iguess.ButthisthingwithHeath…Inevermeanttohurtyou.”
“Youdidatfirst;Iwon’tlie.Buthewasn’tgoingtochooseme.Webothknowthat.IthinkIwasupsetyoudidn’tconsidermyfeelingsmorethanIwasthathedidn’twantme.”
“Ishouldhavebeenmoresensitive.Igotlostinthemomentwithhimand…”Sheflushed.
“Thistalking?”Karissippedhertea.“It’sgood.”
“Yeah.I’vebeentryingtolookoutforyouandguideyoulikeI’vealwaysdone.”
“IappreciateitbutIdon’tneedyoutobemysecondmomanymore.”
“Pointtaken.”
“So,whatareyougoingtodoaboutHeath?Takehimtobedagain?”Karisaskedwithadevilishsmile,thenhermouthgapedopen.“Oh,maybenot.Ijustremembered…Hehasastrictno-repeatpolicy.Accordingtohim,he’sMr.Hit-It-and-Quit-It.”
DisappointmentspooledthroughJolie.Yeah,hemighthavemerelybeentellingKaristhattodiscourageherbutitfitHeath’spattern.Forthelastsevenyears,he’dneverstayedinanyoneplaceforlong.He’dneverstayedwithanyoneperson,either.ExceptMysteryMullins.She’dbeenhisemployerandhisconstant—untilshe’dagreedtomarryanotherman.ButifHeathhadnevertouchedMystery,maybe—despiteruthlesslyrushingtoherdefense—he’dneverlovedher
Thatpossibilitymadeherhappierthanitshouldhave.
“Wedidn’tmakeeachotheranypromises,andIhavetoomuchtodotopineoveraguy,especiallynow.I’llwritehimoffasahotmemoryandmoveon.”Joliehopeditwasthateasy.
“Don’tyouwantafamily?”
“I’vegotone,”shereminded.“You,Mom,andAustinkeepmemorethanoccupied.”
“Idon’tmeanparentsandsiblings.Ahusbandandchildren.Don’tyouthinkaboutthat?”
Sometimes.Whensheletherself,whichwasn’toften.“I’lljuststandbesideyouatyourwedding,holdyourhandwhileyou’regivingbirth,andspoilyourkidsrotten.”
“You’dbetter.”Karissqueezedherfingersforasweetsecond.“ButI’mhopingyou’llletmereturnthefavor.I’mnotsurethepathyou’reonwillleadtothekindofhappinessthatlasts.”
Withthatsoberingobservation,thewaiterreturnedtocollecttheirplates.AfterJoliepaidthebill,theyheadedbacktotheoffice.Theclockonherdashtoldhershehadonlyahandfulofminutesbeforeonethirty.“I’mgladwetookthetimeforasisterlunch.Weshoulddoitmoreoften.”
Karissmiledasifshe’dlikethat.“Yeah.”
AsJolieparkedthecar,shegrabbedherpurseandjumpedout.“I’vegottorunbeforeI’mlateformymeetingwithHeath.”
“Don’twanttobelateforthat.”Kariswinked.
“Ineverwanttobelateforanymeeting,”sheclarified.Butnodenyingthatshereallyanticipatedthisone.Justbeingnearhimmadeherbloodpump,herskintinglewithlife,evenifshehadnoideawhatshe’dsaytohimoncetheywerealoneagain.
“Right…”
Assoonastheyenteredthesuite,Jolielookedacrosstheopenspaceandspottedaboxwrappedinbrownpaperwithafloppylacebowonhersister’scluttereddesk.“What’sthat?
“Idon’tknow.It’stherightsizeforSee’sCandy.”Karislookedhopeful.
“Doyouseeacard?”Joliepointedtothelittlewhitesquare.“Whatdoesitsay?”
She’dexpectedthenotetoreadYou’reprettyorGooutwithme.Aromanticcome-onofsomesort.
Whatshesawseemedfarmoremenacing.
“Itsays‘Noone,notevenyoursister,willstopmefromenjoyingyoursweetness.’”Joliefrownedattheobliquelyominousnote.
Kariswastoobusytearingintothepackaging.“ItisSee’sCandy!”
“Doyouknowwhothat’sfrom?”
“No.Iguessit’sfromwhoeversentmethetulips?”Shesoundedunsure.“It’skindofcoolthatIhaveasecretadmirerorsomething.Ireallyhopehe’smoreHenryCavillthanDexter.”
Joliehopedso,too.Butsherefusedtoassumeanything.Unfortunately,whenshelookedaround,nooneelsesatattheirdesk.Gerardtooknotoriouslylonglunches,whichpromoted“maximumcreativity.”Rohanoftenattendedget-rich-quickseminars.Wisteriaandheron-again,off-againboyfriendwereapparentlyspeakingtoday,soshe’dprobablymethimforlunch.Arthurgottogetherwithagroupofgamerstodiscussthelatestcheats,hacks,andstrategieseveryThursdayaroundnoon.Inotherwords,noonehadbeenheretoseeanything.
“WouldyoumindifIsharedthiswithHeath?”Joliepointedatthecard.
“Yeah.Sure.”Karishandedittoher,thenliftedthelidonthecandy,inhalingthescentwithasighofbliss.“Doyouthinkit’ssafetoeat?”
Hersister’shopefulpoutwouldhavemadeJolielaughifthesituationweren’tpossiblydangerous.“Takingfoodfromastranger?Idon’tthinkthat’swise.”
“It’slikegrown-upHalloween.”
“ItcouldalsoendupbeingRealStoriesoftheER.”
Karisshovedthelidbackontheconfections.“They’renutsandchews,too.Ihateitwhenyou’repractical.Andright.Ugh.ShowthecardtoHeath.MaybehecansolvethissowecanfigureoutifsomeonesanegavethesetomeandIcanhaveanawesomedesserttonight.”
Joliehadtolaughathersister’sslightlygoofyside,especiallysinceherowngeneticmakeuphadn’tincludedanythinglikeit.“I’llkeepyouposted.Ifnot,I’msureyoucandrownyoursorrowsinsomemerlot.”
“Goodcall.”Shewinked.
Joliehuggedher.“I’mgladwetalked.NowI’mheadingtofindHeath.I’llletyouknowwhathesays.”
“Seeyousoon,sis.”Kariskissedhercheek.“Havefun…”
Threeminuteslater,Joliehadgatheredherstuffandheadedintotheconferenceroom.Whensheopenedthedoor,shefoundHeathinside,waiting.Abarelybankedfirelithiseyeswhenshewalkedin.Hestood,watchedher,hiswholebodytense.
“You’rehere.Good.”He’dusedthatlow,gruffvoiceonherlastnightandithadshreddedhercommonsense.“Nowclosethedoor.”
***
JUSTlikelastnight,Joliecompliedalmostinstantly,naturally.AssoonasHeathheardtheclickoftheknobslidinghome,herelishedthethoughtthattheywerealone.
Forhavingalmostnosleepandfifteenminutestogetreadyforwork,thewomanshouldnotlookthatscrumptious.Adozendifferentwayshecouldtakeheronthistableflashedthroughhisheadthen.He’dlovetospreadherout,pushinsideher,andstrokeherdeepuntilecstasyclaimedthemboth.
Unfortunately,hecouldn’ttouchhernow.Sheseemeddeterminedtokeeptheofficestrictlyprofessional…buthisthoughtsrefusedtobehave.
SexwithAnnahadbeenlikecoddlingalamb.He’dheldherandstrokedher,reassuredherofhislove.She’doftenindulgedhisdesireforbondageandimpactplaybutonlyifheservedthemupwithgentlewordsandtenderaftercare.TakingJolietobedhadbeenlikewrestlingwithaferaltiger.Hehadthescratchmarksalloverhisbacktoproveit.Oh,she’dfinallylethimbethealpha—butonlybecauseitbroughtherpleasure.Orgasmscertainlyhadn’tmadehermoredocile.Heathwasn’tsureanythingwould.
Surprisingly,helikedthatabouther.
Infact,he’dbeeninsideJolielastnightforhours,takingherrepeatedlywithahungerhe’dbeenunabletoslake.He’dhadnochancetotouchhersince.Heathhadn’texpectedthecravingtoreturntodayatall,muchlesswithsuchavengeance.Nowhefeltitchyandrestless,likeanaddictdesperateforanotherfix.
Heruneasyexpressionyankedhimfromhisthoughts.“I’vegotsomethingtoshowyou.”
Hewentoninstantalert.“What’swrong?”
Shehesitated,frowned,andgrippedsomethinginherhands.“Maybenothing.But…well,yesterdaysomeoneleftKaristulips.Remember,shethoughtitwasyou?Itwasn’t,andweneverreallygotbacktotalkingaboutwhomighthavelefttheflowersonherdesk.Todaywhenwereturnedfromlunch,someonehadleftheraboxofherfavoritecandy,alongwiththis.”Shehandedthecardtohim
Hescannedit.Andfroze.“Anyideawhatthismeans?”
“Ihavenoidea.NeitherdoesKaris.Ifhemeansitasaromanticgesture,whydoeshesoundslightlylikearapistmakingathreat?Andwhyissomeonedraggingmeintothis?”
“Goodquestions.”They’dalreadycoveredthebasesinJolie’slifearoundindustrialspies,disgruntledformeremployees,andjiltedlovers.Shewastoosharptosimplyoverlookorforgetsomeonewhomightturndangerousordeadly.“Besidesme,youhaven’twarnedanyoneawayfromherlately?”
“I’mnotherkeeper.She’salwaysbeenfree-spirited,goingwherethewindtakesher,romanticallyspeaking.Ikeephopingshe’lllearnfromhermistakesandbemoregrounded.”
Heprobablyshouldn’tveerintothisterritorywhentheyhadapotentiallydangeroussituationtodealwithandhe’duncoveredsometroublingfacts,butHeathcouldn’tturnhisbackonJolie’sconcern.“Hermistakes?”
“Thefirstwasthewrestlingcaptaininhighschoolwhothoughtitwouldbefuntoseeifhecouldgethispersonalnumbertoonehundredbeforegraduation.Kariswaseighty-four.Apparentlyafterplowinghiswaythroughmostoftheseniorandjuniorgirls,hestartedonthesophomores.”AndJoliesoundedasifshe’dstillliketothrottletheprick.“Thencametheguywhoclaimedtobeasinger/songwriter.Baggypants,plaidshirts,scragglybeard,unwashedhair—thewholebit.Healsoapparentlydidn’tgraspthatifhedecidedtomovetoDenvertostartamarijuanafarmwithanewsqueeze,heshouldbreakupwithhiscurrentgirlfriendfirst.”
Heathtriednottosmile.Itwasn’tfunny,strictlyspeaking.ButJoliehadatartwayofputtingthingsthatamusedhim.
“Mostrecentlyshegravitatedtoaguyshemetatananimeconvention,”Joliewenton.“Turnsout,Benwasreallyahackerwhodidalotofquestionablylegalthings.Thankfully,thegovernmentrecruitedhimandhemovedtoD.C.”
“SoKarishasmadeterribledecisionsinthepast,butnooneyou’vetriedtocommandoutofherlifeinthepastweekexceptme?”
“Oh,I’vescowledatatwerpywaiterandraisedabrowataleeringUPSdriver,butnothingserious.MaybeImissedsomething.I’vebeensobusy.”
Heathpaced.Healwaysthoughtbetterwhenhewasmoving.“Youhavenoideawherethecandycamefrom,then?”
“No.Someonehand-deliveredittoherdesk.Didyouseeanythingwhileweweregoneforlunch?”
Heclearedhisthroat.“Ipoppedbacktomyplaceforaquickshowersinceweranoutoftimethismorning.”
Rightoncue,hercheeksblushedasweetpink.Shepretendedtostaredownatthecrisp,typewrittencardwiththeoddlyveiledthreat.“Whatshouldwedo?”
ThewholesituationgaveHeathmorethanalittledisquiet.WhywouldanyonesendagifttoKarisbutincludeanotethreateningJolie?Thesituationdidn’tlookinherentlydangerousbutheespeciallyknewbetterthantoassumeanything.
“Keeptheofficesafegoingforward.Ihaveenoughsecuritycardreadersinmystashtoinstallthematthefrontdoor,youroffice,andthehallwaytothebuilding’srearfacilities—”
“Youmeantherestroom?”
“Doyoureallyrestinthatroom?”hechallenged.
“Fine.Thetoilet,asyouBritsprefer.”Sherolledhereyes.“Areyousayingthateveryonewillneedanelectronicbadgejusttogo?”
“Yes.Iplantoequipeveryonewithalanyard.Theyshouldweartheirbadgeontheirpersonatalltimes,sogoingtotheloowillrequirenomoreextraeffortthantheswipeofacard.I’llcreatetheelectronicaccessprofilestoday.I’llneedapictureofeveryemployeesoIcanlaminateeachtoitsrespectivebadge.Oncethesystemisinoperation,itwillkeeplogsandgeneratereportsofaccessinandoutofthesuite,soeveryonemustcarrytheirownbadge.”
“You’llbekeepingtrackofourmovements?”
“Indeed.”
“SoeverytimeRohangoesforasmokeorGerarddrinkstoomuchwater…”Joliefrowned.“Idon’tknow.Securityisimportantbutthisseemslikeaninfringementofprivacy.”
“ButifthesystemI’veproposedhadbeeninplacethismorning,Karismightnothavereceivedcandyfromastranger.Ifshehad,I’dalreadyknowpreciselywhohadenteredthesuiteandthroughwhichaccesspoint.I’dalsohavealogofwhenandwherethatpersonexitedsoImightbeabletotrackhim.Asitstandsnow,we’venoideawhethertheculpritissomeoneworkinginoneoftheadjacentbusinesses,oneofthecleaningcrew,arandomloon,theprowlerfromlastnight,orsomeoneelseentirely.Theseprecautionswillhelpkeepusinsulatedfromfutureincidents.”
Joliecrossedherarms,wearingoneofherstubbornexpressions.“IrecognizethatIhiredyoutosecurethefacility,andItrulywishwe’dbeenmorepreparedfortherecentrashofproblems.ButIwasn’tanticipatinganythingintrusive.Isn’tthereanotherway?”
“Wouldvideoandaudiorecordingsseemlesspushy?They’renotmuchgoodforpreventingacrimeorstoppingoneinprogressbutarehelpfulinprosecutingaftersomeone’salreadybeenattackedorkilled.Isthatwhatyouwant?”
“No.Ithoughtyou’dputbetterlocksonthedoors,mayberecommendafewmorelightsintheparkinglotsandabetterfirewallaroundourcomputers.This…”
“Ismyareaofexpertise.ShouldIreviewmyqualificationswithyouagain?”
Shesighed.“No.”
“Fine,then.I’vesentyouadetailede-mailwithalltheassociatedcostsfortheequipmentI’verecommended,aswellasmonthlymaintenancefees.Letmeknowifyouhaveanyquestionsinthenexthour.Ifnot,I’llspendthisafternooninstallingeverything.”
“Youcandothatyourself?”
Whythatsurprisedher,Heathwasn’tsure.“Forthemostpart.ImaycallinanextrahandortwobutIneveruseanyequipmentIcan’tproperlyutilize.Toorisky,otherwise.”
Shesighedandfinallytookaseat.“Allright.Whenwe’redonehere,I’lltakealookandletyouknowwhethertoproceed.Let’sgetdowntotherestofourbusiness.Doyouhaveanyotherrecommendationstomakethebuildingandallourintellectualpropertymoresecure?”
Heathspentthenextthirtyminutesoutliningthosesuggestions.Healsoreturnedhercomputertoherwithaddedsecurityandamechanismthatattachedthemachineviaalockedcabletoabolthe’dhaveanchoredintheconcreteslabbeneathherdesk.Shefollowedalong,askedinsightfulquestions,andpickedaparthisanswers,negotiatingforprotocolsshebelievedwouldbalancetheneedbetweenthesafetyofBetti’semployeesandtheirprivacy.Shefrustratedthedeviloutofhimbecauseshe’darguewithanyoneaboutthecoloroftheskyifshethoughtitwouldbenefitherbusiness,butshereallywasoneofthebrightestwomenhe’devermet.
Intelligencehadneverbeenaspecificturn-on.Annahadbeenloving,joyful,andabitreserved.Shewouldratherhavewatchedcutevideosofpuppiesandbabiesandcouplesholdinghandsthananythingaboutpolitics.She’davoideddiscussingthingslikewar,genocide,nuclearproliferation,theinternationaleconomy,andterrorism.Shehadn’tenjoyedthementalchallengeofagoodcrossword.NotsoJolie.
Andhecouldn’tdenythathefoundhistemporarybossarefreshingchangefromalltheyoungpartygirlshe’dspenthiseveningswithforthepastsixyears.
Oncethey’dagreedintheorytohisofficesecurityproposal,Heathsatback.Perhapsitwouldbemorepolitenottostarebuthecouldn’tseemtohelphimself.Negotiationmadehereyesglitteradazzlingshadeofgreen.Andhowinterestingthat,assilencefell,shelookedeverywherebutathim…Nowthatshe’dexperiencedhowincendiarytheyweretogether,wasshehavingtroublewalkingaway,too?
Thatreallymadehimwonderaboutherreactiontohisnextrecommendation.
“Onceyou’veapprovedtheproposalviae-mail,I’llsendeveryoneintheofficetheupdatedsecurityprotocols.Inlightoflastnight’sbreak-inandanotherpotentialbreachtoday,I’mimplementingallthemeasureseffectiveimmediately.I’llbecheckingeveryone’saccessand,ofcourse,beheretoansweranyquestions.Mostimportantly,Iwillmonitoralltheentrancesandexitsaroundthebuildingandinvestigateanythingoutoftheordinary.”
“Therewillbepushback,”shewarned.
“Astheirboss,youcangivethemabitofencouragement.”
“I’mpayingforthis,soyoucanbetIwill.”Shegavehimasharpnod.“Butnoneofthatchangeswhotheyare.Gerardcan’tbebotheredwithanythingpractical.Rohanwillbecrankywiththeextratwosecondsitwilltakebeforehehashisnicotinefix.Wisteriawillloseherbadge,guaranteed.KarismaymakeasignprotestingBigBrother—orinthiscase,BigSister.Arthurwillcomplainifweimpedehisaccesstothatdamnvideogame.Ithinkhe’sgotanaddiction.”
Joliemightnotliketoshowthatshevaluedtheirhappiness.Itprobablydidn’tfitwithhertoughbusinesswomanpersona…butHeathsaw.
Hehidasmile.“InArthur’sdefense,theRPGhe’simmersedinnowisquitewelldone.”
“RPG?Nevermind.Idon’tthinkIwanttoknowwhatthatmeans.Ididn’tknowyou’reagamer.”
Therewasalotshedidn’tknowabouthim.“Acasualone.Inmostcases,I’dratherreadorgoforarun.”
Joliewrinkledhernose.“Run?Nothanks.IfI’mgoingtosweat,I’dtotallyratherdoyoga.OrZumba.Youliketodance?”
“Theonlytimemyfeethavemovedinanyhaphazardfashion,Iwasdodgingbullets.”
Shelaughed,thenseemedtoremembertheyweresupposedtobehavingaprofessionalrelationship.Afterclearingherthroat,shestackedherpapers,thenstudiedhimwithacarefullyblankface.“Isthateverything?”
“Notprecisely.HowmuchdoyouknowaboutRichardGardner?”
“Goodfamily.Oldmoney.Hissisterisalovelywoman.HegraduatedfromWestPoint.He’sworthnearlyabilliondollars.”She’ddoneherhomework.“GardnercanaffordtoputabigstakeinBettianditwouldstillbeababyinvestmentforhim.Heknowsnothingaboutfashion,justmakingmoney.He’llbeagreatsilentpartner.”
“You’vemethim?”
“Socially.WehadalongconversationatarecentAIDSfundraiser,whichishowwedecidedtoexploreBettiasaninvestmentopportunityforhim.He’sabigadvocateforLGBTcauses.”
“Buthe’snotgay.”
“Ineversaidhewas.”Hereyeswidened.“Tellmeyoudidn’tinvestigatehim.”
“Andlietoyou?Iwon’tbother.Soyouknowhe’saskirtchaser?”
“It’sironicyoushouldaccusehimofthat.”Jolieleveledasharpglanceathim.“ButIdoubtRichard’sfirstconcerniswhat’sundermyskirt.”
“Hasheflirtedwithyou?”
Sheshrugged.“Heflirtswitheveryone,evenhisbrother-in-law’sninety-year-oldgrandmotherandhisgreat-niecewhojustlearnedtowalk.Helikesfemalesandhasthekindofcharismamanyrespondto.”
Wouldshe?ThequestiondisturbedHeath.“Doyouwanthimtochasewhat’sunderyourskirt?”
Jolietiltedherchinandsenthimameasuringglance.“Woulditmatter?”
Itshouldn’t.Normally,itwouldn’t.
Hetriedtophrasehisnextwordscarefullysohedidn’tsoundlikeapossessiveprick.“Ithinkyouneedhimasaninvestorfarmorethanasalover.Ihopeforyoursakethathesharesyourpriorities.”
Brilliant.Thatdidn’tsoundasifhemightriptheman’sballsoffandshovethemdownhisthroatifhemadeapassatJolie.
Heathswallowed.Normally,hewasn’tthejealoussort.Ofcourse,heneverstayedaroundlongenoughtocare.Hell,hehadn’tbeenhalfthisangrywhenAxelhadswoopedinandstolenMysteryaway.
“Butyou’renotholdingyourbreath?”sheasked.“That’swhatitsoundslike.”
“Precisely.”
“Asithappens,I’mnotinterestedinmixingbusinesswithpleasure.I’drathernotmuddythewatersordealwithmoredistractions.Besides,ifI’minhisbed,I’llbeonhisradar.Iwantasilentpartner.”
Heathfeltsometensionbleedaway.Hopefully,thatmeanthewouldn’tneedtorestrainanurgetocommitmurdertomorrownight.
“I’llbewatchingyourbacktoensureeverythinggoessmoothly,”heswore.
Thatputheronalert.Shegavehimanarrow-eyedglare.“Attherestaurant?Youcan’tbethere.”
“Iwill,”heshotbackinstantly.“AndIwon’tchangemymind.”
“LastnightdoesnotgiveyoutherighttofollowmetomydinnerwithRichard.It’snotadate;it’sbusiness.”
“Thepurposeisirrelevant.I’mgoing.”
Herfaceclosedup.“No.You’renotinvolvedinmybusiness,andI’mnotdiscussingwhathappenedbetweenuslastnight.”
Normally,thatwouldsuithim.Hehadn’t“repeated”oncesincehe’dstartedhookingupaboutayearafterAnna’smurder.Normally,slippingawayfromaone-nightshagwassimplebecauseheneversawthewomanagain.Heneverthoughtofthemormissedthem.Hewasnevertemptedtoseekanyofthosewomenoutoncemore.
Joliedidn’tfallintothatcategory.Andhewasn’twillingtoacceptherbrick-wallattitude.
“Untilwehavemoreanswers,I’mnotcomfortableassumingthatwhoeverbrokeintoyourofficewon’treturn.Idon’tliketheveiledthreatinthenotedeliveredwithKaris’scandy.SoI’llnotonlybeyoursecurityspecialist,I’llbeyourbodyguard.Assuch,I’llbeyourshadowatdinner.”
Sheshookherhead.“Butnothingviolenthashappened.”
“Thisisnon-negotiable,Jolie.Iwon’tbendbecauseyoudon’tlikeit.Theonlywayyou’llberidofmeisifyousackme.”Eventhenhedidn’tthinkhecouldmerelyleave.“Andbeforeyouconsiderthatnotion,thinkaboutthesafetyofyourotheremployees.Doyouwantthemunprotected?”
“That’smanipulative.”
“Buttrue.Soifyoupopouttothegrocerystore,I’llbethere.IfyoudecidetoattendayogaclasswithCallie,I’lltagalong.Ifyouhitapubwiththegirls,ifyoushopforclothes,ifyoustandonyourbalcony,ifyougoonadate—”
“Youcanescortmefromtheofficetomyfrontdoor.Ipromisetogostraightinandlockupforthenight.Thenyoucangohome,retrievemethenextmorning,andtakemetotheoffice.”
Shewasn’tcomprehending,soHeathintendedtomakehimselfperfectlyclear.“Break-inshappen.Sodoassaults,rapes,andmurders.I’mnowyourbodyguard.Endofdiscussion.”
Shehuffedoutalittlesigh.“You’renotspendingthenightagain.”
“Iam.Iwon’ttouchyoubutIalsowon’tleaveyouunprotected.”
“HowdoIknowthisisn’tsomeploytoseduceme?”
“Ifthat’sallIwanted,Iwouldn’tbetalkingtoyouacrossthistable.I’dbekissingyouandremindingyouthatIknowexactlyhowtomakeyouscreaminpleasure.Wouldn’tthatbemoreeffectiveifallIwantedfromyouwassex?”
Asifshedidn’thaveagoodargumentforhislogic,sheswitchedgears.“Andmysister?I’mworriedabouthersafety.Noonehastriedtoreachme,justmycomputer.Butshewasherelastnightwhensomeonebrokein.She’sreceivedgifts—”
“I’vethoughtofthat.I’llbecallinginafewfavorsandfindingsomeonetowatchoverherwhensheleavestheoffice.”
“Idon’twantastrangerstayinginherapartmentwhileshesleeps.Besides,you’veseenhowsmallitis.Wherewouldsheputanyone?”
Hestoodanddrewinasteadyingbreath.Joliehadworkedherselfup.Toomuchstresswithalltheunexpectedlately.Theanxietyofherinvestordinnertomorrownightwaslikelyweighingonher.Heneededtocalmherdown,getheroutofherownheadforabit.Hehadafabulousideahowtoaccomplishthat,butsincetheybothhadreservationsabouttanglingthesheetsagain,he’dhavetothinkofanotherway.
“Leaveittome.I’llmakesomethingwork.Youreallydon’thavetocontroleverything.”
Jolielookedasifshewantedtoargue.Instead,shecrossedherarmsoverherchest.“Whatdoyouthinkishappeninghere?Arealltheseincidentsrelated?”
He’dwonderedwhenshewouldstartaskingthemoredifficultquestions.Nowthatthey’dsettledmostoftheimmediateissues,Heathfiguredshe’dstartdiggingforanswers.
Pacingthelengthofthewhiteboard,hechosehiswordscarefully.“Thetimingisawfullycoincidental.Ihavenoproof…butwiththefactswehavenow,Idon’tseeanotherpossibility.Someoneisplayingaheadgamewithyou.Idon’tknowwhattheywantyet.Ialsocan’tpromisethatwhoeveriscausingthismayhemisn’tviolent.SoI’lldoeverythingIcantokeepyousafe.”
“Ifhe’splayinggameswithme,whyinvolveKaris?”
“Perhapshe’susinghertogettoyoubecauseheseesherasyourweakspot.”Heathknewwellhowthosecouldbeexploited.“Maybethegiftsareintendedtobutterherupsoshe’llinfluenceyouorlullherintoafalsesenseofsecuritysoshe’llhelphimwithsomethingintendedtotakeyoudown.Withoutmoreinformation,Ican’tsay.IonlyknowIdon’tlikedodgyprickswhothreatenwomeninanyway.”
Jolielookeddownpensively,asifshedidn’tknowwhattosay.“Ifhecouldusehertoinfluenceme,thenhe’dprobablysuspecthecouldusehertohurtme.”
“Precisely.UntilIcanassignsomeonetowatchher,maybeit’sbestifshestaysatyourplacesoIcanprotectyouboth.”
Thesuggestionclearlysurprisedherbutshenoddedinrelief.“Thanks.IworryaboutKaris.Untilweunderstandwhat’sgoingon,bettertobesafethansorry.”
“That’stheattitude.I’llneedalistofallyourappointmentsforthenextweeksoIcanbeinsyncwithyou.Isuggestcancellingwhateveryoucan,especiallyanythingpublic.Ifyou’reatarget,beingoutintheopenmakesyoueasiertoreach.Ialsowanttoknowthemomentyoureceiveanycontactthatseemsremotelythreatening.Youwon’tleavemysight.”
Joliegatheredupherbelongingsandstood.“Trynottogetinmyway.Anddon’tthinkaboutseducingmeagain.”
Heathknewheshouldletitgobut…“Whosurprisedwhomnakedandwaitinglastnight?”
Sheflushed,thenturnedtoopenthedoor.“Gotohell.I’llhaveyouransweraboutthesecurityequipmentinanhour.”
***
ATfouro’clock,Joliefoundherselffrustratedandexhausted.AfterreadingHeath’ssecuritybidandagreeing,he’dgonestraighttowork,barkingatWisteriatotakeeveryone’spicture.Nowthesoundsofpowertoolsdistractedher,andknowingHeathloomednearbywaskillingtherestofherconcentration.ShehadafewmorefinishingtouchestoputonherproposalforGardner,butshecouldcompletethemathomelater,inpeace,withaglassofwine.Andhopefully,Heathwouldstillbehere,installingthecardreadersandwhateverelse.
Lookingforachangeofscenery,sheignoredheruntendedinboxandtextedCallie.Ineedtoskipyoga.Meetmeforcoffee?
Lessthanaminutelater,Callieanswered.SinceI’mtoopregnanttodomuchmorethanwaddletothebathroom,yogaisoutofthequestionforme.Loveto!
Assoonastheyagreedonalocation,Jolietiptoedtoherofficedoor,peekingout.Everyoneappearedhardatworkforonce.Gerardperchedoverasketchpadasifinspirationhadfinallystruck.Heswoopedhispenciloverhispadfeverishly,lookinglikehisfingersweredoingtheirbesttokeepupwithhisbrain.KarisandRohanmurmuredtogetherinhiscubicleaboutsomethingonhisscreen.Arthurfrownedashebalancedreceiptsagainsthisrecords.Wisteriatypedataslowbutsteadypaceonhere-mails,workingaroundherlong,canaryyellownails.
AndHeathhadshuckedeverythingabovethewaistexceptatightribbedtankwhileheinstalledthesecurityequipment.Ashedroveascrewintothewallwithapowerdrill,hisbicepsbulged.Hisshouldersflexed.Everybitofhisleantorsobunchedinsilentpower.
Jolieswallowedhertongue.
Whydidtheonlymanshe’devercravedhavetobetheonewhomadeherfeelsovulnerable?
Yeah,sometimeawayfromtheoffice—andhim—wouldhelpherconcentration.Heathwouldbepissedbutshereallydidn’tneedabodyguard.Therecenteventshadbeenadmittedlyunnerving,butnoonehadtrulythreatenedher.Whoeverhadbrokeninseemedmorelikeadesperatebusinessrivalhopingtostealsecretsandusehersister’ssofthearttogettoherthanahardenedkiller.
Grabbingherpursefromherdeskdrawer,Jolietuckeditagainstherchestandcreptoutthedoor.Withasighofrelief,shedroveaway.Sheneededtoclearherheadbeforemakingthebiggestpitchofhercareer.Shewouldn’tgetthatifHeathwasaround.
Fifteenminuteslater,Joliepulledintoanupscalecoffeehouseinawell-establishedpartofDallas.Glassandchromegleamedeverywhere,accentinganopenfirepit,darkwood,andsleeklines.Everyoneheresippingcoffeeinthelateafternoonlookedincrediblybusy,impeccablydressed,andreekedofmoney.
Joliehadn’tgrownupwithtwodimestorubtogetherbutshedefinitelyappreciatedhavingmoneynow.
Asshelookedaround,shespottedagorgeousbrunetteinanautical-themedmaternitydresswaving.Thenavycolorsuitedherfairskinandmadeherblueeyesgleamevenfromacrosstheroom.Thepregnancyglowonlyaddedtoherbeauty.
Atthetablebesideher,herhusband,SeanMackenzie,satglancingthroughthenewspaper.Atthebackoftheshop,herdevotedloverandDom,MitchellThorpe,lazedagainstthewall,watchingeverythingaroundhimwhilehetalkedonthephone.
DisappointmentwoundthroughJolie.She’dhopedCalliewouldcomealone,butsinceshe’dmetthewomansixmonthsago,neithermanwaseverfarfromherside,andwiththebabycominganyday,theyhoveredevenmore.
Withahugandasmile,JolieslidintotheemptychairacrossfromCallie.“Hi.Wow,youlookfantastic.”
Sheputherhandsonherbellyandlaughed.“Ilooksopregnant.WhenIseemyselfnakednow,IthinkthatifIgetanybigger,I’llneedmyownzipcode.”
“Howmuchlonger?”
“Afewweeks.Butthebabykeepstryingtomakeanearlyappearance.I’msupposedtobeonbedrestbutIhadtogetoutofthehousebeforeIlostmymind.”FlippinghergazebacktoThorpe,thenovertoSean,sheleanedin.“Ithoughttheywereoverprotectivebeforebutnowthey’redownrightexasperating.”
“Iheardthat,lovely,”SeanremarkedwithoutoncelookingupfromhisDallasMorningNews
“AndI’msureThorpewillknowtooassoonasheendsthiscall.Youguyscanletupalittle.I’mnotgoingtogivebirththenexttimeIstandupandaccidentallydropthebabyonitshead.”
Seanfrownedskeptically.“Wepromisedyouthirtyminutesbeforewetookyouhometorest.IfyouwanttogabwithJolie,Isuggestyougetstarted.”
HowdidCallieputupwithanymantakingsomuchofhercontrol?
Butthebubblybrunettedidn’tletitruffleher.Instead,Calliestuckouthertongueplayfully.“Fine.I’llgetyoulater.”
Seansentherasmolderinggaze.“Ilookforwardtoit.”
Theotherwomangiggled,thenhandedherachaiicedteabeforetakingasipfromherwaterbottle.Herhugediamondweddingringwinkedinthelight.“Howareyou,doll?Roughday?”
Roughforty-eighthours,actually.“Youcouldsaythat.”
“IsHeathhelpingyouout?”
Joliecouldn’tseemtostopherself.Heatcrawledupherface.“He’sfine.”
“Oh…”Callieraisedabrow.“Sohegaveyoumorethanrecommendationstoshoreupyoursecurity,huh?”
Sheignoredthatquestion.
“Wehadabreak-inattheofficelastnight.”Joliefilledherinonthedetails,alongwithabitaboutKaris’soddgifts.“SoI’mnotsurewhattothinkordo.NowHeathseemsdeterminedtosticktomedayandnight.Idon’tthinkit’sagoodidea.”
“Becauseyoulikehimdespiteknowinghedoesn’teveroccupythesamebedtwice?Orbecausehegotunderyourskin?”
Joliegrimaced.Calliehadalwaysbeenperceptive.“Gee,don’taskmehardquestionsoranything.”
Herfacesoftenedwithapology.“Sorry.Idon’tmeantooverstep.Ionlywanttohelp.”
Withasigh,shesippedherteaandwhisperedsoSeancouldn’toverhear.“Iknow.Thetruthis,I’mnotsure.AndI’mevenlesssureIwanttoknowtheanswer.”
Calliehesitated.“That’snewforyou.Ifitmakesyoufeelanybetter,he’sagoodguy.”
“Ididn’treallywantaguyatall.Idon’tneedthedistraction.”
“Younevergettochoosewhenlovecomesyourway.”SheandSeansharedameaningfulglancebeforesheturnedtoThorpe,whowasstillonthephone.Asifhesensedherstare,theintimidatingmanintheperfectlycutsuitgazedbackwithanadoringsmile.Callieglowedwithhappiness.“Iwasn’tlookingforitayearago.Butitfoundme.Nowlook.”Shecaressedherbelly.“Married.Happy.Abouttohaveababy.Ididn’tplanthis,butIwouldn’tchangeitforanything.”
“I’mthrilledforyou.Iknowyou’vebeenthroughalot.ButI’veneverbeeninloveandIdon’tplantostartnow.Ijustneededsomesanity.”
AndsomespaceHeathPowelldidn’tinhabit.
Thankfully,Callieletthelovethingdrop.“What’smakingyoucrazy?”
JolieexplainedtheinstallationofthesecurityequipmentandHeath’sinsistencethathewasnowherbodyguard.
Suddenly,Callie’seyeswentwide.“Soyoudidn’ttellHeathyouwerecomingtomeetme?”
“No.Idon’tneedakeeper.I’msuretheseincidentshavesomethingtodowiththebusiness,andHeathwillfigureitout.ButIwon’thavethatmanbreathingdownmyneckasifheownsme.”
Hereyesflaredevenwider.“Um…”
“Unlessyou’dlikemetomakeasceneinthisposhlittlecoffeehouse,Isuggestyoucomewithmenow.”
Jolierecognizedthatdeep,clippedBritishvoice.Shefroze.
Heathhadtrackedherdown.Andhedidn’tsoundpleased.ChapterSeven
Ruleforsuccessnumberseven:
Pickyourbattles.
JOLIEwhirledaround.Heathstood,muscledarmscrossedoverhiswidechest.Hedidn’tlookmadbutunderthesurfaceshefelthimseething.Karisstoodbehindhim,wincingwithanapologeticglance…beforeshestartedcheckingoutthetwentysomethingguybehindthecounterwhohadamop-tophaircut,gaugesinhisears,andafreshtattoo.ToJolie,helookedlikeacliché.Hersisterwasprobablywonderingifhecouldbehersoulmate.
HowhadHeathknownwheretofindher?
ObviouslynotfromCalliebut…Seanappearedassurprisedashiswife,thoughhisscowlatherwasnowlacedwithdisapproval.Afterascanofthebackoftheshop,Joliehadherculprit.MitchellThorpeheldhisphoneinhisfist,hisexpressionmorethansuggestingshestartansweringHeath’squestions—fast
Irritationbit.Shedidn’tlikehigh-handedpeopleandappreciatedmenwhothoughttheyknewbetterthanthewomenintheirlifeevenless.
“Justaminute.”ShemadeherwaytoThorpe.PowerrolledoffhimbutJolieignoredhisalphavibe,refusingtobeintimidated.
“WhythehelldidyoutellHeathwheretofindme?You’reinterfering.”
“I’mhelpingafriendkeephischargesafe.AndIknowathingortwoaboutstubbornwomen,”hedrawled,glancingatCallie.“Bettertohaveyouannoyedthandead.”
“That’smydecisiontomake.”
“YouhiredHeathforareason.Lethimdohisjob.”
Joliegrittedherteethtogetherwhenshefeltagentlehandonhershoulder.Callie.
“Mitchellmeantwell,”shemurmuredasshepulledJolieintoahug.“I’lltormenthimlaterforyou,okay?”
Whenshemighthaveargued,Jolierealizedeveryoneinthecoffeeshopwasstaring.Shebackedaway.“Thatwouldbegreat.”
“I’llseeyousoon?”CallielookedworriedthatJoliewastoopissedtobeherfriendanymore.ButJoliecouldn’tstaymadatthewoman.
“Absolutely.Letmeknowwhenyougointolabor.”
“Youmeanforreal?”Shelaughedatherself.“Willdo.”
They’dbarelybrokenapartfromtheirhugwhenJoliefeltfirmfingerswraparoundherelbow.Heathstoodbesideher,lookingperfectlyrelaxed,buthisgriprevealedhistension.
“Let’sgo,”hegrowled.
Joliesnaggedherteaandleft.Shewantedtoarguebutnotinpublicandnotwhereshe’dpotentiallyputCallieinthemiddle.Herfriendhadn’tknownThorpewouldratherouttoHeath.No,she’ddealwithhersecuritycontractorallbyherself.
“Karis?”heasked.
Hersisterflickedonelastglanceattheguybehindthecounterasshepaidforhercoffee.“Yeah.”
Thethreeofthemwalkedinsilencetotheparkinglot.Karisjumpedinherlittlecompact.HeathwastwostepsoffJolie’sassasshemadeherwaytohersedan.
Themomenttheywerebothinhervehicleandshestartedtheengine,sheturnedtoHeathwithaglare.“Youhadnoright—”
“You’vepaidmefortheright.IfIhavetokeepyousafefromyourself,Iwill.Butnevermindme.Thinkofyoursister.Whensherealizedyou’dgone,shewasworriedandinsistedwefindyouimmediately.She’snottoostubborntorealizeyoucouldbeindanger.SinceyouusuallyattendyogaonThursdaynights,IstartedwithacalltoThorpetoseeifCalliehadjoinedyou.Imaginemysurprisetolearnthatyou’dcomeacrosstowntosipcoffeeinpublicandleftyourbodyguardbehind.DidyoustoptoconsiderforamomentthatyoumightbeputtingCallie,awomanthirty-sevenweekspregnant,indanger?Youwanttobeindependent,Iknow.Butthinkofthepeoplearoundyou.”
Beforehe’devenfinishedspeaking,regretandshameburnedher.She’dmerelywantedsomeZen.No,she’dwantedtorunawayfromeverythinghemadeherfeel.
Joliehadn’tbeenthinkingaboutdanger.She’dbeenthoughtlessandreckless.
“You’reright.I’msorry.”
“SaythosewordstoyoursisterandCallie.Idon’tneedanapology.Ihaveotherwaystogetmypointacrosstoyou.”
Withthatominousnote,hefellsilent,textingfuriouslyforthenexttenminuteswhileshefoughttheswellingtraffic.Inherrearviewmirror,Karisfolloweddutifully,wavingwhenJolielookedback.
Whentheyreachedhercondo,thethreeofthementeredwordlessly.TensionpouredoffHeath.ItmadeJolieskittishandjittery.Somefoolishpartofherwantedtotouchhim,calmhim.Shedidn’t.Shepaidhim,sohewasn’tgoingtotellherwhattodo…Thoughknowingshe’dworriedhersisterandinadvertentlyriskedothers,shevowedtostartlisteningmore.
Afterasilentdinnerofpizzaandsalad,KarisborrowedaT-shirtfromher,hittheshower,thenemergedfromthebathroomwithwethairandapensiveexpression.
“Night,y’all.”
Joliehuggedhersister.“I’mnotmad.Ihopeyou’renotupsetwithme.”
Shesighedwithrelief.“No.Ididn’tmeantopanicbutwhenyoudisappeared…”
“Iunderstand.”AndJoliecouldseehow,afterthelastcoupleofdays,heryoungersisterwoulddrawtheconclusionthatsomethingterriblehadhappened.“Iwon’tsneakoffanymore.”
Karissmiled,thenretiredtothefutoninJolie’shomeoffice,carryingheriPadandearbuds.Joliewasgladthey’dclearedtheairandhersistercouldsleeptonightinsafetyandpeace.
ButthatleftheralonewithHeath,herfrustration,andherthickdesireforthemanshecouldneitherpurgenorescape.
“I’mgoingtoshowerandtakemylaptoptobed.Thepillowsandblanketsfromlastnightarestillsittingonthesofa.Helpyourself.”
“Sothat’sit?You’regoingtoavoidtalkingabouttheelephantintheroom.Brilliant.”
Joliedidn’tpretendshedidn’tunderstand.“There’snothingmoretosay.I’veapologizedforleavingwithoutlettingyouknow.Thingsarerightwithmysisteragain.We’vebothagreedthatwewon’tbehavingsexanymore,andIhavetofinishpreppingformymeetingtomorrownightwithGardner.Sowe’redonehere.”
Hetookastepcloseruntilhetoweredoverher.“We’renot.Idon’tcarehowreluctantyouwerewhenyouagreedtokeepmeasyourbodyguard.We’dbarelybeenoutofthatconferenceroomtwohourswhenyoucompletelydisregardedeverythingIsaid,wentbehindmyback,andactedasifnothingIsaidmattered.”
“Don’ttakeitpersonally.Ijustwantedacoffeewithagirlfriend.Ididn’ttellyoutoshoveyoursecurityupyourass.”
“Actually,youdid.Withoutwords,mindyou.Butyouractionstoldmetosodoffandthatyoudon’tgivetwoshitsaboutstayingsafe.Betweenyourto-dolistandyourhang-ups,you’retoowrappeduptothinkatallaboutthepeoplearoundyouwhocare.”
Hewasuncomfortablyclosetoright.“Whydoyougiveashit?”
Instantly,hisfaceclosedup.“Idon’t.I’mmerelydoingmyjob.”Thepassionwithwhichhegrittedoutthewords—withfistsclenchedandtendonsstandingoutinhisneck—madealiaroutofhim.“Butyoursisterwasbesideherself.Nooneknewwhereyou’dgone,ifyou’dleftvoluntarilyor…”
“Mysisterdoesn’tseemhalfsoagitatedasyou.Youwanttotalkabouttheelephantintheroom,fine.Let’sgetitoutthere,”shechallenged.“Ileftbecausewhenyou’renearme,Ifindithardertobreathe.Youmakemewant.Youmakemeache.Iadmitit.I’msorryifIworriedyou,butitpissesmeoffthatyou’repushingyourshitoffonmysisterbecauseyouwon’tmanuptothefactthat,forwhateverreason,youdon’twanttoseemehurt.”
“Idon’twanttoseeanyonehurt.”Hecameatheragain,pointingafingerather.“Butdon’tmakethemistakeofthinkinganythingoranyonematterstome.Istoppedcaringyearsago.”
“Inotherwords,don’treadanyemotionormeaningintolastnight.Great.Thatworksforme,”sheshoutedback.Andshedidn’tmeanawordofit.Lastnighthadsureashellfeltlikeitmattered—evenwhenshehadn’twanteditto.Shesuspectedithadmeantsomethingtohim,too.“NowI’mgoingtomyroom.We’llleaveforworktomorrowatsevena.m.”
JoliegrabbedherpurseandswipedheriPadoffthecoffeetable,thenmarcheddownthehall.Bythetimesheclosedthedoorbetweenthemandpulledoffherclothes,shedidn’twanttothinkaboutwhytearsbegantofall.
***
WITHarmscrossedoverhischest,HeathwatchedJoliecloseherdoorbetweenthem.
Nowayhecouldsimplybrushoffheractionstoday.Hehadtomakeherunderstandtheworldcouldbedangeroussohewouldbeimplacablewhenitcametohersafety.
Becausedespitewhathe’dtoldher,hecared.
Healsocouldn’tforgetherwords.Youmakemewant.Youmakemeache.
Shewasn’ttheonlyone.
SomeobnoxiouspoptunebledoutfromunderJolie’sroom,interruptinghisreverie.Ayoungmalevocalistcrooned,callingthefemalehesangaboutageneric“girl,”asifhecouldn’trecallheractualname.
Heathshookhishead.Hedidn’tknowpreciselywhyJoliehadchosentoshuthimout,butinstincttoldhimthathecouldn’tallowthatdoortoseparatethemfortoolong.
Fornow,helethimselfintothehallbathroomforaquickshower,thenheadedtothefrontoftheflatandcheckedeachdoorandwindow,ensuringhe’dlockedtheunitastightlyaspossibleforthenight.Tomorrow,they’ddiscussthesecurityhereathercondoandhewouldmakesomechangesforthebetter.
Seeingasliveroflightspilloutfromundertheguestroomdoor,heknocked.Karisopenedupenoughtopeekherheadout.“Youneedsomething?”
“I’dliketocheckthewindowinhere,makecertainit’slocked.”
Shesteppedbackandopenedthedoorwider,revealinganoversizedT-shirt,sansbra.Shelookedclean,innocent.Normally,he’dfindherattractive.Lovely,impressionable,andclearlyinneedofaguidinghand.Yes,Heathknewhistype.
WithJolieinthepicture,thedoe-eyedneedinessthathadalwaysdrawnhimpalednexttohervibrantfire.Sheneverwaitedforsomeonetohelpher.Sheattackedlifewithapassionthatburnedhim.Eveninbed,she’dbeenafirework,blisteringhimassheburstloudandcolorfulalloverhim.
Downthehall,heheardrunningwater.Joliehadsteppedintotheshower.Hetriednottothinkofhernaked.Itwoulddistracthim,makehimforgetthathedidn’tintendtobeherloveragain.
Oncehe’densuredthewindowwaslockedtight,heheadedforthedoor.“Goodnight.”
Karislingerednearthefutonshe’dcoveredwithasheetandblankets.ThankgoodnessJoliehadnevertriedtomakehimsleeponthatminiature-sizedchaise.
Theyoungersisterbittheinsideofhercheek,lookinguncertain.“Wait.JoliewouldkillmeifsheknewIwassayingthisbutIthinkyou’reright.Myintuitionsayssomethingdangerousisgoingon.Sheknowssheshouldlistentoyou.Mysisterhasalwaysbeensofearless,theleaderineverysituation.Shehadtobe.Meandmysiblingsallhavedifferentdads.Noneofthemwereeveraround,andMomwasalwaysworkingmultiplejobstomakeendsmeet.JoliewasninewhenshestartedparentingAustinandme.She’ssodamnindependentbecauseshe’susedtocallingtheshots.Becauseofherdad,sherefusestowantsomeoneinherlifemorethantheywanther.”
Itmadesense,certainly.Asagirl,Joliehadcravedthefatherwhohadn’tshownanyinterestinher.Soshe’dlearnedtostandonherowntwofeet,proventotheworldthatshewasjustfinewithouthim,anddistancedherselffromeverymansononewouldhavetheopportunitytohurther.“Iunderstand.”
“She’snottryingtobedifficult,”Karisdefendedheroldersister.“She’safraid.Ithinkyoumusthavereallygottentoherlastnight.”
Thefeelingwasmutual.“I’llhandleit.”
“Iknowwhatyoutoldmeaboutyourno-repeatrule,andI’mguessingthatmeansyou’renotlookingforarelationship.Ifthat’sthecase,thenleaveJoliealone.Sheclaimstobeperfectlyhappysinglebutdeepdown,inplaceswhereshewon’tevenadmitittoherself,shewantslove.Youcouldreallyhurtherifyousleptwithheragainandwalkedaway.That’swhyshe’savoidingyou.”
EverywordoutofKaris’smouthwasheartbreakinglyhonest,andHeathcouldn’tfaultthegirlformakingsomanyastuteobservationsandwantingtoprotecthersister.
“Isee.”Heathwasn’tsurewhattodoaboutJolie.Circumstancehadforcedthemtogether.Well,thatwasn’tpreciselytrue.Ithadthrownthemtogetherbuthecouldn’tsimplyleavebecauseknowingJolieonlymadehimwanthermore.“I’lllookafterher.”
“Sheknowsyou’rehurting,too.Imeanbecauseof…yourwife.”NowKarisbitherlip,lookingdecidedlyguilty.“Ididalittlediggingaboutyouyesterday.MysisterwasangrybutIsentherthereportI’dcompiledand…”Shesighed.“I’msorry.Ihadnorighttopry.”
Heathcouldn’tverywellfaultherwhenhelookedintothebackgroundofnearlyeveryonehemet.“SheknowsaboutAnna?”
“Yeah.”
Heathdidn’tlikeitbutthedamagewasdone.“Thankyouforbeinghonest.Sleepwell.”
Kariswantedtoaskifhewasangry;sheworethequestionalloverherface.Butshedidn’tspeakit.“Night.”
Backinthefamilyroom,Heathfeltexposed.Anna’sdeathwassomethingveryprivateheneverdiscussedwithanyone.Theonlypersonhe’deversharedhisfeelingswithaboutthatterribleafternoonwasMylesBeaker,hispartnerduringtheirMI5days.Hisbestfriendatthetime.Myleshadlosthiswifetothesamesenselesscrime.Hewastheonlyotherpersonintheworldwhounderstoodwhatitwasliketohavewokenupthatmorninghappilymarriedandthinkingheheldtheworldbythetail—andthenhaveeverythingsnatchedawayinamoment.
Shovingthememoryaside,HeathretrievedthepillowandblanketJoliehadlefthim.Nowhehadtodealwiththefirstwomantomakehimtrulyfeelsomethinginsevenyears.Theonlyonestubbornenoughtodemandherindependencewhensomeonehadhistargetonherback.
Aftertonight,shewouldunderstandtheneworderofthings.Maybetheybothwould.
Ashetuckedthepillowunderhisarmandslungthequiltoverhisshoulder,heheadedtowardherbedroom,readyforbattle.Nodoubt,that’sexactlywhathe’dhaveonhishands.
Heathshutherdoorandlockeditbehindhim.He’dbarelysethispillowandblanketonthechairinherroomanddoffedeverythingbuthisunderwearwhenheheardtheshowertapsturnoff.
Settinghisweapononhernightstand,hesatonherbed,backproppedagainstherpaddedheadboard,fingerslacedoverhisabs,andwaited.
Assheemergedfromthebathroominacloudofperfumedsteam,Joliespottedhimandstoppedshort,clutchinghertoweltohernakedbody.
“Isaidyoucouldsleeponthesofa.”
“Iheardyou.Butwhenitcomestosafety,youdon’tmaketherules.Youagreedonthat.SoIalonesaywhat’snecessarytoprotectyou.Today,youdisregardedmecompletely.”
Heathtriedtoignorethewatergleamingdownhervelvetyshouldersandsleekthighsinshimmeringdrops.Damndifficultwhenshelookedsobeautifulallscrubbedclean,hairslickedback.Shehadnothingtohidebehindnow—noclothes,nomakeup,noinkyhaircurlingaroundherface.Onlythestarchinessofherattitude.
Thealphamaleinsidehimwantedhertoknowthathebelievedinher.Shehadthepowerandconvictiontoconquertheworld.Buthewantedtobethemanwhocommandedherbody,herlaughter,her—
Heathhaltedthattrainofthoughtcompletely.Itwasdangerousandderailedhimfromthepointhemustmake.Joliewashistemporaryemployerandthey’dhadaone-nightstand.Hehadtostayfocused.Feelingswereinconsequential.Butaslongashewasdoinghisutmosttosaveherlife,she’dbetterfuckinglisten.
“AndIapologized,”shereminded.“YoumadesomegoodpointsIhadn’tconsidered.Ipromisednottoworrymysisterorputothersindangeragain.Wehavenothingmoretosay,andIwantyououtofmyroom.”
“Iwon’ttouchyou,ifthat’swhatyouwant.ButIrefusetoleave.”
“You’renotstayingheretonight.”Herlipsflattenedintoastubbornline.
Herdefiancemadehimitchtotossheracrosshislapandlethispalmhaveagoatherpertass.Hewouldneverspankheragainstherwill.Hesuspectedherbodywouldmeltforit,butthatfast,sharpmindwouldrejectthenotion.Hedefinitelyneededtosetasidehisurgeandfindanothertactic.Butthebitingpaniche’dfeltduringthoseminuteshe’dbeenunabletofindherwouldn’tfadeaway.
“Doyouunderstandtheroleofabodyguard?Ifnot,I’llbehappytotakehalftheblame.PerhapsIdidn’tproperlyexplaintheconcept,solet’sresolvethatnow.”
Hereyesnarrowed.“I’mnotanidiot.”
“No,butyou’reaverystubbornwoman.”Heathsaidnothingmore,merelystoodandstrolledtohercloset,findingwhathewantedimmediatelyhangingfromacolorfulrackonthebackofthedoor.
“Whyareyouriflingthroughmythings?”
“Tomakeapoint.”Hewrappedasilkyscarfinavibrantshadeofbluearoundhishandandstalkedinherdirection.“Thereareconsequencesforthedisappearingactyoupulledthisafternoon.Dowhateveryouneedtobereadyforbed.Youhavefiveminutes.”
“What?No!IstillhavetogoovermypresentationforGardneragain.I’vegotmorefact-checkingtofinish,tomakesurethedetailsareabsolutelycorrect,and—”
“Unlesshe’stoobusywininganddiningyouintobedtonoticeyourpresentation,Gardnerwillbemorethanimpressed.Getready.Fiveminutes.”
Jolieseemedtoforgetshewasmostlynakedwhenangertookover.“Listen,youhigh-handedbastard.It’smybusinesssoIgettodecidewhenmypresentationisdone.Notyou.”
Ifshewantedtostayawake,thatdidn’tdenthisplansintheleast.“Aslongasyou’vedoneeverythingbutturnoutthelightwhenyoucometobed,that’sfine.Fourminutesnow.Ticktock.”
Shegavehimaloudhuff.“Fine.Putmyscarfback.”
Heathfullyexpectedhertograbanightiefromadrawer,retreattothebathroom,thenavoidallfurthercontactwithhimtonight.
HeshouldnevertrytoguesswhatJoliewoulddonext.
Shemeanderedbacktothebathroom.Heheardtherustlingofhertowel,thenthelightsflippedoff.Sheemergedagainstarknaked.Hetriednottogapeathowbeautifulshelookedwithgleamingskin,irresistiblecurves,andforest-huedeyesthatdaredhimtotouchher.
Dared,hell.Shewasbloodywelltauntinghimandhisno-repeatrulewhiledistractinghimfromhispurpose.Heswallowed.WhatwoulditbeliketohaveJolieagain?Hersoftskin.Herfiercepassion.Thefireinhereyeswhenshefinallygaveintothepeakingpleasure.
Jolietookhertimescroungingthroughherdressertofindjusttherightnightie.Asshebenttothedrawer,hehadanunparalleledviewofthestraightlineofherspinebisectinghernarrowback,thesmoothcheeksofherbackside,thefirmlengthofherlegs—andahintofeverythingpinkandfeminineinbetween.
Heathgrittedhisteethandheldinacurse.Whatwouldhappenifhebenthisno-repeatrulejustthisonce?
Finally,Jolieselectedsomethingwhiteandsheer,edgedwithlace.Shemadeagreatshowofconsideringthedelicatematchingknickers,onlytoshovethembackinthedrawer.Thensheturnedtofacehim,liftingthelingerieoverherhead,lettinghimwatchitslitherdownherbodyandhugeverypartofherheachedtotouchandtasteagain.
Whenthegarmentreachedthetopsofherthighs,Heathstillcouldn’ttearhisstareaway.Technically,shewascoveredbutthedarkenedshadowofhernipplesshowedthrough,asdidthedarkcurlsprotectingherpussy.Hecouldn’tmisstheoutlineofhernipped-inwaistandthefemininecurveofherhip.
Joliewasdefinitelytauntinghim,tryingtostriphiscontrol.Hecouldn’tletthatstand.
Withacome-hithersway,shestruttedtothebedandcrawledontothemattress,lettinghimseetheswellofherlushbreaststhatheshouldn’ttouch.Thenshesettledinbesidehimwithanexaggeratedstretchthataccentuatedherhardnipplespokingthetransparentfabric.
Asshesenthimasaccharinesmile,JoliesettledagainsttheheadboardandopenedheriPad,attachedthematchingkeyboard,andtunedhimoututterly.
Heathcouldn’tdenythatshe’ddoneafantasticjobofpiquingmorethanhisinterest.Afinelayerofsweatdampenedhistemples,sheenedhisbackandchest…Butthehardnessofhiscockastoundedevenhim.Asmanytimesashe’dhadthiswomanlastnight,heshouldhavenothinglefttofeelforher,notevenarousal.
Heburnedmoreforhernowthanhehadthenightbefore.
Grittinghisteeth,hefistedthebluesilkscarf.Yes,shemighthavedoneherbesttodrivehimoutofhismind,buthedefinitelyintendedtohavethelastword.
Tossingoffthecovers,heexposedtheirlegs.Hedidn’tgiveafuckifshesawhowhardshe’dmadehim.Twocouldplayhergame.
Thenhewrappedthescarfaroundherankle.She’dbarelyhadtimetojerkhergazeuptostareathimwithbothshockandrebukewhenhesliditaroundhisownankleandtiedthetwoofthemtogether.
“Whatthehell—”
“You’veproventhatIcan’ttrustyounottosneakaway,soI’mmakingcertainthatyou’llstayputtonight.Ifyou’redifficult,I’llbindourhandstogetheraswell.”
Sheglanceddownathissturdyknot,thenbacktohisface.“You’vedonethisbefore,tiedawomanup.”
“Ihave.”
Buthehadn’tindulgedinanythinglikethatsincehe’dbeenwidowed.He’dthoughtaboutitoftenbuthadn’tbeenabletotapintothatpartofhimselfwithanyoneelse.NowthepossibilityshimmeredbetweenhimandJolie,andhefelthisbloodracing.Theideaofherbeingtiedtohimwhileheteasedandtormentedher,slowlybreakingthroughherdefenses,rousedhim.Thenotionofstrokingherintoapleading,shakingneedbeforeheruthlesslyfuckedhernearlytemptedhimbeyondhiscontrol.Evenatthethought,desirebuzzedthroughhisbodylikeanintoxicatingchemical.
“Notwithme.Never.Itoldyou.Idon’tsubmit.”
Becauseshe’dnevertried.She’dnevertrustedanymanenoughtogiveherselfoverthatcompletely.
Stupidornot—againsthisoneruleofengagementornot—Heathwantedtobethatman.
“I’mmerelymakingcertainyouunderstandtheconceptofstayingbesidemeuntilItellyouotherwise.”
Shejerkedherleg,testingthebondhe’dtied.Whenshecouldonlytwistandturnabittofindcomfort,shehuffed.“Whatever.IfthisgivesyousomepeaceofmindthatIwon’tleave,fine.Justletmegetbacktowork.”
Shetappedonhertabletagain,swipingherfingersacrossthescreen,scanning,reading.
Heathwouldratherfeelhisskinslideagainsthers.No,thatwasn’tpreciselytrue.Hewantedhertoputthatdamntabletdownsohecouldrollhertoherback,holdherdown,kissherwiththepassionblisteringinside,andcoaxhertotakehimagaininonerelentlessthrustafteranother.
Aftertenminutesofswiping,typing,sighing,andfrowning,Joliefinallydarkenedthetabletandsetitaside,thenflippedoffthelight.AsmuchasHeathwantedher,hecouldfeelherworry,too.Shewouldn’trestuntilshe’dsucceeded.
“You’rereadyforthismeeting,”heassured.
Sherolledtoherside,turningherbacktohimanddragginghislegalongwithher.“I’vedoneeverythingIshould.Therestisuptohim.”
“You’rebrilliantanddriven.You’vegottenthisfarbecauseyoubelievedinyourself.Don’tstopnow.”
HeathfeltJolie’ssurprise.
Shedidn’tsayanythingforalongmoment.“Thanks.”
Herolledupbehindher,spooningherbodyandfittinghisachingcockagainsther.Hewrappedanarmaroundherwaist,thetipsofhisfingersjustabreathawayfromcuppingahandfulofherbreast.Damn,hewasastupidbastardfortormentinghimself.
Shefroze.“Yousaidyouwouldn’ttouchme.”
“Ican’tbetiedtoyouinaqueen-sizebedwithoutbrushingmyskinagainstyours.”
“Thisismorethanincidentalcontact.”Withawriggleofherbacksideagainsthiserection,Joliedamnnearmadehimgroan.“Soisthat.”
Hebandedhisarmmoretightlyaroundherwaist.“Youthinkthewayyoudroppedyourtowelandworeyourpeekaboolingeriedidn’tfeellikeaprovocationtome?”
ThenHeathcouldn’thelphimself;herockedhiships,grindingintoher.Morethanvaguelyawareofthescarfaroundhisankle,hewasdyingtoknowhowitaffectedJolie.
“Oh,Isee.SinceIworesomethingyouthinkisalittlerisqué,Ideservetobemauled?”
Shemightbearguing…butshesoundedsuspiciouslybreathy.
“No,I’mpointingoutthatyouintentionallytormentedmebecauseI’msureyouknowInevertakethesamelovertwice.ButImaychangemymind…”
Heathslidhislipsupthebackofherneck.Fuck,shesmelledsocleanandwomanly.Dragginginherscentmadehisheadswim.Hecouldn’tforgetthecrushingpleasureshe’dgivenhimlastnight.Almostofitsownvolition,thehandhe’dwedgedunderherbodyraiseduptocupherbreastandteasethepeakednipplethroughthesheerfabric.Thepalmhe’dthrownaroundherhiplowered,settlingoverhermound.Dampnessinstantlycoatedhisfingers.
“Stop,”shesaidevenasshearchedherhips,thrustingherpussydirectlyintohistouch.
Herubbedherwithslowcirclesandpressedhislipstoherear.“Stopwhat,love?Stopmakingyoufeelgood?StopmakingyoumoanandachefortheorgasmyouknowIcangiveyou?”
Joliemerelyansweredwithajaggedcry,soHeathkepton,slidinghisfingersbetweenherslickfoldsandrubbinghersensitivefleshwithmethodicalstrokes.
Herclithardened.Herfleshswelled.Shegasped,writhed,gyratingbackagainsthimwithasensualswaythatnearlyundidhim.Hewasanadultmale;he’dhadmorethanalapdanceortwo.He’dhadalotofsexualpartners.Nowomanhadeverincitedthissortofblindingneedtotearawaythefewclothestheybothworeandslideinsideherimmediately.
Againsthim,Jolietensedandbegantoclutchthesheets.Shetossedherheadbacktohisshoulder,whisperinghisname.Theymovedtogetherincompletedarkness,butshelithimupinwayshecouldn’tfight.Heheardnothingbutherpantsandcries,smellednothingbutthemuskofhergrowingneed,feltnothingexcepthersweetbodywrigglingagainsthis.
Whenhermoansturneddesperate,Heathpaused.Desirecoatedhimwithsweat.Histhoughtsraced.Whatnow?Teachheralesson?Orgivethembothwhattheywanted,consequencesbedamned?
Bloodyhell,he’dallowedhisprideandhisdicktoleadhimintothismess.Nowheeitherhadtobreakhisonecardinalrule…orsufferthetormentofhernearnessallnightwithoutrelief.
“Heath!”shegrippedhisthigh,nailsdigginglittlestinginghalf-moonsintohisskin.
Henippedatherear,wishinglikehellhecouldseethepleasureonherface,thesheerbeautyofherresponse.Damnitall,hedidn’twanttoproveapointaboutwhohadthesexualcontrol.
Hesimplywantedher
Scramblingtooneside,herolledJolietoherback.Intheshadowedroom,hesearchedherflushedface,herdilatedeyes.Shepanted,andherlipsdrewhisstare.Theachetightenedinhisgut.SincelosingAnna,he’dwantedsexbuthehadn’twantedanyparticularwoman.Theno-repeatrulehadbeeneasybecausehehadn’teverbeentemptedtobreakit.
Asshehadfromthestart,Joliechallengedhimoneverylevel.
Heshouldn’ttouchheragain.Itwasn’tsmart.Itwouldn’tendwell.
ButHeathcouldn’tseemtostopwantingher.
“Whatisit?”shemurmured,herbodytense,waiting.
Hecouldhaveansweredthatahundredways.Witharedirectingreminderthatsheneededsleeptoprepareforher“bigday.”Analphapronouncementthathewouldn’trewardherrunningoffwithanorgasm.Eitherofthosewouldsquashtheintimacydevelopingbetweenthem.
Whenheopenedhismouth,somethingelsecameout.“KaristoldmeyouknowaboutAnna.”
Sheexhaledawaysomeofhersexualtension.Herfacesoftened.“Losinghermusthavebeenawful.”
“Devastating.”Whythehellhadhebroughtthatup?Hewasn’tsayingthathecouldn’thavesexbecausehewasstilltoogrief-stricken.Itwasn’ttrue,andshewouldknowbetter.
“I’msorry.”
Andshewas.Joliedidn’toftenwearheremotionsonherfacebuthesawhersincerity.
Itstruckhimthenexactlywhathewastryingtosay.“Idon’tgetinvolvedanymore.”
“Idon’tgetinvolvedever.”
Thatwasashame.Joliehadsomuchtooffer,evenifshedidn’tseeit.Shewouldlightupsomeone’sworld.Lifewithherwouldneverbeboring,thatwascertain.HersharpwitkeptHeathguessing.Ifshewantedadvice,Joliewouldaskbutshewouldneverwaitforhisguidancetoact.Heappreciatedhermoxieandindependence.Shewasn’t—inanyway—agirl.
Heshouldtellherthatshehadeveryreasontogetinvolvedwithsomeonebuthe’dsoundlikeahypocrite.Worse,ifshetookhisadvice,he’dhavetoknowanothermantouchedher.Hewouldhavetoimagineanothermanslidinghisfingertipsoverthepaleglowofherskinandlookingintohereyesbeforehekissedherlips,inhaledherscent,thensurgedinsidehersoftsilkbody.
Atthethought,Heathjerkedaway.Hewassurprisedbyhisclenchedfists.
Themovementtuggedattheirjoinedankles.
Jolietouchedatentativehandtohisshoulder.“Youokay?”
No.Hewascomingapartwithwantbuttoobounduptotakeheragain.Helikedher.Hecaredwhenhefuckingdidn’twantto.Inhishead,hereplayedfindingherinthecoffeehousewithCallie,silentlychallenginghim.Hefeltherdesperationwhenshe’dclungonthebackofhismotorcycleastheydashedthroughthenighttorescueKarisfromtheofficebreak-in.Hesawhertaunthimjustminutesagowithhertransparentnightgownassheeschewedknickers.Herememberedherfaceflushingwithpleasurelastnightbeforeorgasmwhilehedrownedinherfeminineheat.
“Ididn’tprotectAnnawhenitmattered.”Hisvoicesoundedhoarse.“Ididn’tseethethreatcoming,didn’tputthepiecesofthepuzzletogether.Istillhaven’t.AndIregretthateveryday.Withyou,there’sdangeronthehorizon.Stopmakingitsobloodyhardformetodomyjob.”
Sheswallowedaudibly.“Iwasn’ttryingtomakeithardtoday.Ineededafriend.”Shesighed.“Iwantedlessdistraction.Ican’tlookatyouandnot…want.”
Atherwords,hesqueezedhiseyesshut,hisentirebodygoingtense.Heunderstoodpreciselywhatshemeant.Thetwoofthemtogetherwaslikethrowingoilonabonfire.
Heathturnedbacktoherinthedark,challenging.“Whatarewedoing?”
Sheshrugged.“Let’s…gotosleep.”
Heathdidn’tknowifthatwouldbepossibleforhim.Hiscockthrobbedforher.Hisgutclenched.Hischestached.Histhoughtswerewrunginsideout.
Heprayedtheanswerswouldlookclearerinthemorning.“Allright.Butunderstandme.”Hezeroedinonher.“Whetheryoumeanttoornot,youputyourselfatrisktoday.Don’tmakemelivethroughtheguiltofnotbeingabletosavesomeoneelse.”
Healmostchokedonthosewords.Itwasn’teasyswallowingthatmuchblame.
Shedidn’tbreakthemomentwithwords,merelynodded.
“Sleepwell.”Helaybackandstaredattheceiling.Itwouldbealongnight.
Joliehesitated,thencurledupagainsthim.Theirfeettangled.Hefeltherwarmbreathsonhischest.Thiswasherwayofcomfortinghim,andittouchedhimonalevelthatterrifiedhim.
Evenso,Heathwrappedhisarmaroundherandclosedhiseyes.SinceAnna,Joliewastheonlywomanwithwhomhe’dactuallyslept,herealized.Sexaside,he’drelaxedenoughbesidehertofallintohealingslumber.Foronce,beingmorethanphysicallyclosetoawomanhadn’tfeltwrong.
Thatideaterrifiedhim,too.
“It’sokay,”shewhispered,rubbingherboundankleagainsthis.“Iwon’tgoanywhere.Ipromise.”ChapterEight
Ruleforsuccessnumbereight:
Steadyyourreactions.
AFTERsleepingbetterthanexpected,Heathwassurprisedtowakefeelingrestless.HeuntiedhisanklefromJolie’s,rose,andmadecoffee.Barelyfivea.m.Normally,ifhefeltthisagitated,hehitthegymorwentforarun.Hecouldn’tleavehersidenow.
ButwithJoliestillsleepingpeacefully,thatlefthimalonewithhisthoughts.
Briefly,hethoughtaboutcallingMystery.Shewouldtalktohim.Andsheknewhim,afterall.
Well…didshereally?Hefrowned.Perhapsitwasmoreaccuratetosayheknewher.He’dmadeithisjobtolearnMystery’severyhabit,quirk,andthought.Buthe’dneveropeneduptoher.Sinceshe’dgonefromhisday-to-daylife,herealizedhehadn’tbeeninlovewithherasmuchasshehadbeenacomfortingfixture.Shewassmart,hadafunsenseofhumor.Hislifewithherhadapproachedsomethinglikenormal.Knowingattheendofeverydaythathe’dkepthersafetoseeanothersunrisehadgivenhimsatisfaction.Afterthepastfewdays,hesawclearlythatcaringaboutherwasn’tthesameasthetwisting,burning,ever-presentachetoclaim,comfort,andunderstandthatJoliemadehimfeel.
Maybethat’swhyhe’dawakenedsoagitated.Sleephadn’tchangedhisoutlook.Shewasstillthefeverhecouldn’tshake.
Heathgrabbedhisphonefromhispocketandturneditoverinhishands.He’dheardarumorafewweeksbackthatMyles,hisbestmatefromhisMI5days,hadremarriedandwasexpectingababyagain.Goodnewsforhim.Great,infact.
Heaththoughtbackthroughthelasthalfdozenyearsofrandomshags,theavoidanceoflettinganyonetooclose.HowhadMylesmanagedtoworkpastthegriefandguilttoletgoofthetragedyandembracethefutureagain?
Once,heandMyleshaddoneeverythingtogether—worked,caroused,drank.Eventually,they’dbothgottenmarried.AnnaandMyles’swifeLucyhadgotonrightawayandbecomethebestoffriends.Thenonedaythey’dbothbeengoneinthesamesenselessactofviolence,leavinghimandhismatestrugglingwithgriefandguilt.Heathhadn’tcalledMylesmuchafterthey’dbecomewidowed.Themanremindedhimtoomuchofallhe’dlost.Myleshadn’tcalledalot,either.Heathassumedthat,likehim,hehadn’tbeenabletohandlethememories.
Inadditiontolosinghiswifethatday,Heathhadlosthisonerealfriend.
AcoupleofweeksafterAnna’sdeath,he’dquithisjobandmadeithismissiontoextractrevenge.Hehadbeensuccessful…somewhat,learningthenameofthethugwho’dpulledthetrigger,endingAnna’sandLucy’slives,alongwiththebabysheandMyleshadbeenexpecting.ThebabyAnnahadbeensoenviousof.Buttheirkillerhadbeennothingmorethanahiredgunwithafewlow-levelaccomplices,willingtosnuffoutvirtuallyanyoneforaprice.They’dbeenpuppetsbeforehehadeasilywastedthem.Tothisday,Heathhadnonotionwho’dbeenpullingtheirstrings.
Revengehadsolvednothing,andafterwardhe’dhadnothingleftbuttosinkintothebottomofabottle.Thankfully,aconnectionatMI5hadrecommendedhimtoMarshallMullinsasapotentialbodyguardforMystery.Thejobhadprobablysavedhislife.
Heathglancedathisphoneagain,thenpunchedinthesecuritycodeandflippedthroughhiscontacts.Thoughhe’dupgradeddevicesmorethanoncethroughvariousversionsandcountries,he’dneverquitebeenabletoletgoofMyles’snumber.Itremainedoneofhisfewlinkstothepast.Hehadn’tdialeditinatleastahalfdozenyears,hadscarcelythoughtatallaboutcallinginnearlyfive
Nowheconsideredit—hard.
Itwasn’tyetnooninLondon.Myleswouldbeupandworking.Rumorhadithisoldfriendhadamanagerialrolenow.Oh,thatwassupposedtobeclassifiedbutHeathheardwhispersfromtimetotime.Myleshadbeenshotacoupleyearsago.He’dalsoturnedfortyafewmonthsback.Withhisnewwifepregnant,itmadesenseforthemantoslowitdown,playitsafe.
Myleshadlikelychangedhisnumberintheensuingyears.Ifnot,whatweretheoddshisoldpartnerandfriendwouldevenanswer?Wouldhewanttohearfromtheghostofhispastorstophislifetolistentoanoldmate’scurrentwoes?
“Heath?”Joliestoodintheopeningofthehallway,wrappingafuzzybathrobearoundhermiddle.Herhairlookedadorablymussed.Concernwrinkledherbrow.
Hewantedtograbher,holdher,takeherbacktobed.Forgettheworld.
Instead,hestoodandpocketedhisphoneagain.“Morning.”CallingMylesafteralltheseyearswouldonlystirupthepast.Dealingwiththepresentwasallhecouldhandlenow.“Coffee?”
“Sure.I’llneedatubofittoday.I’dliketogetintotheofficeearlyandgoovermypitchafewmoretimes.”
Henodded.“IinstalledasmuchofthesecurityequipmentasIcouldbymyselfyesterday.I’dliketofinishtheresttoday.Weshouldgetmoving.”
“I’llwakemysister.Ihateto.WhenIpeekedather,shewassleepingsosoundly.”
Hesentheranapologeticexpression.“Wecan’tleaveheralonejustyet.She’llhaveopportunitiestosleepinonceI’veassignedherabodyguard.I’llgetthatdonetodayaswell.”
JoliewokeKaris,andsoontheywereontheirwaytotheoffice.Oncethere,Heathsatinamakeshiftcubicle,testingthelastofthecardreaders.Togeteverythingoperationalbycloseofbusinesstoday,heneededhelp,especiallysettingupthefilesthatwouldlogalltheswipedactivities,aswellasenablingaredundantbackupstoragesystemforthedata.HetextedSeanMackenzie.Momentslater,hisphonedingedwithareply.Theformerfedwasstoppingbywithsolutionstoseveralofhisissues.Heathsentbackhisthanks.
Callie’shusbandappearedatthesuite’sdoorabouttwohourslater.Besidehimstoodanotherman.Blondandobviouslymilitaryatsomepoint,helookedwatchful,war-hardened,anditchingforaction.Heathverymuchfearedtheblokehadcometotherightplace.
“Heath,thisisCutterBryant,”Seanintroduced.“HeworksforJoaquinandtheEdgingtonbrothers.HehasanassignmentstartinginDallasaweekfromMonday,sothey’velenthimtousuntilthen,ifthat’sagreeable.ItgivesyouabitoftimetofindKarissomeonemorepermanently,ifnecessary.”
Heheldouthishand.“Hello.”
Cuttershookitpolitelyenoughbutclearlyhewantedtogetdowntobusiness.“What’sup?”
“AdodgysituationIsuspectcouldquicklyturndangerous.”
WhenCuttersmiled,itwasn’thappyorpolite.“Excellent.”
Heathlikedhiminstantly.“Whydon’tIintroduceyoutoKaris?She’s…”Howdidheexplainthesweet,slightlybohemiangirl?“She’sgotasoftheartandshe’stryingtoputonabravefacebutIthinkshe’sscared.”
“Rogerthat.I’lltrynottoraisemyvoiceaboveadullroarorstartleherunlessnecessary.”
“Great.”Seansmiled.“JackColeislendingStonetoyouforthetechhelp.Heshouldbehereinafewhours.”Hewithdrewhiskeys.“I’mjoiningCallieandThorpeforalatelunchsincehercontractionshavestoppedfornow.Letmeknowifthere’sachangeofplansoryouneedsomethingelse.”Whenheturnedtoleave,Seanpaused.“Bytheway,thelicenseplateyouaskedmetorun?Thatcarcamebackasstolen.It’sbeenrecoveredandlocalCSIsweptit.Clean.”
Soadeadend.Damn.“Thanksfortrying.”
“Always.IaskedThorpetoputinacall.Heknowspeopleatcityhall.They’regoingtolookintothestreetcamerasinthatarea,seeiftheypickedupaface.Weshouldhaveananswerinafewdays.I’llletyouknow.”
Anexcellentsuggestion.Heathhopedthatnothingdangeroushappenedwhiletheywaited.
Withahandshake,Seanleft.HeathturnedtoCutterandsizedthemanup.Inaperfectsituation,findingKarisadditionalsecuritywouldn’tbenecessary.Buteverythingnowwasfarfromideal.Joliewouldbelostifsomethinghappenedtohersister.Heathwouldneverbemorethanhertemporarylover,butwhiletheyweretogether,heintendedtokeepherassafeandhappyashecould.TheworldwouldbealessinterestingplaceifgriefdimmedJolieQuinn’slight.
Andwasn’thesoundinglikeaphilosophicalshit?
“Comewithme.”HeledCutterdownthehalltoaconferenceroomandshutthedoor.
HeathfilledhiminoneverythinghappeningaroundBetti.He’dhopedthatapplyingafreshheadtothesituationwouldhelphimfindnewperspectivebutCutterseemedasperplexedashewas.
“WhysendgiftstoKarisifJolieisthetarget?Ifshe’sactuallythetargetatall…”Theguyscowled.
“Precisely.Nothingquiteaddsup.Iwouldbelessworriedifthesethreeincidentshadn’ttakenplacesocloselytogetherandiftheintruderhadn’tbeenfiringrealbullets.”
“What’snext?”
“Seeifthepolicefoundanyevidence,Isuppose.Theprowlerworegloves,soIdoubtheleftbehindprints.Iftheofficialinvestigationisfruitless,IfearI’minapositionofwaitingforsomethingelsetohappenthatwillperhapsprovidemoreclues.Bothsisterssweartheydon’thaveanyenemies.I’mnotevencertainwhatthismanwants,soIhaven’tthefaintestnotionwheretolooknext.Orevenwhattolookfor.”
Cutterswore.“I’vegotnearlytendaystolendahand.Hopefully,thissituationcomestoaheadbeforethen.”
“WouldyouliketomeetKarisnow?”
“Let’sdoit.”
Heathhadafeelingthetwowouldbelikeoilandwater.Cutterseemedlikethedecisivesort,amanofactionandfewwords.Karisflutteredherwaythroughlife,seekingouthappinesslikeamothsearchingforaflame.
Beforetheycouldmaketheirwayoutoftheconferenceroom,Cutter’sphoneranginahigh-pitchedchirp.“Oneminute.Thismightbeanemergency.”
HeathnoddedasCutterrippedthephonefromtheholderclippedtohisbelt,thenturnedawayforsomeprivacy.“Brea?Whatisit?”
Apause.Afaintmurmurofavoiceontheotherendsoundedrushedandpanicked.
“Slowdown.It’sokay.What’sgoingon?”
WhatevershesaidmadeCutter’sentirebodytense.Aforbiddingthundersuddenlyrolledoffhim.“Haveyouseenadoctor?”
Heathwentonhighalerthimself.Notthathetriedtoeavesdrop,butinasmallroom,hecouldn’tfailtohear.Thesnippetshecaughtmadehimworryforthewomanontheotherendofthephone.
“Youneedtomakeanappointmenttoday.It’snotgoingtogoaway.”
NowHeathcouldheartheteary,pleadingtoneontheotherendandfrowned.
“Youneedtoseethedoctorfirst.I’llgowithyou.Ipromisenottodoanythinguntilthen.Afterthat,ifyou’reright—”Sheinterruptedhim,andheshookhishead.“No.Ican’tpromiseIwon’tkillhim.”
Moresobssoundedovertheline.
“It’sokay,sweetheart.”Cutter’svoicetookagentleturn.“We’llfigureitout.I’lltakecareofyou.Ialwayshave.Ialwayswill.”
Aminutelater,theyhungupandCuttershovedhisphonebackintoitsclip,grindinghisteethtogetherasifhispromiseoftemporarynon-violencehadusedupaseriousamountofrestraint.
“It’snoneofmybusiness,butwasthatyourwife?Ifso,youshouldknowthatKarisisinlovewiththeideaofloveandmaymakeapassatyou.”
CuttersenthimaWTFglance.“No.Breaismybestfriend.We’venever…It’snotlikethat.”
HeathwonderedifCuttertrulymeantthatorifhewasdeludinghimself.“Issheill?”
Hehesitated,sighed.“Acoupleofmonthsback,Igotinahostagestandoff.ImanagedtogetthecaptivereleasedbutIhadnowayoutmyself.Iwasoutmannedandoutgunned.Thesituationrequiredthehelpofaworld-classsniper.BreaandIknowone,acompleteassholeofthefirstorder.HelikestobecalledOne-Mileasanodtohislongestkillshot.Sheaskedhimtogetmeoutofthebind.Heagreedtodoit…foraprice.”
ShockjoltedHeath.“Thebastardcoercedherintosleepingwithhiminordertosaveyou?”
“Yeah.”Hesighedlongandheavy.“Andnowshethinksshe’spregnant.Iworkwiththeassholeeverysingleday.Ican’twaittokillhim.”
“Thatoptionputsyouinjail,mindyou.Perhapsyoucouldmakehimownuptohisresponsibility?”
“Oh,he’dmarryBreatomorrow.Butthefuckerisn’tgoodenoughforher.Lowlifescum-suckingasswipe.He’dmakeherabsolutelymiserable.I’lltakecareofher.PierceWalkerwon’tevertouchheragain.”Cutterseemedtoshakehimselffromhisanger.“Butthat’sanotherproblemforlater.Sorry.Let’sgetbackontracksoIcanfigureouthowbesttokeepKarisprotected.”
“Verygood.”Heathledtheothermandownthehall,insearchofJolie’ssister.
Instead,hefoundArthurstandinginthegirl’scubiclelookingslightlyflustered.“HaveyouseenKaris?”
Asfarasheknew,thesistershadplannedtorunthroughtheinvestorpitchtogether.“No.Iescortedherandhersistertoworkthismorning.Maybethey’vegonetoheroffice.”
Withlongstrides,hemadehiswaytothereceptionareaatthefront,ArthurandCutterfollowing.Jolie’sofficesatempty,hercomputerdark.
Ifthesistersweren’tinheroffice,wherethehellhadtheygone?Heathfrowned,hissensessharpening.
Arthurscratchedhishead.“That’sweird.IsawKaristhirtyminutesago.IheardJolieinheroffice,onthephone.Iwonderwheretheywent.”
Andwhetherthey’dgonevoluntarily.Lastnight,Joliehadpromisednottoleavehim.Shemightbemanythings—driven,stubborn,headstrong—butshewasawomanofherword.
FearnickedHeath’scomposure.
Damnit,hehadn’tyetfinishedinstallingthelastbitofthesecuritysystem,sohedidn’tknowthedoorthroughwhichshemighthavegone,inwhichdirectiontobeginthesearch.
Takingabreathandfightingforcalm,hepeekedthroughthesuite’swindowsandintothelot.Karis’slittlecarstillsquattednexttohersister’s.Ifthey’dgone,whohaddriventhemaway?Joliehadn’tmentionedanappointmentoff-site.Hewouldhaveinsistedongoing.
Yankinghisphonefromhispocket,helaunchedtheapphe’dsecretlyinstalledtotracehermobile,onlytorealizemomentslateritwassomewhereinthebuilding.Hesentatext.Thedevicedingednottwofeetfromhim.
Shewasnotwheresheshouldbeandhadnowaytocontacthimifsomeonetriedtohurther.
Fearbegantochillintopanic.
Visionsofherbodylimpandlifelessonamorguetable,waitingforidentification,ranthroughhishead.Heathhaddonethatoncealready.He’dbedamnedifheeverenduredthatagain.
“We’vegottofindthem,”hebarkedatthemen.
“Let’sfanout,”Cuttersuggested.
“Checkthebreakroomontheeastsideoftheofficeandbathroomsthroughthedoortothesouth.I’llhitthefileroomatthewest.”HeturnedtoWisteria,whomeanderedtoherdeskjustthen.“DidJolieandKarisleave?”
Theblondeshrugged.“Idon’tknow.Jolieaskedmetocleanupthebreakroomandorganizethesupplycabinet.I’vebeenbackthereforthelasthour.”
Heathheldinacurseandforcedhimselftobreathe.Buthisheartrevved.Fearburned.“Keeplooking,everyone.”
AsCutterdartedaway,Heathtoredownthehalltowardthebackofthesuite,avisionoflifewithoutJolieassaultinghisbrain.Heimaginedheraspreyofakiller,imaginedstandingoverherremainssealedforeverinacasketwhilepeoplesang,thescentoftoomanyflowerschokinghimashewonderedwheneverythinghadgonesofuckingwrong.Howhewouldcopewithouther?
Bloodyhell.Hewasfallingforher.Andnowhemightloseher.
“Jolie…”hecalled.“Jolie!”
Amomentlater,thedoortothefileroomopenedandshepokedherheadout.“What?”
Hisreliefinseeingherwasableeding,palpablething.Hisbreathrushedoutwithashudder.Hetriedtograbholdofhimself,waitedforcalmtoreturn.
Nothing.Hestillfeltshakyandworriedandoverwrought.
“IsKariswithyou?”Arthuraskedbehindhim,soundingsomewherebetweenconcernedandconfused.
Thedooropenedwider,andheryoungersistersteppedout.“Yeah,I’mjusthelpingJoliewithherpitchfortonight.”
“Inhere?”Heathdemanded.
“Youwereintheconferenceroomwiththathot—”Karisstoppedherself.“Thatotherguy.”
“AndmyofficephonekeptringingsinceWisteriawasbusyinthebreakroomandcouldn’tanswer.”Joliefrowned.“Sowecameinhereandlockedthedoor.Isthataproblem?”
“Itiswhenyoudon’ttellmeanddon’ttakeyourphonewithyou.”
“Wedidn’tgofar,”sheargued.
“Um…”TheaccountantlookedruffledashefocusedonKaris.“Theinvoicesforthe…ah,thephotographerwhotookthewebsitepictures?I’dliketogooverthemtoday.”HedirectedhisattentiontoJolie.“AndIhaveaquestionforyou,boss.Canyouspareaminute?”
“No,shecan’t.”Heathcouldn’twaitanothersecondtogettoJolie.Heknewalltoowellthatlifecouldbeshortandheintendedtoseizethisopportunitynow.“She’sbusy.”Hemarchedtowardher,pausingtopeeratKaris.“You’reallright?”
Shelookedbewildered.“Yeah.Whywouldn’tIbe?”
“Excellent.Willyouexcuseus?”
KarisglancedbetweenhimandJolie.Understandinglithereyes.Hervoicedroppedtoawhisper.“Goeasyonmysister.She’sreallynervousabouttonightand—”
Heathsteppedintothelittleroomandshutthedoorinherface.Thenhelockedit.
“Whatareyoudoing?”Jolie’svoiceshook.
Shemustfeelthetensionpouringoffhim,couldn’tpossiblymisshisrestrainthangingbyathread.
Hedraggedinabreath,thenanother.Everyurgerunningthroughhisheadwasfoolishandmadandirresponsible.
Heathdidn’tcareanymore.
Hetooktwolongstepstowardherandpulledherstiffbodyagainsthim.“WhatIshouldhavedonelastnight.”
Hislipscrashedoverhers.Hewassofarpastworryingwhetherthiswasrightorwrong,whetherheshouldbreakhisownruleornot.HeonlyknewthatholdingJoliefeltperfect,andinthatmomentheneededheraliveandwarmandwelcominginhisarms.
Shemethimhalfway,openingtohiminstantly.Heateathermouthasifhewasbothstarvedandhalf-crazed.Shewastherewithhim—everybreath,everytouch,everyheartbeat.Shepumpedhisveinsfullofneed,firedhisbloodwithwarmth
Thelasteighteenhourshehadn’tbeeninsideherhadfeltliketheworstsortofhell.
AsHeathreachedforherskirtandliftedthehemoverherhips,hebrushedhislipsacrosstheswellsofherbreasts.“Givemeyourknickers.”
“What?”Hervoiceshook,herexpressionpuzzled.“No.Heath—”
“Ithoughtyouhaddisappeared.Ithought…”Heclenchedhisjawtightandswallowedthewords.“Ithoughttheworst.Idon’twanttothinknow.Takeoffyourwhateveryou’rewearingunderthatskirt.”
Somewhereinthebackofhishead,Heathsuspectedshewouldbalkbecausehiskneejerkresponsewasoutofline.Buthecouldn’tstopit.ToloseJolietoviolence—hell,toloseheratall—woulddosomethingtohim.Heathdidn’twanttoconsiderwhatthatmeant.
Heshouldslowdown,scaleback,buttheblinding,primalurgetohaveheragainsthim,aroundhim,holdingontohim,andcryingouthisnamewouldn’tbebanished.
“I’mhere,”sheassured,notmovingtodohisbidding.“I’mfine.ButIcan’thavesexwithyounow,inmyplaceofbusiness.”Shefrowned.“Youcan’thavesexwithmeagain,either,remember?”
Henolongercaredabouthisno-repeatrulebecausehe’dfoundagoodreasontobreakit.
Hebenttoherear,softlycommanding,“Iwantyourknickers,Jolie.Givethemtome.”
“We’resupposedtobeworking,”shearguedbutnowsoundedbreathy.“MysisterandI—”
“HandthemoverorI’lltakethem.Unlessyou’resayingno.Saythat,andI’llstop.”
Sheswallowed,blinked,staredasiftryingtofigurehimout.Maybeitwasthebarelyleashedneedpingingoffhisbody.Maybeitwasherownhunger.
Hedidn’tcarewhenshebitherlip,thenbentandremovedherpanties.Thenshegavethesilkyscraptohim.
Hisfingersclosedaroundthewarmsoftnessthathadjustgracedherskin.“Thankyou.”
Heheldthegarmenttohisnose.Herbreathcaughtasheinhaledherscent.Hmm…
Hernipplesbeadedunderherwhiteblouse.Hewantedthat—andherstandardbrabeneath—gone.
Heathshovedherlacyknickersinhispocket,thenhebrushedhisknucklesoverthecurveofherbreastsbeforesettlinghisfingersatthetopbuttonofthefilmyshirt.“Tellmeyouwantthis.”
Shehesitatedforamomentbeforeshegavein.“Iwantit.”
Thatshouldmakehimhappy,satisfytherequirementforconsent.Instead,thewordsonlymadehimachemore.“Tellmeyouwantme.”
Bygod,ifhewasgoingtobreakhisoneruleforher,hewasallbutadmitting—toherandhimself—thatshemeantmorethanafuck.Thatshewasimportant.
Herbreathingturnedchoppy.Joliestared,searchinghisface.“Willyouresentmelater?”
Sheworriedthathe’dblameherforgivinginanddistancehimselfafterward.Shefearedhe’dhurther,justasKarishadsaid.“IthinkI’mwaypastthat.”
Awarinesshewantedgonegleamedfromhereyes.“I’dbetakingachance.”
“Youwon’tregretit.Ineedtofeelyou.”Thatwasbloodyhardforhimtoadmit.
Joliehesitated,clearlygrappling.“Istilldon’twantanythinglasting.I’mnotlookingforlove.”
Shemightbelievethat,butshewasfoolingherself.Still,Heathdidn’targuebecausehehadtohaveher.“Iunderstand.Iwantyouhere,now,mineinthismoment.Canyougivemethat?”
“Yes.”
Heathdidn’tthinkforasingleinstantthatwouldbetheendofthepassionbetweenthem,notwhenitgrippedhiminthesortofchokeholdhe’dneverexperienced.Hedidn’tthinkheaffectedheranyless.Hisheadreeledwiththepossibilitiesandimplicationsbutthelastthinghewantedtodonowwasprytheattractionapartandexamineit.
“Isthatayes?Youwantme?”hedemanded.
Herlipspartedsoftly.“Idon’tknowhownottowantyou.”
Thatwasallheneededtohear.
Hebegantearingintoherblouse,unfasteningonebuttonaftertheotherwithruthlessefficiency,thenpushingthepearlysilkfromhershoulders.Jolieshruggeditofftherestoftheway,lettingitskimdownherarms,thenontothefloor.
Herbrawasbuiltforefficiency,notseduction.Heathdidn’tcarewhatherlingerielookedlike.Shewasstillunbearablysexytohim.Andthatwhitecottonwasinhisway.“Braoff.”
“Idon’tlikeitwhenyougivemeorders.”
Herbreathlessanticipationmadeheraliar.Sheloveditwhenhegaveorders.Itwasonlyafterward,whentheyweren’tinahazeofpassion,thatthestrongfemaleinherhadsecondthoughts.Joliewouldsoonlearnhehadnodesiretostripherpower,justherbody.
“Ipromisetomakeitworthyourwhile,love.”
Jolieflushedsoftly.Herlipsparted.Afteralongmoment,shereachedbehindherbackandunhookedthegarment.Whensherelaxedhershoulders,itfellaway.Heathdidn’tbothertowatchthegarmenthitthefloor.Hewastoobusystaring,seeingherbodysoften,hernipplesharden,hergazeclingtohimasifhealoneheldtheanswerstoherburningquestions.
Herpaleskinfascinatedhim.Overtheyearshe’dhadsexwithwomenofnearlyeveryrace,color,andcreed.ButJoliewasn’tlikeanyofthem.Thenightthey’dsharedpassion,he’dtakenherrepeatedlyinthedark,notreallysavoringthepristine,milkyflesh.
Nowwasn’tthetime,heknew.Theofficewasn’ttheplace.Butifhewasgoingtobreakhisno-repeatruleonce,hecoulddoitagainandagain,untilhesatisfiedhisdesiretoconsumeeverypartofher.
Heathturnedhertowardthewallandliftedherbusinesslikeskirtashishungrygazeateupheralabastershoulders,thesmoothexpanseofherbackthatledtothegentleswayofherhips.Hecouldgripthem,tellhertospreadherlegsandbraceherhandsagainstthewallandscreamatwill.He’ddoneithundredsoftimeswithhundredsoffacelesswomen.
Buthecouldn’tmakehimselfspeakthosepracticedwordstoJolie.He’dfuckedsomanywomenstandingupandfrombehindpreciselybecauseitwasimpersonal.Heneverhadtolookintoawoman’seyesandcarewhatshewasthinkingduringsex,neverriskknowingherbeyondasharedorgasm.
TakingJolielikethatwouldneversatisfyhim.
“Talktome,”heskimmedhislipsupherneckandmurmuredinherear.“Tellmewhatyoulike,whatyouwant.”
Heachedtosatisfyherinthewayshewantedtobepleasured.
“Touchmynipples.Kissme.Makethisburninggoaway.”
Alittlesmiletuggedathislips.Theburningwasnevergoingtogoaway,hefeared.Buthedidn’tmentionthatnow.Hemerelygrippedherhipsandturnedhertofacehimagain.“Inthatorder?”
“Yeah,”shechallenged.“Hurry.”
Ofcourseshe’dhaveanassertivesidewhenitcametosex.ThatwasJolie.
Caressinghiswaydownherchest,hecuppedthefirmweightofoneofherbreastsinhispalm,thumbingthenipple.Thenheloweredhisheadandswallowedthesweetsoundofhergaspbeforehedelveddeeperandpossessedherlipsutterly.
Sweethoneysurrender.Hesavoredhertextureassheopenedtohim,tastedhertongue.Thepleasurewaslikeariptide,pullinghimunderuntilhedidn’tcarethathewasdrowning.
Joliethrewherarmsaroundhisneckandjumpedintothekisswithapassionthathadhisbodytightening,hiscockhardening,hisheadreeling.
Hepinchedhernipples,workedthem,draggedhisknucklesoverthem,thenstartedthecycleagain.Theystiffened.Shewhimpered,digginghernailsintohim,sharpeventhroughhisT-shirt.Hereveledinthefactthathecouldseeminglygetunderthisamazingwoman’sskinandmakeherstopthinkinglongenoughtofeel
“Heath.”Shepulledawaywithagasp,reachingforhisall-too-eagershaft.
Onceshetouchedhim,he’dbeinsideherinlessthanthreeseconds.Hewasn’treadyforthatyet.Joliedidn’tknowit,butneitherwasshe.
Swallowingacurse,heliftedherontothenearestflatsurface—aforgottendesk—andshovedherskirtaroundherhips.Joliedidn’tplaycoy;sheknewwhatheliked.Shelaidbackandspreadhersleekthighs.
Hefoundhimselfstaringatherdarkcurlsandfemininepinkflesh.
Desiresearedhimashebenthisheadandinhaledherscentwithagroan.
Everythingaboutherdazzledandthrilledhim.Otherpeoplewouldarguethatshewasn’tperfect.Shecouldbeeverybitasaggressiveasanyofhermalecounterparts.Shehadatemper,aruthlessstreak,adesiretocontroleverything.Yetshecared,shelistened,andshewasoftenhonestevenwhenithurther.ShehadaheadysortoffemininelureHeathhadneverexperienced.
Grippingherthighs,hesankbetweenthem,bracedoverherashepiercedherfoldswithhistongueandrakedhiswayupherwetslit.Helappedather,focusedonthelittlebudattheapexbeforehesuckeditbetweenhislipsanddrewitdeep.
Ashetastedher,hisheartthrummedinhischestwithawildcant.Herflavorwassoexquisitelysweetandtartandaddictingasshemeltedaroundhim.Sherespondedartlessly,groaningasshethrewherheadbackwithalong,lowwail.
Everythingaboutherintoxicatedhim.Hebloodylovedthisintimacy,thepotentthrillofowningher.Vaguely,hewonderedhowhe’dresistwantingtotastehereverytimehesawher.
Whenshespreadwiderandgrippedhisheadwithgraspingfingers,anotherhoarsecryfellfromherlips.“Heath!”
Therestoftheofficecouldprobablyhearthem,buthewasn’tabouttoquietherorstoptheglideofhistonguethroughherflesh.Theurgetoconsumeherutterlyfiredhisblood.
Hepulledhervulvaapartwithhisthumbstoexposeher,openhertohimtotally.Thenheslidapairoffingersintoheropening,alreadyswellinginpleasure.Sheclenchedaroundhim,clampingdowntightasshebuckedherhipsindemand,disturbingtherhythmofhistongue.Withhisfreehand,heheldherdowntothetable.
“Stopthrashing.Youcan’tcontrolthisorgasm.It’snotforyoutotake.It’sminetogiveyou.”
“Thengiveittomenow.”Hervoicesoundedlikesomethingbetweenawhimperandademand.
Perhapsheshouldremindherthathewasinchargeinthebedroom,butthatwouldrequirehimtostopexploringhersucculentheatwithhismouthagainandhaveaconversationinwhichshe’dmerelyargue.Ortryinsistingagainthathehurrythispleasurealong.
Talkingwasoverrated.
“Onceyouholdstill,Iwill,”hemurmuredthesilkyvowacrossherskin.“Ifyoudo,I’llfuckyouwithmyfingersandmytongue.I’llwringorgasmsoutofyouuntilyou’redeliciouslysoreandsated.I’llworkmycockinsideyourpussy,whichIknowwillbesnugandhotandperfect.I’llrideyouuntilyoucan’tscreamanymore.”
Almostinstantly,Joliestilled.Herbodytrembledinanticipation.Hereyespleadedinawayherwordssimplydidn’t.
Heathsmiled.Nowhehadher.
Glidinghisfingersinandoutofhertightwalls,heloweredhismouthtoherclitagain,nudging,teasing,theslowdragmakingherbreathshudderandherskinflush.Herfingersfoundtheirwaytohisheadagainasshetriedtogriphistoo-shorthair.Hernailsdraggedagainsthisscalpwithalittlebiteofpainthaturgedhimon.Heshudderedagainstthedizzyingriseofneed.
Aroundhim,hecouldfeeltheswellingofherfolds,theclenchingofhercunt.Shepanted,madeothersoundshebarelyrecognized,welcomedhimbyopeningevenwider.
God,whenhadanywomaneverbeenhalfsoalluring?
Tastingafemalewasanintimacyhehadn’tindulgedinforyears.Itrequirednotonlytime,abed,andsomeprivacy,butitimpliedadeeperconnectionthanmerefucking.Itmeantthatawomanhadtoshareeverybitofherbodyinawaythatlefthervulnerable.SinceAnna,hehadn’tsoughtanythingbutno-stringssex.
Joliechangedeverything.Whateverthereason,whateverherlure,hecouldn’tseemtogetenoughofher.
“Oh,love.You’retangyandsweetonmytongue.”Hetwistedhisfingersinheropeningandfoundasensitivespot,thenrubbeditruthlessly.“I’mgoingtowantthisagain.I’mgoingtocraveyou.We’llspendourluncheswithmyheadbetweenyourlegs.I’llneedyouagainwitheveningcocktails.Anddessert.”Helappedatheragain.“Especiallydessert.”
“That’stoomuch,tooc-crazy.Y-youcan’t…”
Sinceshecouldn’tspeakwithoutstutteringorlosinghertrainofthought,Heathknewhecouldhaveherhoweverhewantedhernow.Shewouldlethim.
Hesmiledanddraggedhistonguethroughheressenceagain.“NevertellmeIcan’t.I’llproveyouwrong.Overandover.You’regoingtocome,aren’tyou?”
Shewhimperedandnoddedfrantically.“I…Oh,mygod.Ican’tstopit.”
“Let’shaveit.Iwantit.Iwantallofyou.”
“That’sit.Yes!”Shedraggedinahugegulpofair.Aglanceupthebeautifulcurvesofherbodyprovedhernipplestight,herlipsparted,herdilatedgreeneyesfocusedonhimandwideningwitheveryuptickinpleasure.Thensensualshocksplashedacrossherdelicateface.“Heath!”
Herentirebodyconvulsedwiththeforceofherecstasy,legsshaking,hipsbucking,backarching,lungsworking.
Helookedupherbody.Shewaspositivelystunning,andHeathonlywantedhermoreasheateatherlikeastarvingman.Hewasdeterminedtoguideherintothesugaryhazeofaftermathsoshe’dbedamnpliantwhenheimpaledherandfuckedherwithabandon.
Jolietriedtocloseherlegs,asifshe’dsuddenlydecidedtobeembarrassedthatshe’dclimaxednearlyhardenoughtoshakethewalls.Heathrefusedtoallowherthatmisplacedmodestynow.Hepushedagainsthertensedthighsandcontinuedtolick,suck,andnibble,groaningwhenshesomehowturnedsweeter,divingindeeperwhenshesoftenedandbecameacceptingbeneathhimagain.Ravenouswhenherbreathbecameunevenandthelittlemoansfilledhisears.Harderthanhellwhensheswelledwithneedoncemoreandherealizedjusthowbloodytightshewouldbe.
Jerkingaway,hestoodandfumbledthroughhispocketsuntilhefoundafoilsquare—thelasthehadtuckedaway.
Fuck,hehopedoncewasenoughtosatisfythiscraving.SincehewaswithJolie,hehadhisdoubts.
Hismovementswereablurandheblockedoutherwhimperingprotestsuntilhe’dsheathedhiscockandheldhimselfatheropening.Thenheshovedhiswayinwithonesavagethrust.
Jolietwistedherbackandcriedoutinanimpatientroar.“Yes…Fuckme.”
Oh,hewoulddofarmorethanthat.Andifshewasn’treadytoadmitthatwhatevertheyhadwentbeyondmeresex,thatwasallright.He’donlyjustrealizedithimself.Beingwithheragain,insideher,wasundeniableproof.Therightnessofherlituphisbody,rolleddownhisspineinanelectricshudder.HesuspectedJoliealsoknewwhattheysharedwasn’tmeaningless.Buthe’dbepatient…fornow.
Leaningoverher,hebalancedhisforeheadonhers.Sheexhaledagainsthislips,thenshebreathedin.Heathkissedher,lettinghertastethepassionhe’dwrungfromher.Shedidn’tfight,sohegrabbedherhair,changedtheangleofthekisstodivedeep,andpressedhishipsforwarduntilshetookeverylastinchofhiscock.
Hedidn’tmovehisbodythen,justfilledhermouth,herpussy,hersenses.Itwasn’tlongbeforeshewrappedherlegsaroundhismiddleandarchedrestlessly,asifsheneededeverythinghecouldgiveher.
Heliftedhislips,narrowedhiseyesather.“YoukeeptryingtocontrolthewayIfuckyou,Jolie.Stop.Itwon’thappen.”
“Whyareyouteasingme?Whatareyouwaitingfor?”
“Didn’tyoulearnanythingwhenIhadmymouthonyou?Didn’titfeelbetterwhenyoufinallyletmesendyoutoclimax?Itwouldn’thavebeenhalfsogoodifyou’dtakenitwhenyouwantedit.”
Joliestaredathimasifunderstandingthathehadanswerstoquestionsshe’dneverthoughttoask.“Iknow.Butweshouldn’tbedoingthis.Ihavework.”
Whenshegavehimahalf-heartedpush,heheldherstill.ThelastthingJolieneededwasforherbraintoworkovertime,forheranxietytonotchupbeforetonight’scrucialdinner.Bestifhedrownedherinbliss,satedandrelaxedher.Evenbetterifhesomehowhelpedherrealizethiscrazysparkbetweenthemprobablywasn’tgoingtofizzleout.
Heathwrappedhisfingersaroundtheedgeofthetableaboveherheadandgrippedtight,usingtheleveragetopullhimselfdeeperintoherbody,revelinginhergasp.“Enjoyingthepleasure,love?Howdoesthatfeel?”
Shedidn’tadmitaloudthathewasturningherinsideout…butshestoppedarguing.Instead,shelethimhavehisway,meetinghimthrustforthrustashepulledbacktothesensitiveheadofhiscock,onlytodriveinoncemore,ensuringthathehiteverytenderspotalongtheway.Hegroundhispelvisagainsthersatthetopofthestroke,givingherawakenedclitapress-rubthatsparkedmoreneed.
Joliecriedoutagain.Shewassodamnresponsive,fithimsoperfectly.Andoncetheypassedthenegotiationsofthewill-we-or-won’t-westage,shealwaysgavehimhertotalattention,completearousal,andwholebody.
Inthatmoment,itwasn’tenough.Hewantedhersoul.No,thatwasn’tall.Hefuckingwantedherheart.Herdevotion.Hertomorrows.
Thatshouldhavealarmedthehelloutofhim.Atthemomentallhecouldthinkaboutwashowexplosivetheorgasmbetweenthemwasgoingtobeandhowtightlyheintendedtoholdherafterward.
“TakeeverythingI’mgivingyou,Jolie.Everykiss…”Hedraggedhislipsupherneck,thentoherear.“Everystroke,everyinch.Allmydeterminationtomakecertainyoucravemeagainandagain.”
“Ialreadydo,”sheadmittedinarush.“It’sneverbeenlikethis,sointense,soaddicting,sodistracting.”
Drunkontriumph,Heathplungedinsideherevenharder.
Shetightenedonhimagain,anditdrovehimtonewheights.Notjustbecausethesensationshotdownhiscocklikelightningorbecausethesheerforceofhisarousalfeltlikelavarunningthroughhisveins.No.Somehow,theywereconnecteddeeperthantheirbodies.
Herarmstightenedaroundhim,fingersdiggingintohisshoulders,aroundhisspineasshedraggedthemlower—untilshecuppedhisbackside,rockingwithhimandurginghimdeeperwitheverythrust.
“Jolie,”hegasped.“Love…”
“Yes.”Shenoddedfrantically.“Yes.Oh,hell.Yeeessss.Heath…Heath!”
Firelithisblood,burnedhisflesh.Heheldhertighterashefeltherconvulsearoundhimthenfollowedherintothewhite-hotecstasythatblisteredasmuchasitsoothed.Andasheplungedintoheronelasttime,Jolieheldtighttohishipsandpulledhiminevenmore,continuingtogrindoutherclimaxandprovingwhathealreadyknew:Shewouldgiveherselftothepeopleinherlife,thepeoplesheknewandtrustedandcaredabout.Butshewouldalsoneverbeapassivepartnerwholaidbackandallowedthingstohappentoher.Joliewasatake-chargewoman.
Suddenly,despitehisyearswithAnnaandhisattractiontogirlswhomightnevermanageanythingmoreambitiousthanagrocerylist,Heathcouldn’timaginesex—orlife—withawomanwhodidn’thaveherownagenda,goals,anddemands.Inshort,hecouldn’timaginelifewithoutJolie.ChapterNine
Ruleforsuccessnumbernine:
Knowyourmoralcompassandsticktoit.
JOLIEalmostdiedofembarrassmentwhensheandHeathhastilyrightedtheirclothesandemergedfromthefileroom.Therestofthestafflingerednearthedoor,pretendingtheyhadbusinessinthevicinitybuttheyweregawking.No,theywerejudging.Andtheywereentitledto.
Mortificationrolledthroughher.She’dbeenstrictaboutworkplacepoliciesthatencouragedmaximumproductivity,likenoin-officedating.Hersisterhadoncecalledheranautomaton,anaccusationJoliehadbothdeniedandspurned.Butshehadtoadmitthatuntilnow—untilHeath—shehadn’tunderstoodhowpeoplecouldbesosweptawaybytheiremotions.Forthefirsttime,she’dbehavedalltoohumanly.
Beingfallible,vulnerablewasabrand-newfeelingforher.
“Hi.”Shesmoothedherhair,gatheringherwits.“You’reallhere.Wow.Um…You’reprobablyangryorshocked.Whatjusthappenedwasunprofessional.Ioweeveryoneofyouahugeapology.I’mdeeplysorry.”
Noonesaidaword,merelyblinkedorstaredmutely.
Theywereshocked.Joliewasn’tsurprised.
Hell,sheshouldleadbyexample,whichmeantimmediatelyrelievingHeathofhisduties.Once,shewouldhavedonethatwithoutasecondthought.Butthesexhadbeenhalfherfault.Shecouldn’tcastalltheblameonhim.
Butfairnessandstaffsafetywereonlyminorreasonsshewaschoosingtokeephim.Thetruthwas,shefeltwaytoosatisfied—happy,even—tolethimgo.
Whenhadshebecomeoneofthosewomenwhoallowedamanorromancetoinfluencehermood?Herchoices?Herthoughts?Bettiwasonthevergeofgreatness,andnothingelseshouldmatter,leastofallarelationshipthatlikelywouldn’tlast.
Sheclearedherthroat,plowingthroughtheawkwardmomentwithherstaff.“Ifyouneedtovoiceyourconcernsaboutwhathappened,I’llmakemyselfavailableonMonday.OncethismeetingwithGardnerisbehindme,I’llobviouslybegivingsomethoughttoBetti’spolicies.Iwanttobeasfairaspossible.Again,I’mtrulysorry.Anythingelse?”
Moresilence,alongwithashrugortwo.
Well,aftersuchacolossalscrew-up,shecouldn’tpossiblyexpectopenarms.Atleastnoonewasyelling.
“Thanksforlistening,”shemuttered.“Andnow…Iguessweshouldallgobacktowork.”
“Butofcourse.Goodluckwithyourconcentration.”Gerardgaveheraconspiratorialwink.ThenheeyedHeathspeculativelybeforeheadingtohisdesk.
Rohanfollowed,fightingsohardtokeepastraightface,hismouthcontortedcomically.Apparently,hefoundthebossbeingascrew-uphumorous.
Wisterialookedtearyandenviousofthe“truelove”shewasclearlyconvincedtheyshared.Joliedidn’twanttothinkabouthowuncomfortablybeyondinfatuationherfeelingsforHeathhadbecome.
Withaslysmileplayingathismouth,Arthurturnedhisfocustothetabletinhishands.Oddly,hersexualfauxpasseemedtohaveearnedherbrowniepointsfromtheaccountant.Ormaybe,inhismind,herofficerompcancelledouthisvideogameplaying.
ThatleftKaris.
Jolieturnedtohersister,whosilentlyaskedhowshewasholdingup.Joliegaveanod.Physically,she’dneverfeltbetter.
Emotionally,shewasamess.
ForgetthedozensofreasonssheshouldstillbepissedatherselfforallowingHeathtoseduceherorhorrifiedthatshe’dhadnoisyofficesexwithinearshotofheremployees.Thankfully,shedidn’thavetodealwithanynegativeblowbackfromherstaff.ButthatstillleftthetangleofherfeelingsforHeath.Somehow,beingsurroundedbyhim,impaledandwrappedinhisarms…She’dfeltevenmoredrawntohimtoday.Shewasafraidtoaskwhy.
Hersisterleanedclose,whisperinginherear,“Don’tbeatyourselfup.You’rehuman.It’sokay.”
WhenKarislefttoresumeherwork,reliefspilledthroughJolie.Shetookadeepbreathtoprocesseveryone’ssurprisinglyacceptingreactionswhensherealizedHeathstilllingered.Astranger—aseasonedsoldierwithabuzzcutofgoldenstubble—stoodbesidehim.Whentheguymethergaze,hishardhazeleyessoftenedwithanamusedglint.
Heathstraightenedhisshirtandclearedhisthroat,thendroppedapalmtothesmallofherback.Markinghisterritory?Asifhe’dneedtoatthispoint.
“Jolie,thisisCutter.He’sgoingtoprovidepersonalprotectionforyoursisterwhilewefigureoutifsheneedsanassetlongterm.Hecomeshighlyrecommendedand…”Hefrownedattheotherman.“HaveyoumetKaris,then?”
“Yep.”Cutter’spoorlyconcealedsmiledeepened.“Youdidn’tmentiontoherthatyou’dbeassigningabodyguard.Sothatwasaninterestingconversation.”
“It…slippedmymind.”Heathturnedtheslightestbitred.“Myapologies.”
“Clearlyyou’vebeenbusy,”Cutterdrawled,thenturnedtoher.“Ms.Quinn,yoursisterwillbefine.I’llprotecther,takeabulletforherifnecessary,andmakesureshelivesanotherday.”
HiswordsstartledJolie.WouldHeathdothesameforher?Givehislife?Itwastheirjob,andCutterseemedmorethanadept.ButHeath…He’dvolunteered—no,insisted—thatsheneededhimtowatchoverher.Ithadsoundeddistractingandintrusive.Nowitfeltsopersonal.
Ofcourse,itwasn’tthefirsttimehe’dagreedtoriskhislifeforanother.He’dguardedMysteryMullins’sbodyforyears.Thatmadesomethingangryripthroughher.God,shehatedbeingjealousofawomanshe’dnevermet.Andshewasafraidofwherethisangstwasstemmingfrom.Itfeltsuspiciouslylikeherheart.
SheshovedherhandinCutter’sdirection.“Thankyou.Iworryaboutmysister.Themysteriousgiftshaveallbeenforherandthisoddadmirerhasanuncannyknowledgeofwhatshelikes.”
Cuttershookherhand.“Noworries.I’llmakesurenothingandnoonegetstoher.”
Jolienoddedandglancedatherwatchtoavoidlookingateitherman.Justpastlunchtime.Normallyifshe’dhadatoughmorning,she’dsplurgeonamani/pedi.Notimetoday.Orshe’dgohomeandtakeahotshower.Butifshedidthat,Heathwouldfollowher,watchher,distracther.Seduceheragain?
Whyhadhebrokenhisno-repeatrule?Shedidn’tthinkhewasthesortofmantoactwithoutthought,tobeprovokedsoutterlybytheheatofmerepassion.Healreadyhadtoomanyregretstoriskaddingtothelist.Buthe’dgoneoutonalimbtobewithher.No,thatwasn’tquiteit.Tomakelovetoher.That’swhatbeingwithhimtodayhadfeltlike.Theyhadn’tsharedmeresexinthefileroom.Hehadn’thaditwithhersimplybecausehe’dbeensureshewouldn’tgetclingyorattached.
JoliesneakedapeekatHeath.Hewatchedher,hisdarkstareintent,focused,possessive.Itmadeherbreathcatch,herheartrev.
Damn,damn,damn
Itwastoomuchforhertohandlenow.Shedidn’tneeddistractions.“I’llbeinmyofficefortherestoftheafternoon,makingsuretonightgoessmoothly.”
Hiding.
Joliedidn’twaitforeitherofthemtoreply,shesimplyheadeddownthehall.AsshepassedWisteria’sdesk,sheregardedherreceptionist,whowastuckingawaytheremnantsofherlunch.“Doyouneedtousethebathroomorgetsomethingelse?”
“No.”
“Thenstayinyourseatanddon’tletanyoneinuntilIsayso.Holdallphonecallsunlessit’sblood,death,orRichardGardner.”
“Ofcourse.”Wisterianodded.“I’llgiveyousometimealone.”
Joliewasbowledoverbythewoman’skindnessandunderstanding.“Thanks.Really.”
Shemarchedintoherofficeandwithdrewapieceofpaperfromherprinter.Whenshedugaroundherdeskandlocatedablackmarker,shewroteoutinbigcapitalletters:DONOTDISTURB.Thenshetapeditonthefrontofherdoorbeforeshuttingandlockingit.
Nowwhat?
Noidea.Sheneededabreather.Sheneededsomepeaceuntilshehadananswer.
Joliepulleduphernotesandmadesurethatshe’dmemorizedallthepertinentfinancialfiguresfortonight.TheWi-Fionhertabletworkedfabulously,soshecouldshowRichardalltheprogressonthewebsite.Shehadcherry-pickedafewofthebestsketchessheandGerardhadalreadycompleted.Shereallywasbeyondready.Shewasn’tworriedthatshelackedthenecessaryingredientstowowGardner.
Herinabilitytofocusrightnowscaredthehelloutofher.
Itwasonlytwo.WaytooearlytogohomeanddresssinceHeathwouldinsistonbeingwithherandgodonlyknewwhatwouldhappeniftheywerealone.
Outofdesperation,shepickedupherphoneandtextedhersister.Wasitbad?
Fromlistening,I’mprettysureitwasdamngood,Karisrespondedimmediately.
Joliegroaned.Soitwasloud?
Silence.Shetookthatasayes.
Canyoucometomyoffice?
Hersisteransweredthatstraightoff.Berightthere.
Tiptoeingtothedoor,Joliepeekedout.Shedidn’tseeHeathhoveringbuthewashere,close.Nowaywouldhesimplybackofftogivehersomespace,muchlessleave.
ThenKarismadeherwaytothedoor,Cutterfollowingnotfarbehind.Shemotionedhersisterin,pastWisteria,whonoddedinunderstanding.CuttertookupsentryjustoutsideJolie’slittleoffice.Sighing,sheclosedtherestoftheworldawaywithguiltyrelief.
SheandKarisstoodstaringatoneanother,heryoungersisterfidgeting.Jolierealizedthathersisterwasn’tsurehowmuchloveorcomfortshewouldaccept.
Itwasastartlingthought.Equallydiscomfiting?Shedidn’tknowtheanswer.She’dkepteveryoneatarm’slengthforyears,andshewouldstillbedoingitnowifshedidn’tfeelscrubbedraw,heremotionsbothrustyandovertaxed.
“Idon’tknowwhattodo,”shemanagedtosay.“Hemakesmefeeltoomuch.”
Karis’sfacesoftened.“Andyoucan’tcontrolthat.”
Hersisterwastoosmarttophrasethatasaquestion,andJoliewasgladKarisunderstood.“Yeah.”
“Ithappenstoallofusatsomepoint,honey.You’veguardedyourheartforsolong—”
“Idon’twanthimnearmyheart!”ButJoliealreadyfearedshedidn’thaveachoice.
Pityflittedacrosshersister’sfacebeforesheschooledit.“IwishIhadsomethingtosaythatyouwantedtohear.”
“Idon’tgettochoosewhetherheworkshiswayintomyheart.”Joliebegantopace.“Iknow.”
“You’renotMom.Hell,I’mnotMom.Imayhavegottenhurtbefore.Andyoumaybehurtthistime.Butyouwouldneversacrificeyourfuture,yourlovedones,oryourambitionsfortheeuphorichighofwhatsheconsiderslove.Iwouldn’t,either.IknowyouthinkI’mguycrazyandbelieveinfairytales,butI’vewalkedawayfromrelationshipswithmenwhowerecrazy-hotandmademefeelsogoodinbedbecauseIknewtheyweren’trightforme.Ihaven’tfiguredoutexactlywhatIamlookingforbutIknewthoseguysweren’tit.Iwon’tevergetinvolvedwithanyonewiththehopethatIcanchangethemwithmylove.”
Ashermomassumedeverytime.AndDianaGalehadnevermanagedtolearnthat,nomatterhowmuchshesacrificed,herhusbandsandboyfriendswereflawedmenwhoweren’tgoingtobecomedifferentpeoplesimplybecauseshewilleditwithhermartyrdom.Fromwatchingthecyclerepeatoverandover,Joliehadlongassumedtherewasnosuchthingasloveinthetraditionalromanticsense.Maybeshe’dbeenright.WhathadHeathgivenherbesidesawholelotofalphaattitudeandhispenis?
Hissupport.Hisbeliefinher.Hisunwaveringpresenceandprotection.Despitehavinglostawifetoviolence,hewashavingfarlessdifficultyopeninghimselftothepossibilitiesbetweenthemthanshewas.
Shewasprettysurethatsaidsomethingterribleabouther.She’dalwaysseenherselfastoodriventopauseforapersonallife.NowKarisheldupamirrortohersoul,andshesawthedamagedwomantooafraidtoattemptanythingdeeperforfearofendinguphurtandusedlikehermother.Joliedidn’tlikeherreflectionmuchatthemoment.Ifshedidn’tchangesomething,sheknewshe’dspendherlifealone.
“Youwouldneverdothat,either,”Karispointedoutsoftly.
“Iwouldn’t.”Butthatwasn’ttheworrythatscrapedhernervesraw.“IjustenvisionedfillingmylifewithBetti.”
“Heathismakingyouseeanexistencebeyondthat.”
Hewas.Andshedidn’tknowhowtocopebecauseitabsolutelypetrifiedher.
***
“YOUlookelegant,”Heathmurmured,standingbesideherinthefoyerofthewell-establishedrestaurantonMapleassheadjustedherblacksheathandpearls.“Don’tfidget.Youknowwhattosay.You’verehearsed.Ifheveersintothesuggestiveorpersonal,I’llberightbesideyou.”
“Iknow.”Shedidherbestnottolookathim.Ifshedid,she’donlygetdistractedbyhowdrop-deadsexyhelookedinatailoredgraysuit.Hiscrispwhitedressshirtmagnifiedthehintofoliveinhisskin.Hisdarkeyesgleamedwithaknowledgethatsomethingmorethansexlaybetweenthem.Joliestillhadnocluewhattodoaboutthat.“Ican’tbelieveyoucoercedtherestaurantstaffintoadjustingthetablelayoutsimplytokeepaneyeonme.”
“It’snotthefirsttimethey’veworkedwithabodyguard.Theyweremorethanhappytoputapairoftwo-topsbesideoneanothertoaccommodateyoursafety.”
“Allthiscan’tbenecessary.”
“Areyouwillingtotakethatchance”—heraisedadisapprovingbrowather—“whenyourlivelihood—maybeevenyourlife—isatstake?Andwhataboutyouremployees?Yoursister?”
Hewasright.Butitwasmore.Shehatedhowmuchtheideaofdisappointinghimupsether.She’dneveroncegivenashitaboutaromanticpartner’sopinionbecausesheneverintendedtokeephim.Joliedidn’twanttohaveanydesiretohangontothisone.
Butshecaredtoomuchtolethimgo.
“RichardandIareinpublic,”shetriedarguinginstead.“I’llbefine.”
“We’vebeenoverthis.I’mstaying.That’sfinal.”
Joliewantedtobeannoyedbuthisprotectiveinstinctmeltedher.“Youcan’thover.”
“I’llbeatthetablebesideyoubutIrefusetoletyououtofmysight.”Whensheopenedhermouthtoprotest,Heathlaidafingeroverherlips.“Thisismycompromise.Idon’twantyouinpublicatall,justincasewhoever’sbrokenintoyourofficeorgivenyoursistergiftsiswatching.Butsinceyouscheduledthisdinnerweeksago,I’mbeingflexible.Iwouldbefarhappierifyoumetintheoffice.Wouldn’tthatbemoreconducivetoseriousbusiness?”
Yes.Infact,Joliehadsuggestedthat.Richardhadinsistedtheyspendmoretime“gettingtoknoweachotherbetter”beforedivingintomissionstatementsandincomeprojections.“Ifthisdinnergoeswellandweagreeinbothphilosophyandprinciple,thatwillbeournextstep.”
“Istilldon’tlikeit,”hegrumbled.
“Idoubtsomeonehasbeenwaitingformetoappearinpublicsimplytokillme.”
“Butyoudon’tknowthatforcertain,andIprefernottoleaveanythingtochance.”Heath’sphonedingedthen,andheglancedatit,thenbackatherwithathunderousscowl.“Brilliant.GardnerbookedasuiteatHotelZaZatonight.He’salreadyorderedchampagnechilledaswell.”
Joliedidn’twanttoknowhowhe’dlearnedthat.“Maybehehasadatelater.Oramistress.It’spossibleheplanstocelebrateinstylealone.”
“Rubbish.He’susingyourbusinesspitchtogetintoyourknickers.”
Sheshoveddownherdisquiet,hopingthatwasn’ttrue.Sheneededthisdealtogothrough.Timewasrunningout.“You’recynical.”
“Normally,youare,too.Iknowmen.I’llbeteverydimeyou’repayingmeforthisjobthathemakesaplayforyoutonight.”
Beforeshecouldreply,theheavywoodendoorsopened,andthelastoftheday’sgoldenraysslantedin.AsHeathmeltedintothebackground,RichardGardnerwalkedin,smilingandlookingurbaneinanavysuitwithasharpredtie.Ofaverageheight,hehadakillersmile,completewithadimpleinhisleftcheek.Despitehavingequalamountsofsaltandpepperinhishair,hemanagednottolookanythingclosetothefiftysheknewhimtobe.Normally,shewouldn’thavenoticedhimasanythingbutapotentialbusinesspartner.ButHeathhadplantedthesuggestion.
AndGardnerwascarryingadozenredroses.
“Hello,Ms.Quinn.”Ashehandedherthebouquet,heleanedintokisshercheek—andlingered.Hisvoicedroppedtosomethingjustaboveawhisper.“Theseareforyou.”
Shetookthembecauseshecouldn’triskinsultinghimbeforethey’devensatdown.“Thankyou.They’relovelybutthegestureisn’tnecessarytoconductbusiness.I’msurewe’llgetalongjustfine.”
“WhatcanIsay?I’mabitold-fashioned.IfIgoouttodinnerwithalady,Ithinksheshouldexpectflowers.”
“I’mheretonightmerelyasabusinessowner.”
“Youcan’tchidethesoutherngentlemaninme.”Hewinked.“Mymommasimplywouldn’thaveit.”
AglancebehindhersaidthatHeathwasn’tpleased.Hewasprobablyreadytosaythathe’dtoldherso,butJoliewasdeterminedtomakeGardnerfocusonBettiandtheinvestmentopportunity,andgethismindoffhopingshewoulddothemattresstangowithhim.
Jolieopenedhermouthtopolitelyputhimbackontrack,butthema?tred’approachedtosaytheirtablewasready.Gardnergesturedherinfrontofhim.Shehatedtoturnherbacktotheman.Theprimalinstinctthatshe’djustmadeherselfvulnerabletoapracticedpredatorbotheredher.Sheshouldn’tjudgehisbusinessacumenbyhisflirtatiousmanner,especiallysincesheknewthatwashisnorm.Butwhenheslidhishanddownherback,nearlytothetopofherassashe“escorted”her,Joliestiffened.
Shedidn’twanthimtouchingher.Worse,shecouldfeelHeathfollowingbehindthematabarelydiscreetdistance,radiatingapissed-offmalevibe.Jolieflungacautiousglanceoverhershoulder,aroundGardner,andcaughtaglimpseofthetightfuryalloverHeath’sface.
Astheysat,Jolietookhermenuwithaplasticsmileandtriedtofocusanywherebutonhimsittingatthetablebesideherswithhisbacktothewallandagloweronhisface.
“Ihopeyoulikewine.I’vetakenthelibertyoforderingabottleinadvance.”Gardnersnappedhisfingersatapassingstaffmember.
Joliefrowned.Wasthatmaneventheirwaiter?DidRichardcareordidhesimplyassumeeveryonewasathisbeckandcall?
“Yes,sir?”ThewaitermanagedtosoundreadytodoRichard’sbiddingwhilestillconveyingahintofannoyance.
“CouldyoubringmetheChateauLafon-Rochet’99Iorderedearliertoday?Andtwoglasses.”ThenGardnerdismissedthewaiterutterlyandturnedtoher.
Joliedidn’tlikehisattitude.Shesmiledatthewaiter.“We’dappreciateit.Andifitwouldn’tbetoomuchtrouble,couldIalsohaveaglassofclubsodawithatwist?Thankyou.”
Withasmileinherdirection,thewaiternoddedandleft.
“Youdidn’tneedtoorderwine,”sheventured.“I’dprefertodobusinesswithaclearhead.”
Hepattedherhand.“We’rejusthavingafriendlyconversation.Iknowyou’lltellmeallaboutBetti.ButasIsaidbefore,IprefertodobusinesswithpeopleIknow.Tellmemoreaboutyou.”
Asparkoftensionlittheair,andsheglancedovertoseeHeathclutchinghiswaterglassinadeathgripwhileglaringatRichard’shandonhers.
Helookedabitlikeawildbeastreadytodefendhisterritory.
Sheswallowednervouslyandpulledherhandfree.“I’maverydrivenbusinesswomanwithoutalotoffreetimeonmyhands.I’dprefertobeginthepresentationI’vepreparedandgiveyoutimetoaskwhateverquestionsyoumayhaveaboutBetti,ourcashposition,ourEBITDA,andourincomeprojections.Ihaveamock-upofourcomingwebsitetoshowyouand—”
“Whoa.Slowdown.We’llgettoallthatwhenwe’rebetteracquainted.”Hegrabbedherhandagain.“Intimate…YouknowwhatImean.”
Yes,Joliefearedshedid.
***
“WHATafuckingdisaster!”JolietookanotherlongpullfromtheridiculouslyexpensivebottleofwineGardnerhadorderedandkickedhershoesoff,discardingthemontothefloorboard.Shepulledhersheathuparoundherthighsandproppedhertoesonhisdashboard.
Shelookedreadytospitnailsandcry—atthesametime.
HeathspeededdownthevirtuallyemptyfreewayandtossedJolieanotherglance.“Youdideverythingpossibletofocushimonbusiness.”
“Youtoldme.”Sheshookherheadangrily.“Youtoldmeexactlywhathewanted.StupidmebelievedthatamanwithRichard’sbusinessacumenandsupposedlyprogressiveviewswouldcareaboutbothprofitandthegenderequalitygap,soofcoursehe’dwanttogetintobusinesswithBetti.Nope.”Shetookanotherlongswallowfromthebottle.“Hejustwantedtogetintobedwithme.DoyouthinkIscaldedhispeniswhenIdroppedthesteamingpeasoupinhislap?”
Despitethedisastrousevening,asmiletuggedatthecornersofHeath’slips.Hewasproudofhisspitfire.“I’dratheryounotthinkaboutGardner’spenis.”
Shewrinkledhernose.“Goodcall.Ijust…no.”
“Youmadethatquitecleartohim,love.AndIbelievetheanswertoyourquestionis,yes.Let’shopeforblisters.”
Joliesighed.Hermojoseemedtoleakoutofher,alongwithherbreath.“Hecanruinme.Hehastheconnections.Heknowsallthebig-moneypeople.Nowmybestoptionistogotoabank.Iftheylistentomeatall,they’llwantsomuchcontrolthatitwillruineverything.”
“Perhapsnot,”heconsoled,wrappingagentlehandaroundherknee.“Butevenifthat’strue,wouldyousleepwithGardnerforthemoney?Becausehemadethatultimatumquiteclear.”
“Never.That’snotwhoIam,despitewhatevermoralcompassCarringtonQuinnthinksIinheritedfromhim.”Shetookanotherlongswallowfromthebottleasifwantingtodrownoutthoughtsoftheman.
“Yourfather?”
Sheglared,hermouthinastubbornline.“Ipreferspermdonor.”
LeaveittoJolietosaythingsasbluntlyaspossible.Thenagain,Heathratherlikedthatabouther.“Allright,then.Whendidyoulastseehim?”
“Untilrecently,Ihadn’tseenhimsinceIwasfive.Thenaboutthreemonthsago…”Shegulpedmorewine,andboozebegansofteningtheedgesofherwords.“Heshowedup.Itwasn’tlongaftertheDMagazinearticlenamingmeonetowatchinDallascameout.IwasspeakingatalocalRotaryClubfunction.Whenthepresentationended,Iheadedtotheladiesroom.Hewaswaitingformeinthehall.Seeinghimwassuchashock,andIdidn’tknowwhattosay.AllthecarefulspeechesI’dplannedinmyheadovertheyearsevaporated.”
“Ofcourse.Youweren’tbraced.”
“Thatshouldn’tmatter.”
Hefrowned.Thewomanwassodamnhardonherselfsometimes.“Butitdoes.”
Sheshruggedoffhisconsolation.“Hetoldmeitwastimetoexpand.IknewthatbutIresentedthecrapoutofhimtellingmehowtorunmybusiness.”
“He’ssomesortofexecutivemogul,isn’the?”Heathhaddonehisresearch.
“Oh,yeah.Bigol’bigwig.UpperEastSiderealestatecomingouthisass.”Shegiggled.“Well,notliterally.Butthatwouldbefunny.”
Joliewasabitbeyondslightlytipsy.Normally,Heathwouldstopherfromimbibingmore,buthesuspectedthatshe’dneverconfesswhyherfatherimpactedhersomuchifshewascompletelysober.Ifhewantedtounderstandher,heneededtohearwhatcamenext.Besides,she’dearnedalittlementalvacationfromallherstress,andifshechosetogetpissed…well,he’drathershedoitwherehecouldwatchoverherandkeephersafe.
“Comical,indeed,”heagreed.“Sohetoldyoutoexpand?”
Shesnorted.“Yeah.Fuckingbastard.First,hetoldmethatI’dbeendelusionaltobelievethatmensmartenoughtomakehundredsofmillionsofdollarswouldinvestinaprettyyoungwomanexpandingintoacomplexglobaloperation.Most,ofcourse,wouldjustwantapieceofmyass.SounlessIdidn’tmindwhoringmyself,hesaidIwouldneveraccomplishmyexpansionwithouthim.Hetoldmetheglassceilingwasn’tamythandthat,withoutspreadingmylegsforothersorputtinghimatthehelm,Ihadnohope.Eitherway,IwasafoolishgirlandIshouldstopswingingforthefences.”
“That’sridiculous!”Heathwantedtowringthemisogynist’sneck.
“Ofcourseitis.WomenhavesuccessfullyhelmedcompanieslikeKraft,PepsiCo,andDuPont.They’veledcountries.ItoldhimIdidn’tseewhyIcouldn’tbealeadersimplybecauseIdidn’thavehalfmybrainsdanglingbetweenmylegs.”
Heathsmiled,picturingit.“Whatwashisreaction?”
“Toignoreme,justlikehehasforthelasttwenty-fiveyears.Wherewasheallthattime,whileMomworkedthreejobstomakeendsmeet?WhenIwaslittle,sheusedtostockshelvesatagrocerystoredownthestreetfrommidnighttilfiveA.M.Sheleftmealoneinourcrappylittletrailertodoit.Alotofpeoplehavejudgedherforthat.Butwedidn’thavefamilywhocouldwatchme.Weneededthemoneytoeat.CarringtonQuinnsatfifteenhundredmilesawayinhisposhapartment,sippingCristal—orwhateverthehellhedrinks—notcaringonewhitifIwasunsupervisedallnightorstarving.Sohecankissmyass.”
Heathcouldn’tagreemore.AndheunderstoodnowpreciselywhyJoliehadsoughtasilentpartner,sothatwhenshesucceeded,herfatherwouldknowallthebrainpowerbehindBettihadbeenhers.
“Hedidn’tpaychildsupport?”
“Thebareminimum.Whenheandmymotherdivorced,hehadallthehigh-poweredattorneys.She’dsignedaprenuptialagreement,sowhatlittleshegotwenttopayherlousylawyer.”Jolierolledhereyes.“Ican’tbelievehehadthenervetotellmeafterthatRotarymeetingthathewasproudofwhatI’dmanagedtoaccomplishasamerefemale.”
Despitehisancientviewsandlackoftact,hadthemanmeanttomakeamends?Orhadhemerelysoughttobelittleherinthehopesthatshe’dsecond-guessherselfenoughtoturnoverherbuddingempiretohim?Eitherway,HeathwasfuriousonJolie’sbehalf.
AshepulledintoJolie’scondocomplexandkilledtheengine,heturnedandwatchedhertipthewineuptohermouthagain,thebottomofthebottlenearlybrushingtheroofofthecar’sinterior.
She’dpolishedoffthewholebloodything?
Yankingitaway,sheslumpedbackagainsttheseatandtriedunsuccessfullytoslotthebottleinthetoo-smallcupholder.Whenshecursed,hetookitfromherandleanedintokissherforehead.
“I’msorryhewasanass.Butanythinghesaidwouldhavebeentoolittletoolate,right?”Athermiserablenod,hisheartwentouttoher.“C’mon,let’sgetyouinside.”
Heathclimbedoutofthecar,thenhelpedJoliebackintohershoesandontoherfeet.Shestaggered,andheeasedheracrossthelot,towardherunit.
“Waytoolate.”Sheemphasizedherpointwithanod.“Sayinghewasproud,despitethefactIlackedapenis,wasprobablythenicestthinghe’deversaidtome.Ofcourse,hekilledanywarmfuzziesIhadforhimbytellingmenextthatIwasinovermyhead.Buthe’ddomethe‘favor’ofinvestinginBettisohecouldtakeover.Icouldstillbeinchargeofcreative,ofcourse.ButsinceIwasn’tequippedtorunwiththebigboysandensuremycompanyreacheditsfullestpotential,Iwouldprobablycrumblewithouthim.”
Prick.Joliehadbuiltthiscompanyfromthegroundup,withtheleftoverfundsfromherstudentloansandthemoneyshe’dscrapedtogetherwhileworkingoddjobsinschool.Shehadmorethanenoughintelligenceandgumptiontogrowhercompanyandfulfillherdreams.
Heathopenedthecondodoor,theneasedherinside,lockingupbehindhimandflippingonlightsbeforeheherdedhertowardthebedroom.Shetrippedonherownfeet.Hecaughther,butsherightedherself.Furyprobablykepthergoing.
“Itakeityouturnedhimdown?”
Shescoffed.“Oh,Itoldhimtogofuckhimself.IpromisedI’dtakeBettitothenextlevelwithouthimoradimeofhismoney.”
Astheymadeitintothebedroom,shestrippedoffherdressandtossedittothefloor.Shestoodbeforehimwearingabra,athong,andakillerpairofheels.Itwascompletelythewrongtime…butHeathcouldn’tstopthebombofdesirefromdetonatinginsidehim.Yes,healwayswantedher.Hadfromthemomenthe’dlaideyesonher.Butthiswasdifferent.Hewantedhernotmerelybecauseshewasbeautiful—thoughshewas.Hewantedhernotmerelybecauseheknewhowexplosivethechemistrybetweenthemwas—morepowerfulthanhe’deverimagined.No,hewantedherbecausehewasseeingtherealher,thevulnerablewomanunderneaththebusinesslikefacade.Heunderstoodnowwhereherambitionhadcomefrom.Hecouldseethedeterminationandmoxienotjusttosucceedbuttothrive,tobehermostsuccessfulself.Andheadmiredthehelloutofherforthat.
“Ican’tfail.Ican’t,”shewailed,herframecrumpling.“A-allmylife,ItoldmyselfthatIwouldsucceed,thatIwouldn’thavetoscrapebylikemymother,thatIwouldsomedayprovetoCarringtonQuinnthathewaswrongaboutme.”
AsHeathrushedtopullherintohisarms,Jolieliftedherfacetohis.Thesightofhertearshithimlikeavisceralblowtothechest.Sheneverwillinglymadeherselfvulnerable.Wasitanindicationoftheirgrowingbond…orjusthermomentaryvulnerability?Heathachedtomakeherworldright.“You’rethesmartest,mostamazingwomanI’veeverknown.”
Herfacefell,herbottomliptrembling.“WhydidIhavetoprovethatIhadpotential?Isn’tafathersupposedtolovehisdaughter?Itellmyselfthathewasthedeficientone.Hehadtobe,right?Whatsortofmantellsafiveyear-oldthatshewashisstupidesttrailerparkmistake?”
Untilnow,HeaththoughtQuinnhadmerelyignoredJolieovertheyearsandshe’dresentedhimforit.Butthiswassomuchworse.Furyfiredinhisbelly.“Whateverhesaidtomakeyoufeelunworthyisuttercrap.Doyouhearme?Despitethewayhephrasedhisacquisitionproposal,youearnedhisrespect—”
“Idon’twantit!”
Hesuspectedthat,deepdown,shedid.Andthefactthatshe’devenunconsciouslysoughtitonlyupsethermore.Buthewasn’tabouttorefuteher.TheelderQuinnwasn’timportant.Joliewas.
“Iknow,love.Forgethim.ForgetGardner,too.”
“Ican’t.Carringtoncalledmelastweektosaythatheintendedtovisitmeinthenexttwoweekstodiscussatakeover.Hecan’thaveBetti.That’smydream.I’veworkeddamnhardforit.”
Quinnhadstrippedawayherdignityasachild,makingherfeelundeservingandunwanted.She’dspenttwenty-fiveyearsovercominghisslight.Andnowthemanintendedtotakeherdignityagain?
OverHeath’sdeadbody.
“Youdon’thavetoselltohim.”
“I’vealreadystartedsomeoftheexpansionplansandnowI’mabitoverleveraged.Iknewitwasarisk,butifIcanworkitout,therewardswillbeamazing.IjustneedayearortwotorealizeBetti’sfullpotential.”Hershouldersslumpedagain,andthistimehereaddefeat.“SinceGardnerwantedwhathesawaseasyvaginamorethanhewantedtomakeaprofit,Ihavenoideawheremycapitalinjectionwillcomefromnow.”
“We’llfigureitouttomorrow,love.Whydon’tyouliedown?”Heangledherontothebed,andforonce,shedidashebidwithoutargument.“How’syourstomach?Youdidn’teatathing.CanIgetyouabite?”
Shedidn’tanswer,justlookedathimwithapuzzledexpression.“IwasabitchwhenyoufirstcametoworkformebecauseIwasn’tsurehowtorespondwhentheattractionbetweenuswassostrong.Whyareyoubeingnice?”
Becauseshecoulduseabreak.Becauseshedeservedit.Becausehewantedtogivehertheworld.“Iliketoseeyousmile.AndmaybeI’vediscoveredthatIquitelikeabitofbitchyinmywoman.Wouldyoueatsoup,ifIpromisenottomakeitsplitpea?”
Sheshookherheadandtossedacarelessarmaboveherhead,ontoherpillow.“Idon’tneedfood.Wouldyou…”Shesighedandlookedasifshegrappledforwords.“Wouldyoujustlieherewithme?”
“Ofcourse.”Heathshuckedhisshoesandshruggedoutofhissuitcoat,drapingitacrossanearbychair.Thenheliftedhersheetandslidinbesideher,bringinghersoftbodyagainsthim.“Thatbetter?”
“Yeah.”Jolielaidherheadonhischest,closedhereyes,andrelaxedagainsthim.“Ihavetocomeupwithawholenewplan.Ihavetoshakesometrees,findsomeinvestors—”
“Don’tworryaboutittonight.Whydon’tyoutakeashowerandgetreadyforbed?I’llfindyousomewaterandanaspirinbecauseIthinkyou’regoingtohaveadoozyofahangover.”
“Yousaid‘doozy.’That’sfunny.”Shelaughed.“Youknowyou’rewonderful.”
“Itry.”
“You’regoodateverything.Imeaneverything…”
Nowsheamusedhim.Heathdidn’timagineforamomentthatthisdebaclewasover.Inthemorning,she’dbeonarampagetocombatGardnerifhetriedtodiscredither,ashe’dthreatened.AndtocounterwhatevernastytricksCarringtonQuinnmighthaveuphissleeve.
Fornow,Heathparriedinatonethatmatchedherlightnessofmood.“That’snicetohear.Letmeknowwheneveryouneedareminderofsomeofmymoresingulartalents.”
Hersmileturnedwry.“I’llbetwhenyoucametoworkformeyouneverpicturedcrazycrushes,sisterdrama,lecherousinvestors,oracryingboss.”
“I’mafraidthosearegenerallyoutofmywheelhouse,yes.Butit’sgoodtoknowI’mkeepingup.”
“Youdon’tregretanything?”
Heathknewshemeantthetwoofthem.Joliemustbefeelingoff-balance,indeed,toexposehertenderheartenoughtoaskthatquestion.Shewastoosmartnottorealizehemightsaysomethingterriblycrushing.Itwouldn’tbethefirsttimeshe’denduredverbalcruelty.Yetshesimplykeptshowinghimherbackbone.
“Notonething,”hevowedsoftly.
“Good.”Shecurleduptohimlikeakitten,andHeathhadnoillusionsabouthowoftensheshowedanymanhersoftside.Heunderstoodperfectlywellwhy.
Hecurledhisarmsaroundhertighter.
“Me,either,”sheadded.“Well,IregretlettingmyspermdonorgetundermyskinsothatastupidcocktailconversationIhadwithRichardGardnerafewweeksbackmademedecideworkingwithhimwouldbeagreatidea.AndIregretthatIhurtKaris’sfeelingsbyhavingsexwithyouthefirsttime.I’mprobablyreallygoingtoregretthebottleofwinetomorrow.Butevenifthisendsbadly—youandI—Idon’tthinkIcanregretyou.”
FromJolie,thosewerewordsofaffection.Hewasn’tquitesurewhetherknowingshereciprocatedhisfeelingsshouldmakehimhappyorscarethehelloutofhim.Butlikeeverythingelseaboutthisconnectionwithher,hisheartdecidedforhim.
Heathskatedhisfingertipsdowntheleancurveofhershoulder,thenmadehiswaytoherwaistandglidedoverherhip.“Youreallyshouldsleep,love.”
Shesighedandliftedherheadwithaseekingstare.Shewantedsomethingandhewasn’tquitesurewhat.Affection?Reassurance?
“Sleepwillbenice…eventually.RightnowI’dratheryoutakeyourpantsoffandgetinsideme.”ChapterTen
Ruleforsuccessnumberten:
Sometimesyouhavetotakerisks.
HEATHfrozeandraisedabrowatJolie.Justwhenhethoughthehadthewomanfiguredout,shesurprisedhimagain.
“Takeoffmypantsandgetinsideyou,isit?Thatsoundsabitlikeworkplaceharassment,”heteased.
“Youcansueme.”Sheroseabovehimanddoffedherbra,freeingherbreastsinabouncethatstolehisbreath.Hernipplestightened.Asweetflushwasalreadycreepingupherskin.“Ormakelovetome.”
Beforehecouldanswer,Jolielaidintothebuttonsofhisshirt.Hercoordinationwasn’tclosetoperfectsinceshewasstillabittipsy.Andmaybeheshouldstopher,waitforhertosoberup,andensurethatshewasmakingaresponsibledecision,etcetera.Doingthatwouldbetheworstmistake.Hewouldn’tlamentthelossofsex.Allright,hewould.Buthe’dmournthelossofthismomentwhenherdefensesweredown;whensheachedtobeherraw,honestself;whensheneededhimtoholdher.
“Suingyousoundslikeadreadfulamountofpaperwork.Besides,Ihatelawyers.”HehelpedJoliewiththelastofthebuttonsandpeeledoffhisshirt.“Tooargumentativeandexpensive.”
Shenoddedasshepeeledoffherknickers.“Theynevertellthetruth.Ihadoneonstaff.Hespecializedinhumanresources.Ifiredhim.HewroteBetti’scyberanti-pornpolicies,thenproceededtoviolatetheminspectacularfashion.Afterseeingthatvideohedownloaded,I’dnevereatatthatkitchentableagain.Justeww…”
Thissexy,complexwomansometimesfrustratedhim.Shealwaystiedhimupinknots.Butsheneverboredhim.“Indeed.DoIwanttoknow?”
“No.”Sheshookherheademphatically.“Whywouldpeopledosomethingsodepravedwithpeanutbutterandricottacheese?”
Helaughedandshuckedhispants,droppingthemtothefloor,unabletorememberthelasttimehe’dbeenthishappy.Notgettingby.Notsomewhatcontent.Actuallysublimelythrilledtobealive.
“Ishudderatthethought,”hemurmured.“SoifI’mnotgoingtosueyou,IsupposeI’llsimplyhavetomakelovetoyou.”
“Yeah.”Shesatbesidehim,herhipproppedagainsthis,andleanedoverhischest.“Let’sseeifwecanmakeyoushudderaboutsomethingelse.”
Desirerazedthroughhimasshebentandtookhiscockinhermouth.Shesuckedwithadesperationtobeclosetohim.Shecaressedhisthighs,cuppedhisballs,moanedinappreciation.Sheworshippedhim.
Heathtossedhisheadbackandhissed.Nomaninhisrightminddidn’tloveawarmmouthwrappedaroundhimbutthis…Hegrippedthesheets.JolieQuinnstunnedhim.Itwasn’tthatshegavethebestheadhe’deverhad.Shesimplygavethemostsincere.Annahaddoneittopleasehim.Thehookupswithwhomhe’dbotheredtosharemorethanthestandardscrewhadwantedtodazzlehimwiththeir“skills.”Joliesimplywantedtobewithhim,togivehimapartofherself.Hefeltthedifference.
Andhedoubtedhewouldeverwantanotherrandomwomanagain.
Inthatmoment,hedidn’tcareaboutanythingbutthestunningpleasureshelaidoverhissenses.Hersoftbreathsonhisabdomen,herbutterflytouchesacrosshisskin,thereverenceofhertongue.Hestuckhishandsinherhair,wrappingthesoftstrandsaroundhisfingers,andfellintoherrhythm.
“Jolie,love…”
Shemerelymoaned,thenliftedherlashes,glancinguphisbodyandintohiseyes.Herstareelectrifiedhim.Thenshetookanotherlongpullonhiscock.Sparksshotuphisspine.Hesworehislegshadgonenumb.Certainly,hisbrainhadceasedthinkingaboutanythingbutJolieQuinnandhowrightbeingwithherfelt.
Hertongueswirledaroundhim,somethingbetweenateaseandanembrace.Sheclosedhereyesagainandsankintothemoment.Butheneededherwithhimineveryway.
“No,openyoureyes.Lookatme.”
Fortheveryfirsttime,shedidn’thesitatebeforecomplying.Shewantedthisintimacyasmuchashedid.Andasshedraggedherlipsuphisshaftandkissedthesensitivehead,hisbackarched,hisspinerattled.Wouldheeverbeabletoletthiswomango?
“Stop,”hepanted.
Shelickeduphiserectionagaininasaucylittlerebellion.“Thisfeeltoomuchlikeharassmentintheworkplace?”
Hehadn’tseenhersenseofhumorbeforetonight,andheenjoyedit—justnotwhilehiscockwasonfire.
“No.”Hisvoicesoundedgruff,harsh.“Iwanttobeinsideyou.”
Shestrokedthenerve-richspotjustundertheheadwithhertongueagain.“Youalwayswanttobeinsideme.”
“You’redamnrightIdo.”Hesatupandgrabbedherarms.“Now.”
Joliepushedhimtohisbackoncemore.“ThisismoresexthanI’vehadinyears.You’veturnedmeintoamaniac.”
Heathopenedhismouthtocommentwhenshethrewherlegoverhisbodyandstraddledhim.Asifhisstubborndickhadamindofitsown,hishipslifted.Herootedarounduntilhefoundheropening.Shesmiledandbegansinkingdownontohimwithasigh.
“Condom,”hemanagedtochokeoutthereminder.
“Didyoueverhaverandomhookupsbareback?”
Wasshemad?“Never.”
“Perfect.”Perchedonherknees,Jolieworkedhimdownslowly,savoringeverynewinchherclaspinghotsilkpussyenveloped.“Ineedthis,tobeclosetoyou.”
“Ido,too.”God,didheever.
Hestoppedresistingthisincredibleslideintoheaven.Actually,he’dneverhadsexwithoutacondominhislife.He’dbeenacarefulyouth.Annahadbeenabitofagermophobeandhadbeenunabletotoleratethethoughtofexchangingbodilyfluids.Everyoneelsehehadn’twantedtoreally,trulytouch.
HehadnoideaifJoliewastakingthepillorcouldgetpregnant.Buttheideaofclimaxingdeepinsideher,ofleavingbehindhisseedtotakerootandgrow…Aweekago,thatwouldhavescaredthefuckingpissoutofhim.Nowitmadehisdesireflarehotter.
Ifsheconceived,shecouldn’tsimplytosshimoutofherlife,right?
Slipperymoralslope,mate
“Jolie,areyousure?”
“Hmm…”Shewriggleduphisshaft,thenslidslowlydown,burninghimwithherheat.“Yeah.ProbablythemostcertainI’vebeenaboutanythinginalongtime.Don’tleaveme.”
“Ican’t,”headmitted.
Sheglidedherwayuphiserectionagain,herwallsgrippingandclenching,herwetnessmakingtheridebutteryandsmooth,beforesheputtheforceofherhipsbehindhernextstrokeandslammeddown,jarringthebed,shakinghisbody.Stealinghissoul.
Hegrabbedherhipsandrampeduptherhythmofherthrusts,plungeddeeperandharder,groaningsoloudlythesoundechoedoffthewalls.
Joliebracedherhandsonhischest.“Letme.Letmedothis.Ineedtobeableto…”
Withafrown,shesearchedfortherightwords,butHeathknew.Afteraneveningwherehercarefulplanhadgonetohell,herfuturelookeduncertain,andshemighthavetofacetheghostsofherpast,sheneededtocontrolsomething.
Normally,givinguppowerwouldchafehim.Hewasamanwithdominanttendencies.Helovedacompliantfemalewhomhecouldmakegaspandpantandbeg.Buttonightwasn’tabouthim.Joliehadsoughthimforcomfort,affection.Hewouldbethereforherineveryway.
Heathdroppedhishandtoherthighs.“Whateveryouneed,love.”
“Thankyou,”shewhisperedasshewrithed,tossingherheadbackasshetookhimdeeperthanever.
Shelookedlikeagoddess,allshimmeringandlovely,evenmorebeautifulinpleasure.
“Iwanttotouchyou.”Herequested,buttonighthewouldn’ttake.
“Please.”
Hesettledhisthumboverherclit.“Suchmanners.A‘thankyou’anda‘please’.ShallIrewardyou,then?”
“Absolutely,”shepurred.
“Verygood.”Herubbedather,revelingwhenherbreathcaughtandarosyflushpinkenedherskinevenmore.“Maybeyoucouldbenddownandkissme?”
Theirsharedtendernessseemedtopeelbackanotherlayerofhersoftness,leavingherutterlyexposed.“Idon’tthinkIcanhelpmyself.I’veneverbeenabletowhenitcomestoyou.”
Shepushedherhairbehindhershouldersandleanedin,hergreeneyeswideandraw.Heathwonderedifshewasawareofhersilentplea.Hecuppedoneofhershouldersgentlyandcradledhercheekwithhisotherhand.Herbreathcaught.
Herlipstouchedhisinaslow,searchingbrush.Sheliftedback,staredinquestion.Wassheuncertainofherwelcome?Everyinchofhisachingerectionwaspackedinsideherandheonlywantedmore.Butshewasusedtobeingturnedaway,belittled,andrejected.Sheusuallyhadtoforgeherpathalone.
Neveragain.
Hischestbuckledattherealization.Hecaressedhiswaytohernapeandpulledherforwarduntilhecementedtheirlipstogether.Hetastedwineandwomanandneed—adizzyingcombination.
Beneathher,hepressedup,burrowingdeeperinsideher.Shemoanedintohismouthandheswallowedhercry.Heenjoyedtakingherdefensesdownalittleatatime,lovedtheslowdanceofhersurrender.
Hefellintoarhythm,hipsandtongueworkinginsynctodriveherclosertothebrink.Butthebloodywomanneverdidanythingpassively.Sheneversimplygaveover.No,Joliepinchedhisnipples,whichhewouldhaveswornbeforenowweren’tsensitive,andnibbledathisbottomlip,suckingandteasing,absolutelydrivinghimmad.
Hisneedratchetedup.Passionrose.Soontheyweregraspingeachother,desperatetobecloser.Theypantedinunison,sharedgroansandsighs,astheyrockedtogetheronherbedasifnothingandnooneelseintheworldmattered.
Sheclung,tightenedaroundhim,hernailsbitingintohisshouldersasshekissedbelowhisear,nippedathislobe.
Damnitall,theburnofthedesirewastoohottolast.Ashearchedupbeneathherwithashove,hehitasensitivespotthathadherwhimperingandclaspinghiscockharderuntilshethrewherheadbackwithawailingcryandcame.
God,he’dneverseenanythinglikeher.WhenJoliecommittedtosomething—work,anargument,sex—shediditcompletely.Shedidn’thavepolite,restrainedorgasms.Theyweren’tquiet.Theycertainlyweren’tmanufactured.Everythingshegavehimwashonestandrealandfiery.
Joliedrovehimtothebrink.Hestrainedtoholdontohiscomposure,butasshegrippedhimcompletelyandhermewlsfilledhisears,ashereyesslidshutandhernipplesbeadedinchesfromhisfacewithablushingrush,Heathcouldn’tholdoutanymore.
“Love,areyouusingbirthcontrol?”
“What?”Shekeptwrigglingandthrusting,losttopleasure.“No,but—”
“Shh.”Hefuckedherdeeper,harder,wringingthelastofthesearingclimaxoutofher.Everymuscleofhisbodytensedasheshoveddownecstasyandtriedtoholdback.God,shewasmurderonhisself-control.
Finally,thetensionofherclimaxspent,shelaylimpagainsthimwithasigh.ReliefrolledthroughHeath.Histormentwasover.
Herolledhertoherbackinablink,thensituatedhimselfinthecradleofherthighs.Howbadlyhewantedtostaydeepandreleasehimselfinhersnugdepths.ButJoliehadtoomanyambitionsonherbucketlisttogetpregnantwithoutcarefulconsideration.Thismighthavebeenherideabutshemightnotbereadyfortheconsequencesorsoberenoughtomakethechoice.
Withacurse,Heathwithdrewfromherandglidedhisachingerectionbetweentheirbodies,buckingagainstthepadofherpussyandrubbinghiscockoverhersensitiveclit.Shecriedout,joltedagain,welcominghimwithopenarmsandlegsashefeltfirelickuphisspine,blissrollthroughhim,andthebuildingorgasmcrestjustbeforeitdemolishedhim.
Heshuttledhissurprisingdisappointmentthathecouldn’tbewithJoliecompletelyandtiehertohimforgood.
***
ONCEagain,Heathwokebeforedawn.HehadtoriskleavingasleepingJolieintheirbedtostopbyDominionandpickupafewofhisthings,butheadvisedCutterandmadeitquick.WhenhelethimselfbackinJolie’splace,thequiettoldhimshehadn’tawakened.Thatlefthimalonewithhisthoughts.
Yesterdaymorning,he’dcontemplatedcallingMylesandaskingthemanhowhe’dmovedonaftertragedyhadrippedhislifeapart.Todayhedidn’tthinkhecouldwaitanymore.
OfcourseAnnawouldhavewantedhimtobehappy.She’dbeenselflessinnearlyeveryway.Kindtoafault.Happywithfriendsandhobbiesandapart-timejobtendingplantsatanursery.Intheevenings,shelikedcuddlingonthesofawithacupofteaandthetelly.Ithadbeenacomfortablelife,andhe’denjoyedhistimewithher.He’dmournedherlossandtriedtopickupthepieceswhilemakingsenseofitall.
Hestilldidn’tunderstandwhyhisworldhadcomecrashingdown.
Whathedidknow…Jolieshouldbehisfuture,andhehadtofigureouthowtomoveforwardwithoutthenaggingfearoflosingherplaguinghim.He’davoidedrelationshipsbecausetheycouldendsuddenlyandviolently,throughnofaultofeitherparty.Thepainanddevastationwouldbetoomuchtobearasecondtime.
ButwalkingawayfromJoliewasnolongeranoption.
Withouthesitatingordeliberating,hepickedupthephoneandhitthepreprogrammednumberhehadn’tdialedinyears.Mylesansweredonthesecondring.
“Heath?Isthatreallyyou?”
“Itis.”Andnowhefeltalmostembarrassedthathehadn’tstayedintouch.MyleshadtriedforatimebutultimatelygivenupwhenHeathhadnotrespondedinkind.“Howareyou,oldfriend?”
“I’mwell.Verywell.Surprisedtohearfromyou!Pleasantly,mindyou…”
“Good.Ihearyou’restillworkinganddoingabang-upjobofit.Iwassorrytohearthatyouwereshotafewyearsback.Butyou’vebeenpromotedrecently?”
“Yes.Iwon’taskhowyouknowallthat,”hesoundedamused.“Youwerealwaysslyaboutyourinformantsbackintheday.”
“Afewstilltalk.”Butmaybetragedymighthavebeenavoidedifhe’dhadabetternetworkwhenitcounted.
“Indeed.Well,adeskisn’tallthatexcitingbut,asyou’veprobablyheard,I’mremarriednow.Camilleisawonderfulwoman,originallyfromDover.Wemetatapub,I’msadtosay.Butwe’vebeenmarriednearlyayearnowandwe’reexpecting.”
ThecheerinMyles’svoicemadeHeath’schesttighten.“Ididhear.Congratulations!That’sactuallywhyIcalled.Iknowit’sratherpoormannersformetoringyououtofthebluelikethis,inthemiddleofyourweekend,andaskyoutogivemesomeadviceonhowtocarryonwithlifeagain.But…”
“You’vemetsomeone?”
“Ihave.She’samazing.I’veneverknownanyoneaspassionateaboutherworkorsmartordeterminedtosucceed.”
“Itakeityou’renotreferringtoMs.MullinssinceIhearshe’sengagedtothatformersoldierwhorescuedher.”
“Yes.WhomevermakesMysteryhappyisthemansheshouldmarry,anditseemsthat’sAxelDillon.Soall’swellthatendswell.”
“Exceptforyou.Areyouuncertainabouttheladyyou’vemet?”
“I’verarelybeenmorecertainaboutanythingoranyone.Iwassosmug,believingI’dneverfall…”Heathstoppedbeforehesaidthenextinevitablewords.
“Inloveagain?”Mylesprompted,pluckingthewordsfromHeath’sverythoughts.
God,thatwasitexactly.How?He’dmetJolieamerehandfulofdaysago.
ButHeathwasdonequestioningit.
“Somethinglikethat.Howdidyouletgoofyourgriefandfearandtryagain?”
“You’vegottodecideyou’dratherriskyourheartthanchancebeingthesadsackwhospendseverynightinsomeseedypub,lookingforagirltoshagsoyoucanforgethowbloodylonelyyouare.”
Hisoldmatewassoclosetothetruthithurt.“That’sit?”
“I’mafraidso.Noelixir.Nomantra.Nospecialaffirmation.Thetherapywasshit,anutterwasteoftime.IhadtofigureouthowtobesingleagainandhowtolivehappilywithoutLucy.Neitheroneofuswereverygoodcompanyafteritallhappened,andIknowyou’vegonethroughhellwithoutAnna.Butatsomepoint,IsimplydecidedIwantedtoliveagain.Ididn’twanttodoitalone.Itsoundsasifyou’rethere.”
“Ithinkso.ItwouldbeeasierifweknewwhoorderedAnnaandLucy’sdeathsandwhy,ifwehadavengedthemsomehow,bashedskulls,orputthemastermindsawayforgood—something.Everyday,I’mhauntedbytheideathatmywifediedandIdidn’tmaketheproperpeoplepay.”
“Iwon’taskifyouhadanythingtodowiththedeathsofthetriggermanandhisaccomplices.”Mylessighed.“Thatsenseofdevastationandlossgivesyousomeempathyforthefamiliesofvictims,doesn’tit?I’vebeenoverandoverthatdayinmyhead,too,mate.Thetruthis,weweregoodatourjobsbutthatdidn’tmakeusomnipotent.Wecouldn’tknoweverything.Terroristsandthugsattackallaroundtheworld.Civiliansdie.Imissthegoodolddayswhensoldierskeptthebattletothefieldsbut…”Hesighed.“AfterLucywasgone,itwasawful.Thedarkestdaysofmylife.IwashauntedbythechildI’dnevermeet,whoneverknewlifebecausesomemaniacwithasniperrifleandayenforexplosivesdecidedtoblowupamarketplaceasacriminalorpoliticalstatementhenevertookresponsibilityfor.ButIrealizedtheangerandthesorrowdidn’tmakeanythingbetteranditdidn’tbringanyoneback.You’vegrieved.Nowit’stimetoliveagain.”
HeathsuspectedMyleswasspot-on.Itsoundedsoeasy,andyetmakingthedecisionwasinfinitelysimplerthanputtinghisresolveintopractice.Still,hedidn’tthinkhecouldgobacktobeingthatnumbcadcarelesslyplowinghiswaythroughthesingles’barscenetoavoidthefactthathe’dbecomealonelywidower.
“You’vegivenmealottothinkabout.Thanks,mate.Iknowit’sbeenalongtimeandyoucouldhavetoldmetopissoff—”
“Areyoujoking?IwasjusttellingCamillethatIwantedtoringyouandfindouthowyouweredoing.Soyou’reinDallasnow?Ihearyou’reworkingforagorgeousclothingdesigner.Isthatwhoyou’reromancing?”
“I’vehadthisjoblessthanaweek.Iwon’taskhowyoulearnedaboutitalready.”Heathchuckled,feelingtrulylightforthefirsttimeinyears.
“Bestifyoudon’t,”hedrawled.“Seriously,keepintouch.Letmeknowhowyou’redoing.Thecaringagain…it’sabitoverwhelming,butworthit.Callmeanytimeyouneedtochat.”
That’swhatHeathhadalwaysappreciatedaboutMyles;he’dbeenagenuinefriend.“Thanks,mate.”
Theyrangoff,andhestaredatthedeviceamomentmore.He’dbeenrollinganideaaroundinhisheadsincetheweehoursofthemorning,whenhewascurledupbesideJolieasshe’dsleptrestlessly.
Inforapenny,inforapound
Hescrolledthroughhiscontactsagainandfoundhisbrother-in-law’smobilenumber.Heath’sonlysisterhadmarriedsomefinancialwizard.JanehadconvincedhimtoturntheinheritanceAnna’swealthyparentshadleftherandthelifeinsurancemoneyhereceivedfollowingherdeathovertoJane’shusband.Becausethemoneyhadalmostseemedtaintedbybloodtohim,Heathhaddoneit,notcaringwhetherhesawitagain.Butthelaststatementhe’dreceivedviae-mailtoldhimithadgrowntoanamountthatstaggeredhim.Clarkehadworkedwonders,despiteglobalfinancialuncertainty.
Heathhitthecontactbuttononhisphoneandhissister’shusbandanswered,thesoundsofplayingchildreninthebackground.Theyseemedhappy,andhewascertainlygladforJane.Buttheirdomesticblisshadalwaysdisturbedhim.Todayheknewitwasbecausehehadn’texperiencedthatforhimself.
AftersomechitchatandlearningthathissisterwascurrentlyplayingBunco—whichClarkereferredtoasDrunko—withsomeneighbors,Heathrealizedhe’dbestgettoitbeforetheirthreerambunctiouskidstiedtheirdadtoachairandsetthehouseonfire—orsomethingequallydisastrous.
“I’mactuallycallinginaprofessionalcapacity,Clarke.Ineedyourhelp.”Heathrubbedathisforehead,cautionsettingin.Hisnextstepwastherightone,buthehadtodoitcarefully.“HowquicklycanIliquidatemymoney?”
“Allofit?Anddowhat?”Hisbrother-in-lawsoundedhorrified.“That’syourfuture.Yournestegg,mindyou.Youcan’tstillspyorprotectpeopleoranythingquitesostrenuousforanotherthirtyyears.You’llneedthistoretireon.”
Itwasmuchmorethanhe’deverneed,especiallysincehecouldn’tpicturehimselflyingonatropicalbeachsomewherebyhimself.Withoutafuture—withoutJolie—whatdidvacationsorhousesorworldlythingsmean?“I’vegotaninvestmentopportunity.”
“Sendmethedetails.Letmevetit.I’llmakesureeverythingisontheupandup—”
“I’vealreadydoneallthat.It’scompletelylegitimate.Thiscompanyispoisedtomakeafortune.”Andevenifheneversawadimeofthemoneyagain,hewouldn’tcare.
HeathonlywantedtomakeJolieQuinnhappy.
Nodoubt,hewasinlove.
“ThenI’dlikemoredetailsto—”
“There’snotime,andIdon’tneedtoexplain,Clarke.It’smymoney,yes?”
“Ofcourse,”Clarkeconcededwithasighasifitpainedhimtoadmitthatnow.“Butit’sgrowingsonicely.Ihaveyoupositionedforsomeincredibleprofitsbysecondquarterofnextyear.ThereareproceduresIhavetofollow.Therearepenaltiesyou’llbeforcedtopay.”
“Idon’tcare.ConvertwhateverIhaveintoU.S.dollarsandhaveitreadynextweek.”
“Nextweek!”Clarkesoundedaghast.“Idon’tunderstand.Thisisn’tdone.Doyouneedhelp?Hassomethinghappened?”
Nowhisbrother-in-lawsoundedconcerned.HewouldconveythattoJane.Heathtookadeepbreathandremindedhimselfthat,toClarke,allthisshufflingoffundsmightaswellbelifeordeath.“I’mfine.IreallydidfindacompanyI’dliketoinvestin.Butthere’sonecatch.You’llhavetocreateadummycorporationbeforeyoucontacttheCEO.Makeuparetirementfund.Dowhateveryoumusttoensureshedoesn’tknowI’mtheoneinvestinginherbusiness.”
HeathwouldtellJoliethetrutheventually,whenshewasreadytohearit.Untilthen,hewouldbehercompletelysilentpartner.Sheneededsomeonetobelieveinher,andheabsolutelydid.
“Whynot?”NowClarkesoundedpositivelyconfused.“Thisisallhighlyunusual,andI’muncertainoftheethics…”
Heathstoppedlistening.Joliewouldn’twantanyinvestmentfromhim.Shewouldprobablyassumehepitiedher—difficult,contrarywoman—andrefusehis“handout.”Shewouldtakecapitalfromamaleinvestorshehadchosenandvetted,aslongashewascontractuallyobligatedtostaysilent.ButJoliehadn’tchosenhimasabusinesspartner.Herpridewouldlikelyspurhertorefusehisoffer,eventhoughhesoughttofundhersimplybecauseheknewshecouldsucceed.Bloodywomanwasdeterminedtoconquertheworldonherterms,tospiteherheartlessprickofafather.Heathdidn’twanthertodoubtherselfforaninstant;hejustwantedtoenableherdream.
Damnit,thatwasn’tallhewanted.“I’mgoingtomarryher.”
Clarkedidn’tsayanythingforamoment,simplysatinstunnedsilence.“You?Marryagain?”
Heathhadtochuckle.“Neverthoughtyou’dseetheday,didyou?Mysisterwillbeecstatic.”
“Besideherself,”hisbrother-in-lawagreed.“Andyourparents…”
Theywouldbethrilled,yes.AndtheywouldallloveJolie.
Heexplainedthesituationwithherbusinesstohisbrother-in-law.“Sothat’swhyIneedyourhelp.”
“Consideritdone.”ChapterEleven
Ruleforsuccessnumbereleven:
Paceyourself.Youcan’tworknonstop.
I’MreallysorryGardnerdidn’tworkout,”Karissaidthefollowingmorningoverthephone.
Joliewincedagainstthesunlightglaringthroughthewindowandturnedoverinbed.Damn,herheadhurtandhermouthfeltasifsomethingfuzzyhadtakenrootandgrown.Ithadtobewaypastnineinthemorning,andforawomanusuallyworkingbythetimethesunrose,thisfeltdownrightlazy.Shecouldn’tdecideifshe’dsimplyneededthesplurgeorwasbeginningthedescentintomediocrity
“Heathtriedtowarnme.Ididn’twanttobelieveRichardwouldwastemytimeandhisfornothingmorethanaglorifiedbootycall.”
“Hewasliterallywillingtopayyoumillionsofdollarsforwhat’sinyourpanties.Wow.That’skindofabackhandedcompliment.”
Joliescoffed.“Iwouldratherhavehadaseriousinvestor.”
“Nodoubtbutatleastsomeonewantsyourpinkparts.Ican’tseemtogivemineawaythesedays.”
“Don’ttellmeyoutriedtogetbusywithyournewbodyguard.”Surely,HeathhadwarnedCutterabouthersister’spropensitytobemancrazy.Still,JoliehopedKariswouldstoplookingforherhappinessinthemenshemetandstartlookinginsideherself.
“Oh,godno.He’s…likeOscartheGrouchinahotdude’sbody.Thepackagingmightbegood.Okay,reallyfantastic.ButI’vehadbetterconversationswithmycat.”
Joliehadtolaughatthat.Thankfully,Karishadmovedbeyondthesuperficialattractivenessofthemenaroundherinawayhermotherneverhad.DianaGalealwayswentforthemostmasculine,charismaticguyintheroom,asifsnagginghisattentiondidsomethingforherego.ItwasastepforwardforKaris,butJoliewasrelievedthathersisteratleastrealizedthatshehadtolikethemanshe’dspendtherestofherlife—oratleastthenextfewyears—with.
“Besides,Ithinkhe’sgotsomewomaninhislife.Anditsoundslikethere’sdrama,drama,drama.I’mokaythathe’snotinterested.”Karispaused.“DidIshockyou?”
“Alittle.”
“Good.”Hersistergiggled.“Sowhatareyougoingtodonext?Yourdaysarenumbereduntilyourasshatofabiologicalfathercomesknocking,right?”
Jolie’sstomachtightenedwithworry.“Yeah.Ihavetocomeupwithsomethingandgetanewballrollingquick.I’mjustgoingtolockmyselfawaywithapotofcoffeeandmylaptop—”
“No,you’renot,”Heathsaidasheenteredtheroomwithacoveredplateandasteamingcuponatray.“You’regoingtorelaxandrejuvenateforthenexttwodays.”
Sheturnedtoscowlathimasifhe’dlosthismind.Whatwasheupto?“Ihavetogo,sis.Takecare.”
“Sure.BeforeIforget,Igotanother‘gift’frommyweirdofficeadmireryesterdayafternoon,afteryou’dgone.Heleftmeagiftbagwithmyfavoritecandle,YankeeChristmasCookie.It’sasifheknewI’djustusedupmylastoneandanotherwouldmakemesmile.”
Joliewasn’tsurewhattomakeofKaris’ssecretadmirer,butitworriedhermorethanalittlethatheseemedtounderstandhersistersowellwhentheyhadnoideawhohewas.“Anycard?”
“Yeah.Getthis.BurnthisformelikeIburnforyou.I’llscorchanyonewhotriestostandbetweenus.”
“He’snotverypoetic.”
“He’snot,”Karisagreed.“Butit’salmostsweet.”
“Inacreepysortofway.”Joliepaused.
“Iknowbutmygutsayshe’snotdangerousoranything.Okay,youprobablythinkthatsoundslikeanexcuseMomwouldmake,buthe’sthefirstguyinmylifewho’spaidanyattentiontomylikesanddislikesthiscarefully.That’sgottomeansomething.”
“Yeah,thathe’sastalker.KK,he’sprettymuchthreatenedme.”
Karissighed.“Iknowitsoundsthatwayanditbugsme,too,butIhavetobelievethatifhehadmenaceonhismindhewouldn’tbecapableofsuchsweetgestures.”
“ThatdefinitelysoundslikesomethingMomwouldsay.”
Suddenly,Heathsetthetrayonherdresser,thenpluckedthephonefromherhandsandengagedthespeaker.“Areyouallright?”
“Fine.It’sacandle,notabomb.”
Heathdidn’tlookconvinced.“Cutterisstillwithyou?”
“Closerthanmyshadow.”AndKarisdidn’tsoundtoohappy.
“Havehimlookintoyourlatest‘gift’andtellhimtocallme.”
“Willdo.Y’allneverletmehaveanyfun,”shegrumbled.
ThatfinagledalaughfromJolie.“Seeyoulater.”
AsHeathsetthephoneonhernightstand,heretrievedthetrayandbidhertoreclineagainsttheheadboard.ThesightstunnedJolie.“Breakfastinbed?”
Hesetthetrayoverherlap.“You’vebeenburningyourcandleatbothendsallweek,noteatingorsleepingenough.”
Andhewantedtotakecareofher.Noonehadeverdoneanythinghalfsothoughtful.Tearsclosedupherthroatandshetriedtojokethefeelingaway.“Thenotsleepingpartisyourfault.Ithoughtguyspushingfortyweresupposedtohavealessactivesexdrive.”
Heathscoffed.“I’venoideawhereyouheardthatrubbish.”
“Don’tknow.I’mnotcomplaining.”
“Gladtohearit.Eat.Onceyou’redone,I’mgoingtodrawyouahotbath.You’regoingtorelax,thenwe’regoingtositonthecouchandwatchmoviesorreadorwhateverwilltakeyourstressdownmanynotches.”
“I’mfine,”sheinsisted,liftingthelidonherplate.“Frenchtoastandbacon!Mmm…”Shedugintoherbreakfastwithamoan.Everythingtastedfantastic.“Oneofmyfavorites.You’respoilingme.”
Andwhywouldhedothat?
“Ipreferthewordpamper,andyoudeserveitaftertheweekyou’vehad.”
Joliefinishedeverybite,findingthat,despitethedisasterherbusinesswasnowin,shehadbeenfamished.Whenshesetherforkdownontheemptyplate,shelookedathimwithasigh.“Ifthisbodyguardingthingdoesn’tworkoutforyou,Icouldmakeyoumypersonalchefandsexslave.”
Heathlookedasifhedidn’twanttosmilebutcouldn’tstophimself.“Thesexslavepartsoundsveryintriguing.”
Heloweredhispalmsandonekneeontothemattressuntilheloomedoverher,hisfaceinchesabovehers.Hekissedhergently,withareverencethatmadehercatchherbreath,beforehebrushedhislipsacrossherjawlineandmeandereduptoherear.
WhenJolieshivered,Heathnippedatherlobe.“Veryintriguing,indeed.We’llexplorethat.”Hepulledawayandliftedhertoherfeet.“Afteryourbath.”
“Ionlyshower.”
Heglowered.“Mymotherswearsbyagoodsoakforrelaxationandrestorativepurposes.Tryit.”
“I’llrelaxonceI’mworkingonanewplantosavemybusiness.Breakfastwasreallyfantasticandsleepinginhelped—”
“Couldyouhumorme,love?”Heshookhisheadwithahintofexasperation.“Couldyoubelessindependentandstubbornfortwentybloodyminutes?”
Hergo-go-gowayoflifeseeminglyworriedhim.Hewouldn’tbotherifhedidn’tcare.Joliehadonlypatchyrecollectionsoflastnight.She’dtoldhimaboutherfather.He’dbeensupportiveashell.Afterward,she’dallbutrubbedupagainstthemanlikeshewasinheat.Throughitall,hehadremaineddeeplyaccommodating.Beingwithherprobablywasn’teasy.ButHeathtookeverythingshethrewathimwithashrugandmorestepsdownhisdoggedlycorrectpathinlife.Hedidn’tlethermoods,herambitions,orherpastbotherhim.
Hewaskindofperfectforher.Crap,wassheinlovewithhim?
“Allright.I’lltryit,”sheconceded.“Thanksforbreakfast.”
Heathseemedpleasantlysurprisedbyhercompromiseasheliftedthetrayfromherlap.“You’rewelcome.Meetmeinyourbathroom.”
Ashereturnedthetraytothekitchen,shetossedonherrobeandpaddedtoherlittlespa-likeretreat.Shehadn’tsplurgedalotondecoratingthisplacebutshelovedherbathroom.Thequartzcounters,theteakfloor,thegrayShakercabinets,andthesoothingshadesofsoftaquawalls.
Afterbrushingherteethandpinningherhairontopofherhead,shestartedthebathwater.Inbooksandmovies,peoplealwaysaddedsaltsoroils—something—tothetub.She’dneverbothered,seeingitasanexpensivesplurgewhenshewasacollegestudentandasillytimewasternowthatshe’dbecomeabusinessowner.Andwhowantedtositintheirowndirtywater?
Heathhustledinamomentlater,carryingacandlehe’dfoundinherlivingroomandavialofsomeliquid,whichheaddedtothesteamingtub.Itsmelleddivine.
Helitthecandle,testedthetemperatureofthewater,thenheldouthishandinherdirection.“Getin.”
Joliedoffedherrobeandsteppedintothetub.“Thanks.Whatisthat?”
“Ahomemaderecipemymothermixesandsendstome.It’scarrieroilcombinedwithbitsofsandalwood,rose,orange,pine,andlemon.It’sforrelaxation.”Heturnedabitred.“Shealsosendsmeoneforhappiness.Mymotherbelievesthatalonghotbathwiththerightoilswillsolvewhateverailsyourmood.”
“Isee.Shewouldn’tsendyouthisstuffifyoudidn’tlikeit,wouldshe?”
Hisflushdeepened.“Igrewupwithit.Thesesmellsremindmeofhome.So…yes.Sometimes,ifI’minaflatwithadecenttub,Iclimbin.Doesthatmakemelessmanly?”
Hischallengingtonehadhergrinningasshesankintothewater.Itfeltprettydamnheavenly.“Notatall.Yousoundevolved.Neanderthaltwodotoh.”
“Charming.”Heturnedoffthelights,thendisappeared.Aminutelater,hereturnedwithaloofahandamisshapenbarofscentedsoap.“Mymothermakestheseaswell.”
Ratherthanhandthemtoher,hekneltclose,thecandlelightflickeringoverthestronganglesofhisface.Hedippedbothitemsinthewater,thenproceededtobatheherfromheadtotoe.Atfirst,Joliecouldn’tseemtorelax.Whatdidhesee?Whywashetakingsuchmeticulouscareofher?
Asthegentlecleansingturnedintoamind-meltingmassageofhertensemuscles,thosenaggingquestionsdissolved.Twolargeronestooktheirplace.Hadhermothereverhadamantreathersotenderly,causinghertobelievethatshewasinlove?AndwhatwouldJoliedowhenshenolongerneededHeathforsecurityreasonsandhewalkedoutofherlife?
Forthefirsttimeever,theideaoflettingamangoactuallyfilledherwithpanic.
“Hey,”hesoothed.“Relax.Yourprescribedtwentyminutesofsoakingaren’tupyet.”
Shelaybackandlethimresumehisministrations.Yep,sheverymuchfearedthiswaslove,andshewasfinallybeginningtounderstandwhypeoplesearchedendlesslyforit,wenttogreatlengthstoprotectit,werewillingtokillanddieforit.
“Iknowyoucalleditpamperingbutyoureallyarespoilingme,”shemurmured,eyesclosed.“WhatcanIdotoreturnthefavor?”
“Mydemandsareallsexual,ofcourse.”
Shesmiled.“Naturally.Sowhatdoyouwant?ShouldIplaythebralesssororitysisterwhosecarisbrokendownandwilldoanythingtopersuadeastranger—that’syou—tohelp?”
“Whilethatmighthaveinterestedmetwentyyearsago…”Hegrimaced.“I’mafraidthatwon’tdonow.”
“Gladtohearit.Sowhatdoyouwant?”
“Later.Stoptalking.Youhavefourteenminutesleft.”
“You’rebossy.”
“Doyouthinkso?AndhereIthoughtI’dbeenonmybestbehavior.Damnitall.”
Shechuckled.“Howisitthatyounevermarriedagain?”
BecausefromwhatJoliecouldsee,Annamusthavebeenanextremelyhappywoman.Heathwasverygoodnotjustatcaringforawoman’swell-beingbutmakingherfeelutterlyadored.
Hedidn’tansweratfirst.Alongmomentwentby,andJoliebegantoworryshe’dpickedthewrongtopic.
“I…”Hesighed.“Icouldn’t—”
Beforehecouldsaymore,hisphonerangathisside.Heathstoodanddriedhishands,thenansweredhismobile.“Powell.”
Hemotionedhertowaitthereandwalkedoutofthebathroom.Joliesoakedforlongminutes,lettingherselfrevelinthescents,thesteam,theutterfeelingofneedingtobenowhereandbeingrequiredtodonothing.Nowsheunderstoodthevalueofagoodbath.
Withherheadproppedontheedgeofthetub,shedozedforalongminute,thoughtsofHeathswirlinginherhead.Hehadbeenunabletoremarry.Sheunderstoodthatnow.Hemusthavelovedhislatewifeverymuch.
Maybehe’dneverloveanyoneelse.
ThethoughthadherfrowningasHeathreturnedtotheroom.
“Cutterislookingintothemysteriousgiftsyoursisterhasreceived.Hedoesn’tlikethem,either.Particularlythelatest.Howcouldhepossiblyknowwe’vehadsomanyotherissuesthatIhaven’tyetfinishedtheofficesecurity?”
“Goodquestion.SowhatshouldwedotofigureoutCreepyMcStalker’sidentityandgetridofhim?”
“Yoursistermustknowmorethanshe’slettingon.CutterplanstogrillKaristhisweekend.”
“Thatwon’tgooverwell,”Joliewarned.
“He’saprofessional.He’llgettothebottomofit.Inthemeantime,he’llkeephersafesoyoudon’thavetoworry.”
Sheappreciatedthat.Butshe’dfeelmuchbetteroncethey’dsolvedthisriddle.“Aremytwentyminutesup?”
“Notyet.Closeyoureyes.”
Withasigh,shedidashe’ddemanded.Thelittleprotestwasmostlyforshow.Shehadn’trelaxedinyearsandwasactuallyenjoyingit.Butshecouldn’tlethimthinkhewasrightthateasily.
Joliewasabouttodriftoffwhensheheardthesoundofshatteringglassfollowedbyaloudthumpcomingfromthefrontofhercondo.
NoonewashereexceptherandHeath.
Shegaspedandsatup,onlytofindhimtenseandalert.“Whatwasthat?”
***
INSTANTLY,Heathwentcold,focused.Hegrabbedatowelandtosseditontheedgeofthecounter.“Getupslowly.Keepthesloshingwatertoaminimum.Getdressed.Staybackhere.”
“Youthinksomeone’sbrokenin?”shewhispered.
Itwasadistinctpossibility,andhedidn’twanttofrightenher.
“Callthepolice.”Heheadedoutthebathroomdoor.
“Becareful,”shecalledinabreathy,shakingvoice.
“Always.”
Hedrewhisweaponfromhisholster,headedintoherbedroom,andfounditclear.Thenhecrouchedandturneddownthehall.Thenarrowwalkwayrannearlythewholelengthoftheunit.Fromhere,hecouldseethehallbathandhomeofficedoorsclosedoneitherside.Thefamilyroomstraightaheadlookedalmosttoostill.
Hecreptfarthertowardthefrontofthecondo,andthekitchencameintoview.Thepanshe’dusedtocookbreakfastwerestillscatteredaroundthestoveandcounters.He’dleftthebutterout.Afewshardsofglasspepperedthefloor,refractingsunlightfromthesurroundingwindows.Thoseshimmeringbitshadn’tbeentherebefore.Heathpressedforward.Thehairatthebackofhisneckstoodup.
Adisturbancetohisleftdrewhimtowardthefrontofthecondo.WhenHeathreachedthekitchen,crouchingandtakingcoverbehindaponywall,hepeekedoverandaroundthecorner.Glasslayeverywhere,litteringthearearug,theformaldiningtable,itsleatherchairs.Shardsglintedinthelightastheypokedupfromthematinfrontofthedoor.
Heathtookstockofallthewindowsintheroomandfoundtheculprit.Onetohisrighthadbeenshattered,probablybyaprojectile,basedonthesplatteroftheglass.Anaccident?Aneighborhoodkidwithaball?
Hehadn’tnoticedmanychildreninthiscomplexseeminglydevotedtosingle,career-mindedadults.
Thenhecaughtsightofarockhalfunderthetable.Herushedover,gladhestillworehisboots.Hadsomeonepulledaprank?Didtheneighborhoodhaveanunexpectedvandalelement?
Determinedtofindtheanswer,heflippedtherockoverwiththetoeofhisboot.Inredletters,thewordBITCHcoveredtheotherside.
Hisbloodturnedtoice.Thiswasn’tapoorjokeoralocalstreetthug.SomeoneknewwhereJolieworked—andnowwhereshelived—andhehadangerandanagenda.
Footstepsechoedbehindhim.Heathwhirled,gunpoised,heartpounding.Jolie,wearingapairofhastilydonnedyogapantsandasweatshirt,gaspedandfroze.
“Thepolicewillbehereinlessthanfive.What’sgoingon?”
“Someoneseemsdeterminedtomakeapointthatthey’dpreferyouhurtordead.Iwon’thaveyouindanger.Packabag.Wecan’tsayhereanylonger.”
“Wherearewegoing?”
Heathwasrelievedshehadn’targuedbutsheaskedaviablequestion.Heknewfewplacesintownthatweretrulysecure.Theonehecouldthinkofmadehimsigh.“I’llneedtomakesomephonecallsfromthecar,thenI’llhaveananswer.”
“I’llstartthrowingmystuffinasuitcase.”
Shewastoosmarttoargueaboutstayinghere,andHeathappreciatedheralloveragain.
“BythetimeI’mdonewiththepolice,bereadytogo.”
Itdidn’ttakelongforthecopstodecidethattherockwasn’tmenacing,justlikelysomeprankfromakidinthecomplex.Heathmentionedthebreak-inatJolie’sofficebuttheofficerwrotehimoff.Theexhaustedcopdoubtedthosetwoincidents,whileunfortunate,wererelated.Heath’sgutsaidotherwisebutbelaboringthepointwouldgethimnowhere.
Andhewasstillminusasuspect.
Afterlastnight,HeathmighthavesuspectedGardnerofretaliatingagainstJolieforrefusingtoputout.Butnotonlydidvandalismseemchildishforamanofhisageandsocialstanding,afterthesplitpeasoupHeathdoubtedGardnerwasinmuchshapetothreatenanyone.Theman’ssisterhadtextedJolieearlythismorningtoapologizeprofuselyforherbrother’sbehavior.Andapparently,Gardnerhadgonetothehospitalforminorburnsinsomeverysensitiveareas.Nowhewaslaidup,loopyonpainkillers.
Heathwasmorethanabithappy.Butthatlefthimwithaproblem.IfRichardwasn’tabletovandalizeherapartment,whohad?
“Thatcopisanidiot,”Jolieremarkedastheyshutthedoorbehindtheuniformedofficer.
“Ithinksomewherebetweenlazyandlackingimaginationwouldbeamoreaptdescription.ButIunderstand.Atfirstglance,thesetwocrimesdon’tseemrelatedatall.Differentlocation,differentM.O.Itcouldlooklikeastringofbadluck.”
“Untilthispastweek,I’veneverhadanyoccasiontocallthepolice.Myonlybrushwiththemhasbeenaspeedingticket.”
Heathgrunted.Nosenseinstayingheretodiscussthispotentialthreat.Theyonlymadethemselveseasiertargetsforwhatevermightcomenext.“Let’sgo.”
Aftergatheringthefewthingshe’dbroughtinaduffelbag,theydrewtheblinds,patchedupthebrokenwindowwithadiscardedcardboardboxandsomeheavy-dutystrappingtape,lockedup,andheadedout.AssoonasJoliebackedoutofherparkingspot,Heathgottoworkonhismobile.
Seanansweredafterthethirdring.“Can’treallytalk.I’matthehospital.Calliehasgoneintolaborforreal.”
AndthelastthingThorpeandSeanneedednowwasforthemtoparkdangerinsideDominion,theirclub.Besides,whileJoliehadbeenreceptivetohimtyingtheiranklestogetherforsleep,hedidn’tseeheracceptingmedicaltables,ponytailanalplugs,orwhippingpostsquitesoeasily.
“Ineedasafehouse.Jolie’splacehasbeencompromised.Anyideas?”
Afteralongpauseandsomeshufflingofthephone,Seanreturnedtotheline.“Yeah,Axelisoutofthecountry,andThorpehasthekeystohisplace.It’squiet,outoftheway.Itshouldhaveallthecreaturecomforts.Swingbyheretopickupthekeys.”
HeathmemorizedtheaddressSeanrattledoff.“We’llbethereassoonaswecan.”
“We’llprobablystillbewaitingforthisbaby.It’sbeenalongfewhoursalready.”
Heathfrowned.“IsCallieallright?”
“IfcursingThorpeandmethencryingallinthesametenminutesisnormal,thenshe’sperfect.”
Hehadnoclue.“Goodluck,mate.”
Thesecondhehungup,Jolieturnedtohimwithafrown.“What’swrongwithCallie?”Asshepulleduptoaredlight,shedugintoherpurseandpulledoutherphone.“Damnit,shetextedmefortyminutesagotosayshewasinlabor.Wehavetogo.”
Joliesentbackaquickreply,thentookoffwhenthelightturnedgreen.
“I’llberunningintopickupakey,thenwe’releavingthehospital.”
Beforehe’devenfinishedspeaking,Joliewasshakingherhead.“No,we’renot.IwanttobethereforCallie.Shehasnootherfamilyandshe’soneofmyfewfemalefriends.MostotherwomencallmeabitchbecauseI’massertiveandIdon’twearmyinsecuritiesonmysleeve.Ipromisedher.Iwon’tletherdown.”
“Dangercouldbefollowingyou.”
“I’llbeinawell-monitoredfacilitywherenothingwillhappen.I’mgoingtosupportmyfriend,holdherhandifsheneeds.”Shepressedherlipstogethermulishly.
Heathcursedunderhisbreath.Hesupposedheshouldbemadashellthatshedidn’twanttodoashedemandedforthesakeofhersafety.Buthelikedherloyalstreak.Itseemednearlyaslongasherstubbornstreak.Hedidn’trelishtheideaofhavingtobeconstantlyvigilantinpublicbutthatwaspartofbeingabodyguard.Hedidn’tloveherchoicebutheunderstoodandrespectedit.
“Allright,then.Butyou’lldowhatIsay,whenIsay,withoutquestion.Itcouldbethedifferencebetweenlifeanddeath.AmIclear?”
“Ofcourse.”
Minuteslater,theypulledupinfrontofthehospital.Joliehadbarelykilledtheenginebeforeshevaultedout,grabbedherpurse,anddashedtothematernityward.Heathhadtosprinttokeepup.
Oncetheyreachedthewaitingroom,hespottedThorpeandSeanpacing.
Jolieskiddedtoastopinfrontofthem.“Howisshe?What’sgoingon?Willtheyletyoubackwithher?Isthereaproblem?”
Seanturned,facegentle.“No.Shesentusoutheretofindyouandbringyoutoherroom.”
“Areyoucertainyouwanttodothat?”HeathlookedatSeanpointedly.“SomeonehasJolieontheirradar.”Hesummarizedtheincidentsthathadtakenplaceoverthepastfewdays.
“Noneofthatislifethreatening.Trustme,man.It’sinourbestinteresttokeepourpregnantwifehappy.”
“Orshe’llneverletuscomenearheragain.”Thorperolledhiseyeswithanindulgentsmile.
“Thankyou.Iwanttoseeher,”Jolieinsisted.
Heathshrugged.Lookedasifemotionwastrumpinglogictoday.“Leadtheway…”
***
WHENtheyreachedthebirthingsuite,JoliedartedaroundSeanandThorpetoCallie’sside.“Hi.Howareyoudoing?”
“I’muncomfortableandscaredashell.ButI’msoreadytoholdmybaby.”Somehow,evenwithherfacescrubbedcleanandlookingasifshehadn’tsleptallnight,Calliewasstillbeautiful.ShebalancedacupoficechipsonherbellyandhadtheremotecontrolfortheTVinherhand.
“Howlonghaveyoubeenhere?”
“Sincethreethismorning.ApparentlyI’mdilatingslowly.Thedoctorshouldcomeintobreakmywaterinthenextfewhours,nowthatI’matafive.”
“Soyou’rereallyhavingthisbabytoday?”
“Itlooksthatway.Idon’tknowhowmuchmoreIcanexpandtoaccommodatemygrowinglittledynamo.Thedoctorsthinkheorshewillweighabouteightpounds.Idon’tcarewhetherit’saboyorgirl.Ijustwantahealthybaby.”
JoliealreadyknewCalliewantedthegendertobeasurprise.Butwhatamazedherwasthewoman’scalm.Herlifewasabouttochangeforever.
“I’llbeherewithyouforaslongasyouneedme.”
Callietearedup.“Whoknewthataskingsomeonewhereapregnantgirlcouldfindayogamatwouldleadmetosuchagreatfriend?”
“I’mgladyouaskedme.Ifithadn’tbeenmyfirstclass,too,Imighthaveknowntheanswer.”
Theylaughed,thenCalliewincedandgrabbedherbelly,breathinginapracticedpatternwithJolieduringthenextthirtyseconds.Finally,herfriendsighed,herwholebodygoinglax,thenshelookedathermen.“Thecontractionsarecomingabouteveryfiveminutes.They’regettingmoreintense.”
Theyeachrushedtoonesideandtookherhands.Joliecouldfeelthepalpablelovebetweenthetrio.
“We’rehere,lovely,”Seanmurmured.“Thosemarriagevowssaidforever,andImeantit.”
“Iknow,babe.”Calliesmiledfaintly.“Youbothhavebeenthebest.”
Thorpeleaneddowntokissherforehead.“You’redoingwellwithyourbreathing.”
Shenodded.“I’vebeenpracticing.”
“Good.Seanwillworkthroughitwithyou.I’llbebehindyoutohelpyoupush.”
Thenursecameinthen,frowningatthetrioasifshestilldidn’tquiteunderstandtherelationshipanddidn’twanttoasktoomanyquestions.ShemonitoredCallie’svitals,tooksomeblood,thenreturnedwithaclipboard.
“I’vebeensenttobeginthebirthcertificateprocess.Theexactspellingofyourname?”
Callieanswered,andtheyoungwomanfroze,starstruck.“TheheiressCallindraHowe?”
“Thatone,”Callieconfirmed.
Joliewasn’tsurprisedbythenurse’sreaction.Unlesssomeonehadbeenlivingunderarock,they’dheardthestoryofthelittlerichgirlwho’drunawayaftersupposedlykillingherfamilyasateenager.She’dbeenwantedforyearsandfoughthardtoprovethatsomeoneelsehadmurderedherlovedones.WhenJoliehadfirstmetthewoman,she’dbeenshocked,too.ButsincethenCallindrahadjustbecomeCallietoher,andthey’dturnedintogreatfriends.
“Yes.I’mCallindraHoweMackenzienow.”
“Wow.Nicetomeetyou.Sothebaby’slastnamewillbeMackenzie?”
Callieshookherhead.“Mackenzie-Thorpe,please.”
Thenurse,wholookedjustoutofschool,glancedbetweenthetwomen.“Fatherofthebaby?”
Thorpesteppedinthen,hisexpressionasubtlebuteffectivewarning.“We’llbeswabbingthebabyafterbirthtodeterminethat.Ifyouneedanythingelse,askMr.Mackenzie.”HepointedtoSean,holdingCallie’shandacrossthebed.“Orme.I’mMitchellThorpe.”
ThewarynurseheededhiswarningundertonetostayawayfromCallie.“I-Ithinkthat’senoughfornow.We’llcompletetheformoncethechildisbornandtested.Excuseme.”
Whentheflusteredwomanbackedoutoftheroom,Calliescowled.“Mitchell,behave.Shewasjustdoingherjob.”
“Notverypolitely,pet.”
Calliesighed.“Iknewitwasgoingtobeawkward.LondonSantiagowarnedmesinceshe’salsogottwohusbands.”SheturnedtoJolie.“Theyrecentlyhadababygirl,soshegavemesomepointers.”
“Isthatwhyyou’regoingtoDNAtestthebaby?”
Thathadn’tbeentheplanoriginally.
“Yeah.Shemadesomegoodpoints.Weneedtoknowthefatherforlegalandmedicalpurposes.Beyondthat,wedon’tcare.Heorshebelongstoallofus.”
SeansqueezedherhandandlookedatherasifCalliewashismoonandstars.Thorpebrushedthehairbackfromherfaceandsnaggedhergaze,hisfullofsilentpromise.
Justthen,anothercontractionhit.
Oneturnedintoanother,andthenextfewhoursslidby.Nurseschangedshifts,andthedoctorcamebyatlunchtocheckonCallie,whohaddilatedtoaseven.Whentheytoldhertowalkwhiletheypreparedtobreakherwater,Joliemeanderedupanddownthehallswithherfriend,stoppingtohelpherbendandbreathethroughthediscomfort.
“HowarethingswithHeath?”Callieaskedbetweencontractions.
Exhilarating.Complicated.Uncertain.“Fine.Don’tworryaboutme.”
“Ihaveto.Helookslikehewantstobeatbackanyonewhowoulddaretolookatyou,thengobbleyouallupforhimself.”
Jolieflushed.“He’sbeenreally…amazingsofar.Helpfulandreasonable.”
“Thenyoumusthavesomemagicelixirbecausehe’susuallytaciturnandremote—unlesshe’spickinguparandomwoman.”Calliecockedherhead.“Buthe’snotdoingthatanymore,ishe?”
“Hecan’texactlyslipawaytoexercisehissexdrivewhenhe’sbusybodyguardingme.”
Butthatwasn’tthewholetruthandCalliesawthroughheranswer.“I’dbetmyentirebankbalancehedoesn’twanttoanymore.Helooksatyoulikehe’shooked.”
“Ithinkmaybe…yeah.It’snotone-sided.Idon’tknowwhattodo.”
“Letithappen.”Callieshrugged.
“Thetimingislousy.”Well,thatwasn’theronlyobjection.Wouldshehaveeverthoughtthetimingwasgood?Probablynot.“Iwasn’tlookingforlove.Ineverhavebeen.”
“Iknowyoulikeorderinyourlife,prefertoplanwhereyou’regoingsoyouknowwhattaskstotacklenext.Loveisn’tlikethat.Atfirst,it’smorelike…grabbingafast-movingtrain.Thetrackcanbewildandharrowingandalittleslippery,butonceyougetsometractionandfigureoutwhereyou’regoing,it’sthemostamazingrideofyourlife.Iknowyou’rearesults-drivenwoman,butthere’snobottomlineinlove.Don’tthinkaboutthedestination,doll.Focusonthejourney.That’swhereyou’llfindthebeautyoflove.”
Yeah,Joliewasbeginningtounderstandthat,anditwasacompletelyforeignwayofthinkingtoher.Still,shesuspectedCalliewasrightandnoamountoftryingtofilterromancethroughanypre-existingexperiencewasgoingtowork.“Thanks.Idon’tknowifit’sloveoranythingclose…”
Shenodded.“Ihaveasenseaboutthesethings.Ormaybeit’sjustpregnancyhormones.Everythingmakesmecrynow.”
Calliehuggedher.Jolieheldontotheotherwomaninreturnandfeltherselftearingup,too.Sheneverhadmanyfemalefriends.She’dalwaysbeentooambitiousforslumberparties,makeovers,andgossip.Shecouldn’thavecaredlessaboutboybandsandcrushesorcheerleadingskirtsinhighschool.Thegirlsontheacademicdecathlonteamhadallbeensociallyawkward,nottomentionenthralledbysci-fiandgaminginawaysheneverwouldbe.
Karismightbethesisterofherblood,butCalliewasthesisterofherheart.Anddespitethebellybumpingbetweenthem,Joliewasthrilledtobehereforheronthedayshewouldbecomeamother.
Astheyroundedthenurses’stationandwanderedbackdownthehall,CallielookedJolie’sway.“Iheardthroughthegrapevinethatyouhaddinnerwithapotentialinvestorlastnight.”
“Inotherwords,HeathsaidsomethingaboutittoSean?”
Callielaughed.“Yeah,Heathwantedsomelocalconnectionsatthatrestauranttomakecertainhetalkedtothepeoplewhocouldgetsecuritythingsdone.Howdiditgo?”
“RichardGardnerisamanipulativemanwhore.”
“Icouldhavetoldyouthat.”Callietsked.
“I’dhopedthatthedesiresofhisbankaccountwouldoutweighthedesiresofhispenis.”
“Nope.Hemadeapassatmeonce.IthoughtThorpeandSeanweregoingtokillhiminthemiddleofacocktailparty.Honey,ifyouwerelookingforaninvestor,whydidn’tyoucallme?Iwouldhave—oh!”
Whenshegrippedherbellyandsquattedwithagaspofpain,Joliedroppeddownbesideher.“WhatcanIdo?ShouldIgetanurse?”
Calliedidn’treplyforalongmoment,justbreathedthroughthepain.“They’recomingquickernow,gettingmoreintense.Idon’tthinkitwillbemuchlonger.”
JolieagreedasshehelpedCalliebacktoherfeet.“Let’sgetyoubacktobed.”
“Inaminute.”Hervoicesoundedstrained.“Whydidn’tyoucallme?”
“Ididn’twanttoriskourfriendship.Icouldn’tguaranteeyourfunds.”Jolietearedup.“IcouldfindanotherinvestorbutIcouldn’tfindanotherbestfriend.”
Calliedidn’teventrytohidehertears.“Ohmygod,that’ssotouching,evenifyou’rebeingasillybitch.”
TogethertheylaughedasJoliehelpedCalliedownthehall.Shelookeduptofindallthreemenwatchingprotectivelyfromtheendofthehall.ThorpeandSeanjoggedtowardCallie,concernallovertheirfaces.Shetookanotherhaltingsteptoreachthemwhenasplashofclearliquidunexpectedlydousedthefloorbetweenherfeet.
“Mywater!”
Thatbroughtnursesrunning,hadthemenworrying,andJoliepanicking.Sheknewhowtohandleacompanythatgrossednearlytenmilliondollarsannually.Shehadnoideawhattodowithawomaninactivelabor.
Thankfully,Calliewassoonbackinbedandfightingthefirsturgetopush.
Inbetweencontractions,sheheldoutherhandtoJolie.Forthefirsttime,shelookedafraid.“Iknowit’salottoask,butsincemymotherandsisteraren’taliveanymoreandcan’tbewithmetodayandI…”
Calliewantedfemalecomfort.ThoughJoliehadneverbeeninCallie’sshoes,shecouldn’timaginegoingthroughsuchamomentouseventwithouthermomandsister.Husbandswereallfineandgood,butsometimesonlyawomanunderstoodwhatanotherwomanwasgoingthrough.
Joliesqueezedherfingers.“I’mhereforaslongasyouneedme.”
“Thankyou.Thatmeanstheworldtome.”Callielookedslightlysweatybutabitmoreatease.Loveglowedfromhereyes.
Afterthat,thingsprogressedquickly.Callie’smentookoverthedutiesofholdingherhand,wipingherbrow,feedinghericechips,andencouragingherprogress.Thedoctor,acompetentwomaninherforties,checkedCallieanddeclaredhernearlyready.Thenursesfiledin.Joliedriftedtothebackoftheroom,nearHeath.Together,theywatchedmutely.
Oneminutebledintothenextuntilthecontractionsseemednever-ending.Calliepanted,tryingtoregulateherbreathing.Seanworkedthroughthepatternwithher.Thorpetookuppositionbehindher.Thethreeofthemhadanalmostwordlesscommunication.Themenunderstoodthatherhappinessandcomfortcamebeforeallelseandneverspokeunlessitfurtheredthatcause.
Forthefewsecondsbetweencontractions,Seanbrushedakissonherdampforehead.Thorpepattedherwithcoolclothsandstrokedherhair.Theybothtoldhertheylovedherandwereproudofhereverysingleday.
Whenthenextcontractionseizedherpetiteframe,Thorpebracedhimselfbehindher.Seancountedbreaths.Calliegruntedandboredown.
“Thebabyiscrowning.Afewmorepushes!”thedoctorannounced.
Momentslater,anothercontractiongrabbedholdofCallie’sentireframe,thisoneseeminglyontopofthelast.ShegrabbedSean’shandasThorpesupportedher.Agruntbecameascreamasshestruggledtogiveherbabylife.
“Justabitmore…”
“Ican’t.”Asthecontractionletup,Calliefloppedback,exhausted.“Ithurtssomuch…”Sheburstintotears.“Igainedtoomuchweightandmybodylookslikesomethingevenawhalewouldbeashamedof.”
Seanrepressedasmileandkissedheragain.“You’reperfect,lovely.”
Thorpescowled.“He’sright.Youwouldn’thavetobeatusoffwithasticksooftenifwedidn’tfindyoucompletely,stunninglybeautiful.”
ThedoctorregardedCalliewithcompassion.“You’renotthefirstmothertofeelthisway.Youwon’tbethelast.Rightnow,you’rehormonalanddon’trecognizeyourbody.Butyou’llrecoverafterthebabycomes.Giveittime.”ShecheckedCallie’sprogressagain.“Now,c’mon.Ithinkyoucandothisinonemorepush.”
“I’msotired.”Butshenodded.
“Itwasallthat‘nesting’lastnight,”Seansaid,gentlychiding.
“Nexttimeyouclimbthekitchencabinetstorearrangeeverypotandpanwehave,makesureoneofusistheretohelpyou.”Ortherewillbehelltopay.JolieheardthatsubtextinThorpe’svoice.Thenhissterntonesoftenedmorethanshe’dimaginedpossible.“Youneededrest.Weworry.”
“Iknow…”shesaidmiserably.“Icouldn’tsleep.”
Joliehadneverseenherfriendanythinglessthanbubblyandoptimistic,andapotentcombinationofhormonesandexhaustionprobablydrovethisweepymood.Still,Jolie’sheartwentout.“Youcandothis.You’vegotgumption,woman.Andyou’reabouttohaveababywhoneedsitsmommy.We’reallhereforyou.”
“See?”Seanmurmured.“We’realmostparentsnow.Youcan’tgiveup,lovely.We’vebeenwaitingforthedayourthreewouldbecomefour.Justabitmore.”
“Digdeep,pet,”Thorpeencouraged.
Asanothercontractiongrippedher,shelookedtohermenasifsheneededthemtobeherpillars.Wordlessly,theygavetheirsupport,stalwartandstrong,assheworkedupherenergyandcouragetogiveonemoremightypush.Thenthewailingcryofthebabyfilledtheair.
Joliecouldn’tseemucharoundallthepeopleandequipment,butshecouldfeelthemiracleintheair.Anewlifebegan.Hope.Future.AndasthedoctorsetthebabyonCallie’schest,tearsstreameddownherrosycheeks.
“Meetyourson,”thedoctorsaidtothetriosoftly.
Instantly,Callieheldtheboyagainstherbody.ThorpeandSeanbothlookedon,strokinghislittlehead,soothinghiscrieswithaglidedownhischubbyleg.Tohershock,bothmencriedopenly,too.
“He’sbeautiful.”Callie’svoiceshook.Shewasunabletostoplookingattheboywithathatchofpitch-blackhairandblueeyes.
“Amazing,”Thorpewhispered.
Seansmiled.“Welcometotheworld,AsherDanielMackenzie-Thorpe.”
Thedoctortookthebaby.Nursesweighedandcleanedhim.Afteraswaddle,theypresentedhimtoCallieagain.“Sevenpounds,eightounces.Nineteeninches.Congratulations.”
Thethreesomedidn’tspeakforlongmoments,justheldoneanotherastheymarveledoverthelifetheyhadcreatedtogether.
Jolie’sperspectivetiltedonitsside.Thiswasloveinitspurestformandshefeltitchargingtheair,closingupherthroat.
Forthelastthirtyyears,she’dvaluedallthewrongthingsforallthewrongreasons.
Lifewasn’taboutworkorbalancesheetsormakingitfromonedaytothenext.Itwasaboutsavoringeverymomentofpreciousexistenceandsharinghermostprofoundmomentswithlovedones.Forsolong,she’dstrivedtobeasinsularaspossible,figuringthatifsheneverletanyoneclose,shewouldneverhavetofeelthepainofdisappointment,sorrow,orhurt.Nowshesawthatherlifehadbeenemptybecauseshe’dbeentooafraidtotrulyliveit.She’ddevotedherexistencetoprovingherselfworthyofafatherwhowouldneverloveher,inwallingherselfoffsoshecouldneverfeelcrushedagain.
Butwithoutpain,shecouldn’tfeeljoyoramazement,hopeortruelove…Nothingthatmadelifeworthliving.
Suddenly,herworldturnedblurry.Shewipedathercheeks,weirdlystunnedtofindthemdrenchedwithtears.Besideher,Heathlookedchokedup,too.Thenheslippedhishandinhers.ChapterTwelve
Ruleforsuccessnumbertwelve:
Makeplans…butalwaysbereadyforchange.
ITwasnearlytenP.M.whenHeathletJolieintothedarkenedhousethatAxelownedinDallas.Onaquietstreetinanolder,eclecticneighborhood,theCraftsmancottagefittheman—wide,open,almostanextensionofnature—Heathnotedabsently,asheflippedonthelightsandlockedthedoorsbehindthem.
Joliehadbeentooquietonthedrivefromthehospital.Hedidn’thavetoguesswhatshewasthinking.Themiraclesofbirth,oflove,hadhitherasprofoundlyastheyhadgobsmackedhim.Nowhewasn’tcertainwhattosay.Ordo.Somethingaboutwatchingalifeemergeintothearmsofadoringparentshadbeenoverwhelming.Thatbabyrepresentedtheirdeepdevotion,thecircleoflifeatwork.Yes,heknewpeoplehadbabieseveryday,butexperiencingAsher’sbirthfirsthandfilledHeathwithemotionsnowclamoringtobeheard,evenaslogicflutteredinadizzyingwhirlofcircularthoughtsbeforevanishingintodisarray.
“IdoubtAxelhasanythingintherefrigerator.He’sbeengoneformonths,”hemurmured,standingbesidethegleamingappliancewithoutmuchinterest.“ShallIcallforfood?”
Joliesetherpurseonthecounterbesidehimandstared,lookingabitlost.“I’mnothungry.”
Intruth,hewasn’t,either,atleastnotforfood.Hewasn’tmerelyhungryforsex,perse.Buthecravedher—hertouch,hertenderness,heropenarms,herwillingnesstoreceivehimineverywayawomancouldacceptaman.
Bloodyhell,hesoundedlikeamadsap,bleatingonaboutthetripeofhisfeelings.Butwishinghedidn’thavethemhardlymadethemlessrealorinsistent.
Hepocketedthehousekeys.Thepowerfulhushofthemomentseemedtoosacredforwords.Justaboveit,heheardherbreathing.ThesoftsoundmadehimsoawarethatJoliestoodcloseandvulnerableandfemale.
Forreasonshecouldn’tunderstandorexplain,heknewunequivocallythatshebelongedtohimnow.Themomentheacknowledgedthat,new,positivelymaddesiresfrothedinhisbrainpan,loud,insistent,urgent.
“Jolie?”
Shefrozeasifshesensedhisnextwordscouldchangeeverything.“Yes.”
Heheardmorethanmereacknowledgment.Hervoiceresoundedwithtotalacceptance.“Youdon’tknowwhatI’mgoingto—”
“Ido,”sheargued.“It’sthesamethingI’vebeenthinking.Andyes,Iwantwhatyouwant.”
Didsherealizehemeanttostarttheirfuturenow?“Areweallowingtheremarkablemomentwewitnessedtocarryusaway?”
Joliehesitatedforsuchalongmoment,hewasn’tcertainsheheard.Butheneededherreply.Hecouldn’tbealoneinthisirrationalyearningforconnectionandsharingandthefuture.
“IthinkwatchingAsher’sbirthsimplymadethingsclearertome.I’vespentmyentirelifehatingamanwhoisn’tworthmyenergyandfearingthatI’dbecomeawomanIcan’trespect.I’vedevotedallmythoughtsandwakinghourstothingslikecontemptandrevenge.Andaftertoday,itseemsso…petty.Idon’tneedtoprovetoCarringtonQuinnthatI’mworthy.IsimplyneedtobethebestpersonIcanbeandlivemylifeinwhateverwayfulfillsme.”
“That’sinsightful.”AndHeathwassoproudofJolieforfiguringthatout.“Andyou’reutterlyright.”
“IfIonlyworryaboutbeatingmyfatherathisgame,whatsortofemptyvictoryhaveIachievedifIwinbutI’veforgottenmydreamsalongtheway?Bettiismine.It’sforme.BecauseIwantedtoaccomplishsomethingIbelievedinandIlovewhatIdo.ButtodayIalsorealizedthatlifeisn’twork.Karistriedtotellmethat.I’veintentionallypushedpeopleawaysotheycouldn’thurtme.”Shesighed.“Insomeways,Ihaven’tlivedatall.”
“Istoppedlivingyearsago.LosingAnnawas…”Hefrownedandhunghisheadtohidehisface,toconcealhisguilt.Everyday,hestillfeltasif,byfailingtoavengeher,he’dwrongedher.
Joliesteppedcloser.“I’msureit’sthemostdifficultthingyou’veeverendured.”
“Thelosingherwashard,yes.Thelivingwithoutherhasbeenmuchharder.I’mafraidIhaven’tdoneaverygoodjobofit.Iwelcomedthenumbnesslongago.IgaveupbelievingI’dhaveatomorrowthatmattered.I’vetakenjobsinthepastwithahighprobabilityfordeathbecauseIdidn’tthinkmylifematteredanymore.AfterseeingCallieandherson,Iunderstandhowmymothermusthavefeltthemomentshefirstheldme.Suicidebyterroristorcrimebosswouldhavebeenaneasyendtomypainandahorriblycruelwaytoaddtohers.Iwouldneverdothatnow.AndIdon’tthinkmylifewillbecompleteuntilIexperiencewhatThorpeandSeandidtodayformyself.”
“Yeah.”Shenodded,andhecouldseethemillionemotionsonherfacethatneitherofthemhadtospeak.
Theybothsimplyknew.
“I’mnotmerelytalkingabouthavingachildsomedaywithsomenamelesswoman.I’mtalkingaboutyou.Us.”Herakedahandthroughhishair.“Thisisabrupt.Ineverexpectedthis.I—”
“NeitherdidI.”Shesteppedclose.“Ididn’twantthis.”
Hepacedinherdirection,meetingherinthemiddleofthekitchen.“NordidI.Atall.You’vechangedmylifesoquicklyandcompletely.”
Jolietookthelaststepcloser,thencuppedhischeek.“Same.Evenbelievingthisisright,I’mscaredtodeath.”
“BecauseeverythingissohecticwithBettinow?”
Sheshookherhead.“Workwillalwaysbeimportant.EventhoughKaristriedtotellmeitisn’tlife,thatIshouldvaluepeopleandrelationships,Icouldn’tfathomwhyorhowuntilyou.”
“AreyouworriedI’llhurtyou?”
“No,thatI’mnotready.ThatIwon’tdoanythingright.”Sheloweredherhandanddrewinashudderingbreath.“ThatI’llletyoudown.”
“Ifyousimplybeyourself,youcan’t.”Hehesitated.“Howcouldwehavemetlessthanaweekagoandalreadybetalkingabouttherestofourlives?”
Shebitherlip.Herbrowwrinkled.Joliedidthatwhenshethought,andhe’dfoundwatchingherkeenmindworksomewherebetweenfascinatingandendearing.Nowheheldhisbreath.
“Maybe…”Sheshookherhead.“Maybewehadtoexperiencewhatwedon’twantoutoflifetounderstandwhatweactuallydo.”
Shewasright.Itwasn’tthefactthathe’dlovedandlostthatHeathlamented.Annawouldalwaysbeawarmmemoryforhim,andatthetimehe’dlovedherdearly.Itwasthechoiceshe’dmadeafterherpassinghetrulyregretted.Itwasthelifehe’dbeenlivingforthepastsixyearshedespised.
“I’mscaredtodeath,too,”headmitted.
“ThatIcan’tbewhatyouneed?”
“Youalreadyare,”heassured.“I’mworriedIwon’tbetheretoprotectyouifsomethingtrulydangeroushappens.Icouldn’tbeartoletyoudown.”
“Ihavetotalfaithinyou.”
Heathreachedforher,cuppedhershoulder,herface,sidlingcloseruntilhelookeddownintohereyes.“Iintendtomarryyou.”
Adrysmilecurledupthecornerofherlips.“IneverimaginedIwouldbeanyone’swife.Ididn’tunderstandwhypeoplesettleddown,spitkidsout,boughtahouseinthe’burbs,andlivedfortheweekends.Irealizenowthey’renotsettlingformediocrityorfollowingtheherd.They’resacrificingandcompromisingbecausetheyfoundsomeonewhocalledtotheirsoulandtheyhadthecouragetomergetheirlivesineveryway.Thejobandthecommute,thesoccerleaguesandthePTA…It’sallpartandparcelofwhatpeopledoinordertolivewiththepersontheyloveandcreatethenextgenerationtogether.”Shefrowned.“Andwow,doIsoundridiculouslyprofound.Thatwasmylong-windedwayofsayingyes.”
Theybothstaredatoneanotherfortimelessmoments.They’dbothagreedtosomethingmomentousthatneitherhadseencoming.Heathwasn’tsurewhattosay,howtoproceed.
Joliemadethefirstmove,launchingherselfagainsthim,lipspartedinwelcome.Heathdidn’thesitate,thrustinghisfingersinherhairandtuggingbacktotakepossessionofhermouthlikeheintendedtoclaimtherestofher.ShetuggedathisT-shirt.Hepulledathertop.Shekickedoffhershoes.Hestruggledoutofhiscombatboots.Shegrabbedathiszipper.Heunflickedthehooksofherbra.
Hiscocksprangfreeashebaredherbreastsandbroketheirkisstosuckhernippleintohismouthwithadesperatehungerhecouldn’tholdback.Bloodyhell,thiswashappening.Hisheartchuggedlikeatrain.Needthunderedthroughhimwithaground-shakingboom.Tendernessgatheredandswelledaroundhisheart.
AndnothingwouldstophimfrommakingJolieQuinncompletelyhisandshowingherjusthowwellhecouldloveher.
Ashekickedhisjeansaway,heshovedherpantsdownherhips,stillteasingthestiffbudofherbreastwithhistongue,histeeth.Suckingherin,thenreleasingher.Hertaste,hertexture,herflavor…everythingfeltperfecttohim.He’dmadealivingbyhisgut.Hesimplyknewthiswasright.
Joliewriggledandkickedatherpants,steppinguntilshemanagedtoworkherwayfree.Thentheywerebothblessedlynaked,andHeathcouldn’twaitanothermoment.Heshovedherbackuntiltheislandstoppedthem.Inonemovement,heliftedher,spreadher,grabbedherhips,andpenetratedher.
“God,youfeelsogood.”Hegaveaprimalgroanashisbarefleshslidinsideher.“I’llspendeverydayandnightgivingyoubliss,love.I’llstripyoubare,showyouhowmuchIwantyouand…Oh,fuck.”
Heathmeltedasheplungedinagainandlosthisabilitytospeak.
Asshetiltedherhipsup,hetookherthighsintothecrooksofhisarmsandthrustagain.Thenhefoundarhythm.Jolieleanedbackonherhandsandspreadherlegswider,staringbackasheclaimedthewomanwhobelongedtohiminthemostbasicway.
Shelookedbeautiful,breaststhrustoutathim,hermouthopeninpleasureasshetightenedonhiscock.
“More,”shewhimpered.“Everytimeyoutouchme,Ithinkthisneedwillgoawaybut…Ionlywantyoudeeper,harder.Iwantyoumore.”
Heclampedontoherhipsandpoundedferociouslyinsideher.
“Ineedthis.Ineedyou.”Hepanted,breathssawing,heartchugging,bloodchurning.Themomentfeltsopureandrawandnatural.“Jolie.Jolie…love.”
Shegaveahard,mewlingcry.“Soclose.So…God,I’veneverachedsobadly.”Shekeenedoutagain,tightened,clamped.“Please…”
“I’mnotwearingacondom,”heremindedher.
Iftheymeanttotakethiscrazyforevergamble,theywoulddoittogetherwiththeireyeswideopen.
“Iknow.”Hereyeswilledhimtogivehereverything—themoment,thefuture.“I’mwellaware.”
“Andyouwantthis?”
“Yes,”shecried.
“Youwantthisnow?Youwanttosharealifeandachildandahomewithme?”
Aweekago,Heathwouldn’thavebelievedhe’dbeutteringthesewordsatall,muchlessholdinghisbreathandhopinglikehellthatshe’dsayyes.
“Everything.Iwantallofit.Iwantitnow.”
Avisionoftakingherhandinhisastheyspokevows,astheybroughtlifeintotheworld,astheyendedtheirdaystogetherexplodedinhishead.Yes.Amilliontimesyes.Theelectricneedtomakethatfuturetheirsnowrolledthroughhisbrain,tookrootinhischest,andsentthedirectimpulsestraighttohiscock.
Theviolenturgetomarkherwouldn’tbedenied.Heburiedhisfaceinherneckandjackhammereddeepinsideher,feelinghertightenmorewitheverythrustuntilhehadtofighthiswayintoherslickdepths.Butthatdidn’tstophim.Nothingwould.Hewasgoingtodohisbesttoplanthisseedandletthiswoman—andtherestoftheworldknow—theybelongedtoeachother.
Suddenly,Joliegasped,tensed,thenhefeltherconvulsearoundhimwithathroatyscream.
ThatunraveledHeathentirely.Forthefirsttimeinhislife,heclimaxedinsideawomanwithoutbarriers,withoutanyfeelingexcepttheprofoundestdesiretopleaseher,sharelove,andmakelife.
Lastnight,he’dbelievedhimselftobehappy.Andhehadbeen—inawaythatamazedhimtothecore.Nowhehadabetterunderstandingofwhattruehappinesswas,andheneverintendedtolethergo.
***
AFTERtheirsearing,frenziedsexonthekitchenisland,HeathfoundapizzaplacethatdelivereduntilelevenP.M.Whenthesteamingpiearrived,theyateoutofthebox,stillmostlynaked,notsayingmuchthatcouldn’tbesaidthroughtouchesorsmiles.
Withsatedstomachs,theygatheredtheirclothesandmadetheirwaytothebedroom.Theroomwasmostlybrownandutilitariananditdefinitelylookedlikeaman’sspace.Justliketherestofthehouse,ithadarelaxedvibe.BeingherewithHeathwhilecompletelybareineverywayfeltnatural.
Thesheetshadbeenstrippedfromthebigmattressatsomepoint,andtheyfoundafreshsetinaclosetinthehallway.Aftermakingthebed,theyfellintothecloudofblanketsandrolledtowardoneanotherasifpropelledbyagravityoftheirown.
Heath’slipsfoundhers,histongueslidingdeepashepossessedhermouth.Theirjoiningwasn’tthesameurgentdashtocompletionasbeforebutsomethingthoughtful,deliberate—alingeringpromisebloomingwithspringlikenewness,rootinglovedeeperintheirhearts.
Afterahotshower,theycrawledbackintobed.JoliecurledagainstHeath,usinghischestasapillow.Hecradledherinhisarms.
“WhenItookthisjob,I’dplannedtousethecoupleofweeksIdedicatedtothisassignmentanddecideifIwanttoremaininDallasormoveelsewhereagain.Ihadnoideayouwouldchangeeverything.”
“Ididn’twanttohireasecurityperson.Buttheneighborhoodburglarhittwodoorsdown,plusIworkenoughlatenightsaloneintheofficethatKarisconvincedmeIwasputtingmyselfatrisk.”Sheproppedherchinonherhandsandpeeredathim.“Whenwefirstmet,Iwasadmittedlyattracted.”
“Iwas,aswell,despiteyoubeingarealballbuster.”Helaughed.“Definitelynotmyusualtype.”
“Youhaveatype?”ItdismayedJolietothinkthatshedidn’tfithismold.
“Thatnightyoutrackedmedowninthebar,youpeggedmeright.Itypicallylikethedoe-eyedonesIcouldtakecareof.”Heshrugged.“I’maprotectoratheart,andyouseemedtohaveeverythingtogether.Iknewwithintensecondsofmeetingyouthatyou’rethelastwomanwhowouldeverstandabout,lookingtoamanforanswers.”
“Andthatbotheredyou?”Ananxietyshedidn’tlikeneedledher,butHeathcouldn’tchangehimselftosuitheranymorethanshecouldremakeherpsychetopleasehim.
“Tomysurprise,no.Yourindependenceintriguedme.”Hecradledherheadandstrokedherhair.“Youfascinatedme,infact.Ilovewatchingyourmindwork.IlovethatsometimesIknowexactlywhatyou’lldo.Othertimes,you’recompletelyunpredictable.You’reprobablythesmartestpersonintheroommoreoftenthannot.AndIappreciatethefactthatyou’rewithmebecauseyouwanttobewithme,notbecauseyoufindtherealworlddifficultwithoutmyguidance.It’sunexpectedlysweeter.”
AbigsmilespreadacrossJolie’sface,evenaswarmthseepedintoeverycornerofherbody.Hesawherandunderstood.Andheappreciatedthepartsofherthathadscaredawayorturnedoffothermen.“Good.Ineverimaginedbeingthesortofwomanwhogaveupanycontroltoaman.I’veseenhowwellthatworksoutformymother,inanendlesscycleoverandover.”
“Shechoosesherhusbandsandloverspoorly.”
“Everytime.”Jolienodded.
“You’renother.Youcouldneverbeher.”
“I’veworkedhardnottobe,”sheadmitted.“Infact,I’veneverdoneasingleromanticallyimpulsivethinginmylife…untilyou.”
“Irealizehowmuchtrustyou’vegivenme,love.Youplacedagreatdealinmewhenyougavemecontrolinthebedroom.”Whensheblushed,hesmiled.“Youlikeditthatfirstnight.”
“Ilovedit,”sheadmitted.“IjugglesomanyresponsibilitiesandrarelythinkaboutmysexlifebeyondtheoneIcanmanagewithmybattery-operatedboyfriend.IneverthoughtIcouldhandlesurrenderinginanycapacity.ButIcanletgoandknowyou’llcatchme.”
“Always.Itonlyworksbecausewe’vedevelopedtrust.”Hesighedandcuppedhishandsaroundhershoulders,urgingheruphisbody.“IwantyoutoknowthatItakenothingwe’vedonetonightlightly.”
“Iknow.Idon’t,either.”
“I’mnotcertainpreciselywherewe’lllivenextorwhatourliveswilllooklike.Butwe’llmakedecisionstogether.”
Jolienodded.“Totally.I’mgladIdidn’tlistentomyfirstinstinct.”
“Whichwas?”
“Well…”Shegrinned.“WhenImetyou,IthoughtyouwereoneofthehunkiestmenI’deverlaideyeson.Ialmostdidn’thireyoubecauseIwantedtocrawlovermydeskandtakeyourclothesoff.”
Heathletoutafull-bodiedlaugh,whichfilledherwithamellowglow.“Youhidyoururgesfrighteninglywell.IleftthatmeetingcertainthatIhadajobbutworriedyouviewedmeasuseful,likeaninsectinagarden,butasappealingaspondscum.”
“You’redefinitelymoreappealingthanthat.”Shewinked.“Don’tyoufeelbetternow?”
“Positivelytransformed.”Hesoberedthen.“Actually,Iam.Beforeyou,Ihadn’tmovedonmuchafterAnna’sdeath.Youmademewanttotryharderatlife,actuallyenjoyitagain.”
Hiswordshumbledher,andJolieblinkedawaystingingtears.“WhenIreamedyououtatthebar,Ihadnoideayou’dlostawife.Igottomycarandreadthereportmysisterhadstupidlycompiledaboutyou.That’swhenIfoundoutyou’dlostAnna.IfeltterriblethatI’dsaidanythingaboutthewayyoudealtwithyourgrief.”
“Butyouwereright;Iwasn’tdealingwithit.Notwell.Youchallengedmetolookatmyself.Ineededthat.”
“I’msosorrymysisterpokedintoyourbackground.Ididn’treadpastthebulletpointssheputatthebeginning.AfterIrealizedhowdeeplypersonalandintrusiveitwas,Iforcedmyselftoputawaytherest.Shespenthourscompilingthisreport.Therewerepages…”Joliewasn’tsurehowtosaythis,soshejustblurtedthewords.“IthinkshewasparticularlyinterestedinfiguringoutwhokilledAnnaandwhy.Idon’tknowwhyshethoughtshecouldputonheramateursleuthhatandfigureitout.Maybebecauseshedevoursmysterynovelslikethey’reM&M’s.”
“Iwishshehad.”Hesighed,andforthelongesttimedidn’trespond.Joliewincedandpreparedtochangethesubjectuntilhecoulddiscussitwithherwithoutpain.Instead,hemetithead-on.“That’sonereasonI’vefoundmovingforwarddifficult.IworkedforweeksafterIburiedher,andIdiscernedaRussiannamedYuriGarbanovmadethehit.Hedabbledinweapons.Mostlyalonewolf,thoughwordonthestreetwasthathe’dbegunprovidingthehardwareandmuscleforadrugcarteltakingovertheposhpartsofLondonandlitteringitwithdesignerdrugs.WeBritishhaveverydifferentfeelingsaboutgunsthanourAmericancousins.”
“Oursecondamendmentatwork,”shequipped.
“Indeed.SoIhuntedhimdownand…itdidn’tendwellforhim.Butthemilliondollarquestioniswhy.Whymywife?IknewofGarbanovwhenemployedbyMI5butIhadnothingtodowithhisinvestigation.Oneofmyformerpeers,Kensforth,hadresponsibilityforstoppinghisflowofgunsintoBritain,andtheRussianprovedalltooslippery.Nothingwentourway.Evidenceevendisappeared.So,despitenolongerbeingemployedbyHerMajestywhenIshowedGarbanovhisearlygrave,MI5gratefullylookedtheotherway.Itriedtogetthebastardtotalkbut…heknewhewasadeadmaneitherwayandnothingIdidtohimcouldpossiblybeworsethanthetorturethedruglordswoulddishout.SoIstillhavenoideawhyhetargetedAnna.”
“I’msorry.”Theyweresimplewords.JoliewishedshehadsomethingmoreeloquentwithwhichtosootheHeath.Butherempathywassincere.Shefolloweditupwithakiss.“Ihopeyougetanswerssomeday.”
“Didyoursisterhaveanytheories?”
“Maybe.LikeIsaid,Ididn’treaditall.”Shereachedforherphoneandscrolledthroughhere-mails,forwardingthefileKarishadsentherearlierintheweek.“Youtakealook.Andpleaseignoreanyhearts,flowers,andinferencesthatyoumightbeherPrinceCharming.”
“Ofcourse,”hepromised.“Sonowthatwe’veclearedupourmisconceptionsandbaredoursouls,whatshallwedotomorrow?”
“Ishouldreallydragoutmylaptopandtrytofigureoutmyfinancialsituation,finagleafewextramonthsoffloatuntilIcanfindanewinvestor…something.ButIhavethiscrazyidea.”Shebitherlip.Wouldhethinkshe’dgonecompletelybatshit?Maybeshehad.Still,thisfeltright.He’dmentionedthisalready,so…
“Crazy?YoumaybethesanestpersonIknow.”Hetossedheraskepticalstare.“Tellme.”
“HowwouldyoufeelaboutatriptoVegastomorrow?”
“Togambleforthemoneytofinanceyourexpansion?”Hesentheraglower.“Idon’t—”
“No.Idon’tliketoplaygameswhentheoddsarestackedagainstme.”Shedraggedinabreathforcourage.“Webothknowwhatwewantoutofourfuture.Icouldalreadybepregnant.Iwasjustthinking…Whywait?”
Shesawthemomentunderstandinglithisface.Hegrinned.“DoyouthinkElviswouldmarryus?”
***
WHOknewaweekcouldchangehiswholelife?
LastMonday,Heathhadbegunanewbuttemporaryjob.ThefollowingMonday,hewasbeginningacompletelydifferentlifeasamarriedman.Hiswifeoftwelvehourssleptbesidehimontheplane,herheadproppedonhisshoulder.
Hestaredattheirmatchingbands,purchasedhastilywhenthey’dreachedVegasSundayafternoon.They’dfoundthecountyclerk’soffice,appliedforalicense,andbeenmarriedbysomeonewholookedlikeamedievalbishopinafairy-taleballroom.She’dwornawhitesummerdressshe’dfoundatthebackofhercloset.He’dscroungedupasuit.They’dtoldnoonewhattheyplannedandtakenonlyahandfulofpictures.Thisweddinghadbeenpurelyforthem.
Thistimewhenhespokehisvows,thewordsheldfarmoremeaning.ExchangingthemwithAnnahadbeeneasy.Whilestandinginafieldofflowerssurroundedbytheirfamilyandfriends,he’dneverbelievedthathewouldhavetoputthosevowstothetestsosoon,especiallythebitaboutdeathpartingthem.SpeakingsimilarwordswithJoliefilledhimwithgravity,withlove.Neitherofthemknewwhattomorrowwouldbringbuthewasdamndeterminedthathewouldholdontoher,beherfaithfulprotector.Becausehewouldneverspeakthesevowsagain.Theywereforever.
Nowsatisfactionbuzzedthroughhisveins.Hecouldn’tbehappierthatthisamazing,talented,acerbic,complicatedwomanwashis.
Whileshedozed—theyhadn’tbotheredmuchwithsleep—hescannedthedossierKarishadcomposedonhim.Decentjobforanamateur.Shehadincludedallthehighlights,evenlearningaboutaschoolprankortwohe’dallbutforgotten.Cursoryinformationabouthisparents,hissister,andhisfirstmarriagewastuckedinside.ThenontoAnna’sdeath.She’drightlypeggedGarbanovastheonewho’dexecutedtheattackthatresultedinAnna’sfierymurder.Kariswasalsoabitofaconspiracytheoristbecauseshefeltsurethatnoonecouldpulloffapublicattackofthatmagnitudeandmanagenevertobecaughtwithouthelpontheinside.
Heathhadwonderedaboutthathimself.HeandMyleshadevenspeculatedonceortwicethat,giventheintelattheirfingertipsandtheensuingmanhunt,catchingtheculpritshouldhavebeenmuchsimpler.Identifyingthemastermindandbringinghimtojusticeshouldneverhaveprovenimpossible.
KariswentontospeculatethatKensforthmayhavehadahandinthemurdersofAnnaandtheotherinnocents,likeLucy,thatday.He’dneverbeenimplicated,ofcourse.He’dbeentoowellconnected.ButayearafterAnna’smurder,hehaddiedinamysterioussingle-carcrash,seeminglyamillionpoundsricherthanhehadpreviouslybeen.
Heathfrowned.He’dheardaboutKensforth’spassing,hadalwaysthoughttheprickwasthesortwhocutcornersandtookshortcutsabittoomuchbecausehewasasacredcownoonewouldeversack.HadKensforthtakenmoneyfromGarbanovorthedruglordswhoemployedhimtolooktheotherway?Todestroyevidenceandprovidebureaucraticredtape?Hadsomeoneeliminatedhimbecausehe’dsuddenlygrownaconscience…orbecausehisusefulnesshadcometoanend?
Eitherway,ifthatwerethecase,whoeverhadorchestratedtheattackwasstillatlarge.
Withafrown,Heathtuckedhisphoneaway.
Aftertheirflightlanded,theyswungbyAxel’shousetoshowerbeforeheadingtotheoffice.JoliehadtextedKarisearliertosayshe’dbethereshortlytoexplain.
Whilehisnewwifecleanedup,Heathcalledhisparentstogivethemthenewsofhismarriage.Theymightbeabitdisappointedthathehadn’twaitedforthemtoattendtheceremony,butoveralltheyweredelightedandcouldn’twaittomeetJolie.
ThenheturnedhismobileoverinhishandsafewtimesbeforefinallydecidingtocallMyles.
“Fancyhearingfromyoutwiceinthesameweek,”hisoldmatesaidbywayofgreeting.“Howarethings?”
“Quitewell,actually.”
“Thatsoundspromising.Dotell.”
“Well,Itookyouradvice,”Heathbegan,thenspilledhishappynews.“Itfeelsgreat.”
“Married?That’sfantastic!I’msothrilledforyou.I’dliketomeether.”
“I’mhopingtodragherawayfromtheofficeduringtheholidaysandpopoverforaweekorso,introducehertomyparentsandallthat.We’llhavetomakeplansthen.”
“Absolutely!Couldn’tbehappierforyou.”
“Thanks.”Heathfellquietandpaused,listeningforthesoundsofthewaterpipestoensureJoliewasstillintheshower.Hedidn’twanttoworryherunnecessarilyifKaris’stheoryhadnomerit…orinvolveherifitdid.“WhatdoyouknowaboutKensforth’sdeath?”
“Thatoldbastard?God,Ihaven’tthoughtabouthiminfiveyears.Shadyprick.Supposedlydiedinasingle-vehiclecrash.”
“Iheard.MaybeI’mbeingsentimentalorI’verealizedthatIneedclosure,butIwanttosolveourfirstwives’murders.Itwon’tbringAnnaandLucyback,Iknow,butyoumusthavefeltasifyoufailedthem.IstrugglewithhavingletAnnadowneveryday.Don’tyouwanttoknowwhyithappened?”
“Iwon’tdenythatthepasthasbeendifficult.”Myleschokedup.“It’sbeenahardroadtoacceptthatIdon’thaveanyanswers—andImaynever.Idon’thaveanynewtheories.I’vecometorealizethatsometimesoldregretsarebestforgotten.”
Heathdidn’tseeitthatway.“It’snotpossibletoforgetsomethingthatterrible.Youwerealwaysarelentlessblokeinchasingdownthebadguys.Weshouldsolvethisonceandforall.I’vealwayswonderedifKensforthwassomehowinvolvedorsimplyletithappen—foraprice.Tothisdaywedon’tknowwhoperpetrateditorevenwhy.Randomviolencedoesn’tmakesense.Theeventwastoowellorchestrated.”
“Isuspectwhoeverplannedtheterribledeedhadsomedrug-relatedmurderinmindbuthediedinthefieryhailofgunfire,too.Noonelefttotakeresponsibility.YoueliminatingGarbanovtiedupthelastofthelooseends.”
Andthatseemedlogical,giventheplayersinvolved.Almosttoological.HeandMyleshaddiscussedthistheoryinthepast.Then,likenow,itdidn’tsitwellinhisgut.“DidyouknowKensforthdiedwithfarmoremoneyinhisbankaccountthanhecouldpossiblyhavemadeinhispositionwhileaffordingthatniceWestEndplaceofhis?”
“I’dheardsomerumortothateffect.Butdidn’thiswifecomefrommoney?”
“That’spossible,”Heathconceded.Hehadn’tknownmuchaboutthebastard’spersonallife.Itwasn’tasifthey’dbeengoodmates.“I’lllookintoitandletyouknowwhatIfind.”
“Leaveit.Please,”Mylesaskedsoftly.“Youwanttounderstandthatterribledayanddon’tmindrehashingit.IknowIhavenorighttoaskthisofyoubut…stop.Ican’trelivethatagain.Hell,Ican’tgotothatpartoftownwithoutbreakingintoafitofrage.Ordepression.IloveCamilleandI’mgratefulforhereveryday.ButIcanonlybewithherbecauseI’vemadethechoicetolockthepastbehindcloseddoorsandtossthekeyintherecessesofmymind.I’vesaidmylastgood-byetoLucyandthechildweneverhad.Don’tdigthisupandmakemedealwiththathellagain.”
Heathsatinstunnedsilence,feelingguiltyasthedevil.He’dassumedtheclosurehesoughtwouldbenefitMyles,too.Sotheycouldbothknowtheyhadfoundallthemissingpiecesofthepast,putthemtogether,thentapedshuttheboxesfilledwithtragedy.Hell,maybehesimplyneededtounderstandsohecouldprocesswhathe’ddonewrongandfinallydealwithhisfailuretoprotectAnna.
NeverinamillionyearshadHeathimaginedthathisbestmatefromthosedayswouldhavesuchadifferentwayofdealingwiththetrauma.HerespectedMyles’sperspective,evenifhedidn’tsubscribetoit.ButHeathcouldn’tsimplyletthisgo.
“Ofcourse.I’msorry.Ihadnoidea…”
“Isn’tthatoneofthereasonsyoulefthome?Theconstantmemories?Theseeingafamiliarrestaurantorpersonorevenabottleofwinethatremindedyouofher?”
Hewasright,andMyleshadn’tbeenabletosimplywalkawayfromhisjob,hissurroundings,hishome.Themanhadalwaysbeenthebackboneofhisfamily,supportingailingparentsandafreeloadingbrother.Heathwinced,wishinghe’dbeenmorecompassionate.“They’rehaunting,Iknow.”
“AndyouknowwellthatIcan’tleave.CamilleandIhaveacomfortablelifenow.Thingsarecomingtogether.It’shardbutIacceptthatIlostLucytoasenselessactofviolence.EvenifIknewtheultimatewhoandwhy,I’dneverunderstandherdeath.Soistherereallyanypointinknowingwhotohate?”
“It’sdifferentforyou.Isee.Iwon’tbringitupagain.”
“Thatphrase‘letsleepingdogslie’?Letthem,”heimplored.“AlltheyearsItriedinvaintoprocesswhathappenedonlyledtostruggleswithdepressionandalcohol.SoI’vehadtorelegatethatterribledaytothedistantpastandmoveon.”
HeathstaredoutAxel’swindowintotheblindingsunshine,blinkingagainstasuddenonslaughtoftears.Hewasn’tsurewhyprecisely.HemournedAnna.HeachedfortheyearsofgriefheandMyleshadbothenduredverydifferently.Hehurtforthelossofthefriendshipthatseemedforeverdiminishedbyanactneitherofthemhadperpetrated.
“Considerthesubjectclosed.”
Mylesbreathedasighofrelief.“Thankyou.”
Theyrangoff,andJolieenteredtheroom,puttingonhersimplediamondstudsandelegantwatch.Herweddingbandwinkedinthelight.“Allokay?”
“Ofcourse,love.I’vecalledmyparents.They’reexpectingustospendChristmasinLiverpoolnow,mindyou.”Heforcedasmile.“YouandMumwillgetonwell.”
“I’mlookingforwardtomeetingthem.Theyweren’tangry?”
“ThatI’dmarriedwithoutthemthere?Theyneverexpectedmetomarryagainatall,sothey’rethrilledtobits.”Heroseandkissedhergently.“I’lltakeaquickshowerandwe’llbeoff.”
Joliegrabbedhisarm.“Youseemalittlequiet.Areyouhavingsecondthoughts?”
Heathsoftened.Hecouldn’tlethisownregretsandworriesaboutthepastaffecthisrapportwithJolie.MaybeinsomewaysMyleswasright.Theyhadtoomanywonderfulreasonstolookforwardforhimtodwellinthepast.
“Notatall.Makeyourselfsomecoffee,thenwe’llheadtotheofficeandsurpriseeveryone.”ChapterThirteen
Ruleforsuccessnumberthirteen:
Sometimesyou’llgetlucky…sometimesyouwon’t.
Planforbothpossibilities.
JOLIEjangledherkeysnervouslyinherhandsassheandHeathwalkedintoBetti’ssuite,glancingaroundforhersister.
Rohantappedawayontheplug-inforthenewwebsite.Gerardlookedpositivelyinspiredashesketchedinshort,briskstrokesacrossthepadwithanarrayofcolorsthatmadeherhearthappy.Wisteriasmiled,inhalingthepungentbouquetofbloomsonherdesk,whichtoldJoliethatherreceptionistandtheon-again-off-againmaninherlifewereinanotheridyllicphase,whichshehopedfortheirsakefinallylasted.Arthurslappedpapersonhisdeskinshortjerksasheshiftedthroughastackofinvoices.
Joliefrowned.NosignofKaris.
“Hi,everyone.Where’smysister?”
Theyalllookedupwhenshewalkedin,thenglancedatoneanotherasifsomeonemustknowtheanswerbutthequestionhadn’tactuallyoccurredtoanyofthem.
Well,everyoneexceptArthur.“Shewenttoanearlylunch.Herbodyguardtaggedalong.”
Andhergrumblingaccountantdidn’tsoundhappy.WashehavingacrappyMonday?Jolieshruggedandletoutasigh.
Thebuilduptotellinghersisterabouthernuptialshadbeennerve-racking.TheletdownnowthatKariswasn’thereseemedeverybitasarduous.Andshecouldn’tverywelltelltherestoftheofficebeforeshetoldherownfamily.Soitwouldhavetowait.
“Thanks.Ifanyoneneedsme,I’llbeatmydesk.”
Jolieshutherselfinherdomainandsat,notcertainwheretostart.Somuchhadchangedovertheweekend,yettheproblemshereremainedthesame.Messageslitteredherdesk.Gerardhadleftafewpromisingsketches.Ataponhercomputerrevealedaburstinginbox.Butnothingwasmoreimportantthangettinganewinvestor.Sheneededoneandsheneededthecashnow.Afterhercrazy,romantic,pleasure-filledweekendwithHeath,shehadtocomedownfromherpersonalcloudninetofacerealityagain.Andthetruthwas,Betticouldwellbeamemoryifshedidn’tfindsomeonewealthytobelieveinhervisionandthebraverytostandbackandletherfulfillit.
Whenshepickedupherphonetostartmakingphonecalls,thestutterdialtonetoldhershehadavoicemail.Hopingforgoodnews,shepunchedinthecodeandlistened.
“Jolie,it’sCarrington.Yourfather.I’dliketoschedulelunchnextTuesdaytostartdiscussingthetermsofmytakeover.I’mpreparedtobegenerousandrewardyourhardwork.Don’thaveyourdippyreceptionistcallmetonegotiateatimeandlocation.Iwon’tdealwithsmallpeoplesimplybecauseyou’dliketoavoidmeorthisinconvenientreality.Swallowyourpride—it’savaluableskilltohaveinbusiness—andcallmepersonally.Youneedmyhelptoobadlytoriskpissingmeoff.”
Washeserious?Sheslammedthephonedownsohard,Heath—andhalftheoffice—camerunning.Herglowersentallbutherhusbandscamperingoffagain.
“Whatisit?”heasked.
“Thespermdonorwantstoplayhardball.Fine.There’snowayI’mcallinghimtosetupalunchmeetingsohecancrushmydream.Itoldhimbeforethathecouldgofuckhimself.NowIthinkI’llhireaskywritertomakesurehegetsthemessage.”
Heathshutthedoor,enclosingtheminherofficetogether.Helookedasifhehadsomethingtosay,thenshookhishead.“You’resmartanddetermined.Thiswillworkout.”
AsagitatedasJoliefelt,shehadtogivethanksfortheblessingsHeathhadbroughttoherlife.Herfatherhadbeenabsent,hermothermoreconcernedwithhervariousromancesthanhereldestdaughter’saccomplishments,heryoungersiblingshadneededherguidance…She’dneverhadanyoneinhercornersimplybecausetheybelievedinher.
“Thankyou.”Sheroseandwrappedherarmsaroundhim.“Itmeanstheworldtome.”
“You’rewelcome.Hungry?”
Sheopenedhermouthtosaythatshewasfamishedwhenthesunlightreflectedoffmovingmetalinherperipheralvision.JolieturnedtoseeKaris’scarpullingintothelot.Shedrewinashakingbreath,notevensurewhyshewassonervous.Actually,shewas.Asmuchasshe’dchastisedhersisterforherimpulsivelovelife,JoliefeltprettysurethatKariswouldhaveafewwordsforherinreturn.Hell,sheprobablydeservedthem.She’djumpedintomarriagebecauseitfeltright.
Howoftenhadsheheardhermothersaythat?
Evenworse,afterthedivorceshermomwouldfinallyrealizehermostrecentex-husbandhadneverlovedher.
Jolieshookherhead…untilsherealizedshe’dpledgedherlifetoamanwho’dneveroncesaidthosewords.
Hadtheyjumpedtoofast,motivatedbytheintenseexperienceofbabyAsher’sbirthandtheirownemotionalcoupling?God,shehatedsecond-guessingherself.Sherarelydidbutbusinesswasfarmorecut-and-driedthanmattersoftheheart.
“Ithinkweshould…Idon’tknow,talk.”
“Allright.”Hefrowned.“Aboutwhat?”
Didshereallydoubthiscommitment?Hisheart?No.Justbecausehehadn’tsaidthreelittlewordswashardlyproofhedidn’tfeelthesentiment.She’dneverknownabettermanthanHeathPowellandrefusedtoletasinglemomentofdoubtderailher.Sheneededtogetherheadtogether,stoprethinkingwhatwasalreadydone,andfocusonBetti.
“Onsecondthought,I’mjusttiredandalittlenervousaboutKaris’sreaction.Iwishwedidn’thavetotellherournewsintheoffice,butthelongerIputthisoff,themoreupsetshe’llbe.OnceI’veadvisedher,Icancallmymother.”Becauseifshe’dcalledhermomfirst,DianawouldhavecalledKarisimmediatelyandspilledeverything.“Gee,maybeifItellmydad,he’llthrowinatoasterwiththescrewinghe’stryingtogiveme.”
Heathlaughed.“Youdon’tneedhistoaster.”
“Damnright,Idon’t.”Shesighedandtookhishand.“Shallwe?”
“Absolutely.Kariswillbehappyforus.Don’tworry.”
Joliesincerelyhopedso.
Together,theywalkedoutthedoorandheadedintothecrispOctobersunlight,almostblindinginitsbluebeauty.Itwouldhavebeenaperfectday—warmwithagentlebreezeandleavessogreenthetreesalmostglowed—ifshehadn’tbeensoagitated.
Andifsomeonehadn’tchosenthatmomenttoopenfireonherintheparkinglot
***
WHENthefirstshotrangthroughtheair,Heathreactedinstantly.HetackledJolietothegroundandcoveredher,protectingherbodywithhisown.Instinctkickedin,shuttingdownallfunctionsexceptthosenecessaryforsurvival.Hisvisionsharpened.Hishearingturnedkeener.
Hebecameahunter.
“Down!”hebarkedattheothers.
Tenfeetaway,CutterhadalreadytakenKaristotheblacktop,shieldingher.
Heath’sheartthrummedinhischest,amplifyingtheroaringinhisears.Adrenalinesearedhimasitjettedthroughhisveins.HescannedJolie’sfaceinanurgentsweep.“Youallright?”
Shelookedterrifiedandatalossforwords,butshenodded.
Hewantedhertosaysomething,butifshehadtakenmultipleshotstotheheadorhadconcreteembeditselfinherskinlikeshrapnel,asAnnahad,shewouldn’tbealivetoevengivehimabobofherhead.Heathtriedtotellhimselftobreatheandclimbofftheledgeofpanic.Allwaswellandhe’dsavedJolieintime.
Allhecouldthinkaboutwasthatifhehadn’treactedquicklyenough,hemightbeburyinganotherwife.
Whenhelookedup,thecarshe’dbeenstandingbesidemomentsagoboretheindentsofbulletsinitsframe,justabovethewindow.Hisheartstopped.
Heathfuckingwellrefusedtogrieveforthewomanhelovedagain.
“Cutter,taketheladiesinside.”
“Rogerthat.”
AsHeathmadetorise,Joliegrabbedhisarm.“Whatareyoudoing?”
Buttheterroronherfacesaidsheknew.
“Myjob.”
Shewasgoingtoobject.Andhecouldn’tlether.Joliehadtounderstandthatifsomethinghappenedtoher,itwouldcrushhimcompletely.Anna’slosshadbeenbeyonddifficult.Atfirst,he’dhadentireweekswhenhehadn’twantedtocrawloutofabottle.Hehadn’tbeenabletoloosenthestrangleholdofhisrage.Finally,he’dfoundareasontotrulymoveon.Sohe’dmarriedher.
TheideathatonebulletcouldwipeJoliefromthisearthandleavehimtodealwiththeaftermathagainfilledhimwithadark,icyfury.
Easingfromhergrasp,hecrouched,dartingacrossthelothiddenbyshadowandfoliage,chasingtheglintofmetalhe’dglimpsedinthedistance.Theshooterhadalreadylikelyescaped.ButHeathhopedtheguyhadbeenslowescapingsohecouldcutdownthebastard.
Hepulledhisweaponandsearchedthearea,stealthingaroundthenearbyindustrialbuildings,tiptoeingthroughbushes,scoutingtheshooter’sposition.WhenHeathstoodinwhathesuspectedwasthesamespotthewould-beassassinhadthreeminutesagoandlookedbackacrossthelane,dismayandanangerbeyondanythinghe’deverfeltkickedhiminthegut.
Karis’spositionhadbeenblockedbyatree.Nowaytheshooterhadbeenaimingforher.Clearly,he’dmeanttokillJolie.Aninchtotheright,andHeathwouldbeplanninganotherfuneral.
Whentheshooterhadaborted,he’dleftnothingbehind,takingevenspentshellcasingsanderadicatingtheimprintsofhisshoesfromthedirt.
Professional.
Heathstudiedhissurroundings,tryingtodecidewheretheculpritwouldhaverun,butoncehe’dhitconcrete,Heathsawtoomanydirectionsandpossibilitiestofollow.Adeadend.
Thetrainedoperativeinhimseethedtohuntthisprickdown.Themaninsidehimjustwantedtoreachhiswifeandholdherclose.
“Bloodyfuckingsonofabitch.”HepoundedafistintothenearbyfenceandmarchedbacktoBetti.
Inside,chaosreigned.Thepolicewereontheirway—again.Kariswascryinghysterically,butCutterlookedcalminthefaceofherdrama.GerardpacedtheroomwithsweepinghandgesturesandmutteringsinFrench.Rohanblinkedasifhecouldn’tbelieveviolencehadcometohisworkplacetwiceinlessthanaweek.Arthurjustsatandstarednumbly
Hedidn’tseehiswife.Heath’sheartstopped.“Where’sJolie?”
“Bathroom,”Cuttersupplied,holdingKarisawkwardlywhileshewailed.“Iescortedherthereandmadesurethecoastwasclear.”
Heathtookoffrunning,slamminghiswaythroughthedoorintothewomen’sroom.Yes,heknewsomeoneelseinthebuildingmightbeusingthisrestroomandhedidn’tcare.“Jolie?”
Heheardthesoundofherheavingstomach.Shehadn’teatensincelastnightsoshedidn’thaveanythingtovomitup.Theadrenalinecrashhadclearlyimbalancedhersystemintheworstway.Hearinghersufferingtoreathisheart.
Withoutasecondthought,hekickedopenthedoortothewidestallinbackandrushedtoher.“Love?”
Shelookedpaleandshaky,likeshewasdesperatelytryingtoholdherselftogether.
“Iwon’tletanythinghappentoyou,”heswore.
Thenherealizedshehadnoreasontobelievehim.SheknewpreciselyhowAnnahaddiedandthathehadn’tsavedher.
Jolieblinkedathimassheroseandsplashedcoldwaterfromthesinkintohermouthandontoherface.“Iknow.Cutterdraggedmeintotheoffice,awayfromthewindows—”
“Asheshouldhave.”
“ButIcouldn’tseeyou.Ididn’tknowwhathadhappened.I…”Shethrewherselfagainsthim.
Heathwrappedhisarmsaroundher,beyondhumbled.Someonehadshotatherandshehadbeenworriedabouthim?
Hecuppedherfaceinhishands.“Iwasn’tthetarget.Youunderstandthat?”
“Theymissed.Idon’tknowwhysomeonewouldtakeashotatmebut—”
“Weneedtogooverpotentialsuspectsagain.”
“Iknow.ButIcan’tstopthinking…whatiftheshooterhadhurtyouinstead?”
“Shh.I’mfine.Remember,thisismyjob.Deepbreath,love.Let’sgo.”
“Justaminute.”Shepanted.“Cutterhadtohelpmehere.Mylegsareshaking.”
HeathfelthishearttwistinhischestagainashebenttoliftJolieinhisarms,cradlingheragainsthischest.
“I’llgetyououtofhere.”
“Thepolice…”
“Cuttercanfillthemin.Theycancalluslater.RightnowI’mworriedaboutyou.”
Joliedidn’tobjectagain,justburiedherfaceinhisneckashecarriedherthroughtheoffice.Thattoldhimagainjusthowrattledshe’dbeen.
Astheypassedthereceptionarea,shecaughtsightofhersister.“Youallright?”
Kariswastoobusysobbingtoanswer.
“She’sfine,”Cuttersupplied.“Shakenup.Assoonaswe’redonewiththepolice,I’lltakeherhome.”
“I’lltextyouanaddress.Bringherthere,”Heathinsisted.“Weshouldworktogether,examinethisfromangleswehaven’tconsideredbeforeandstartfiguringthingsout.”
Thetwomennoddedateachother,andHeathleftJolieinsidewhilehecheckedhercarandthelotforanythingpossiblydangerousbeforehebroughthercararound.ThoughasagoodBrithedidn’trelishdrivingontheoppositesideoftheroad,he’ddoneitbefore.He’dmanage.
Minuteslater,heparkedthecarbythedoor,engineidling.Heledhertothepassengerseat,shieldingherfromthestreetandanypotentialdangerwithhisownbody.Thenhesettledherinthecar,joggedaroundtohisseat,andtookoffdowntheroad.
Hisknuckleswerewhiteashegrippedthewheel.“Someoneinyourlifewantsnotmerelytoscareyoubuttoharmyou.Weneedtotakeahardlookateveryoneyouknow.”
Shegavehimashakynod.“I’mrulingoutmymotherandsister.MomisinKilgore,whichisinEastTexas.She’sagoodthreehoursaway…andreally,why?ShegainsnothingifI’mhurtordeadexceptthelossofemergencycash.”
Heathnoddedinagreement.“Ialsoagreethatyoursisterhasnoinvolvement.She’snottheviolentsort,andshedoesn’tvaluemoneyaboveall.”
“Aslongasshehasadecentroofandenoughtoeat,Karisishappy.She’safairlytypicalMillennial.Shedoesn’tcareifheraccessoriesareTiffanyorChanel.Shewantstechgadgets.Everythingelsejustneedstobefunctionalandsturdy.”
ThatwasHeath’sassessmentaswell.“Yourfather?”
Thequestionhadherchestbuckling.Itwasalreadydifficultenoughforhertounderstandhowtheassholecouldtellayoungchildthatshewashisstupidestmistakeandwalkoutfortwenty-fiveyears,buttoimaginethathecouldwantherdead…Jolieclearlyhaddifficultyprocessingit.Still,shetriedtobeaslogicalaspossible.
“Idon’tthinkso.Mostlybecausehe’stryingtobuythecompanyoutfromundermeandhisnumberonegoalisalwaysmoney.IfIdied,Kariswouldgeteverything,nothim.AndsheknowshowIfeel.ShewoulddissolveBettibeforeshesoldittohim.Besides,CarringtonQuinnisn’tthesorttogethishandsdirty.Oh,helikestoattackwhenthere’sfinancialbloodinthewater.ButIseriouslydoubthe’dactuallyresorttoanythingasphysicalasmurder.”
AsmuchasHeathdespisedthemanhe’dnevermet,hesawherlogic.“Hecouldhiresomeonebutthatmakesalmostnosensenow.Hestillthinkshehastheupperhandinyournegotiations,soresortingtomurdercouldactuallyunderminehisposition.We’llscratchhimoffthelist.WeknowfromGardner’ssisterthattheman’sinjuriesweretooextensiveforhimtobetheperpetrator.”
Thatassessment,however,meantHeathwasbacktosquareone.
“Right.Andlikewesaid,he’shardlythesorttothrowarockthroughmywindow.Besides,hebarelyknowsKaris,sothestrangegiftsforhermakenosense.”
Heathsighed.“Let’slookatthebiggerpatternhere.Giftsforyoursister,abreak-intargetingyourcomputer,vandalism,then…”Thathorrificshothecouldstillhearechoinginhisheadmakinghisgutclenchwitheveryretortofthesniperrifle.“Thentoday’sincident.”
Theywereverydifferentmethods,andhecouldn’timaginewhathertormenterwastryingtoaccomplishexcepttoconfusehim.
“Idon’tseeapattern.”
“ThenotesheleftforKarisprovidedthemostinformation.Thismanwantstobewithher.Andseemstothinkyou’llstandinhisway.Enoughtokillyou,Idon’tknow.”
“WhywouldIstand…”Shetrailedoff.“Okay,IhavechasedoffseveralofKaris’swould-beboyfriendsinthepast.”
“Maybeit’soneofthem?”Hefrowned.“Butyousaidyourselfthatyouhaven’tbrushedanyasiderecently.”
“Right.Sowhynow?Andwhypushhisagendaviolently?Maybesomeoneispissedaboutmyanti-datingpolicyamongthestaff.Ifthat’sthecase,Iknowwho’sresponsible.”
“Arthur?Doyouthinkhe’sactuallyunstableenoughtoresorttoattemptedmurder?”
“Idon’tknow.Hecomesoffsociallyawkwardbutdoesthatmeanhewouldtrytokillme?”Hermindseemedtorace,thenshesighed.“No.Can’tbehim.Hewasinsidetheofficewhenthegunfirestartedfromacrossthestreet.”
“EvenifArthurhadn’tbeenstandinginplainsight,Iwouldalreadyknowhehadn’tpulledthetrigger.Idoubthe’scapableofthecoolheadandskillrequiredtohandleaweaponofthatcaliber.Butit’spossiblehehiredsomeoneprofessional.”
“How?Idoubthehaseitherthemoneyortheconnections.”
“Maybeheknowsaguy,”Heathtossedbackironically.
Shescoffed.“Seriously.”
“Allkiddingaside,perhapshefoundsomeoneonlinewillingtodoitforcheap.Orinexchangeforanotherfavor.”
“Likedoingtheirtaxes?Beatingtheirvideogame?”
Heathnodded.“No,you’reright.Itdoesn’taddup.”
“Besides,ifhewantstodatemysister,let’sfaceit…Killingmeisn’tthewaytoherheart.”
“UnlessArthurismoretwistedthanweimagined,you’reright.Let’skeepthinking.”
Shestilllookedwhiteandshaky,andHeathresentedeveryoneofthetwelvemileshehadtodrivebetweenBetti’sofficesandAxel’shouse.Hereachedacrosstheconsoleandtookherhandinhis.Shegavehimaweaksqueezeinreturn.
“Inalltheexcitement,weneverhadthechancetotellmysisterournews.”
“Wewill,”hepromised.
Heunderstoodwhythatwasimportanttoher,butkeepingKarisintheloopontheirromanticlifewastheleastofHeath’sconcernsnow.TheonlythingthatmatteredwasfiguringoutwhysomeonewantedtohurtJolie,whythey’dsteppeduptheirgametoattemptedmurdertoday,andhowtokeepheralivesotheycouldhaveachancetolivehappilyeverafter.
***
HEATHforcedhertodrinkwaterandliedownoncetheyreachedAxel’shouse.Hespoonedher,madesureshetooksomedeepbreaths,andheldheruntilthedoorbellrang.
Atthesound,hesprangup.Hisheartrevvedashewithdrewhisgunfromhisholsteranddashedthroughthehousetopeeroutthefrontwindow.
Hesighed,histensionbleedingout.“It’sKarisandCutter.”
Hiswifewasrightbehindhimandreachedfortheknob.Heathbeathertoitandnudgedherbehindboththedoorandhim,scanningthestreetastheduofiledin.
“Anyonefollowyou?”heasked.
CuttershookhisheadasheusheredKarisinsideandfollowed,blockingherbodywithhisown.“Allclear.”
“Jolie.”Karisrushedather,andthetwowomenhuggedwithgreatloveandrelief.
Twiceinthelastfivedaysthesistershadbeenindanger.Thatwastwotimestoomany,inHeath’sestimation.
“Areyouokay?”Joliesteppedbackenoughtoscanhersister’sface.
“Fine.Noonetookashotatme,”Karispointedout.“I’mworriedaboutyou.”
Heathlockedthedoorandeasedthewomentowardthelivingroomwherenoonecouldhavepossiblesightlinesinsideunlesstheyprowledaroundthebackyard.Butthenhewouldseethem,aswell.“Let’snotlingernearwindows.”
Theyfileddeeperintothehouseandeveryonesat,KarisandCutteronthetwooversizedchairs.JoliesankontothesofaandHeathsatbesideher,reachingforherhand.Hehadscarcelyknownherforaweek.Alreadyhefeltasifhehadaplacehebelongedinlife,apartnerbyhisside.Sheglancedhisway,andforallshe’dbeenthroughtoday,herexpressionstillsaidthatshefeltsafewithhim.Sheglowedwithtrust.
Thatbothslayedandhumbledhim.
“Didyoutakecareofthepolice?”Heathasked.
“Yeah.Theyhaven’tbeenabletofigureanythingout.Andofcourseit’snotrelatedtothebreak-inatJolie’sofficelastweekortherockthatwentthroughherwindowonSaturday.”
“Ofcoursenot.”Heathrolledhiseyes.Imbeciles.“Ifthey’regoingtobemorehindrancethanhelp,I’llsimplygoaroundthem.”
“Noonewashurt,andtheydidn’tfindenoughphysicalevidencetherewasevenashooter.OneofthesuitssuggestedthatJolie’sbeenthroughalotlately,soshemaybealittle…excitable.Itwasprobablysomethingelse,likeanoldercarbackfiring.”
Heathclenchedhisfists.“That’suttershit.Iknowthedifferencebetweenthosesounds.”
“SodoI,andIargued.”Heshookhishead.“Buttheydon’tagreetherewasanincidentatall,sothecaseisn’thighontheirtotempole.”
“Bloodyhell.”Heathheldhiswifecloser,vowingtokeephersafefromthewould-beassassin—andanyoneelsewhomeanttoharmher.
CutterpeeredoveratJolie.“Thequestionis,whywouldsomeonewanttohurtyou?”
ItwasthesamequestionHeathhadaskedrepeatedly.
Sheshrugged.“I’mdrawingablank.Icertainlycan’tthinkofanyonewhobenefitsfrommydeath.”
“Oh,Idon’tknow.ThegirlsatSweetieBowwouldloveforyoutodieahorribledeathinthenexttenminutes,”Karisquipped.
“Oneofourcompetitors,”shesupplied.“Well,theSweetieBowsistersliveinMinneapolis,soitwouldbetoughforthemtogethereandcausethismuchtrouble.”
“Ifthey’reserious,theycouldhavehiredsomeonetopullthetriggertoday.”CutteragainmarchedoverthegroundHeathandJoliehadtrampledearlier.
“That’strue.ButeveniftheybelieveI’mkeepingthemfromsuccess,theywouldn’tbegivingKarispresents.”
“Whatifwe’redealingwithmorethanoneperson?”Heathmusedbesideher.“Whatifsomeoneisresponsibleforthegiftsandveiledthreats?AnotherbrokeinlastWednesdayandshotatJolietoday…Thatwouldexplainthedifferentmethodsanddegreesofdanger.”
Karisfrowned.“Youmean,like,someguyreallyadmiredmeinasecretwayandleftmecoolstuffwithtypednotes,whilesomeonetotallydifferenttriedtoscareJolieoff?”
“That’swhatI’vebeenthinking,too,”Cuttersaid.“IsuggestwemovealltherandomofferingsKarishasreceived—mymoneyisonArthurbeingyouradmirer,bytheway—andfocusontheeventsweknowtheleastaboutyethavebeenthemostdangerous.”
“Arthur?”Karisrearedbackasthepossibilityoftheiraccountant/videogamenerdbeingaromanticinteresthadneveroccurredtoher.
“Goodthinking.”Heathnodded,ignoringher.“Let’sreviewwhatweknow.”
“I’mnotsurehowmuchhelpI’llbe,”Jolieadmitted.“Istillcan’tbelievesomeonewouldwantmedead.Me.First,duringthebreak-in,thispersonwantedmycomputerandwhateverwasonit.Thenhe…what?Calledmenamesbythrowingarockthroughmywindow.Whatpurposedidthatserve?Thentoday,hetriedtokillme.It’slikehewantedtoscaremeoff,andwhenthatdidn’twork,hegotpissedoff.Excepttherockiswaymorejuvenilethantheotheracts.”
“Shehasapoint.”Cutternodded.“Therockfeelslikesomeone’sfrustration.Let’ssetthatasideforthemoment,too.Canyouthinkofwhatsomeonemightwanttoscareyoufrom?”
“BeforeFridaynight,Iwouldhavesaidsecuringaninvestor.ButsincesomeonetriedtoshootmeafterGardnerandIverypubliclypartedways—”
“That’sputtingitmildly,”Heathcutinwithaproudgrin.“SomeoftheTweetswerequitefunny.”
Jolierolledhereyes.“Ican’timaginewhatelsethisguywantsmetocowerfrom.”
“Maybeacompetitorsimplywantstodistractyouandjaryouroperations,”Karissuggested.
“Byshootingatme?That’smorethanadistraction.Andwhywouldhegofromaseriouscrimelikebreakingandentering,decidenexttothrowarockthroughmylivingroomwindow,thenattemptmurder?Thesequenceofeventsdoesn’tbuildfrompettytolifethreatening.IfeellikeI’mplayingagameof‘whichoneofthesethingsisnotliketheother,’youknow?”
Heathnodded.“Soperhapswefocusmorespecificallyonwhowouldwanttohaltyourproduction.Orsomeonewhomightresentyoursuccess.”
“We’vebeenoverthis.”Shestoodandbegantopacerestlessly.“Ican’tthinkofanyone.Yes,mygoalisworlddominationsomeday,butI’mnotthereyet.Ican’tpossiblyhavemadethatmanyenemiesonmywayup.”
Itdidn’tseemthatwaytoHeath,either.Thewholesituationhadhimscratchinghishead.
“Wouldyouladiesmindseeingifyoucanfindmeabottleofwatersomewhere?”Cutterasked.
Karisraisedabrow.“Thekitchenislessthantwentystepsaway.Youneedbothofustogetyouadrink?”
Cuttersighed.“HowelseamIgoingtotalkaboutyouwithoutyouhearing?”
Heathhadtosmile.Neitherofthesisterstooksubtlehintswell.
“Fine.”JoliegrabbedKaris’shandandtuggedhertowardthekitchen.“We’llgiveyouguyssomespace.”
Silencefellasthemenwaitedforthewomentoreachthekitchen.Nowallseparatedthem,sotheycouldbothkeepaneyeontheircharges.CutterwatchedKariswithasurgicalstare.
“Howareyoutwogettingalong?”Heathdroppedhisvoice.
Theothermanshrugged.“Sheresentsmeinherpersonalspace.YouandJoliebothwarnedmethatshe’dmakeapassatme.Sofar,shehasdoneherutmosttokeepdistancebetweenus.”
Heathfrowned.“Iwouldhavethoughtyouwouldbepleasedwiththat.”
Cutterhesitated.“It’sjust…sheseemsasifshe’sgoingthroughahardtimerightnow.I’mnotsurewhy.I’msorrytomakehersituationmoredifficultbut—”
“Hersafetycomesfirst.Always.”
“Right.”CutterglanceddownatthebandonHeath’sleftringfinger.“WhendidyouandJoliegetmarried?Andwhydoesn’tKarisknow?”
“Yesterday.Weweregoingtotellhertoday,thenbedlamensued.”
“Itsurelydid.Look…”Cuttersighed.“Karissharedwithmethereportshecompiledonyou.”
Bloodyhell,dideveryonenowknowabouthispersonallife?
“I’msorrytopry.Ididn’twanttoreadit,”Cutterassured.“But…shehadthiszanyideaandIhadtoseeiftherewasanychanceithadvalidity.”
Karishavingazanyideawasn’tastretch.Shethoughtoutsidetheboxbecausetheboxdidn’treallyexistforher.
“Goon,”Heathprompted.
“Afterreadingthedossiershe’dcompiled,Icouldseeherpoint.Hearmeout.Whatif…”Hesighedandsatbackasiftryingtodecidehowtoimpartapotentiallyuncomfortablethought.“Well,isitpossiblethateverythingthat’shappenedtoJolieinthepastweekhasnothingtodowithBettiandeverythingtodowithyou?”
ThatshockedHeath.“Me?Whatdoyoumean?”
“Theunpleasantcrapstartedhappeningwhenyoucametoworkforher,right?”
“Igrantyouthat,butnoneofmyfriendsorfamilyhavemether.Untilthismorning,theydidn’tknowshewasinmylife.”
“Butyourpast…Yourlatewife’sunsolvedmurder…NooneactuallytriedtokillJolieuntilyoumarriedher.”
Heathfroze.Hecouldn’timagineanyonecaringthathe’dremarried.“Whowoulddecidetomakemylifemiserablebyeliminatingher?Besides,ifthatwastheirgoal,whytrytostealhercomputer?Whythrowarockthroughherwindowcallinghersomethinglessthankind?”
“Idon’tknow.Nothingmakessensenowbuttheanswerisrightthere.Icanfeelit.Iknowwe’reoverlookingsomepertinentdetailorclue.”
Cutterwasprobablyright,andthetruthwasjustbeyondHeath’sreach.
“Let’sdigabit,haveachatwithArthur.Ifhe’sKaris’s‘admirer,’thenwecanputthoseincidentsasideandfocusontheeventsthatthreatenJoliemost.”
BeforeHeathcouldcontinue,hisphonedinged.StoneSutterhadarrivedatBettitohelpwiththefinalinstallationofthecardreadersbutnooneintheofficeknewwhereHeathhadgone.HetextedthemanAxel’saddressandaskedhimtocomebywithArthurandJolie’scomputerintow.
Afterachipperreply,Heathsettledintowaitforsomeanswers.Heonlyhopedwhathefounddidn’tworryhimmore.ChapterFourteen
Ruleforsuccessnumberfourteen:
Leadfromthefront.
WHATdoyouthinkthey’retalkingabout?”Kariswhisperednexttotherefrigerator,glancingbackatthemen.
Who’stryingtokillme.“Theyobviouslydidn’twantusinonit,butwhatever.It’sbeenalongdamndayalready.I’mopeningabottleofwine.”
Shedidn’twaitforhersister’sreply,justfoundanunopenedboxofwheatcrackersinthepantryandsnaggedtwoglassesfromanearbycupboard.Itwasn’tgourmetbutitmightsettlehershakynerves.
“Merlotokay?”Joliesaunteredtothewinecabinet.
“Um…it’stwoo’clockintheafternoon.Thebusinessdayisn’tover.”
“Idon’tcare.”She’dawakenedearlierthismorninginagorgeoushotelroominVegasasanewlywed.She’dstartedhermorningasabride,supposedlystartingherfantasticlifewiththemanofherdreams.Thisafternoon,ifthingshadgonedifferently,shewouldhaveendedherdayonacoldslabinthemorgue.Addingstinktothepileofshitwasthefactthatifshedidn’tfindanewinvestorsoon,herbusinesswouldbegobbledupbyherassholeofafather.Sowinesoundedgreataboutnow.“Areyoudrinkingornot?
Karisshrugged.“Ifyou’regame,sure.”
Joliegrippedthewinebottlewithherlefthandandwiththeotherrummagedaroundinanearbydrawerforthecorkscrew.
Heryoungersistergasped,staringatherfinger.“Ohmy…Youdidn’t.Didyou?”Karisdartedtowardthemen,stoppingtostaredownatHeath’shand.“Ohmygod.Youdid!”
Jolieclosedhereyes.Damn.Aftertheshooterhadshakenherandchaoshadensued,shehadn’thadthechancetositKarisdownandspillthenews.
“Wedid.”Joliecrossedtheroom.“HeathandIwenttoVegasovertheweekendandgotmarried.”
Karisgrabbedherwristanddraggedherbacktothekitchen,awayfromthemen.“I’mhappyforyou,butwouldithavehurtyoutocallme?Tocallanyofthefamilywholovesyouandask…oh,Idon’tknow,maybeifwe’dliketobetheretoshareyourspecialday?”
No.ShetriedtopictureKarisstandingbesideheratthealtar,wearingasimplebutlovelybridesmaid’sdress,hermotherdabbingattearsinthefrontpewofasimplechurch.Apangofregrettwistedherchestifshe’dhurtanyone’sfeelings,butsheandHeathhadn’twantedpompandceremony.
“Iunderstandbutwedidthisforus.Becausewewerereadytobehappytogether.”
Withashrug,hersisterconcededthepoint.“Sorry.Thatwastheselfishpartofmetalking.Iwantedtobeimportantenoughtoyoutoshareyourmomentousdaywithme.”
“Youare.Wedidn’telopetopreventanyonefromattendingourwedding,KK.Wejustdidn’twanttowait.Ifitmakesyouhappy,youcanplanusareceptionaroundThanksgiving.Austinwillbehomethen,”shesaidoftheirbrother,wholivedinLosAngeles.“It’llbegreat.”
“Sure.”Karisstilllookedconfused.“But…whyrushtogetmarried.You’vealwaystoldmethatifsomeonecaresaboutyouenough,they’llwaituntilyou’resure.Imean,Ijustneverthoughtyou’dleapsoquicklyafterallthetimesMomhas.”
Joliedidn’tknowhowtoexplaintohersisterthatshe’dsimplyknownmarryingHeathwasright.She’duseallthewordsandphraseshermotherdideverytimeshewoundupwithanewmanwhowouldeventuallytreatherlikedirtandbreakherheart.
“IneverthoughtIwould,either,”shesaidsoftly.“ThatshouldexplaintoyouhowIfeel.He’samazing,supportive,kind,sexy,smart.”
AbitofenvycrossedKaris’syoungface.“Hell,I’dsettleforsane,showered,andsteadilyemployedrightnow.”
“Youhavetime,”Joliepromised.“Someonewillcomealong.Therightsomeone…StillnothingbetweenyouandCutter?”
“No.”Sheleanedagainstthekitchencounter.“I’veoverheardsnatchesofhisphonecalls.Itsoundslikehe’sembroiledinsomelovetriangle.Whoeversheis,helovesherterribly.”
NowKarissoundeddownrightwistful.Jolietookherhands.“It’llhappen.Inthemeantime,focusonyou.Figureoutwhatyouwantoutoflifesowhenheentersthepicture,you’llknowwhetherornothefitsintheframe.”
Hersistersighed.“You’reright.ShouldwecallMomandgiveherthegoodnews?”
JoliehatedtotalkaboutgettingmarriedwhenDianawasinthemiddleofadivorcebut…“Let’sdoit.”
***
THEdoorbellrangaboutanhourlater.Aleanstrangerwithbuzzedhair,inkcoloringhisbountifulmuscles,andadangerouslookstoodattheportal,carryinghercomputer.Arthurlingeredbesidehim,holdingabox.
Herhusbandturned.“Jolie,meetStoneSutter.He’sanamazingtechexpertwhowillfinishinstallingthedatabaselogssowecanlaunchyourofficesecuritysystem.I’dalsolikehimtotakealookatyourcomputer,seeifwecanupgradethosedefensesaswell.”
“Stone,Jolieismywife.Wegotmarriedyesterday.”
“Congratulations,man!”Stonestuckouthishand.“Asaguywhorecentlyjoinedthemaritalstate,it’sbliss.Enjoy…”
“HowisLily,then?”Heathasked,lettingthemenintothehouse.
“Great.She’sstartedasupportgroupforteenvictimsofrapeandtheirfamilies.She’sreallygladtobemakingadifference.We’retryingtogetpregnant.She’sready,so…goodtimes.”Heraisedtwothumbs.
“Excellent.Givehermyregards.”
“WhyamIhere?”Arthurasked,standingawkwardlyintheentryway,holdingabatteredcardboardboxwithachemicalcompany’slogoemblazonedacrossthetop,heldtogetherwithtwokindsoftape.
“BecauseIaskedStonetobringyou,”Heathsupplied.“Whyareyouholdingthatbox?”
“Itmysteriouslyappearedinoneofthecubiclesearlier.Itdidn’tlooklikeanythingtheFedExguyhaddroppedoffbecausesomeonehadorderedcoolstuffonline.”
Stonewasright.Itlookedpatchedtogether,battered,maybeevendangerous.
“Everyoneelseattheofficeseemedafraidtheboxmightbesuspicious.”Stoneshrugged.“SoIbroughtitouthere.Ifiguredwe’remoreequippedtohandleitthanthewebdeveloper,thecrazyFrenchman,andyoursobbingreceptionist.”
SoWisteriaandherboyfriendwerealreadyoffagain?Joliesighed.
HeathturnedtoArthur.“WasthatonKaris’sdesk?”
Heswallowed.“I…um,yeah.Iwasn’tthere,sonoideawholeftit.”
“Ofcoursenot,”Heathquippedcaustically.“Let’strythisagain,shallwe?YouleftKaristhisbox—andalltheotherrecentgifts.”
Arthurpaled.“Idon’tknowwhatyoumean.”
“Rubbish.Youdo.”Heathcockedabrow.“Itwouldbebetterforallifyouconfessednow.”
Theaccountanthuffed,riskingaglanceatKarisbeforejerkinghisgazeaway.“Allright,damnit!IintendedtotalktoJolieaboutthepolicythatdidn’tallowmetodatecoworkers,butafterwhathappenedinthefileroomlastweek,Iwonderedifthepolicywasevenrelevantanymore.Youtwoaremarriednow?Iguessthatanswersmyquestion.”
JoliewishedshehadhandledherrelationshipwithHeathbetteraroundtheofficebutshedidn’tregretamomentofhertimewithhim.
“You’retheonewho’sbeenleavingmegifts?”Karisgaped.“Thetulips?”
“Ofcourse.I’dhopedtheywouldconveywhatIwastootongue-tiedtosayface-to-face.Whyyouthoughthegavethemtoyou,Ican’timagine.”ArthurgesturedtowardHeath.
“Aboutthat,youandIareequallyperplexed,Iassureyou,”Heathreturned.“Thecandy?”
“Yes.”
“Thecandle,too?”Karisasked.
Joliewonderedifheknewthathewasn’thersister’stype.Karislikedthembuffandslickandfullofcharisma,justliketheirmother.
“Whoelsewouldithavebeen?”Arthurimplored.“I’vebeenpayingattentiontoyourlikesanddislikes.WhenyouandBensplitupawhileback,Ithought…maybe,here’smychance.SoIstudiedyouforweeks.IwantedtoshowyouthatI’mmorethananumbercruncherandagaminggeek.Icanbethoughtfulandromantic.”Withatsk,heturnedbacktoHeathandJolie.“Butyoutwokeptreadingthemostmenacingmeaningsintomynotes.”
“TheyallbutthreatenedJolie,soyes.Wewereconcerned.”Heathsizedhimup.“TherockthroughherwindowSaturdaywith‘bitch’paintedinredletters?”
Arthurpaused,lipspressedtogetherinastubbornline.Thenregretfurrowedhisbrow.“Iwasangry.I’msorry.I’llpayforthedamages.It’sjust…IcouldhavebeenspendingtheweekendwithKaris.Myworrythatshewouldneverlovememightalreadybeoverifyouhadsimplytalkedtomeaboutthepolicy.”
“You’reright,andIregretthatIdidn’ttaketimeforyou.”Joliefrowned.“Butyoumademebelievesomeonewasouttodomebodilyharm.”
“No.Youtwodecidedthat.IfIdidn’tknowotherwise,I’dsayyou’reunromanticpeople.”
“Whydidn’tyoueventrytoaskmeout?”Karisasked.
“Iwantedto.”Helookedaway.“I’mnotalwaysgoodwithwords.”
“Youspentallthistimegettingtoknowme,andI’mflattered.ButhowwasIsupposedtofallinlovewithyouifyouneverletmeknowyou?”
ArthurlookedatKarisasifthathadneveroccurredtohim.“It’s…I,um—IguessIhopedyoumightgivemeatryifyouknewIcouldbecaring.”
Karisshookherhead.“Butteringmeupwon’tdoyouanygood.Allmylife,I’vewatchedmymomfallforthewrongmen.Anditalwaysendshorribly.BenwasthelastguyIletsweet-talkme.IwokeuponedaytofindhimsextingsomeoneelsewhileIwaslyingrightbesidehim.Iletmyselffeelheartbrokenforawhile.WhentheburglarhadmecorneredintheofficetheothernightandIworriedIcoulddie,Idecideditwastimetobemorelikemyoldersisterthanmymother.Iresolvedtogetmylifetogether.”SheturnedtoJolie.“Yesterday,Ienrolledincollege.Istartaftertheholidays.I’llbeattendingclassesatnight.I’mreadytomakesomethingofmylife.Andsomeday,myPrinceCharmingwillcome.ButIwon’tneedhimtocompleteme.I’llbeacompletepersonallonmyown.”
Jolieswelledwithpride.Itwasweirdlymaternalbutalsolikethethrillshe’dfeelforagoodfriend.
“I’msoproudofyou.”Shegrabbedhersisterintoabigbearhugandfelthereyesstingwithtears.
“Ireallyamsorryabouteverything,”Arthuroffered.“IthoughtIwasbeingsmartbut…Iseeyourpoint.Canwestartover,Karis?Maybegotodinner?Thatis,ifourbosswilllifttheanti-datingpolicyandIstillhaveajob.”
Theoldherwouldhavefiredhimonthespot.Thenewherhadavastlydifferentapproach.“Everyoneishuman.Wemakemistakes.Considerthisyoursecond—andlastchance.You’reonprobationforninetydays.Butiftherearenomoreproblems,mysteriousboxesintheoffice,orrocksthroughmywindow,thenyou’restillemployed.You’reagreatasset,andI’dhatetoloseyou.Whateverhappensbetweenyouandmysisterisuptoyoutwo.”
Karishesitated.“Maybewe’llstartasfriends,seewhereitleads.”
Itwasn’ttheanswerArthurwantedtohearbutheaccepteditwithgrace.“I’dlikethat.”
***
Afewhourslater,KarisandArthurhaddisappearedintoatheaterroomwithabigscreenandhookeduphisconsolesotheaccountantcouldintroducehertothepostapocalypticworldhegamedin.Noonehadseenthemforhours,soHeathguessedtheywerehittingitoff.Jolieworkedquietlyatthekitchentablewithherpadofpaperandhermobile,makingonephonecallafteranother,beatingthebushesforanewinvestor.
Heathfocusedonhisjob—keepingheralive.Arthurhadowneduptoeverythingexceptthetwomosttroublesomeevents:thebreak-inandtheattemptedshooting.IfHeathcouldn’tpointthefingerattheaccountantforthose,hewasn’tsurewhereelsetocasthissuspicion.
StonetappedawayonJolie’scomputer,thegroovesbracketinghisfrowngrowingdeeperwitheverymoment.“Okay,thisisbad.”
“What?”Heathreallydidn’twantmorebadnews.Hesimplywantedtotakehiswifetotheirbed,shutthedoor,andforgetabouttherestoftheworld.
“LastWednesdayevening,someonegotontoyourwife’ssystemandstartedinstallingawholebunchofdataminingsoftwareandtrackingcookies.Basically,theywantedtoknowhereverykeystrokeandquery.”Stoneshookhishead.“Whoeverstartedthedownloaddidn’tfinish,though.”
“Weinterruptedthem.WhenJolieandIfirstapproachedduringthebreak-in,webeatthepolicethere.Kariswasinside,byherself.”
“Shewasscared,”Cuttersupplied.“Shetoldme.”
“Absolutely.Joliewasafraidforher,andIpromisedtogetKarisoutalive.Butwhenwearrived,wefoundamantypingonhercomputer.Weinterruptedhim,sohetriedtostealthemachine.”
“There’ssomethingonherethathewantsbadly.”
Heathpaced,teethgritted.“Wehavenoideawhat.Atfirstweassumedsomethingbusinessrelatedbut—”
“I’mnotsureaboutthat.”Stonetappedafewmorekeys.Thenacouplemore.Hisconfusionturnedtoconcern.“Heseemsmostinterestedinherbrowsinghistoryfortheseven-dayperiodbeforeandafterWednesday.ShesearchedforsomethingontheInternetandheseemsfocusedonthosequeries.”
“Suchas?”Fabrics?Trends?Loans?Investmentadvice?
Stoneleveledahardglanceathim.“Themostsearcheditemduringthatperiodoftimewasyou.”
Cuttergrunted.“IhatetosayItoldyouso…”
Heathtriedtoabsorbthatnewsbutitdidn’tmakesense.Yes,Karishadapparentlyusedhersister’scomputertomakeinquiriesabouthimbutwhowaslefttocare?Anna’sparentsprobablyhadthemostlegitimatereasontohatehim.He’dfailedtoprotecttheironlydaughter.Buttheyhaddiedbeforeshehad.Hisonlyothersuspect,Kensforth,wasgone,too.Hell,hewouldevensuspectMyles…exceptthemanwasacontinentaway,tryingtogetonwithhislife.OfcoursehehadtheconnectionstohiresomeonetokillJoliebutwhyher?Whynow?He’dlostevenmorethanHeathhadthatdayandstillseemedtobegrievinginhisownway.
Whodidthatleave?
ThemastermindoftheattacksthatkilledAnnaandLucy.Thatnameless,facelessshadowofafigurewhoseemedmoreelusivethansmoke.Heathcursed.Hehadtosolvethismystery—forhimself,forAnna,forhisfuturewithJolie—beforeitwastoolate.
“Canyougetanythingelsefromthecomputerthatmightgiveusmoreinformation?HowtheburglarintendedtowatchJolie’sInternetsearches?Anyhintofaffiliationoridentityor—”
“No,sorry.LikeIsaid,hestartedthework.Hedidn’tfinishit.There’snotenoughhereformetogoon,justafewfileshedownloadedfromaknownhackersiteusingJolie’sownWi-Fi.”
Sonocyberfingerprints,asitwere.Thenooseoffateandpanictwistedtogether,slowlystranglinghim.“Thankyoufortrying.”
Stonetosseddownacoupleofbusinesscards.“Callmeifyouthinkofanythingelseorhavemorequestions.”
“Thanks.Anyothersuggestions?”
“Yeah,loadyourguns.Ihaveabadfeelingaboutthis.”
Heathdid,too.“I’mgoingtofollowupwithSeanontheonelooseendI’vegot.TheburglarwhobrokeintoBettiescapedonfoot.Butwe’restillwaitingtohearfromthecityaboutanytrafficcamfootagetheymayhavecaptured.
“I’msurehe’shadhishandsfullwiththebaby.Theycamehomefromthehospitalyesterday,”Stonesaid.
“Callietextedmepictures,”Joliesupplied.“He’sprecious.IhopeIcanvisitthemsoon.”
Oncethiscasewassolvedandthedangerhadcometoanend?“Ofcourse.Inthemeantime,I’llputacallintoSeantonightandseeifhe’slearnedanythingnew.”
ButhegotSean’svoicemailbeforethedeviceevenrang.
Withasigh,hehungupandfiguredthey’dstartfreshtomorrow.Hisstomachwasrumblingfromlackoflunch.Joliehunchedoverhermobile,hereyessquintingasifthey’dbecomestrained.Regardlessofhowtiredtheywereorwhatelsewasgoingon,hisneedtoholdherhadrisenslowlythroughouttheday.Hehadtohaveher,likeair,likefood.
Likelove.
WhenStonedeparted,draggingArthurwithhim,KarisandCutterretiredtoseparatebedroomsupstairs.HeathapproachedJolie,tookherhand,andeasedhertoherfeet.“Comewithme,wife.”ChapterFifteen
Ruleforsuccessnumberfifteen:
Celebrateyourwins.
HEATH’Svoicemadeherentirebodytingle.Foursimplewords,andJoliewasabsoluteputty.
Onshakinglegs,shestoodandputherhandinhisandsenthimasaucysidewaysglance.“Wherearewegoing?”
Sheknewbutsheachedtohearhimsayit.
“Ourbed.Leaveyourphoneonthetable.”Hisvoicehadgonelow,commanding.
Jolieshivered.Shewasintheterriblehabitoftakingherphonewithheratalltimes,evenwhenshewassupposedtobesleeping.Itoftendingedinthemiddleofthenightwithe-mails,importantnewsstories,evenTwitternotificationsaboutmentionsofBetti.Butashehadsinceshe’dmethim,Heathreorderedherpriorities,makingitimpossibletothinkonlyaboutwork.
“Allright.”Withashiver,sheroseandturnedherbackonthedevice.
Asheledherdownthehall,towardthemasterbedroom,heslippedanarmaroundherwaist.Hispalmburnedatraildownherbody,straighttoherass.Hecuppedhercheek,benttonibbleatherneck,andbackedherintothewall.
“Idon’tknowifIcanwaittofindthebed,love.”Hesoundedgruff,impatient.“Ineedtotouchyouandensureyou’reallrightandstillmine.”Cradlingherfaceinhisbighands,hekissedher,adeepclaimingofherlipsbeforehebackedawaywithapainedfrown.Hisgriptightenedonher.“YoumustknowwhatIwasthinkingwhenIheardthatgunshot.”
Jolieknewexactlyandshecouldonlyimaginetheworryandadrenaline,hisfearthathistorycouldrepeatitself.“Nothingtragichappened.I’mhere.I’myours.”
Shesealedherwordswithanotherkiss,andheheldhertighter,dragginghislipsacrossherjaw,toherear,droppingtoherneck,tasting,nipping,savoring.Whenheliftedhisheadagainandseizedhermouthoncemore,shewaspantingandtuggingathisshirt,desperatetofeelhiminsideher.
“Now…”Shewasn’tasking.
“Notyet.Ineedyoutodosomethingforme,love.”Heletoutaraggedbreath.“Trustme.”
“Ido.”
“Witheverypartofyou.Iwanttotry…Damnit.”Heathpressedtheirforeheadstogetherasifhecouldn’tgetcloseenoughtoher.“TodayIfeltentirelyoutofmymindwhenthoseshotswereaimedatyou.We’vebeenpiecingthefactstogetherallbloodydayandnothingmakessense.Noneofthisiswithinmyabilitytocontrol.Ineedsomethingthatis.Surrenderyourselftome—yourpleasure,yourbody,yourwill.”
Mentally,Joliefoundittoughtoallowanyonedominionoverher.Surprisingly,theonetimeshe’dtackledthementalhurdleandletgowithHeathinbed,she’dlovedit.Butthistimewouldbeharder.He’dwanteverything.Thehungerinhiseyesmadethatclear.
Shewasn’tevensureshewascapableofsurrenderingherwholeself,butshelovedhimtoomuchnottotry.
“I’lldomybesttogiveyouanythingyouneed.”
“Anything?”
“Itrustyou.”Shecuppedhisface.HewouldneverhurtherlikeCarringtonQuinn.OrcrushherlikeMom’sthoughtless,cheatingexes.
“Ihaven’ttoppedanyoneinsevenyears.I’veseenit,beenaroundothersexchangingpower.MostofmyworldlybelongingsarestillatThorpe’sclub.ButIhaven’ttrustedanyoneorcaredenoughtotrysinceAnna.Doesthatchangeanythingforyou?”
“Doesthatmakemetrustyoulessbecause…what?You’reoutofpractice?”Sheshookherhead.“No.I’mtouchedthatyouchoseme,thatyoutrustme,too.”
Hesmiledashehoistedheragainsthisbody.Shewasn’tusedtoanyoneliftingher.Everyonesawherasballsyandcapableandstrong.Butsheachedforthismantocherishher,totreatherasifshewasthemostspecial,fragilewomaninhisworld.
Whenhecarriedhertothebedandlayherdown,theirclothesmeltedawaywithlongkisses,sweepingtouches,andsoftstrokesofhisfingertips.Sheassistedhim,ensuringthatwitheachpassingmoment,hebaredasmuchskinasshedid.
Whentheywerenakedandpanting,hecradledhercheekandstared.Thenhisdemeanorturnedhard.Hisvoicedroppedtosomethingalmostforbidding.“Givemeyourhands.”
Joliedidn’tquestionhimorthethuddingofherheart.Shesimplydidashecommanded.
Hekissedeachpalm,thenstretchedonearmflatagainstthemattress,towardthecornerofthebed,beforefasteningitinapaddedcuffshehadn’tnoticedpreviously.Heattachedthecufftosomethingonthebedframeshecouldn’tsee.Herepeatedtheprocesswiththeother.Herbreathcaughtwhenanklecuffsfollowed.
Suddenly,shewasnaked,spreadoutforhispleasure,waiting.Thoughhe’ddonenothingmorethanstrapherdown,Jolie’sheartrevved.Herbreathingquickened.Herinsidesbegantomelt.
“Wheredidyougettherestraints?”Shemanagedtobreatheoutthequestion.
“It’sAxel’shouse,”hesaidashislipswanderedacrossherskin.“HeworkssecurityatDominion,sohehasafewofhisown…proclivities.”
“Oh.”ButthequestionburninguppermostinhermindhadnothingtodowithAxel.“Whataboutyours?Youlikerestrainingawoman?”
Heshuddered.“Iusedtoenjoyhavingtotalcontrol.Withyou,it’s…somuchmore.IhadAnna’strustfromdayone.Shewantedguidance,soIgaveittoher.Guidingyoucanbelikeherdingacat,somewherebetweendifficultandimpossible.”
Joliehadtolaughbecausesheknewitwastrue.
“Mostoften,youdon’twantmyinterference,”hewenton.“Youdon’tneedit.”
“ButIneedyoumorethanyouknow,”sheconfessed.
“Whenyourlifeisindanger—”
“It’saboutmorethanthat.Youunderstandmeandthat’smoreepicthanyoucanimagine.”
“Thefactyou’rechoosingtogiveyourwillandstrengthtome—becauseI’veearnedyourtrust,notsimplybecausesurrenderingisinyournature—meanstheworld.”
Joliesmiledupathim,feelingasifsheglowed.Herbodysoftenedeverybitasmuchasherheart.“Whatnow?”
“TakemeandeverythingIneedtogiveyou.”
Shearchedherbackandfloweredherkneesopeninoffering.“I’myours.”
Heathstartedatthetop,filteringhisfingersthroughherhair,ashekissedher—cheeks,jaw,lips,neck—workinghiswaydowntoherbreasts.Oncethere,hepinched,licked,sucked,nipped.Joliedidn’trecallhernipplesbeingsosensitive.Hetoyedwiththembackandforth,tonguingthem,drawingthemdeepinhismouth.Thesuctionmadeherclitache.Shewriggled,feelingslickandswollen,wishinghewouldthrustinsideher,plungedeep,sotheywouldbeascloseastwopeoplepossiblycould.
Buthemadeherwait.Helavishedeverybitofhisdevotiononher,slidinghislipsunderthecurveofherbreasts,overherbellyuntilhelickedhiswaytohernavelanddroppedlower,hoveringoverthepadofherpussy.
Warmthturnedtoliquidheatwhenhebreathedoutahungrysigh.“I’vewantedtotasteyouagainfordays.”
“We’vebeenbusy.”
“Idon’thaveanyillusions.We’realwaysgoingtobebusy,love.ButIneedyouundermytongue.Ineedtodriveyoutopleasureandwatchyoucomeapartforme.”
Henudgedhersensitiveclitwithhistonguethen,joltingherwithinstantsensation.Hereachedupherbodywithhislongarms,cuppingherbreastswithonehandwhilehetormentedherpussywithhismouth.
“Yes!”shecriedout.
Heathworkedherslowly,asifhehadallday,asifnothingwouldeverbemoreimportantthanherbuildtoecstasy.Heneverletherfallover,justsentherspiralingup.Jolie’simpatiencesoared.Shewantedtowrapherarmsandlegsaroundhim,urgehiminsideher—anythingtoendthetorment.Anythingtofeelhimdeep.
“Stopfightingme,”hemurmuredagainstherthigh.“I’lltakeyouinmytime,inmyway.You’reminetocontrol.Letgo.”
Anyothermanshewouldhavescoffedatandtoldhimtofuckhimself.ButHeath…Sheyearnedtosurrendereverypartofherselftohimbecauseshecaredabouthisneedsmorethanherown.
Whenhadthathappened?Andratherthanbeingterrified,sheembracedthecloseness,theintimacy,theamazingbuzzofeuphoriashealwaysfeltwithhim.
Afteranotherwriggleandmorestrainingagainstherbonds,Jolierealizedshewasn’tgoinganywhere—andshedidn’treallywantto.Instead,shedraggedinadeepbreath,letitfillherlungs,runthroughherbloodstream,andcalmhermind.Shewasgivingherbodyandherwilltothisman.Hedidn’twanttostealitfromher.Heshouldn’thavetowrestitaway.
Zeroinginontheteasingdriftofhislipsoverherskin,theprodofhistonguebetweenherlegs,theharddrawonherclitwhenhesuckedherfleshin,shemelted,revelinginhissensualtortureashebenthertohiswill.
Joliecouldn’tcontrolwhenorhowhelavishedthesesensationsonher.Heseemedutterlycontenttotasteandtorment,drivingheruptowardtheprecipiceofpleasure,closertothescaldingheatthatdruggedherveins,makingherpantandtenseandsweat.Shecertainlyhadnosayoverwherehetouchedher,howlonghelingered.Definitelynotoverwhethershecame.Heexercisedthatauthorityoverherrepeatedly,liftinghertotheedgeofbliss,skimmingherwithitsrushofheat,lettingheralmostexperiencesatisfaction,beforehedirectedhisattentionawayfromherclitornipples,bothsohardnowthattheythrobbed.
Thenhebackedaway,plyingherwithdruggingkissesuntilsheagainsimmeredjustbelowaboil.Whentheurgetoclimaxeasedfromasharp,painfulachetoaslowburnandshelostherselfinhiskissuntilthemeshingoftheirlipsbecameitsownpleasure,thenheskimmeddownherbodyandresumedthesultrytormentofhistongueonhersensitivenubbin,repeatingtheagonizingcycleoncemore.
Shecouldn’thelptwistingagainstherbondsandbegging.“Heath…”
“Yes,love?Whatisit?”
Hehadtoask?No,thiswaspartoftheteasing.Thiswashimenjoyinghispoweroverherbody.
“Iwanttocome.”
“Iknowyouwantto.Butyoudon’tyetneedto.Andit’smysaywhenyoucome,isn’tit?Yougavemethatright.”Hepinnedherhipstothemattress,takingawaywhatlittlefreedomofmovementshe’dhad.“I’mnotreadyyet.”Hegrinnedather,mischieftoyingwiththecornersofhislips.“Butfeelfreetopleadyourcaseasloudlyasyou’dlike.”
Joliepressedherlipstogether.Thestubbornpartofherthatdidn’tlikelosingcontrolabsolutelyhatedhisspeechandwantedtoscratchhiseyesout.Yes,thatwasprobablyhersexualfrustrationtalking.Buthewasn’tmerelymessingwithherbody.Hefuckedwithherhead,too.
Joliewasn’tanythinglikehislatewife;sherefusedtodowhateverAnnawouldhavedone.WhetherHeathknewitornot,hewantedmorethanthat,too.Hesoughttotestherlikeasturdysapling.Heyearnedtobend—butneverbreak—her.Helikedthecat-and-mouseforeplayofassertinghiswilluntilhecoaxedorseducedherintosubmission.
Fightingforcontrolwaswaymoreherspeed,too.Evenifshelostintheend,she’dwin.
Joliesmiled.“Forgetit.Iwon’tdoit.”
“Really?”Hethumbedoneofhernipplesalreadysosensitivefromhistoyingandsucking.Thatactforcedhertobitebackagasp.“Sothere’snothingIcoulddotomakeyoubegme?”
Joliegrittedherteeth.Probablymoreofthatwoulddothetrick.Godknewthatifheputhistongueonherclitagain,itmightdrivehertopleadforhismercy—andhiscock.Butdamnit,she’dbitehertongueifshehadto.Shewouldnotgiveinwithoutafight.
“Nope.IwaschoosingtogiveyousomethingIthoughtyouwantedbutifyou’regoingtobeanarrogantbastardaboutit…”Shelookedawaywithalittleshrug.
Hisdeeplaughwarmedher.“Youhaven’tyetseenarrogantbastard,love.Thatwasmegentlytoyingwithyou.”
“Really?Thatwasasgentleasahammer.You’renotassubtleasyouthink.”
“Maybenot,butyou’reaterribleliar.”Hislipswhisperedoverthepadofherpussy.
Shetriednottoshiver.
“Lookatyou…”Hecaressedbroadhandsoverherbreasts,lingeringonhernipples.“Soflushed.Sotense.”Herakedhistonguebetweenherfoldsagain.“Soswollenandwet.”
“Ididn’tsayyoucouldn’tarouseme.Isaidyoucouldn’tbreakme.”
“Don’tchallengeme.IintendtohearyoubegformebeforeIgiveyourelease.Wewon’tleavethisbeduntilyoudo.”
Joliesmiledsecretly.Goody…“Ihaveaverystrongwill.”
“YoualsohaveaveryloosetonguethatmakesyousaywordsI’llensureyoueat.”
“Whatever…”Shetriedtoseemasifshewererollinghereyes.Butreally,theywerefallingintothebackofherheadwithpleasure.
Hisbodytightened.Hisgazesharpened.Shesawthepredatorinhimrearhishead,readytoplayhard.Everythingabouthimandthismomentmadeherbloodrace.Herheartspin.
“Thetricktoawomanistofindoutexactlywhereshe’ssensitiveandexploitit.Overthepastweek,I’velearnedquiteabitaboutyou,wife.”Heslidupherbody,coveringherwithhisown.
Already,Joliewassensitivebutthisskin-to-skincontactnowmadeherfeelasifeveryinchofhersurfacewasapleasurereceptor.Themerehintoffrictionwhileherubbedagainstherhadherbodytightening,herbreathaccelerating.Thenherampedupthesensationsbyburyinghisheadinherneckandsimplybreathing.
“You’resensitivehere,”hewhisperedunderherear.Thenhenippedatherlobe.“Here,too.”
Involuntarily,shetrembledunderhim.
“Hmm,”hemurmuredagainstherflesh.“Youlikethis,aswell.”
Hekissedhiswayacrossherjawbeforebrushinghislipsoverhers,hovering,breathing,teasingbutneverquitekissingher.Soclose…butsofaraway.Desperateformore,Jolietriedtofightback,raiseherhead,forcethekiss.
Herearedbackwithascoldingscowl.“Thisisformetogiveyou,notforyoutotake.”
“Youeitherwantmeoryoudon’t.”Sheproddedathim.
“Oh,IthinkwebothknowhowfuckingmuchIwantyou.”Hepressedthesteelyridgeofhiserectiondirectlybetweenherlegs,provingitincaseshewasn’tsure.
BeforeJoliecouldstopherself,sheexhaledasighofpleasure.
“Justlikewebothknowyouwantme.”Henudgedheragainwithhiscock,unerringlyrubbingagainsthermostsensitivespot.
Joliebitherliptoholdinagroan.Hertoescurled.Shegrabbedthesheets.
“Thequestionis,whatwillittakeforyoutosurrendereverypartofyourself?”
Soclose.Alreadyshewasdamnclosetoeschewingthispush-pullstruggleforthemomentousorgasmsheknewwaitedontheotherside.
Butasshelookedupathim,hiseyesgleamed.Helookedalive.Inthemoment.Happy.Hewasenjoyingthehelloutofthis.
Shedugdeepforresistance.
“Youmayneverknow,”shetossedback.
Helaughedasiftosayhefoundherdelusionadorable.“Oh,Iwill.Often.”
Whatasweetthreat.
Holdinginasigh,shesmiledupathim.“I’mwaiting.”
Hegrabbedoneofthediscardedpillowsstrewnaroundthebedandshoveditunderherhipsbeforeheadjustedsomethingjustoutofherlineofsight,providingalittleslackintheattachmentofhercuffstothebed.Hebentherkneeswider,openinghercompletely.“Notverypatiently.”
Withthosewordsswimminginherbrain,hefoundherslickopeningwiththeheadofhiscockandpushedinwithaforceandawillthathadherdragginginashockedbreath.Inthisposition,hestretchedheralmosttoherlimit.Shefelthiminvadeeverypartofher,drageachinchofhisshaftagainsthernerveendings,electrifyherentirebody.
Aboveher,heclenchedhiseyesshuttightlyandfroze.“Bloodyfuckinghell.”
Hisvoiceshook,andknowingsheaffectedhimmadeJolietrythatmuchharder.
Beneathhim,sheclampeddown,swungherhips,kissedherwayacrosshisshoulderanduphisneckbeforesettlingathisear.“DoIfeelgoodaroundyoualltightandbare?Doyouthinkaboutthisduringtheday?Lateatnight?DoyouimaginehowI’llsoundwhenIcryoutforyoujustbeforeyoureleaseinsideme?”
Heathsworethen,somethingterseandcrudethathighlightedhisstruggleforcontrol.
“IimaginehowI’llstripyoudownandmakeyoubeg,”hegrowledashethrustdeep.“OnlythenwillIgiveyouwhatyoucravebeforeIcomeinsideyou.”
Joliehadnoopportunitytoanswerbeforehebeganstrokinghiswaydeeper.Ifhehadpushedinwithallthefinesseofajackhammer,sheprobablycouldhaveresistedresumingthesweetclimbtoorgasm.Maybe.Butonceagain,heprovedhowwellheknewherbyinchinginwithamolassesslide.Hedraggedhiswaytoalmostcompletewithdrawalbeforeheslidbackinwithasmoothglideandaroughsigh.
Theeffortcosthim,shecouldtell.Hetensed.Hisbreathingturnedirregular.Hisfingersonherthighstightened.Buthedisplayedincrediblecontrol,notrushing,notbanging,utilizingeveryopportunitytomakeherfeeleveryinchofhim.
Overandover,heeasedback,surgingdeep,establishingarhythmsoslow,itmagnifiedeverysensation.Hehadherrestrainedcompletely,soshecouldn’tclawathimorwrapherlegsaroundhim.Shecouldn’teventhrowherhipsuptohiminsilentpleadingbecauseheweightedherdownwithhisbigbody,controllingherineveryway.
Joliecouldonlytensebeneathhim,tossherhead,andstruggletoholdbackalitanyofpleasforhimtoendthissearingtorment.
Hecapturedherlips,histonguemimickingtherhythmofhisthrustsandsettinghercompletelyablaze.Theywereconnectedeverywhere—lips,bodies,souls.She’dneverfeltmorefilledwithanotherhumanbeingthanshedidrightnow.
She’dneverfeltcloser.
Hepickedupthepace,grippingtheedgesofthebedandusingtheleveragetopushhiswaydeeperintoher.Hismusclesbulged.Hegruntedwitheffort.Thenhelookeddownintohereyes.HemightwanthertobeghimbuteverythingonhisfaceentreatedJolieforherloveanddevotion.Aweekago,shewouldn’thaveknownwhattrueyearninglookedlike,butheworehisneedwithnakedhonesty.Nofrontingortryingtohide.Sure,he’dplaygames.Theybothenjoyedthem.Butattheend,hesimplywantedtobewithher.
Shecouldn’timaginewantingtobeanywherebutwithhimfortherestofherlife.
Itwasthethoughtofeverbeingwithouthimagainthathadherpartingherlipsandsurrendering.“Please,Heath.Please…”Shecouldn’tlookawayfromtheendlesswellsofhisdarkeyes,foreversuckingherdeeperintohisdepths.“GivemewhatIneed.”
“Anorgasm?”Hewaschallengingher,seeingwhatthispleasuremeanttoher.
“You,”shebreathed.“Bewithme.Staywithme.Care.”
Hegroaned.“Ido,love.Takeme—andeverythingIgiveyou.”
“That’sallIwant.”
Hethrustinharder,finallyfaster,nowhittingaspotdeepthathadherwrithingunderhim,twitchingwiththependingexplosion,keening.Justonemorebreath,onemorekiss,onemorestroke…
“Heath!”Joliecouldn’tholdittogetheranymore.“Iwantyou.Always.Please…”
Thenthepleasurecrestedanderasedeverythingholdingherback—pride,fear,insecurity.Hereplacedthatwiththeheatofhispassionandthesteadinessofhisdevotion.Shefelthimpourintoher,pistoningasheletoutalonggroanandletgo.
Whentheystilled,onlythesoundsoftheirpantingfilledtheroom.Hestrokedherhairawayfromherface,staringatherasifshewasawonder.Hekissedhersogently,tearsleakedfromhereyes.Histendernessfeltpalpable,themomenttimelessanddefining.
Beingrawwithhimwasmoving,beautiful.
Heswallowedhard.“Iloveyou.”
“Iloveyou,too.I’veneversaidthattoamaninmylife.ButI’llloveyouforever.”
EmotionsoftenedHeath’sface.Hereleasedherhandsandflattenedoneofherpalmstohischest,overthesteadybeatofhisheart.“Ihopeyoudo.I’llloveyouthatlongandmore.”
***
JOLIEsatbehindthesleekglassdeskinherofficeandhungupthephone,stillblinkinginshock.Thetimingofthecallhadbeenamazing.Perfect.Sofortuitous.
Itmustbeserendipity.
Everyotherpartofherlifewassparklingandspectacular.Heath,ofcourse,wasthebrightestspot.EvenKariswasmakingbetterdecisionsforherfuture.ItlookedasifsheandArthurwerecautiouslydevelopingsomething.Andwhileheraccountanthadtotallyscrewedup,hewasstillahugestepabovemostofhersister’sboyfriends.
Andnowthisphonecallmadeherentirelifecomplete.
SheboltedtoherfeetandranintothereceptionareatofindHeathbentoverWisteria’scomputer,installingthelastofthedatabasefilestomakethecardreadersontheofficedoorsfullyfunctional.
“Heath?”
Heturned.Shemusthavebeenwearinganexpressionthatconveyedalltheshockshewasfeelingbecauseheleapttohisfeet.“What’swrong?”
“Nothing.It’sgoodnews.I…”Shesmileduntilhecaughtonandreturnedtheexpression.“Everything’sgoingtobeallright.WithBetti,Imean.IjustreceivedacallfromaconsortiumofEuropeanfunds,Quantum.SomehowtheyheardthatI’vebeenseekinganinvestorandaskedifIwasstilllookingforcapital.Italkedtothisguy,ClarkeWinston,foralmostanhour.I’vedonesomecursoryresearch,andtheylooklegitimate.He’salreadysentmepaperworkwithaninvestoragreementIcanwholeheartedlysign.Theywanttobesilentpartnersanddon’texpecttoseeanyreturnonfundsforfiveyears.It’slikeadream.Canyoubelieveit?”
“You’rehappy,then?”
“Ecstatic.ThesearebettertermsthanI’dhopedfor.Bestofall,theycanwiremethefundsrightaway.Icancallmyvendorsandmanufacturersandgivethemthegoodnews.WecangetstartedonthenextphaseofBetti.Thisissoamazing!It’stheanswertomyprayers.”
Heathgatheredherinhisarmsandkissedherforehead.“Itcouldn’thavehappenedtoamoredeservingperson.Congratulations.”
“I’llworkhardtomakethemostofthis.”
“Ofthat,Ihavenodoubt,love.Youneverceasetoamazeme.”
Shesmiledandcuppedhisface.“Weshouldcelebratetonight.”
Heathleanedcloser,hisdarkeyesdrillingintoher.“Whatdidyouhaveinmind?Ifyou’reopentosuggestions,I’vegotafew.”
“I’llbetyoudo.Later.Myto-dolistisamilelongafterthisphonecall…”Sheshookherhead,stillindisbelief.“I’mnotaltogethersurehoworwhythisgroupzeroedinonme,butI’mnotlookingagifthorseinthemouth.”
“MaybeitwastheDMagazinearticle,”hesuggested.“Theymadeyousoundlikethesecondcomingofclothes,youknow.”
“Maybe.Itwasprettyawesomepress.”
“Well,offwithyou,then.I’mstillinstallingandtestingallthisequipment.Yougetbusynowsowecangetbusylater.”Hewinked.
“Yougotit.Soexcited!Ican’twaittogetthepaperworksignedandthemoneyinplace.Themomentthat’sdone,I’mgoingtomaketwophonecalls.ThefirsttoRichardGardnertellinghimthatIhopehispenisisblisteredforlifesohecan’tscrewsomeotherunsuspectingbusinesswoman.ThesecondphonecallwillbetomyspermdonortolethimknowthatIdon’tneedhim,I’veneverneededhim,and—incaseheforgot—hecangofuckhimself.”
“Perfect.”Heathbeamedproudlyather,andJoliewasn’tjustthrilledforBettibutforthem.
Togethertheywouldhaveabrightfuture.Andhavingsuchanunderstandinghusbandwhowasstrongenoughnottobethreatenedbyhersuccess,whodidn’tneedtomeddlebecausehebelievedshecouldaccomplishhergoalsallonherown…Thatmeanteverythingtoher.
“Isn’tit?”Shecouldn’tstopsmiling.Successfeltfabulous.Itwouldalsobethebestrevenge.RichardGardnerdidn’tmatternow.CarringtonQuinnwouldnevermatteragain.
Screwfeelingvindicated.Joliefeltfree.
Peekingaroundtheoffice,Heathcuppedhershouldersandturnedheraround.Everyoneelsewaseitherawayfromtheirdesksorhadtheirheadsburiedinsomething.“Go.”Hegaveherassalightswat.“Youcantellmeeverythingyou’vegotplannedtonightafteragreatdinner.Naked.”
Withalaugh,JolielefttofindKarisandtherestofthestaffandletthemknowtheyapparentlyhadasavior.
***
EARLYthefollowingmorning,thebuzzingofHeath’sphonewokehimfromasoundsleep.Hegroanedandrolledover,relaxinginstantlywhenhefoundJoliebesidehim,barelystirringwiththeintrusivevibrationofhismobile.
He’dawakenedhermorethanoncelastnighttomakelovetoheragain.Notbeingabletogetenoughofherdidn’tsurprisehim.Helovedsex.Theywerenewlyweds.Shewasfascinating.Whatpromptedhimtoreachforheragainandagainwasthecloseness.Itwasn’tmerelygrowingbutmultiplyingsoquicklythateverytimehetouchedher,hefoundithardertocatchhisbreath.Theywereentangledoneverylevel,entwinedallthewaydowntotheirsouls.
Bloodyhell,hesoundedridiculous,bleatingonaboutmattersoftheheart.Butthatdidn’tchangethefactthateverymomentwithheronlyhadhimfallingdeeperinlove.
Thephonebuzzedagain,andhegropedforitwithagroan.He’dtentimesratherbeawakenedbyhispassionforhiswifethanwhoeverwantedtodisturbtheirpeace.
“What?”hebarked.
“It’sSean.SorryIcouldn’tgetbacktoyousooner.Thisbabyisexhausting.Whydoesheonlysleeptwohoursatatime?”
Despitethedirereasonforthevoicemailhe’dleftSeantheotherday,Heathgrinned,rollingoutofbedandtossingonhisjeans.“Yousoundbeyondweary.”
“BecauseIam.Callieisdoingallshecanbutsheneedsrest.She’sgotafeverwe’rewatching.ThorpeandIaretryingtochangediapersandunderstandswaddling.We’rewalkingAsher,talkingandcooingtohim,takingturnssleepingsowecancareforhim…Fuck,IshouldhavepaidmoreattentionwhentheSantiagobrotherstoldmehowdifficultparentinganinfantwas.”
Despitehowdoggedlytiredthemansounded,Heathstillenviedhim.“He’sabeautifulbaby.”
“Amazing.WatchingCalliegivebirthwassomethingI’llneverforgetandIwouldn’ttradeitforallthesleepintheworld.”
That’swhatHeathsuspected.“Congratulations.”
“Thankyou.ButIdidn’tcalltobitchaboutneedinganap.Ifinallygotsomeinfobackonthestreetcamfootage.DoesthenameJimDulinmeananythingtoyou?”
“No.”Hefrownedasheheadedforthecoffeemaker.“Shouldit?”
“He’syourburglar.Bytheway,he’snottheguywho’sbeenhittingBetti’sneighborhoodbusinesses,either.TheycaughtthatguybreakingintoaCondomSensestorelastnight.”
“I’llbethewasn’tstealingcomputersfromthem.”
Seanlaughed.“No.Anyway,JimDulinisathugforhirewitharapsheetsolongifhewounditaroundacardboardhuskoftoiletpaper,itwouldbeanextrajumboroll.Lotsofburglaryandtrespassing,someBandE,andassault.Aggravatedrobbery,ofcourse.Unlawfulpossessionofafirearm.”
“IstheresuchachargeinTexas?”
“Ifyou’reaconvictedfelon.Healsohadsomearmytrainingasasniperbackintheday.”
Makingitentirelypossiblehe’dbeentheonewhohadtriedtoshootJolie.“Damnit.”
“Idon’tthinkhe’shadtimetoburrowtoodeepunderground.ThepolicearetryingtotrackdownhislastknownaddressbutIworkedanangleandcameupwiththis.”Herattledoffastreetnumberandname.“Dulinwaslastseenthereyesterday.It’sinaseedypartoftown.Surprise,surprise.It’sarent-by-the-weekjoint.”
“Thanks.I’llstartthere.Iappreciateit.”
“Noproblem.IonceriskedeverythingtokeepCalliealive.Iknowhowthatworryfeels.Ihopeyoufindthisguyfast.”
Theyrangoff,andHeathreturnedtothebedroomtofindhiswiferollingoverandstretching.“Whowasthat?”
Heexplained.“I’mgoingtogooverthereandseewhatIcanfind.StaywithCutter.He’lltakeyouandKaristotheoffice.UnlessIcouldpersuadeyoutostayhereandworktoday?”
“Can’tdoit.I’mtheboss.I’vegotastafftoleadandabusinesstorun.”
“Iknewyouwouldsaythat.”Heathsighed.
“Doyouthinkthere’sanychanceMonday’sshootingwasanaccidentoraflukeor—”
“Honestly,no.Iwishithadbeen.Iwouldsleepmoreandworryless.RememberwhatIsaid,staywithCutter.”Hebenttokissher.“Iwon’tbegonelong.BeagoodgirltodaysoIcantreatyoulikeaverybadgirltonight.”
Whenhewinked,shelaughed.Helovedthatsight.Joliehadhadsolittletolaughaboutinherlife.
“Yougotit.”Joliegrabbedhisarm,lookingathimwithtroubledeyes.“Besafe.”
“Ofcourse.”Hekissedherforehead.
Heathdidn’tsparethetimeforashower.Hejustshovedontherestofhisclothes,hadaquickexchangewithCutteraboutthesituation,thenhoppedonhisbike.
ThemorningairbithisskinashetraveledtotheaddressSeanhadgivenhim.Itwasonlyafewmilesawaybutitmightaswellhavebeenawholeworld.Prostitutesmilledaround,mostleavingthemotelafterwhatwasprobablyadebauchedeveningofjohnsanddrugs.Junkieswerepassedoutontheconcretestairsleadingtotheupperfloors,seeminglyoblivioustothemorningchillandthenoisytrafficonthenearbystreet.Managementlookedtheotherway,asevidencedbythebigtattooedguyinarumpleddressshirtwipinghisbaldheadwithasweattowelasheambledfromtheofficetoabeat-uptruckattheedgeofthelot,ignoringthecarnagearoundhim.
Heathshookhishead.Howdidonewinduphere,servingthedregsofsocietywithnohopeforthefuture?
Thatcouldhavebeenhim,herealized.Ifhehadn’tpulledhimselfoutofhisrage,hadn’tforcedhimselftopickupandmoveon.Hewouldhavestoppedcaringandmerelykeptsubsistingdaytoday,hopinglifetookhimsomeplacewherehecoulddisappearbecausenothingmatteredanymore.
Thankfully,he’dpersisted.OrhewouldneverhavemetJolie.
Heathheadedupthelitteredstaircase.Anoldmanwasdrinkingabottleofcheapwineasheurinatedoffthesideofthebalcony,ontosomeone’scarbelow.Ahookerwholookedoldbeyondheryouthburiedherfaceinshadowasshepassed,butthatdidn’thidethebruising.Evenifsheneededhisinterference,shewouldn’tappreciateit.
Hescowledandforgedahead,locatingtheroomnumberSeanhadgivenhim.Drapesdrawn.Nosignsofmovementinside.
Hefoundatiredwomaninherfortiesshovingahousekeepingcartfromdoortodoorasifshewerepushingaboulderuphill.
“Amoment,please?”heasked.
Shelookedathimasifhe’dlosthismind.“What’chuwant?”
“I’mlookingforamissingperson,”heimprovised.
Anditwastrueinasense.AccordingtoSean,noonehadseenJimDulinforabouttwenty-fourhours.
“Ican’thelpyou.You’llhavetotalktoEddie,thedaymanager.”
Hewouldprefertoavoidmanagement.Besides,thiswomanwouldbenefitfarmorefromhisdesperation.“Areyousure?”Hepulledoutahundreddollars.“IsimplyneedtopeekintoaroomandseeifIcanfindmymissingsomeone.”
“Youacop?”Shescowled.
“Privateeye.”Ofasort.“Ihaveaveryconcernedclient.”
Shespiedthemoney,hereyesnarrowedwithsuspicion.“Youtryin’togetmefired?”
“Notatall.Ifyouhelpme,Ihelpyou.”Heextendedthemoney.“Yourbosswillneverknowandyouwillneverhearfrommeagain.”
Shelookedaround,thensnatchedthemoneyfromhishand,tuckingitinthekerchiefshehadwrappedaroundherhead.“Whatroom?”
Hewhisperedthenumber.“Ionlyneedafewminutes.”
“Ikeepthemasterkeyonthechainhangingfrommybeltloop.”Withoutmovingherhead,shecasthergazedownclandestinely.“Ifyouwastoswipeit,ImightnotnoticeforafewminutessinceI’llberestockingmycart.”
“Excellent.Andbecausemyfingersareslippery,I’msureI’lldropitjustoutsidethatroomwhereyou’lleasilyfindit.”
Sheacknowledgedhimwithanodandwalkedawayslowly.Heaththankedabitofhismisspentyouthbecausehe’dlearnedtopickpocketforfun.Relievingthemaidofherroomkeyandsnaggingapairoflatexglovesfromthecartwasabreeze
Clingingtotheshadows,hemadehiswaytoDulin’sroomandlethimselfin.
Heknewsomethingwaswronginstantly.Despitetheairconditioningbeingonfullblast,theatmospherewastoostill.Noonerushedforwardtoaskwhythehellhe’dbargedin.Noonelayonthebeds.Theshowerwasn’trunning.Nothingstirred.
Heathknewwhatdeathfeltlike—andithadcometovisithererecently.
Hecreptthroughtheroom,pastthesecondofthequeenbeds.There,wedgedbetweenthemattressandthewalllaythebodyofamaninhisthirties.Hisfacewaswhite,waxy.Blood,probablyfromabulletwoundinthebackofhishead,pooledintothedirty,patternedcarpet.
Justlookingatthestateofthebody,theguyhadprobablybeendeadsomewherebetweeneightandtwelvehours.ThekillerhadturnedtheAConhighsothedecomposingbodywouldn’tsmellrightawaybutthestenchwasbeginningtopervadetheroomnow.
Grimacing,Heaththrustonthelatexglovesandbenttothebody.Thiswasnotheftgonewrong.Thewalletinhisbackpocketstillhadafewhundreddollarstuckedinside.Andadriver’slicense.Hewas,indeed,JamesDulin.Thepictureanddescriptionmatched.
Damnit,hecouldnolongeraskthepettycriminalquestionsaboutwhyhe’dbrokenintoBettiandwhetherhe’dbeentheonetoshootatJolie.ThefactthatDulinhadbeenmurderedwasunsettlingenough.MaybeitwasacoincidencethatthemanwhohadbeenpaidtostealJolie’scomputer,thenlaterherlife,hadbeenkilledhimself.
DuringhisyearsinMI5,Heathhadfoundthatcoincidenceswereneverquiteasrandomastheyfirstappeared.
Hesearchedtherestofthebody.A.22satinaholster.He’dshovedafewbulletsinhispocket.Anythingelsehemighthavehadintherewasconvenientlymissing.
Inhisshoe,Dulinhadtuckedathinkey.Heathstudiedit,holdingituptotheweaksunlightleakingunderthelimpblackoutdrapesthathadseenbetterdays.Itwasn’ttoasafedepositoralockerfacility.Itwassmaller,maybeopeningasuitcase.
WedgedunderDulin’ship,hefoundtheguy’sphone,asifithadbeeninhishandandfallenontothefloorjustbeforehelandedontopofit.Hedidn’thavethemobilepasswordprotected,whichtoldHeaththathehadn’tuseditmuch.Sureenough,heonlyhadtwopeopleinhiscontacts,BarbaraandAddison.Thefirstwashissister,basedontheinformationinthecontactfolder.Addisonwashisdaughter,maybesevenoreight,livingwithherauntBarbara.Allthecallstoandfromthephoneweretothosetwomobilenumbers.Thefewpictureshehadwereofthemboth.
Hesighed.Thefamilyleftbehindwereoftenhitthehardestbecausetheyfrequentlyknewtheirrelativewasacriminalbutdeathfinallydashedtheirhopestheirlovedonewouldturnhislifearound.
Heathtuckedthephoneunderthebodyagain,approximatelywherehe’dfoundit.WheninvestigatorsencounteredDulin’sbody,they’dwanttocontactthenextofkin.Thatwouldbetheeasiestmeanstofindthem.Butthismancouldn’thaveoperatedwithoutaconnectiontohisshadyunderworld,andhewouldn’twanttobetraced.
Dulinhadaburnerphonesomewhere,likelyintheroom.Heathsimplyhadtolocateit.
Nothingunderthebeds,inthebathroom,beneaththeadjacentsink.Theclosetprovedemptyofallbutclothesandadiscardedsuitcase.ThedrawerscontainedafewpairsofboxersandaBible.
Heathheadedtothekitchenetteareaandpulledopendrawers,prowledinsidecabinets.Afterfindingnothing,hepeekedintheoven.Insideabakingpanrestedalittlemetallockbox.
Slidingtheovenrackout,hefishedinhispocketforthekeyhe’dfoundonDulin’sbody.Sureenough,itfitintothesmalllockonthebox.Heathfrowned.Itwasn’thighsecurity.Whyhadthecriminalimaginedhecouldhideanythinghere?Thenagain,perhapshehadn’tbeenterriblybright.Heathwouldneverknownow…
Hepriedthelidopenandfoundabouttenthousandincash,threefakepassports—allbadlydonebecauseDulinhadactuallylookedfarmorelikearedneckthanaRussiandiplomat—andaburnerphone.
Pluckingthedisposablecellfromthebox,hescrolledthroughthecalls.Mostweretoanoverseasmobile,allreachedwiththedialingcode44.UnitedKingdom.
Aflushofshockandanxietyhithissystem.Cutterhadbeenright.EverythinghappeningtoJoliewasn’taboutherpast,buthis.He’dputawaysomanydangerouscriminalsinhisdecadewithMI5.Anyofthemcouldhavedonetheirtimeorescapedanddecidedpaybackwasinorder.
Butonlyonecasehadhauntedhimrelentlesslyforyears.Onlyonecasehadthepowertounnervehim.
Somehow,someway,thishadtodowithAnna’smurder.
Swallowing,helookedatthecallhistory.AslewofcallsstartinglastWednesdayhadculminatedinoneattena.m.onMondaymorning.AsilentperiodfollowedbetweenthatcallandthefinaloneMonday,atthreeintheafternoon—shortlyafterJolie’sattemptedmurder.Everythinghadbeensilentsince,andHeathsuspectedheknewwhy.
Thisburnerwashisonlylinkbetweenhimselfandwhoeverwantedtodohiswifeharm.
Hedidn’thesitate.
Pluckingthroughthebuttons,heredialedthemostfrequentlycallednumberonthedeviceandwaited.Onthethirdring,amanansweredwithaguarded“What?”
Thefamiliarvoicechilledhim.Heathdidn’tsayaword.Histhoughtsraced,hispalmssweated,hisheadspunwithdisbelief.
Themanontheotherendsighed.“Youcouldn’tleaveitalone,couldyou?Ihopeyouhaveyourfuneralsuitready.You’llneedit.”
FeardetonatedthroughoutHeath’sbody,theimpactlikeanuclearexplosioninhisgut.HehadtogettoJolienow.
Heathwasn’tsurewhatthemanwasuptoorwhyhe’djustthreatenedeverythingbutnoonewouldspillevenadropofJolie’sblood.
Hangingupthephone,Heathshovedeverythingbackintoplace,dartedoutthedoor,anddroppedthekeyashewent.Onthemaddashtohisbike,hetextedCutterthatdangerwascoming.ThenheshovedtheburnerphoneinhispocketandthelatexglovesintoanearbyDumpster.
Itwouldtakehimhalfanhour—maybemore—toreachhiswife.HeonlyhopedhegottoJoliebeforeanyoneelsedid.ChapterSixteen
Ruleforsuccessnumbersixteen:
Beflexibleandadaptable.
ASthemorningsunslantedthroughthefrontwindowsofBetti’ssuite,Joliescannedtheinvestoragreementforthethirdtime.She’dmadenoteslastnightande-mailedClarkeWinstonforanswers.Theyhadbeenwaitingforherbrightandearlythismorning.She’dcalledanattorneysheoccasionallyconsultedwithandaskedhimtoglanceatthedocument.Tohershock,he’dcalledbackwithinthehourtosayitwasagoldenhandshakeofadealandshewouldbeafoolnottotakeit.
Today,sheplannedtodojustthat.
Amomentlater,Wisteriaknocked,herlongfaceappearinginthesidelightwindownexttotheofficedoor.Clearly,thepoorwomanhadbeencryingagain,andJolienolongerwantedtotellherreceptionisttoavoidmen.Thatwouldneverwork.Besides,shenowunderstoodthelureofromance.God,shelovedHeathmoreeveryday—farmorethanshe’deverthoughtshe’dloveanyman.He’dprovenhimselftobehonorable.Shetrustedandrespectedhim.Andheremindedhertolaugh.Hewasn’taperfectman…buthewastheperfectoneforher.That’swhatJoliewishedWisteriacouldfindforherself.
Rising,shecrackedthedoor.“Yes?I’mreadingacontract.Emergenciesonly.”
“It’skindofanemergency.Youhaveavisitor.”Wisteriapulledthedoorwidetorevealamaninasharpnavysuit,crispshirt,stylishbriefcase.Latethirties,blueeyes,hairsomewherebetweenblondandbrown,well-trimmedbeard.Reasonablyattractive.“He’sheretotalktoyouabouttheQuantumConsortiumthing.”
Joliepaused.Clarkehadn’tmentionedtheyweresendingarepresentative.Wasthissurprisevisitahiddenprerequisite?Didtheywanttointerviewherfurther?Inspectheroperations?
“Hello,Ms.Quinn.”HesoundedveryBritishashestuckouthishand.
“Hello.”Sheshookit.“Actually,I’mMrs.Powellnow.Irecentlymarried.ButcallmeJolie.Comeinandsit.Ihadnoideayouwerecoming.What’syourname?”
Sheshutthedoorbehindthem,enclosingtheminheroffice.Ashecrossedtheroomtowardtheguestchairsheoffered,hetrippedspectacularlyandsprawledonhandsandknees,hisbriefcasetumblingacrossthecarpet.
Jolierushedtohelphimup.“Areyouallright?”
Hepushedhisglassesupthebridgeofhisnosewithasheepishgrinandcollectedhimself.“Afterarecentinjury,I’mabitclumsy,I’mafraid.Thankyou.”
Ashesat,Jolieroundedthedesktoherownoversizedleatherseat.“Soyou’rewithQuantum?”
“Well,IhavesomeinformationClarkeneglectedtoincludeinhisconversationswithyou.IfeltasifIhadtodiscussthebitsoftheagreementyoumightnotbeawareof.”
“Suchas…?”
Hesizedherup.Notlikeasexualpartnerbutasiftryingtodeterminehercapability.Joliebristled.Clarkehadbeenaffableandeasytodobusinesswith.Thismanannoyedher.
“Doyouknowwherethecapitalyou’recontemplatingiscomingfrom?”
Theimplicationsofhisquestionmadeherfrown.“Isn’titageneralinvestmentfund?”
Hesighedasifdeeplydistressed.“It’sasIsuspected.Youdon’thavethefirstclue.Ican’tletyouremaininthedark.”
“Inthedarkhow?”
“Mr.Winstonrepresentsyourinvestorbecausethey’rerelated.”
Clarkehadn’tmentionedthatbuthehadbeen,ineveryotherway,completelyprofessional.Sheshrugged.“Allright.”
“Ofcourseyoudon’tunderstand.I’mbotchingthis.”Heshookhishead.“Mr.Winstonisaninvestmentbrokermarriedtoyournewhusband’ssister.Mr.Powellintendedtofundyourcompanyexpansionwithoutadvisingyou.”
Joliefroze,shockslidingthroughher.“ClarkeisHeath’sbrother-in-law?”
“Precisely.”
“SoClarkedoesn’trepresentQuantumConsortium?”
“Hedoes,technically.”Helookedsosorrytobethebearerofbadnews.“ButI’mafraiditscarcelyexistedthreedayspast.”
Nowsheknewhewaswrong.“Iresearchedit.Thatfundwascreatedeightyearsago.”
“Onpaper,yes.Butit’sbeeninactive.Youmightnothavebeenabletolocatedocumentationbecausethegroupwasalwaysprivatelyowned,sofewpublicrecordsexist.”
ThathadbeenJolie’sconclusion,too.ButClarkeworkedforaveryreputableEuropeanbrokerage.Neverahintofscandalorshadydealings.Andofcourseshe’dneverimaginedthatHeathwoulduseQuantumtodabbleinherbusinesswithoutfirsttalkingtoher.Hell,shehadn’tevenknownhepossessedthatkindofmoney.
“AndyouthinkmyhusbandintendedtogivememillionsofdollarsforBetti’sexpansionwithoutmyknowledge?”
“I’mafraidso.”
Becausehewantedmakeherdreamscometrue?Because,afterGardner’scrap,Heathhopedshe’dsucceed?Orbecausehepitiedher?Joliewasn’tsure.Whyhadn’thetoldherhisplans?
Didhethinkshecouldn’tachieveherdreamswithouthishelp?
Thatpossibilityragingthroughherhead,Joliewiltedbackintoherchair.Shetriednottobelievethathe’ddiscountedher.Betrayedher.Hehadneverbeforeliedtoher,notevenwhenitwouldhavemadehislifeeasier.Butwhyelsewouldhecongratulateherforfindinganewinvestorifheknewwhohadprovidedthecapitalallalong?
Thenagain,Joliedidn’tknowthismaninheroffice.Maybehewasmistaken.Maybehewasstirringsomeshitpotshedidn’tunderstand.
“Idon’tbelieveyou.”
“Yourloyaltyisadmirable.Howmuchdoyouknowaboutyournewhusband?Wereyouawarethathe’saverywealthyman,wortharoundtenmillionpounds?”
Herjawdropped.“Impossible.Hewouldneverhavetakenajobwithmeifhehadthatkindofmoney—”
“Yes,hewould.He’sdoneitforyears.Followingthedeathofhisfirstwife,heinheritedthesizeableestateAnna’sparentsleftbehind.Healsocollectedaheftylifeinsurancepolicy.Bothsumsherolledoverintocraftyinvestments,managedbyhisbrother-in-law.Icanonlyimaginewhyhehasn’ttouchedthatmoneyuntilnow.”
“Whoareyou?Howcouldyoupossiblyknowanyofthis?”
“I’mMylesBeaker.”
Wasthatnamesupposedtomeansomething?“And?”
“IseeHeathdidn’tmentionme.I’msurehewouldprefertomoveonfromhisguilt.”Hesighedasifheharboreddeepregretforcomingheretobursthernewlywedbubble.“IwasHeath’spartnerwhenheworkedwithMI5.”
“Soyou’renotwithQuantum?”
“I’msorry,no.Ineededanexpedientstorytoensureyouwouldseeme.Ihavetoexplainthetruth.Yousee,HeathandIbothlostwivesonthesameterribleday.Annaperished,whichIpresumeyouknow.ButmyLucyandourunbornchildweremurdered,too.”
Themantookamomenttocollecthimself,andJoliecouldn’thelpsoftening.“Takeyourtime.”
Heshookhishead,seeminglydeterminedtoforgeahead.“I’vewrackedmybrainforyearstofigureoutwhokilledthemandwhy.Arandomattacksimplydidn’tmakesense.Somehow,thoseinnocentwomenwereattheepicenterofviolence.Everythingwaswellplanned,professionallyexecuted.I’magrievingman.Iwantanswers.I’vestruggledsomuchsincethattragicday.Idugandinvestigated.Isearchedhighandlow.I’vecometotheconclusionthatHeathmusthavekilledAnnaforthemoney.Lucyandourunbornchildweresimplycollateraldamageinthewakeofhisgreed.Andnow,Ifear,he’splottingthesamefateforyou.”
Jolie’sphonebuzzedatthatmoment.Sheglancedatthescreen.Heath.Shenearlysnatchedupthedeviceandstartedbarkingquestions.HadhereallyintendedtoinvestinBettisecretly?Why?
Shedidn’tbelievethestrangerwasrightaboutHeathkillingAnna.Afterall,he’dseemedsoangryandtornwhenhe’ddiscussedhisfirstwife’sdeath.Jolie’sgut—andherheart—didn’twanttobelievehecouldfakeallthat.Butshe’dbarelyknownHeathforaweek.Asmuchasshehatedtocontemplatehisdeception,shecouldn’taffordtobenaive.She’dhearBeakerout,seewherethistheoryled.Thatway,she’dknowtherightquestionstoaskhernewhusbandincasehisformerpartnercouldproveanypartofittrue.
Decliningthecall,shesilencedherphone.“You’resayingmyhusbandkilledhisfirstwifeformoneyandnowwantstomurdermeformine?”
“Precisely.”
Timetoreviewfacts.Shehadinitiatedbothsexandmarriage…butHeathhadplantedthesuggestionsinherhead.Hadshebeentoosureofherselftoseeapotentialcharlatancomingandleaptintomarriagebecause,screwtheconsequences,hemadeherfeelgood?Becausehe’dgivenherthebestsexofherlife?Hermotherhadcertainlysuccumbedtothatrusemorethanonce—withdisastrousresults.
Nervousnow,Jolietappedherfingersonherdesk.CertainlyHeathwouldn’tbesoeagertogetherpregnantifhemeanttokillher.Unlesshedidn’tintendtoleaveheralivelongenoughforthattomatter.
MaybeBeakerwasadesperateman,lookingforsomeonetoblameforhisloss.Maybehebelievedwhathesaidandsoughtto“save”herfromAnna’sfate.Ormaybehewasanassholewithanaxtogrind.
“He’sbeyondmercenary,”Beakeradded.
“Andhewantstotakemymoneybyfirstgivingmemoney?”Theabsurdityofthathither.
“Yes,bymarryingyouandinvestinginyourcompany,he’lllikelyhaveeveryrighttoyourfundswhensomethinghappenstoyou.HewouldalsohaveaverystrongclaimonBetti.Ipresumeyoudon’thaveanysortofprenuptialagreement?”
“No.”Untilthelastfewyears,she’dneverhadmuchmoney.Sometimessheforgotthatshewasnolongerstrugglingtopayoffstudentloans.
Beakershotherasuperiorexpression.“Thereyougo.Whoeveryou’venamedinyourwillasabenefactorwillhaveadevilofatimedefendingtheirpositionincourtbecauseHeathwillbebothyourhusbandandyourprimaryinvestor.”
Lawsvariedfromstatetostate…butshesawhispoint.“That’squiteatheory.”
“Afterthecold-bloodedwayheexecutedAnna,Lucy,andourbaby,Ihavenodoubthe’scapableofkillingyoutomorethandoublehiswealth.”
“He’sneveroncementionedmoneytome.”
“Ofcoursenot.Whybotherwithsmallamountshereortherewhenhecouldscorebig?WhatisBettiworthnow?I’veseenestimatesthatyoucouldsellitforupwardsofthirtymilliondollars,”hesaid,hisaccentclipped.“Isthatright?”
Herlastvaluationputhersomewhereinthatneighborhood.Foramanshe’dneverheardof,Beakerseemedwellinformedabouther.“Whydoyouwanttoknow?”
“Mypointis,he’sawareofthis.Andyou’rehisnextmark.”
Joliethoughtbackoverthelastweek,toalltheamazing,touching,tenderwaysherhusbandhadfilledintheholesaroundherheartandsoul.Eitherhewastheperfectmanforher…oraconartistofepicproportions.Shehadn’tlookedcloselyintoHeath’sbackgroundbeforeshehadhiredhim.Callie’sdevotedhusbandhadrecommendedhim.Seanwasasensiblemanwithagoodbullshitmeter.Hewouldn’trecommendacriminal,right?Notifhe’dknown.
“Youlookskeptical,”Beakercutintoherthoughts.“IcanproveyourhusbandintendedtoinvestinBettiwithoutyourknowledgeorconsent.”
“Really?”
Myleswithdrewhisphonefromhispocketandsetitonthedeskbetweenthem.Withafewtapsofthescreen,Joliefoundherselflisteningtoafamiliarvoice.
“Hi,Heath.Clarkehere.I’vehadthechancetospeakwithyournewwife.Jolieisalovelywoman.Verysharp.I’mimpressed.Yoursisterismostexcitedtomeether.Idon’tknowifI’llbeabletocontainJaneuntilChristmas.ShequitewantstomeetJolie.”Hesoundedamused.“ThegoodnewsisI’vemanagedtoliquidateeverythingyourequested.I’llcontacthertodaytoextendtheofferandthecontract.I’llkeepyouinformedalongtheway…unlessyou’dliketotellherthatyou’reherinvestor.Ican’tthinksubterfugeisthebestwaytobeginamarriage…”
Beakertappedthescreentoendtherecording.Butthatdidn’tstopshockfromshreddingJolie’scomposure.
Heathtrulyhadusedhisbrother-in-lawtogivehermoneyforBettiwithoutanyintenttotellher.Shesatback,stunned.WhatelsehadBeakerpeggedcorrectly?Certainlynotmurder,right?
“Howdidyougetthatvoicemail?”
Hesentheranalmostpityingexpression.“I’vespenttoomanyyearsasaspy.I’mafraidsomehabitsdiehard.”
Joliedidn’tlikethelengthshe’dgonetoinordertoproveherhusbandguiltybutshecouldn’tdenytherecordingsoundedauthentic.“ItappearshedeceivedmeaboutinvestinginBetti,I’llgrantyou.Butit’salongwayfrominvestortomurderer.”
“Yourskepticismisunderstandable.Ididn’twanttobelieveitmyself.Wewerepartnersandbestmates.Ourwiveswereveryclose.Wetrustedeachothercompletelywithourlivesoverandover.Believeme,noonewasmoresurprisedthanmetorealizeHeathhadblowneverythingupforhisownends.”
Sheknewmencouldsometimesbeselfishliars.Joliehadseenthattruthinactionoverandover,repeatingthroughherchildhoodlikebadmusicinanelevator.
“IfyoucanprovethatHeathkilledyourpregnantwife,whyhaven’tyougonetotheproperauthorities?Youmustknowexactlywhotocontactinordertobringthismattertojustice.”
“BecauseHeathwillkillme.Lookatthecallhistoryonhisphone.He’sreachedouttwiceinthelastweek,bothtimestothreatenme.Fewpeoplehavetheskillstokillme,frankly.I’mnotafraidofmuch.Butyourhusbandhasadangerous,ruthlessside.”
“Can’ttheauthoritiesprotectyou?”
“Spokenlikesomeonewhostillbelievesinasystemthat’sbothbrokenandcorrupt.”Beakergaveabarkofalaugh.“Heathhasthemoneytopayoffanyone.That’showhegotawaywithitthefirsttime,youknow.”
“Let’spretendIbelieveyou.Whatdoyouwant?”
Hefoldedhishandsinhislap,lookingperplexed.“Nothing.Isimplyhadtowarnyou.”
“Youdon’tknowme.”
“Iwouldn’tbeabletolivewithmyselfifIstoodbyidlywhileanotherwomanwascutdowntoservehisgreed.”
Herinstinctkeptflaring.Orwasthatherhopethatromanceandlovecouldbebothrealandlasting?Afterall,whywouldheruntheriskofhackingClarke’sphonewhenheclaimedtobeterrifiedofHeath?Hernewhusbandhadbeenaspy,too.HewouldknowallthewaysBeakercouldobtainsuchrecordings.Hewasthoroughandwouldbewatchingforsomethinglikethatifhehaddarkdeedstohide.
“Iwanttoseeyourproof.”
Herdemandseemedtosurprisehim.“Idon’thavetheresthere.You’rewelcometocomewithmetomyhotel’roundthecorner.I’llbringeverythingdowntothelobbyifitmakesyoumorecomfortableandreviewtheevidencewithyou.”
Jolieshookherhead.Shewasn’tgoinganywherewithamanshedidn’tknow.“You’llhavetobringithere.”
Regretcrossedhisfaceinstantly.“Impossible.TheminuteHeathreturns,someonewilltellhimI’vebeentoyouroffice.He’lldeviseallmannerofliestoputyouateaseandmakemesoundsomewherebetweendelusionalanddangerous.Oncehe’sdiscreditedme,he’llensureInevercomewithinamileofyouagain.Eventually,ofcourse,itwillbetoolate.”
“I’magrownwomanwhomakesherowndecisions.Ifyoupromiseyou’llreturnherewithproof,nothingandnoonewillstopmefrommeetingyou,leastofallmyhusband.He’smypartnerinlife,notmykeeper.Ifyouwantmetohearyouout,thosearemyterms.”
“Itookanenormousriskcominghereatall.IfIreturn,he’llcertainlykillme.”Hesighed,stood,shakinghisheadsadly,asifhewishedhecouldmakeherunderstand.“Goodluck.Staysafe.”
Beakerturnedtoleave.Joliedidn’twanttoriskherbusinessorherlifebutshe’dmetthisstrangertenminutesago.Howwasshesupposedtobelievehimoverthemanshehadvowedtoloveforever?
Ashereachedthedoor,heglancedback.“IhopeI’mwrong,Ms.Quinn.MaybeIam.Afterall,noonehastriedtokillyousinceyoumarried,so—”
“Someonehas.”Thewordspoppedoutwithafrown.“OnMonday,outsidemyoffice.ButHeathwasstandingbesideme.Hecouldn’tpossiblyhavehadanythingtodowiththeattempt.”
“Oh,mydearwoman.Hehasaccomplices.Withoutthem,hecouldn’tpossiblyhavemanagedthesortof‘attack’necessarytokillourfirstwives.HehadanotherMI5operativeinonitwithhim,Kensforth.Thatringabell?No.Icanprovethataswell.”Beakerlookedsoearnest.“Hehadademolitionsexpert,severallookouts,andanassassin.Heprobablyusedthesameshooterafewdaysago,thoughI’msurprisedthemanmissed.HewasdeadlyaccuratewithAnnaandLucy.Tenminutes.Please.”
SomethinginhergutkepttellingJolietoresist.“ComebackhereandI’lllookatit.”
“Iknowyouwanttobelievethemanyoumarriedisaperfecthusbandanddevotedlover.Butcertainlyyou’vemetacharmingmanortwoinyourpast,perhapswereeventakeninbyhim?Beendeceivedbyhim?Heathistheconsummateprofessional.He’lltellyoupreciselywhatyouwanttohearinordertoearnyourtrust.IwatchedhimwithAnna.Iknowfirsthand.”
Joliefrowned.Takeninbyacharmingman?No,sheneverhadbeen.Buthermotherhadfallenpreytomenwithlooksandcharismarepeatedly.Asachild,Joliehadswornshewouldbesmarter,wouldnevertrustblindlyorbedupedbyalyingsnake.Shehadsworntoquestioneverythingifsheeverdecidedtogetseriousaboutamansoshewouldneverbeblindsidedandcrushedbecauseshewastooinlovetoasktherightquestions.
Lookingbackoverthelastweek,Jolierealizedshe’dbrokenherpromisetoherself.Shehadtrustedwithoutquestion,lostherselfinthemoment,andstoppedthinkingaboutanythingexcepthowgooditfelttobeinlove.
Joliehatedtoconsiderthatshe’dmadeacolossalmistake,butifshedidn’tlookatBeaker’sevidence,wouldshealwayswonderifhe’dbeenright?Wouldsheevengettolivewiththeregretofignoringhim?
Ifhecouldproveallhisclaimsinapublicplaceintenminutes,whatdidshehavetolose?
“Allright.Whichhotel?”
Beakergaveherthename,andshesentaquicktexttoCutter.Oddthathedidn’tacknowledgehermessagerightawaybuthecouldalsobetiedupwithKaris.
Withashrug,Joliegrabbedherphoneandshoveditinherpurse,whichsheslungoverhershoulder.“I’lltakemyowncarandmeetyouinthelobby.”
Helookedrelieved.Reenergized.“Splendid.I’llproveeverything.You’llsee.”
Shereallyhopedhecouldn’t.FindingoutthatHeathhaddeceivedherineverywaywouldkillher.
Dreadbitingherbelly,shefollowedBeakeroutofheroffice.Wisteriawasn’tatherdesk.Gerardhadtunedouttheworldwithhisearbudsandsketchpadagain.Rohan,Karis,andArthurshouldbeinadevelopmentmeeting.Noworries.Cutterknewwhereshewasgoing.
Intheparkinglot,Beaker’scarwasparkednexttohers.Hewalkedbesideher,scanningthelotcarefully,lookingthiswayandthat.Likehewasexpectingtrouble.
Whentheyreachedthedoortohervehicle,hepausedbehindher.“Ithinkitwouldbebestifyourodewithme.”
“No.I’lltakemyowntranspor—”
“Getinthefuckingcar.”Thegentleconcernandgrievingcryinhisvoiceweregone,replacedbyahardgrowl.Heemphasizedhispointbystickingthebarrelofhisguninherback.“Now.”
Jolie’sheartstopped.Thiscouldn’tbehappening.Aglanceoverhershoulderconfirmedthathehadabsolutelynocompunctionaboutkillingher.“C-CutterknowsI’mleavingherewithyou.”
Mylesscoffed.“Cutterhadanunfortunateaccidentinthemen’sroom.Hewon’tbetellinganyoneanything.”
Panictriedtooverwhelmher,followedquicklybyregret.Shewishedlikehellshe’dlistenedtoherinstinct,thatshe’dtakenHeath’searliercall.Wasshetoocynicaltobelieveinlove,inthemanshe’dmarried?
Howwouldsheescapethismesswithoutdying?
“Iwon’tgetinthecarwithyou.You’llhavetokillmehereinthelot.”Becauseifhehadtheballstostartshooting,someoneinthebuildingwouldcomerunning.Yeah,she’dbeinjured,maybeevenkilled.Buthewouldn’tbeabletorapeortortureher.Hecouldn’tholdheroverHeath’sheadtomakeherhusbanddancetohiswill.
“Ifyoudon’tgetin,IwillblowupeveryoneinsideBetti’soffices,includingyoursister,withthebombIplantedlastnight.”
Anewwaveofhorrorsweptoverher.“Idon’tbelieveyou.”
Beakeryankedonherhairandtiltedherfacebacktolookupathim.“Caretotryme?”
No.No,shedidn’t.Shecouldn’triskeveryoneelseonherhunch.“I’llgowithyou.”
“Iratherthoughtyoumight.There’sagoodgirl.”Heopenedthedoor.“Nowlet’smakeyourhusbandsuffer,shallwe?”ChapterSeventeen
Ruleforsuccessnumberseventeen:
Decidetosucceed.
HEATHweavedinandoutofrushhourtrafficasheheadedtowardBetti’sofficeasquicklyashedared.Sweatranfromhisbrow,drippeddownhistemple.Hisheartraced.Whyhadn’tJolieansweredherphone?Whyhadn’tCutterresponded,either?Wisteriawasn’tatherdesk.He’dtriedtocallKaris,whohadn’tanswered.Instead,she’dtextedbackthatshewasbusywithArthur,takingadvantageofthefileroom,followedbyawinkyicon.Shehadn’trespondedtohisemergencytextinreturn.
Heathstoppedatalightwithacurseandpulledouthisphoneagain.TheblindingsunlightoverheadmadethescreenhardtoseeashetriedtotrackJolie’sphone.ItshowedheratastaticlocationjustoffCentralExpressway,nowaboutfivemilesnorthofBetti’soffices.Whywouldshegothere?Earlylunch?Doctorappointment?Shopping?Whyhadn’tshetoldhimanyofthat?
Onlyonereasonmadesense:Somehow,MyleshadJolieinhisgrip.
Bloodyhell,hehadtogettoher.Hehatedtopanic,butnowthatMylesknewHeathhadpiecedtogetheratleastsomeofthepuzzleoftheirpast,hewouldn’thesitatetomoveinforthekill.Becauseheclearlyhadn’thesitatedsevenyearsago.HeathquicklyrangHunterEdgingtoninLafayette.
“Hey,man,”theformerSEALgreeted.“EverythingokaywithCutter?”
“He’snotansweringhisphone.NooneatBettiis.I’mstrandedonthefuckingfreewayatrushhourandI’mfairlycertainthemanwhokilledmyfirstwifeistryingtokillmysecond.”
“Wait.Yougotmarriedagain?Okay,notimportant.Whoisyoursecondwife?”
“Jolie,”hegrittedhisteeth.“MyformerpartneratMI5,MylesBeaker,hasher,Isuspect.I’vejustrealizedhewasresponsibleforkillingAnnaandnow…”
Heathswallowed,notsurehecouldfinishthatsentence.Thankfully,hedidn’thaveto.
“Igotthepicture,”Huntersaid.“Anyideawheretofindthem?”
“Notreally.Doyouknowanyonewhocanbeherequickly?Beakerisacraftybastard.HeknowsIhaveinformationabouthimsohe’lllikelywanttotrademysilenceforJolie’slife.Buthehasn’tcontactedmeyet.Ithinkwehavetime…butnotmuch.”
“Youneedbackup.”Hunterassessedthesituationimmediately.“Letme…Logan!”hecalledouttohisyoungerbrother,alsoaformerSEAL.“TextXanderandaskhimifwecanborrowhisplaneagain.Emergency.”
“Onit.”
“Plane?”WhowasXanderthathehadaplaneathisdisposal?
HeathknewitwouldtaketimefortheEdgingtonbrotherstoarrivebuttheygotresults.
“Yeah,XanderSantiagoandhisbrother,Javier,ownadefensecontractingcompany,sotheyhaveajet.Ithinkweuseitformissionsasmuchastheyuseitforbusiness,”Hunterquipped.“It’sreallyfuckinghandy.I’mcomingtoDallas.Loganisin,too.We’llgettogetherasmanyaswecantohelp.”
“Xandersaystheplaneisours,”Logancalledoutinthebackground.
“Awesome,”Hunterreplied.“We’reonourway.”
Heathfelthisfirstglimmerofhope.“Howsooncanyoubehere?”
“Louisianaisjustnextdoor.Twohoursmax.”
“TextmethenameoftheairportandI’llhaveacarready.”Heathwasn’tsurehowhe’dmanagethatbuthewouldmakeitwork.
“Noneed.Xanderkeepsafleetreadythere.HecomestoDallasoften.”
“Thankyou.”Fromthebottomofhisheart.Aweighthadbeenliftedfromhissoul.No,Joliewasn’tsafeyet,butwiththesemen,shehadamuchbetterchanceofsurvival.
“You’rewelcome.I’vegotmygobaginhand.SodoesLogan.We’vetextedthewivesthatwe’releaving.I’llpickupTylerMurphyontheway.He’sin,too.LetusknowwhenyouhearfromBeaker.”
Heathbothanticipatedanddreadedthatmoment.“Willdo.”
“Xander’splanehasWi-Fi,sowecanreceivetexts.Youcantelluswheretorendezvous.”
Assoonasthecallended,Heathtriedtodecidehowtoproceed.FollowJolie’sphone,whichhadn’tmovedsincethelasttimehe’dpingedthedevice,orgotoBetti.Figuringthepolicewouldsoonbeatheroffice,hefollowedhermobile
Whenhereachedthelocation,hefoundanabandonedbuildingbesidethefreeway.Thecarparkwasempty.Hedidn’tseehervehicleoranyhintofthewomanherself.Buthefoundherphonediscardedontheasphalt,asifsomeonehadthrownthedevice,maybefromamovingcarbecauseitcouldbetracked.
FreshfeargrippedHeath.
Heretrievedthemobilewiththeedgeofhisshirttopreventmarkingitwithhisfingerprints.Ashestaredattheshatteredscreen,Heath’sbloodtoturnedtoiceagain.Joliewouldnevercutherselfofffromtheoutsideworldintentionally.Shealwayswantedtobeincontact—forherbusiness,forhersister,foremergencies.ButMyleswouldcertainlyknowthatamanwho’dlostonewifeoncewouldbeparanoidaboutthesafetyofanewoneanddoeverythingpossibletokeepaneyeonherwhenhecouldn’tbetheretodoithimself.
HeathpicturedMyleswrestingthecellfromherhandsandthrowingherlifelinetosafetyouthiswindow.Hecouldimaginetheabjectterrorshewouldfeel.Italmostdebilitatedhim.Guiltfollowedclosely.HowcouldhehavefailedJolie?Howcouldhehaveoverlookedthepossibility—forsolong—thatMyleswasakiller?
Thenagain,whatgrievingwidowerimaginesthathisbestmatewouldgosofarastokillhisownwifeandunbornbaby?Andforwhat?Heathhadnoclue.
Shovingdownhishorror,Heathcalled911.“There’sakidnappinginprogress.”
No,hedidn’tknowwhatcarMyleswasdrivingorwhathewaswearingorwherehemighttakeher.MaybesomeoneatBettihadseenthemoroverheardsomething?Thedispatchersaidthatpolicewereenroutetothelocationinquestionandthatifhehadnewinformation,heshouldadvisethoseunitswhenhearrived.
Heathracedtogetthere.Hecouldn’tendurethisagain—theloss,thedespair,thefeelingoffailure.Theengulfingguilt.Butworse,hecouldn’tloseJolie.Shewasn’tmerelyawifeheguidedanddotedonandcaredfor.Shewasapartner,hisequal,hisintellectualchallenge.Shemotivatedhimtoliveagainandbebetterthanever.
Whatthefuckwouldhedoifhelosther?
Afteraten-minutedetour,hescreecheduptoBetti.Barelybotheringtoparkhisbike,hevaultedoffandranintothesuite.Justinsidethedoor,hefoundWisteriablinkinginshock,Kariscrying,Arthurtryingtocomforther,GerardandRohanarguingaboutwhocouldhavedonewhattostopthis,andCutterbeingtakenawayonastretcherwitharapidlyreddeningbandagewrappedaroundhishead.
Auniformedofficerapproached.“Whoareyou?”
“I’mthepersonwhocalled.Mywifeismissing.JolieQuinn.NowPowell.Fivefootsixinches,brownhair,greeneyes,thirtyyearsold—”
“Hersisterjustfilledusin.Wherehaveyoubeen?”thecopaskedsuspiciously.
Heathnearlygroaned.Thepolicealmostalwayssuspectedthespouseinanykidnappingormurder,thinkingitwassomesortofdomesticdispute.“Iwaslatecomingintowork.Itriedtocalltheofficeandeveryonehereonmywaybutgotnoresponse.That’sveryunlikemywifeandherstaff.We’vehadtroublehereoflate.Abreak-in,ashooting.Iworried.Andnowshe’sgone.ShemayhavebeenabductedbyamannamedMylesBeaker.He’sMI5.”
“Huh?He’swhat?”
Heathtriednottolosehispatience.“It’stheBritishequivalentoftheFBI.He’sverydangerousandhe’sgotavendettaagainstme.Fivefootteninches,sandyhair,blueeyes.I’mnotsurewhathe’sdrivingorwherehe’llbetakingher.Ifearhemeanstokillher.Weneedtofindthem.”
“Iunderstand,sir.Youneedtocalmdown.Ifwedon’tknowanythingabouthisvehicleorhisdestination,thatmakesthingsabittrickier—”
“Ifthiswasyourwife,yourmotherordaughter,yourlovedoneinthehandsofsomeoneyouknewhadkilledbefore,howwouldyourespond?”
Thefortysomethingcopdrewinalongbreath,thennodded.“We’lldoeverythingwecan.”
Heathhopeditwouldbeenough,hopedhisbackupfromLouisianamadeitsoon.Ifnot,hewouldbeattendingJolie’sfuneral…andburyinghimselfwithher.
***
JOLIEstumbled,barelymanagingtokeepherbalanceasBeakergaveheramercilessshoveforward.“Keepmoving.”
Shecouldn’tseeanythingsincehe’dblindfoldedherandcuffedherwristshalfanhourago,shortlyafterhe’dtossedherphoneoutthewindowofhisJeep.Shehadnoideawherehe’dtakenherorwhatwasnext.
Hegrabbedher,stoppedhershort.Adooropened,thenhepushedherthroughandreleasedher.Jolie’sinstincttoldhertokickhim,run—dosomething.Butshestood,wriststiedbehindherback,unabletoseeanythingaroundher.Hejabbedthegunintoherspine.
God,shecouldn’tjuststandhereanddie.“Wherearewe?”
Herippedoffherblindfoldtorevealwhatlookedlikeanabandonedindustrialbuilding.Someantiqueconveyerbeltsystemwoundthroughthecavernousstructure.Itwasdark.Theplacelookedfilthy.Afewcracksintheroofletinlimitedsunlight.Thequiet,exceptforthescurryofwhatwasprobablyrodentsshedidn’twanttoidentify,soundedeerie.
Beakerledhertoanoldoffice,completewitharustydeskandapairofgrimychairs.Heshotheranimpatientlookasheurgedherintooneoftheseats.“Nowhereanyonewillfindyou.Pleasedon’ttrytobeaheroine.I’vebeenchasingandcapturingsomeofthemostprolificandshrewdcriminalsintheworldforfifteenyears.Theyhaven’toutsmartedme,andyouwon’teither.”
“Soyouchosetobecomeoneofthem?”
“Don’tbedaft.”Hescowledashesat.“I’mnotsomeridiculousserialkillerwhoslaughtersforthethrill.IneverwantedtokillAnna.”
Joliestaredathimincompletehorror.SoHeath’sformerpartnerhadkilledhisfirstwife?Didherhusbandevenknowthat?“Ohmygod…”
“IseeI’veshockedyou.Ididhimafavor,youknow.Annawasn’thisequal.Shewasasimperinglittlething.Beautiful,yes.Butvoidofabrainoranyhintofintrepidspirit.IwasmostsurprisedwhenIbegandiggingintoyou,Ms.Quinn.Orrather,Powell.You’requitedifferent.”
Andbecausehehadn’tlikedAnna,Beakerhaddecidedshedeservedtodie?“Soyouhavethesameendplannedforme?”
“Asithappens,Iwouldprefernottohurtyou.Ithinkyoucoulddogreatthingsinlife.Thatshouldmakeyoufeelbetter,eh?”
Itdidn’tbecauseshedidn’tbelievehim.“Whatdoyouwantfromme?”
“Nothing,actually.Iwanttohearfromyourhusband.Wehaveunfinishedbusiness.AfewdaysagoItoldhimtostoppokingaroundinthepast.I’llbethewishesnowthathehadlistenedtome.”Beakersighed.“Hereallywasoneofmybestfriends.Shame…”
Becausethemadmanmeanttokillhim?Shehadtobreakfree,warnHeath.Joliehadnoillusions.Beakerwoulduseherasleverage,andHeathwouldlethimbecauselosinganotherwifewoulddestroyhim.
Joliecursedherselffornottrustingherfirstinstinctaboutthisasshole—andfornotbelievinginHeath’sloveenoughtoconquerherinnercynic.“TherewasnobombinBetti’soffices,wasthere?”
“No,butIhadtomakeitsoundgood.”Hesmiled,obviouslypleasedwithhimself.“You,mydear,haveonlytwoweaknesses.Well,threenow.Initially,IknewyourAchilles’heelwasyourbusinessandyoursister.Bythreateningboth,IfiguredIwouldeasilyswayyou.ButIthinkyouloveyournewhusbandagreatdealandwoulddomostanythingforhim.”
SherefusedtogiveBeakeranythingelsetouseagainsther.“Wemarriedimpulsivelyafewdaysago.He’sgreatinbed.I’dliketohaveababysomeday.Hewasgame.”Sheshruggedthroughthelies.“Marriageseemedlikeagoodidea.I’mthirty.Itwastime.”
Heshotherachastisingglare.“Ifyou’regoingtolie,you’llhavetodoafarbetterjob.I’velookedintoyourbackground,profiledyouabit.Afteryourmother’srockyup-and-downlovelife,Ithinkonlyreallovewouldtemptyoutothealtar.You’readrivencareerwomaninthethroesofexpansion.IratherthoughtthatrevealingHeath’ssecretplottoinvestinBettiasawaytoearnyourtrustwasastrokeofgenius.”Hepattedhimselfontheback.“Youmightwantachildbutyoustillhavetime.Soanychildbearingyouwantnowwouldonlybebecauseyou’vefoundsomeoneyouwanttospendyourlifewith.Doyouhaveabetterlietorunpastme?”
“Doyouwantmoney?”
“No.Ifthatweremysolemotivation,IwouldhavefoundsomewaytobilkHeathoutofhis.Orbetteryet,organizecriminalsandstealmillions.Iknowquitewellhowtodoit.I’velearnedfromsomeofthebestmastermindsovertheyears.Butasithappens,I’mnotathief.Ibelieveinearningmymoneyanddevotingmyskillswhenthetimeisright.”
Joliedidn’tunderstandthismanatall.Notakiller?Notathief?“WhythehelldidyoumurderAnna?”Shegaspedassomethingtrulyawfuloccurredtoher.“Youalsokilledyourownpregnantwife?”
“Itwasadifficultbutunfortunatenecessity.Ineverwantedtohurther,but…sheleftmenootheroption.Yourhusbandshouldbecallingsoon.”Heglancedathisphone.“Idohopeheuseshiscommonsense,ratherthanhisbravado.Hedoesn’tneedtosavetheworld,justyou.Hungry?”Heopenedacoolershehadn’tnoticedonthefloorbesidethedesk.“Hamsandwich?”
Eatingwasthelastthingonhermindnow.“No.”
“Thenwe’llwait.Heathisreallyverysmart.I’msureitwilloccurtohimtocalland—”Hismobilerangthen,andBeakerglanceddownatthescreen.“Excellent.”
JoliewishedshecouldreachthroughthephoneandtellHeathnottotalktoBeaker,nottogetinvolvedorputhimselfindanger.Butthatwasherhusband.Hewouldprotectherahundredtimesoverbeforehewouldliftafingertoshieldhimself.Hewouldneverletherstayatthisman’smercyifhecouldsaveher.
“Iwonderedwhenyouwouldcall,”Mylessaid,puttingthelineonspeaker.
“Lethergo,youmotherfucker!Don’thurther.She’sdonenothingtoyou.”
Hearingherhusband’svoice,Jolie’sheartcaughtinherthroat.“Heath!”
“Shutup,”Beakersnappedather,thenturnedhisattentionbacktoherhusband.“Asithappens,Iquiteagreewithyou,Powell.”
“Letmetalktoher.”
“Soon.NowIdon’thavemuchtimebecauseI’mcertainyouhavetheauthoritiesrecordingandtracingthis.Don’tinsultmyintelligencebyinsistingotherwise.Sohere’swhatyou’regoingtodo:HeadtowardtheWestEnd.Inthirtyminutes,I’lltextyouanaddress.Youwillhaveanothertenminutestofindit.Atthatpoint,youwillreceiveapackage.I’llcallyouwithfurtherinstructions.Comealone.Recordnothing.FailanyofthesedemandsandIfearforyourlovelybride.Doyouunderstand?”
Heathsaidnothingforalongmoment,thenhegrowledasifbarelyrestraininghistemper.“Ifyouwantmoneyorinformation,I’llneedtostartgatheringitnow.”
“Nothinglikethat.Really,Ithoughtyouknewmebetter.”
“ClearlyIdon’tknowyouatall.HowcouldyoukillAnna,Lucy,andyourownbaby?”
Beakerdidn’tanswer.“Watchformytextinthirtyminutes.”
“Ineedanhour.Idon’thaveacar.”
Joliefrowned.Anyoneonherstaffwouldlendhimacar.Whywashestalling?
Hercaptorgavealong-sufferingsigh.“Don’ttakemeforanidiot.I’vedonemylegwork.Iknowyouhaveamotorcycle.Iknowyourwifehasplentyofpeoplewhowilldriveyoutoandfro.I’msureyou’vealsoestablishedsomeconnectionsinDallas.Isn’tyourwifefriendswiththatheiressfromChicagowhojusthadababy?CallindraHowe?Isn’therhusbandformerFBI?”BeakertskedatHeath.“Don’ttreatmelikeafool.Thirtyminutes.I’mhangingup.”
“Wait!IwanttotalktoJol—”
Beakerendedthecallandsetthephoneonhisdesk.“I’vedisabledlocationservicesonthisphone,andbythetimetheauthoritiestriangulatethetowersthephonepingedduringourcall,thisordealwillbelongover.So…nothungry,eh?”
Notintheleast.“Whyareyoutormentingsomeonewhousedtobeyourfriend?”
“Patience.Itshouldn’tbemuchlongernow…”ChapterEighteen
Ruleforsuccessnumbereighteen:
Learntocooperate—whenitsuitsyou.
HEATHboughtaburnerphoneincaseMyleshadfiguredouthowtoduplicatehispersonaldevice.Withit,hecontactedHunterEdgingtonassoonasMylesrangoff.TheformerSEALtextedbackimmediatelythattheywerestillfortyminutesout.TheywouldleavetheairportanddrivedirectlytotheWestEndsotheycouldbeinpositionwheneverHeathgothisnextsetofinstructions.
TryingtokeephiscalmandhopethatJoliewassafe,heacknowledgedthem,thenheadedforhisbike.
Karisfollowed,tearsstreamingdownherface.“Pleasebringherbacksafely.”
Hefoundithardtomeetthewoman’sgaze.IfhehadkepthisdistancefromJolie,ifhehadjustkeptlivinghisgrayexistence,ifhehadn’tblithelyassumedthatthedangertohisnewwifestemmedfromsomeelementofherlife,noneofthiswouldbehappening.Butno,he’dblazedahead,claimingJoliebecauseshemadehimhappy.He’dsoughtclosureonAnna’sdeathbecausehehadtoldhimselfhedeservedtofinallyberidofthealbatrossofhisguiltandstartlivingagain.Afterall,hehadtounderstandwherehe’dgonewronginthepastsohedidn’tmakethesamemistakestwice.NotoncehadheimaginedthatyearningwouldjeopardizeJolie’slife.
Nowherehewas,terrifiedhewouldbelookingdownatanopengraveashetossedearthontopofhiswife’scasketagain.
“I’mgoingtodoeverythingIcan,”hevowed.
“Iknow.”Karisthrewherselfagainsthim,sobbingwithallthefearandheartbreakinsideher.“Ijust…She’salwaystakencareofeveryone,keptourfamilytogether.Wewouldhaveaterriblevoidwithouther.Idon’tknowwhethertocallmymotherandbrotheror…”
“Youmightneedthemnowforcomfort.Holdingvigilwhileyouwaitforanswersaloneisdifficult.”Thatwasanunderstatement.HehadwaitedhourstohearwhetherAnnahaddiedintheviolence.He’dlastseenJolielessthanfourhoursagoanditalreadyfeltlikealifetime.“Regardlessofwhathappens,stayclosetothem.Theywillhelpyouthroughanything.”
AnotherlessonHeathhadlearnedthehardwayaftershuttingsomanypeopleoutofhislife.
Karislethimgoandnodded.“Thanks.Idon’tknowwhat’shappeningorwhy,butshelovesyou.”Shegrippedhisshoulders.“You’rethebestthingthateverhappenedtoher.”
Heathknewdamnwellthatwasn’ttrue,andifJoliemadeitoutofthisalive,hewoulddoherthefavorofleavingher.Beingalonewaswhathedeserved.Herefusedtoputherindangeragain.
“I’vegottogo.”
“IfeelsoterriblethatIwastoowrappedupinmyownlifethismorningtoseewhatwashappeningwithhers.”Shenodded,tearsfillinghereyesagain.“Pleasekeepmeposted.”
“Ofcourse.”
ThenHeathstraddledhismotorbike,checkedthebulletsinhisSIG,andextractedthekeysfromhispocket.Hezoomedintothelatemorningbreeze,knowingthiswouldbeoverbynightfall.
HeprayedJoliewouldstillbealive.
WhenhereachedtheWestEnd,heparkedinamostlyvacantlot.Theareahadoncebeenindustrial,thenrevitalizedasatouristhaven,onlytofallonhardtimesagaininthepastfewyears.Theremnantsofbarsandrestaurantslingered.Afewbusinesseshadsurvived,makingalivingoffthefolkswhoworkedinnearbyareasdowntownandtouristswhowanderedoffthebeatenpathaftervisitingtheSixthFloorMuseumatDealeyPlaza.Butforthemostpart,theareawasquiet.
Heathglancedathisphone.Thefirsttextshouldcomeatanymoment.
Asifoncue,hismobiledinged.Themessagecamefromanunfamiliarlocalnumber,likelyaburnerphone.
OnthecornerofMarketandMunger,youwillfindasmallSegwaytourcompany.Inside,tellthereceptionistyouneedtotalktoBill.Whenthephonerings,answerit.Advisenow.
Understood,Heathreplied,thentextedtheupdatetoHunterviahisdisposablephone.Oncedone,heheadedtowardthecornerMyleshadadvisedhimtolocate.
Inside,hefoundaprettyyoungblondewhoworeabrightsmilethatmatchedhervividblueT-shirtadvertisingthetourcompany.“CanIhelpyou?”
Heathwonderedifshehadanyideawhatshe’dagreedtobeapartyto.
“IneedtospeakwithBill.”
Hersmilefaded,replacedbyablankexpression.Ashardasshetriedtobenonchalant,Heathknewshehadzeroideawhoorwhatshe’dbecomeinvolvedwith.Hesighed,hatingMylesalloveragainfordraggingmoreinnocentsintowhatevertwistedgameheplayed.Forthelifeofhim,Heathcouldn’tfigureouttheman’smotive.Whatthefuckdidhewant?
Shehandedhimapackage.“Hereyouare.Accordingtothecourierwhodroppedthisoff,Billwillcontactyoushortly.”
Withacurtnod,Heaththankedher.Nowhehadtenminutestowait.
Exitingthebuildingouttheback,helookedaroundcautiously,awarethiscouldbeonegianttrapandthatMylescouldeasilyhavehiredasnipertopickhimoffatanymoment.
Wendinghiswaythroughshadowsandstayingbehindwhatevercoverhecouldfind,Heathduckedbeneaththedeepoverhangofanabandonedstorefront.Toshoothiminthissecludedarea,someonewouldhavetostanddirectlyinfrontofhim.Heathdidn’tseeanyoneintheemptylotacrossthestreetexceptaparkingattendantwithhisbudsinhisears,boppingtothebeatofwhatevertuneheplayedfromhisphone.
Watchingforanyoneelsewholookedasiftheyhadmurderontheirminds,hecouldn’thelpbutthinkabouthowbeautifulthedaywas,fartooblueandperfectforanyonetodie.
Thephoneinhishandsrangonschedule.Hepickedupthecallafterthefirstring.
“Whereisshe,Myles?”
Themandidn’tacknowledgehisquery.“AtthecornerofRossandGriffin,you’llfinda7-Eleven.Goinsideandlocatethemen’stoilet.Lookaround.You’llknowwhattodonext.”
Hedidn’tlikethewaythiswasgoingdown,withMylesholdingallthecards.ButofcoursethemanhadJolie,sohehadeverything.“Iwanttoknowthatmywifeisstillalive.”
“Ofcourse.Iwouldn’tkillmyinsurancepolicy.Sayhello,”heinstructed.
“Heath?”
Thesoundofhershakingvoicedrownedhiminasurgeofrelief.Shemightbeafraid,butshewasstillonthisearth,breathing,herheartbeating.Heathintendedtokeepitthatway.“Areyouallright?”
Heknewjusthowadeptthebastardwasattorturingtoextractinformation.Infact,hethoughtofallthemethodshe’dseenhisformerpartneruseonenemycombatants—soldiersandspieswhohadvoluntarilysignedupforacovertwar,knowingdeathordisfigurementwerelikelyifcaught.Joliehadmerelytriedtogrowabusiness,getmarried,liveherlife…Forfallinginlovewithhim,shecouldsuffertheultimateprice.
“I’mfine.Don’tputyourselfindanger.Don’t—”
“Yourwifethinksshecansaveyou.It’sasweetbutfoolishnotion,”Mylesdrawled.
“Shedoesn’tknowanything.Leaveheralone.”
“Really,Iexpectedmorefromyouthanthetypicalresponse.Whenhasdemandinganythinglikethateverworked?”
Myleswasright.Hehadtostopbehavinglikeadistraughtmaninloveandstartplayingthegamelikeaspy.
Heathlistenedtothecallwithasharpear.HeheardJolie’svoiceinthebackground.Myleshadtakenhersomeplaceindustrial.Theechowasobvious,andtherewereplentyofabandonedfactoriesdowntown.Nootherextraneoussoundscamethrough,liketheairplanehenowheardoverhead.SoJoliewasn’tveryclose,damnit.Buthedidhearheavytrafficnoisethroughtheirconnection.He’dbetthatputheronthesouthedgeofdowntownsomewhere,fartherawayfromLoveField,closertotheMixMaster.
The7-ElevenMyleswantedhimtofindwasabitonthenorthedgeofdowntown.
“I’monfoot.I’llneedabit.”Hopefully,stallingwouldgivetheEdgingtonbrothersenoughtimetogethere.
Mylessighedwithimpatience.“Stoptreatingmelikeanidiot.Youhavewheels.Gettothenextlocation.Youhavefifteenminutes.”
ThenBeakerhungup.Heathcursed.TheacceleratedtimetablekepteverythinginMyles’scontrol.Heath’sheadspunasheglancedathisphone.TheEdgingtonbrothersandtherestofthepossewouldstillbefifteenminutesawaywhenhehadtoarriveattheconveniencestore.
Bloodyhell.HetextedHuntertheinformationaboutMyles’sdemands,aswellashisobservationsaboutthesoundshe’dheardduringthecall.TheformerSEALwrotebackimmediately.
We’llfanout.Gotothemini-martandplayalong.We’llsearchthesouthedgeofthedowntowncorridorforlikelylocationsassoonaswegetthere.We’rehittingthecarsnow,soitwon’tbelong.
AsmuchasHeathdidn’tlikethatplan,hedidn’tseeanotherchoice.
Joggingbacktohismotorbike,hetraveledthefewblockstothecornerMyleshadindicated,circlingafewtimestoseeifhecouldcatchsightofhisformermateoranyonewholookedoutofplace.Whilehesawsomegangbangeranddrug-dealingtypes,mostpeoplesimplyseemedinahurrytogetwhatevertheyneededfromthislittlecornerofhellsotheycouldbegone.Heathwishedhecoulddothesame.ThelastthinghewantedtodowaswalkdirectlyintoMyles’strap.Hedidn’tknowpreciselywhatthemanintendedinforcinghimtofollowtheseclues,butBeakerhadaparticularendgamescenarioinmind.
Finallyseeingnothingofconcerninthelittlemart,Heathparkedandmeanderedinside,casingtheinterior.Hespottednothingsuspiciousashewalkedtheedgesoftheroomaroundthecoolers.Theattendantsupfrontlookedblanklyefficient.Thewomanworkingtheregisterontherighthadtobeatleastseventy,fivefeettall,andweighedahundredpounds.Thekidworkingbesideherlookedganglyandanxious,asifthismightbehisfirstjob.
Withtimerunningout,Heathheadedtowardtheback—andtheloo.
Hisphonebuzzed.ThecrewfromLouisianawasgettinginposition.ThatmadeHeathfeelabitbetter.Theyweresmartandseasoned.IftherewasawaytosaveJolie,theywouldhelphimfindit.
Heathloiteredinthehalloutsidethetoiletforaminuteortwo.Nooneapproached.
Withabadfeelingrollinginhisgut,hewalkedinsideandlockedthedoor,thenbegansearchingtheplace.Quickly,hefoundanenvelopewithhisnametapedtotheporcelainunderthebasin.
LEAVETHETOILETNOW.
Withanxietygrippinghisgut,Heathshovedthenoteinhispocket,washedhishands,textedHunterthelatestdevelopment,thenexited.Assoonasheopenedthedoor,Mylesstoodoutsideinaheavycoat,despitethewarmautumnday.Themanlookedasifhe’dagedfifteenyearsinthelastseven.Andhewashidingthebarrelofhisgunbehindthebulkofthecoat.
“Hello,oldfriend.”Mylesgavehimablandsmile.“Let’sgo.”ChapterNineteen
Ruleforsuccessnumbernineteen:
Chooseyourpartnerswisely.
I’MnotgoinganywhereuntilIknowJolieissafe,”HeathvowedtoMyles.
“Youcansetherfreeyourselfoncewearriveatourdestination.Allyouhavetodoiscomewithme.”
“Don’ttakemeforafool.Youkidnappedhersoyoucouldkillherandtormentmeagain.”HelungedintoMyles’sface,snarling.“YoudecidedthatI’ddonesomethingtoearnyourhateandyouwantedtomakemepay.Sincethegriefandguiltnearlykilledmethefirsttime,youthoughtyouwouldsimplydoitagainandseeifthatwouldfinishmeoff.”
“I’mhurtthatyoudidn’tassignmesomemorecomplexandinterestingmotive.AndwhywouldIhavekilledmyownwifeandunbornchildsimplytotormentyou?YouthinkratheralotofyourimportanceifyouimagineIwoulddothat.”
“Thenwhatthefuckisgoingon?”
“DoyourememberthekilllistofhomegrownterroriststheHomeSecretaryfloatedthroughtheservicethatsummerbeforeAnnaandLucydied?”
Yes,they’dbothbeenonataskforcetohuntdowncombatantswhohadtrainedoverseasinterrorcampsandcomehometolaunchattacksonBritishsoil.HerMajesty’sgovernmentwouldneveradmitit,butMI5agentshadbeentaskedwithhuntingthesepeopledownoncetheyreturnedtotheUKandassassinatingthem.
“Ofcourse.”
“Asyou’llrecall,wesplitthelist.ButLucyandIweretryingtogetpregnant,soyoucoveredmyresponsibilitieswhileIspenttimewithmywife.”
“Yes.”Thathadkepthimbeyondbusy,constantlyonedge.
“Asithappens,Ilocatedoneofmytargets.Orrather,hefoundme.HesaidhewantedtoexplainhisbeefwiththeBritishgovernmentandtheWesternworld,soIlistened.”
“Andheconvertedyoutohisbrandofterror?”ThethoughthorrifiedHeathalloveragain.
“Ofcoursenot.Ihavenointerestinsomeone’smissionservinganothergod.Buttheyhadcash,andIneededsome.”Hepaused,reluctanttospeak.“I’drunintoabitofbadluckgamblingonline.”
Heathhadwonderedbackthenwhatwastroublinghisformerpartner.He’dsimplythoughtLucy’sdesireforababyhadprovenmoredifficultthantheyhadexpected.Then,afterMyles’swifehadconceived,Heathhadassumedhisfriend’sstresshadtodowithherdifficultpregnancy.Hehadneverseenanysortofaddictivebehavior.
“Youhadagamblingproblem?”
Mylesnodded.“I’vesincegottentreatment.It’sundercontrolnow.Ihaven’tbetonanythinginatleastfiveyears.”Hesoundedproudofhimself.
Heathstaredinhorror.“Soyoukilledoffyourwife—andmine—becauseaterroristpaidyouto?”
“It’snothingthatsimple.”Mylesshovedtheguninhisgut.“Enoughchitchat.Moveout.Andbeforeyouthinkabouttryingtotakemedownhere,youshouldknowwe’renotaloneinthisconveniencestore.”
Myleshadaccomplices?Heathcouldn’tscanthelittleplaceagainsinceMylesandawallblockedhisview.Butwhenhehadlastlookedatthestore’spatrons
“Idon’tbelieveyou.”
“Yourfolly,then.IfIdon’treturninthenexttenminutes,theaccompliceIhavewatchingyourwifewillshoother.Nowgivemeyourgun.”Heheldouthishandexpectantly.
Heathhadnowayofrefutingthatassertion,andhefearedtestingit.Helookedforsomewayout.Anyway.ButMyleshadthoughteverythingthrough.Yes,hecouldbelyingagain.ButHeathcouldn’ttaketheriskofJoliedyingbecausehe’dbeenstubborn.Betterhimdeadthanher.
Hereachedinandextractedhisweapon,givingitovertoMylesclandestinelyandprayingtheEdgingtonbrotherscouldpullmagicoutoftheirhat.
“Excellent.Mycarisoverthere.”Hepointedandheadedoutside.“I’llexplainthen.”
Blindingsunglaredoverhead.Theyoungguybehindthecashregisterbarelynoticedthembuttheolderladywatchedwithasuspiciousfrown.Heathdidn’texpectthemtobeanyhelpanddidn’twanttoputinnocentbystandersindanger.Instead,heallowedMylestoleadhimtothevehicle…whilelookingforhisopportunity.
Beakersettledhimintothepassenger’sseatofhisrentalandcuffedhiswristtoahandleinthedoorbeforesettlinginthedriver’sside.
“I’llmakethisquick.I’mexplainingbecauseitinvolvedyouandIcanseewhyyouwouldinsistonknowingthedetailsandmotives.”Mylesbackedoutofhisparkingspotandmergedwiththetrafficontheroad,headingsouthandeast.“Ihaven’ttoldyourwifebecauseI’mpresumingyou’dliketokeepheralive.”
WhichmeantthatBeakerintendedtokillhim.Frankly,Heathwasn’tsurprised.
“I’mlistening.”
“So…mygamblingaddiction.Beforetheattack,Iowednearlyahundredthousandpounds.ThisgroupofBritishnationalswithforeigntrainingonourkilllistwerewillingtopaymetooverlooktheirnames.Atfirst,thatwasenough.Butthepressurebecametoogreat.RememberwhataprickEvanswasaboutcheckingeverynameoff?”
HeathrememberedJonathanEvansbeingatoughdirectorgeneralanddemandingthatmoresuspectsbepurgedfromthelistmorequicklybeforeinnocentcivilianswerecaughtinthecrosshairs.WhilenoonehadevertakenresponsibilityfortheattackthatkilledAnnaandLucy,hehadwonderedifsomecombatanthadknownhisnamewasonthatlistanddecidedtostrikeback.ButHeathhadneverfoundanyproof.Otherthanlocatingafewunderlings—Myles’saccomplices,apparently—he’drunintoonedeadendafteranother.
“Sotheyhadyouhelpthemplananincidentformoremoney?”
“Exactly.Iresisted.God,didI.Afterall,itwasthesortofcrimeItrytopreventfromeverhappening.Ididmybesttodivertthegroupofschoolchildrenwanderingthrough.Itwasarelieftoloseonlytwo,thoughseveralwerescarredforlife.Pity…”
HeathcouldscarcelybelieveanyoftheremorselesswordscomingfromMyles’smouth.“Ifyouhadbeenstupidenoughtomountupgamblingdebtsandthechoicebetweenkillinginnocentsorlettingyourbookieendyoucameabout,Iratherthinkyoushouldhavechosenthelatter.”
Mylesrolledhiseyes.“Alwaysthehero.Alwaysdoingthe‘rightthing.’Yourealizethatwillgetyoukilled?Iwasn’treadytodie.IknewthatifIcouldgetmygamblingproblemundercontrol,IcoulddomoretokeeptheUKsafethananyonewhodiedthatday.Itallwouldhavegoneswimminglywithfairlyminimalcasualties.”Hesighed.“ButLucycaughtontothefactthatI’dacceptedmoneyfromtheseterrorists.SheinvitedAnnatolunchthatdaytotellyourwifethatI’dgonerogueandtopersuadeAnnatopleadforyourhelpsoshecouldbothleavemeandturnmein.Whatkindofdisloyalwifeisthat?Killingherinourhomewouldraisetoomanyquestions,soIdecidedI’dbefarbetteroffsuggestingthetwowomenhavelunchatanewbistrointheopen-airmarket.LucyhadnoideathatI’dcaughtwindofwhatsheplotted,soshetookmysuggestion.”
“Andyoukilledherforwhatsheknew.WhyAnna,then?Whytakemywife?”
“BecauseI’mfairlycertainsheknewmorethansheshouldbythatpoint.Ididn’twanttogivehertheopportunitytodivulgeanythingtoyou.You’llfindthisodd,butIlovedyoulikeabrother,sothelastthingIwantedtodowaskillyou.EndingLucywasdifficult,andithurtmedeeplytolosethebaby.ButIpromisedmyselfthatIwouldfindsomeoneagainsomeday.Camilleisafarbetterpartner.Moreunderstanding.AndIdidyouafavorthatdayaswell.Jolieisyourequal.Sheisawifeworthyofyou.Anna…”Mylesshookhishead.“Shewasasimperinggirl.IthinkyoucouldhavebeenfarhappierwithJolie.ButIdigress.Ididn’twanttohavetokillyoubackthen,soIensuredthatyourwifetookwhateversheknewtohergrave.”
“How?Youdidn’tpullthetriggerorsetofftheexplosives.”
“Kensforth,thegreedybastard,helpedmetoarrangeallthatandthecover-up.Iintentionallystayedbyyoursidethatdayandactedappropriatelyshockedandsaddenedbyourmutuallosssothatnosuspicionwouldevercomemyway.Itworkedperfectly,andyoulaterkilledallthecontractorsKensforthhadhired.Thankyou,bytheway.Thosewerelooseendsweneededtoeliminate,andyousavedusthetrouble.”HesentHeathasmugsmile.“Thenafewmonthslater,ImadesurethatKensforthmetanunfortunateend.Thatshouldhavebeeneverything.Youwereclearlyinthedarkaboutthedetails,soIsteppedback,letyoube.I’dhopedthatwouldbetheendofit.Butyournewwifesimplyhadtodigthroughyourpast.Shepokedintoyourbackground,andthatinvestigationextendedinsomeparttome.Somehow,sheextractedoldphonerecordsthattiedmetotheextremistsIwassupposedtobeeliminating.Ihadtofindoutexactlywhatshemightbelookingfor.”
Joliehadn’tlookedintohisbackground,notthatHeathrecalled.Then…herememberedthatKarishad.UsingJolie’scomputer.
Myleshadalwaysbeenparanoidabouthispaperworkonthejob.Itmadesensethathewouldbedoublyparanoidaboutanycybertrailheleftbehind.
“HowdidyouevenknowaboutthoseInternetsearches?”
“Ihavelittlealarmsthattriggerwheneveranyonesearchesforcertainparametersordigsintoparticularfiles.Everysooften,peoplestumbleintosuchthings,whichoftenforcesmetohuntthemdownandplacetrackingsoftwareontheircomputers.Sometimesthey’llbelievethey’vesufferedacomputervirus.Orifit’sserious,abreak-in.IfIhavetogoinperson,Ioftenremoveanitemortwotomakeitlookgood.ThenI’llwatchtheuser’scybertraffic.If,basedontheirothersearches,it’scleartheyhavenointerestinmeoranythingI’vedone,Imoveon.IwouldhavedonethesamewithJoliebutyouinterruptedmethatnightIsneakedintoBettibeforeIcouldcompletethesoftwareinstall.MostofwhatIgleanedfromlookingatthequeriesonyourwife’scomputerwasthatshewasquiteinterestedinhercompanyandcourtingapotentialinvestor.Butshewasincrediblyinterestedinyou.Iwantedtoscareherawayfromdiggingdeeperintomebyassociation.Whenyouturneduponthescene,IknewIneededtodistractyou.Youwerealreadyparanoidwithhersafety.Inthefollowingdays,Icouldseebywatchingyourinteractionsthroughopenwindowsandwhatnotthatyouweresmittenwithher.Really,youshouldconsiderthatIdidyouafavorbyeliminatingAnnasothatyoucouldupgradeyourwife…”
Heathdidn’tfeelanythingbutsick.“SoyouhadDulinshootathertheotherdayandmissonpurpose,hopingitwouldkeepusbusy.”
“Quite.Itriedtoshowmercy,Heath.YoumustknowIcouldhavekilledhertwentytimesoverifIhadwantedto.Ievenbeggedyoutoleaveitalone.”Hesighed,headingthroughagreenlightandturningsouthagain.“Youchosenottolisten,andIknowyoutoowelltobelieveanyspeechyou’dgivenowtopersuademeyou’llkeepmysecret.Yourconsciencewon’tletyoubeanythingbutahero,soyou’llneverstaysilentaboutinnocentbloodspilling.”
Myleswasright.“Sowhatdoyouhaveplannednext?”
“Itshouldbeobvious.”Mylessoundeddisappointedthathehadn’tyetfigureditout.
Heathhad—andhewishedlikehelltherewassomethinghecoulddotostopit.“You’reafuckingdespicableprickandIhopeyoupayforeverythingyou’vedone.”
“PerhapsIwillsomedaybutitwon’tbebyyourhand.”
“AndJolie?”
“Yourwifeisapragmatist.She’llkeephermouthclosed,Ithink.”
Hehopedso.ShewouldknowthatMyleshadkilledhim.PerhapsshewasevenawarethatBeakerhadmurderedtheirfirstwives.Forhersake,heprayedshekeptthatsecret.
“Likelyso.Shedoesn’thaveaviolentboneinherbody.”
“Iknowhowtomanipulateher.Shewon’twanttoriskherbusinessorhersister.Understand,I’mtakingariskbylettingherlive.That’smyfavortoyou,becausewewerebestmates.Whenyouseeher,convincehertoacceptmyleniencyandmoveon.”
Heathwouldtry.ButJoliehadalwayshadamindofherown,justoneofthemanythingshelovedabouther.“Howwereyouabletokidnapher?”
“Youdecidingtoinvestinherbusinesswithoutherknowledgereallywasaboon.IthelpedmegainhertrustlongenoughtowalkoutBetti’sdoorwithher.Hermother’sterriblehistorywithmengavemeanedge,too.AllIhadtodowasproveyouwereplayingherandpersuadeherthatIhadmoreincriminatingevidence.She’ssoinsistentthatnomantakeherforafool.”
MyleshadfiguredoutJoliequickly.Hehadknownexactlyhowtodigunderherdefensesandgougehersoftspot.ItdisappointedHeaththatafterallthey’dshared—thecloseness,thesoulbaring,theirspontaneousmarriage—thatshewouldsuspecthimofhavingunderhandedmotivesforwantingtoinvestinBetti.He’dhopedthatshecouldtrusthimandbelievethathehadinvestedinher.Butshehadneverseenanyexamplesofsolid,stablemeninherlife.Jolielikedempiricalevidencewithwhichtomakedecisions,andwhenitcametomenwithlong-termstayingpower,shehadnone.
Hisformerpartnerhadalsoconcludedthatshewouldstanddowntoprotectthosesheloved—anothergoodguess.Heathwantedhertokeeponliving,growBetti,steadyKaris,maybe—ifthey’dbeenfortunate—raisewhateverchildtheymighthaveconceivedtogether.
Fromasidestreet,Mylespulledintothecarparkofanabandonedfactory.Itwasghost-towneerie,thequiet.Peoplehadonceworkedhere.Ithadbeenabustlingenvironment.Today,thebigbuildingwasasprawlinglotofemptinesswithfadedsignspointingemployeeslonggonetoasecuritydoor.Uttersilence.
Myleskilledtheengineandleaptfromthecar,dartingaroundtotheotherside.Slowly,heopenedthedoorandpointedtheguninHeath’sfacewithonehand,whilehandinghimthecuffkeywiththeother.“Unlockyourselfandcomewithme.”
Heathdid.IfJoliewasn’ttrappedinsidethebuildingwithanotherpotentialkillerwaitingfortimetorundownsohecouldpullthetrigger,HeathwouldhaveplayeddirtyandbeatthestuffingoutofthebastardwhilehewaitedfortheEdgingtonsandtheirbackuptoarrive.
Butherefusedtoriskhiswife.Nomatterwhatshethoughtofhissurpriseinvestmentorwhethershehatedhimforaccidentallydraggingherintothismess,helovedher.Healwayswould.Andiffategavehimthechance,hewouldmakecertainsheknewitbeforeheleftherinsafetyandpeace.
“Key,please.”MylesheldouthispalmassoonasHeathhadfinishedremovingthecuffs.
Aftershuttingandlockingthevehicle,MylesjabbedthegunintoHeath’sbackandproddedhimtowardtheemployeeentrance.Heathwalked,takingonelastlookaroundatthesunnyday,atthesteelmarvelsofthebuildingsmankindhaderectedwithtimeandingenuity.Hehatedthat,barringamiracle,hewouldn’tseewhatcamenextinhumanity’schapter,thathisparentsandsisterwouldmournhimandlikelyfeelincompletefortherestoftheirlives.Mostly,hewantedtowatchJoliewalktosafetysohecoulddieinpeaceandknowhe’dfinallysavedsomeoneheloved.
Amovementonthefarsideofthelotcaughthisattention.Heflickedhisgazeinthatdirectionandcaughttherustleofabushgrownwildafterthefactoryhadbeenabandoned.Theglintofmetalhitthesunforaninstantbeforedisappearing.
Hunterandhisteamhadmanagedtofigureoutthelocationofthelairandwereinplace.
TodistractMyles,heturnedandasked,“What’syourendgame?”
“AfterI’mthroughwithyou,I’llwatchyourwidowforafewdaystoensuresheunderstandstherules.ThenI’llgohomeandbacktowork.CamilleisdueinJanuary,soI’llhavethattolookforwardto.Simple,really.”
Ashe’dexpected.Myleshadalreadydonehisexplaining,sotheinstantJolieleftthiswarehouse,Heathwouldbeadeadman.Oh,histraitorousmatemightenjoyanothermomentofgloatingorsneerthatHeathhadamoralsticktoofaruphisbum.ButthenBeakerwouldpullthetrigger.Theonesilverlining?TheEdgingtonbrothersandtheircohortswouldgetJolietosafetyincaseMyleshadachangeofheartanddecidedtoendher,too.TheywouldalsomakeBeakerpayforhissins.Heathwishedhecouldbearoundtoseethat.
Mylesdugoutakeyfromhispocket.Thedoorsqueakedwhenitopened.Theinsidewasmusty.Dustmotesplayed.Dead,dryleavescoveredthefloor.Nothingherehadbeentouchedforatleasttwentyyears.Arustingdesksatemptyexceptforanoldtelephone.Paperclipswerestrewnacrossthesurface,nearlyburiedunderinchesofdustandgrime.Anoldrackoftimecardslitteredthewallandthefloorbesidethedoortothefactoryfloor.Theancienttimeclocklookedlikearelic.Everywherehelooked,windowshadbeenbustedout.Partsofthemetalrooflookedasifthey’dbeenrustedbytheelementsorhadsimplyblownaway.
“Throughthisdoor.”Mylesgavehimashove,thenyankedanotherportalopenbeforepushinghiminthebackoncemore,sendinghimstumblingintothebigopenspaceofthefactory.
Otherthansomelong-forgottenmachinery,hesawnothinginside.Thepowerhadbeenturnedoffforyears,andifithadn’tbeenforsunlight,theplacewouldbepitch-black.Thankfully,goldenraysmanagedtoreachthecenterofthespaceandcastalittleglowonacascadeofdarkcurlsbrushingawoman’sshouldersanddriftingdowntobrushthebackofthechair.Jolie.Thankgodshewasstillalive.Shewastheonlythingthatmatterednow.
She’dbeencuffedtoalonemetaldeskchairinthemiddleoftheroom.Apangcrampedhischestandragefueledhisbloodwhenhesawhiswiferestrained,terrorized,andindanger.Whathedidn’tseewasanotheraccomplicewhowouldhavekilledJolie,asMyleshadthreatened.Fuck.
“Jolie!”hecalledoutandranforher.
Mylespulledhimback,pointingagunatherhead.“Youhavethreeminutes.Usethemwisely.”
Atthesoundofhisvoice,hiswifecranedaroundtolookathim,butherantohersideandskiddedtoastopinfrontofher,takingherfaceinhishands.Shelookednoworseforthewear.Alittlesmudgeofmascarawhereshemighthavecried.Butnobruisesorcuts,nosignsthatMyleshadusedbluntforceonher.
“Heath!Youshouldn’tbehere.Howdidhecatchyou?”
“He’sexchanginghislifeforyours,”Mylesbargedin.“He’sgoingtogiveyousomeinstructions.Isuggestyoufollowthemoryouandyourlovedoneswillmeetasimilarfate.”
JoliesearchedHeath’sfaceforthetruth.Heathdidn’thidefromher.Hemerelynodded,sobloodysadthathewouldn’tspendanymoredaysornightswiththisfascinatingwoman,seehowtheycouldhaveraisedchildrenorbalancedtheirlivesandgrownoldtogether.
“Youcan’tdothat!Youcan’tsurrendertohimandlet—”Sheshookherhead,unwillingtofinishthatsentence.
Hebentandsoftlykissedherlips.“It’sdone.I’matpeacebecauseyou’llbesafe.Butyouhavetofollowmyinstructionstoensurethat.”IfMylesdidn’tupholdhisendofthebargain,Heathwouldfighthimtothedeath.MylesmighthaveaweaponbutHeathhadsuperiorhand-to-handcombatskills—andtheybothknewit.“Onceyouleavehere,keepwalking.Don’tstopuntilyou’vereachedsafety.Doyouunderstand?Don’tturnaroundorcomebackortrytobeheroic.I’velivedhardandwell,andIleaveknowingIkeptthepersonIlovemostsafe.”
Herliptrembledandthestoicwomanwhoalmostnevercriedlookedonthevergeoftears.“Ican’t…Idon’twanttolivewithoutyou.Iloveyou.”
“Thenrespectmylastwishes.”Hebrushedanotherkissacrossherlips,achingtoholdontothissweetnessforeternity.“Onceyou’resafeandbackatBetti,forgetallthis.Don’tseekrevenge.Don’ttellanyoneaboutMylesorwhateveryoumayknowabouthispastmisdeeds.Allyouknowisthatyourhusbandskippedoutonyouandhasn’tcomeback.”BecausehehadlittledoubtMyleswoulddisposeofhisbodyinsomethoroughmannertoensurenooneeverfoundit.
“Thenhe’sgettingawaywitheverythinghe’severdone.Themurders,theviolence.”
“Buthe’ssparingyou.That’sallIwant.TakethemoneyIgaveyouforBettiandaccomplishgreatthings.Dothatforme.You’vealwaysdreamedbig.Nowsoarhigh.”
Thetearsthatwelledinhereyesspilledontohercheeks.“Ican’tloseyou.Iwon’tjustgiveyouupandwalkaway.”
“Thenwe’lldietogether,andthatwillbethebiggestregretofmylife.IalreadycarrysuchterribleguiltforallowingAnnatodiewhenshetrustedmetokeephersafe.Pleasedon’taddtomysorrow.Grantmethislastwish.”
Jolielookedspeechlessforonceinherlife.“Holdme.”
HeathlookedtoMyleswitharaisedbrow.“Justonce.”
Themansighedandtrudgedintheirdirection.“I’msogladCamilleisn’tthisemotional.”ButheuncuffedJolie,stillkeepingtheguntrainedonher,inchesfromhertemple.
Briefly,Heaththoughtaboutjumpingthemanandwrestingthegunfromhim.HestoodafightingchanceoftakingtheweaponfromMyles.ButhealsowouldmostlikelypullthetriggerfirstandkillJolieinstantly.
Heathbackedupastep,waitingpatientlyuntilJoliewasfree.OnceMyleshadpocketedthekeyandwrenchedthecuffsoffherwrists,shestoodonshakylegs.Heathchargeddirectlyforher,thenscoopedherupinhisarms,holdinghertightandliftingherfromtheground.Heslantedhismouthacrosshersoftlips,delvingdeep.Theirlastkiss.Therewouldn’tbeanother.Histhreeminuteswereupand,givenhisformerpartner’sloudsigh,Myles’spatiencewasatanend.
Hetastedherdesperation,herlove,hersorrowanddevotion,herconfusion,andherwishthatshecouldstoptimeandfigureoutsomewaytofreethemboth.Heathsharedhersentimentbutanythingthatriskedherwasanonstarterforhim.Sonowhehadtobestrongandsendhertosafety,watchherleave,thenfacehisend.EveniftheEdgingtonpossewasrightoutsidethedoor,theyprobablywouldn’tbeabletosavehim.EvenifHeathfoughtback,Myleswouldn’ttarry.
OddtothinkthatinlessthantwominutesJoliewouldbeawidow.
Withanothertasteofherlipsandonelastsqueezeofherbodyagainsthis,hesetherdownandeasedback,puttingspacebetweenthem.“Go.Livewell.Behappy.Staysafe.Forme.”
Shereachedoutforhim,butHeathcouldn’tgiveherwhatshewantedsohetookanotherstepbackandlookedatMyles.“Lethergo.It’stime.”ChapterTwenty
Ruleforsuccessnumbertwenty:
Neverbeafraidtocommitwhenthecircumstanceisright.
JOLIEcouldn’tstoplookingbackatHeaththroughherwaterytearsforanotherlastglance.She’dfoundlove.Shefinallyknewwhatitmeanttobeaccepted,adored,understood.WhateverthereasonHeathhadchosentoinvestinBettiwithouttellingher,ithadn’tbeentoundermineher.Maybehehadwantedtosurpriseher.Maybehehadsoughttohelpherinawaythatwouldn’tleaveherfeelingguiltyorbeholden.Beinghunguponhisreasonseemedridiculousnow.He’ddoneitforher.Andsheregrettedlikehellthatshehadn’tsimplybelievedinhim.Hewasn’tlikeanyonehermotherhadevershackedupwith.Heathhadonlyevertriedtoliftherup.
Theconsequencesforallowingherpasttobargeinandherhang-upstocomebetweenthemwouldprobablybefatal.
“Goon.”Mylesproddedherinthebackwithhisgun.
Afterhe’dcuffedHeathtoagiantpieceofmachineryboltedintotheconcretefloor,thebastardhadurgedhertowardthedoor.Shestumbled,stallingfortime,tryingtofindsomewaytosavethemanwhohadsacrificedeverythingforher,thehusbandwhowouldburyherheartwithhim.
Howcrushingthatithadtakenthisterribletragedytofinallycrackhercynicalshell.
Ifshesurvivedthisday,sheintendedtoopenherselfuptonewpeopleandnewexperiences.Shewouldtalktohermotheraboutthescarsthewoman’sromanceshadleftonherchildhood,therespectithadkilled…andthenewunderstandingshehadabouthowlovecouldmakeapersondocrazythings.Theywouldheal.Shewouldtellherfathertoleaveheraloneonceandforall.ShewouldguideKarisasmuchastheheadstronggirlneeded,butacknowledgethathersisterhadaprettygoodheadonhershoulders.JoliewouldrunBettiwitheveryounceofherpassionandscaletothebusinessheightsshe’dalwaysdreamed.Shewouldeventuallylearntolaughagain,savorlife.ShewouldhopethatsheandHeathhadcreatedlife.Aboveall,shewouldlive.
ButshewouldratherdoallthatwithHeathbyherside.Andshewouldneverforgethimorsimplygiveupwithoutdoingsomethingtosavehimnow.
Withonelastlookoverhershoulder,herhusbandliftedhishandinafinalgood-bye.Jolieblewhimakissandtriedtostaystrong.Shedidn’thavetimetowallowingrief.Shehadtogetcleverandsavehim.
ThenMylespushedherintotheanteoffice,aroundthecorner,outofHeath’ssight.
Shefearedshewouldneverseehimagain.
“Stoppushingme.”
“Movefaster.Knowingyourhusband,hedidn’twalkintothisslaughterhousewithoutsomebackupplan.I’dliketofinishmypartquicklyandbegone.”
Inotherwords,killHeath.
“IcanpersuadehimnottotellanyoneaboutwhathappenedwithLucyandAnnaand—”
“No.I’mafraidthere’sabitmoretoitthanthat.Oh,hemightstaysilentforatime,longenoughtosecureyouandyourlovedones.ButhebelievestoomuchinGod,country,anddoingtherightthing.Hewouldcomeaftermesomeday—probablysoon.It’sbetterifourbattletothefinishendsinonetinybangratherthananepicwarthatdragsourremaininglovedonesintothefray.Isimplywanttoburymypast,returntomyjob,mywife,andthebusinessofforgettingalltherest.Now,outyougo.”
Heheldopenthedoortotheparkinglotofthebigfactoryandgaveheranothernudge.Joliegrabbedtheframesohecouldn’tclosethedoor.
“LetgoorI’llbeforcedtoshootyou.Thinkofhowdisappointedhe’llbetoseethathissacrificewassowasted.Helovesyou.OfthatI’msure.Pity.Youtwoprobablymadeawonderfulcouple.”Heshruggeddismissively.“I’llgiveyouuntilthecountofthreetotakeyourhandsoffthedoorandlethimdieinpeace.”
Jolieswallowed.Herthoughtsraced.ShewantedtohonorHeathandhiswishes…butsherefusedtowalkawaywhilehedied.Ifsheperishedtryingtosavehim,thenshewouldleavethisearthinpeaceandmeethimontheothersidewithanapologyandaheartfulloflove.
Mylesglowered.“One…two…”
“I’mgoing.”Joliedidherbesttosounddejected.Shemadeashowofslowlyreleasingthedoorframe,offightinghertears,andbowedherheadwithslumpedshoulders—aposeofdefeat.
“It’sbetterthisway,”Mylesassured.
Jolieviolentlydisagreedbutwaitedfortherightmoment.Ashereachedfortherustydoorhandle,shereadiedherselftostrike.
Thenabigboomfollowedbyaspewingplumeoffireburstacrossthelot,onthefarsideoftheroof.Thegroundshook,makingherstumbleback.Mylesjerkedaroundwithacurse,obviouslytryingtofigureoutwhatthehellwashappening.
SheusedthatmomenttoramherkneeintoBeaker’sballsashardasshecould.Downtohiskneeshedropped,clutchinghisgenitals.Helookedpaleandsick,instantlysweaty.Butwhenshewenttokickhimagain,hegrabbedherankleinasurprisinglyharshgrip.Thenhepointedtheguninherfacewithasnarlofevilthathadherwantingtobackup.
“Stupid,stupidbitch!Whyarepeoplealwaystoostubborntoacceptmymercy?”
Sheshovedathiselbow,disruptinghisaim,thengrabbedhimbythehairandpoundedhisheadintothedoor.“Fuckyourmercy.”
Hewrenchedfreeandsnarledupather,eyesglowingwithhate,teethbared.“Iwillmakeyoupay,bitch.”
Beforehecouldpounce,shotsrangoutinthedistance.BulletspingedoffthemetalstructureandconcretefloorinchesfromMyles’sface.Helethergoandrolledaway.
Joliejerkedanddivedinsideforcover.Theshotshadcomefrombehindher.Instinctively,sheturned,wonderingwhowasshootingandwhosesidetheywereon.MaybeitwasHeath’sbackupBeakerhadmentioned.
“Iwillcomebackforyou,”hevowed.“I’llendyourlifeandI’llmakeithurt.”
Thenheshovedheroutsideagain,slammedthedoorbetweenthem,andlockedit.Onthefarsideofthewarehouse,theflamesstillshothigh.Smokespewedup.Thebulletsbehindherhadstoppedcompletely.
Shedartedtowardthefire.Maybetheexplosionhadblownaholeinthewallsoshecouldgetinside.Something.ShehadtofindawayinsideandhelpHeath.Impossibletodial911withoutaphone.Itwouldtakethemtoolongtoarriveanyway.
Beforesheroundedthecornerofthewarehouse,amanshe’dnevermetmeltedoutoftheshadows.“I’mTylerMurphy.Yourhusbandcalledmybuddiestogethimoutofatightspot.Therearethreeofus.Well,four,includingthatsniperasshole,One-Mile.Hecamealongatthelastminute.We’veallgotapositionaroundtheexteriorperimeterand—”
“WehavemaybethirtysecondsbeforeMyleskillsHeath.”
“Tellmeanythingabouttheinsideofthisplacethatmighthelp.”
“Heathiscuffedtosomemachineryinthemiddleofthefactoryfloor.He’sasittingduck.Ifsomeonecanaimaroundthroughoneofthebrokenwindows…”
“Yeah,Imustbeoutofpractice,”hegrimaced,rubbingthebackofhisneck.“Threelittleboyswilleatupyourtimeattheshootingrange.I’mgladIdidn’thityoubutpissedashellIdidn’twhackthatBrit.Sorry.”Hepulledoutaradio.“Cananyonegetaviewinsideoneofthewindows?”
“Rogerthat.Lookingnow,”avoicecrackledovertheradio.
“Ten-four,Logan.”
Jolieappreciatedthattheymeanttodosomethingbutshefeareditwouldn’tbefastenough.Shelookedaround—foranearbywindowtojumpin,awaytopickthelockonthedoor.
Thenshecaughtsightofsomeonehaulingassinabigblacktrucktowardthem.Hescreechedtoastop,windowdown.“Ijustfoundoutwhatwasgoingdownandracedoverhere.What’sthesitch?”
Stone.Thankgoodness.“IthinkIknowwhattodo.Pleasetrustme.CanIhaveyourtruck?”
Theformerex-conshiftedintoParkandscootedintothepassenger’sseat.“Allyours.”
Jolieslidbehindthewheel.“Ihopeyou’renottooattachedtothisvehicle.Youmightwanttogetout.Thiswillbedangerous.”
Stoneputonhisseatbeltandshrugged.“I’mgood.”
Shedidn’tacknowledgehim.HersolefocuswasonHeath.“Thenholdon.”
Heartthumpingwildly,shestompedonthegas.Thetruckleaptintoaction,burningrubberbeforesurgingforward.Joliedrovearoundthesideofthebuilding,wherethewallwashopefullycompromisedbyfire.Shehadtohopethatsherememberedthelayoutofthefactoryandthatshewasn’ttoolate.Butshecouldn’tthinkofanotherwaytosavehim.
Assoonasshefoundthefierysideofthewarehouse,shespottedawallcrumblingundertheheatandgunnedthevehicletowardit.
Acrunchofmetalandajolttoldherthey’dmadeimpact.Asheetofmetalblockedherviewforaterrifyingsecond.Hopingshe’dmadetherightcall,shefoughttheurgetoclosehereyesandwaitforthedangertopass.Instead,sheforcedherselftostayinthemoment,relievedwhenthesteelsidingfellawayandshecouldseeoutthewindshieldagain.
TwentyfeetinfrontofhershespottedMylesbearingdownonHeath,guninhand,pointingtheweapondirectlyatherhusband’shead.
Herheartstopped—butshedidn’t.Jolielaidonthehornandthegasatonce,doingherbesttostartleordistracttherogueagent.Buthedidn’tflinch.
Inseconds,hewouldhavetochoosebetweenendingHeathorsavinghimself.
Shedrovecloserandcloser,fearingshewouldbetoolate.HeronlyconsolationwouldbethatshewouldendMyles,too.Andshewouldhaveavengedthemansheloved.
Hemadehischoice,stoodhisground.Inthefinalsecond,hesaidsomethingtoHeath,thentightenedhisfingeronthetrigger.
Jolieheardtheretortofagunreverberatethroughtheair.Herthroattightened.ShewatchedHeathinhorror,holdingherbreathuntilthemomentshehadtowatchhisbloodsplatterbeforehecrumpledtotheground,gonetoherforever.
Instead,Mylescollapsedinaheap,thegunfallingfromhislifelesshand.
Herhusbandwasstillstanding,tallandverymuchalive.
Stompingonthebrakes,JoliethrewthecarinParkandleaptoutofthevehicle,rushingovertoMyles.StoneandTylerwererightbehindher,aswasanothermanwithdarkhairandintenseblueeyestakinginthesceneashevaultedthroughawindow.Secondslater,anothermanwithachiseledface,darkaviators,andahigh-poweredscopedrifleinhishandsdashedthroughtheholeinthesideofthebuilding.
“Stop!”theyallshoutedatoncetoher.
“Love,no!”Heathaddedhisgrowltothemix.
Joliewasn’tlisteningtoanyofthem.ShehadtoknowifMyleswasdead.
Shehadtoknowifthethreatwasover.
Whenshereachedthetraitorousspy,shefelltoherkneesandlookedintohissightlesseyes.Bloodpooledfromunderhishead.Someonehadplantedabulletrightbetweenhiseyeswithmilitaryprecision.
MylesBeakerwouldneverhurtanyoneagain.Shefinallyexhaled.Thensenttherestofthecrowdashakynod.
ThestrangercarryingtheriflecockedhisheadandstudiedMyles’sbodywithaclinicalgaze.“NailedhimrightwhereIwantedtoonthefirstshot.Damn,thatmakesmehappy.”Hemovedhisbigcombatbootoutofthewayjustbeforethepoolofbloodspreadunderhisfeet.“God,Ilovehollow-pointrounds.Pinprickatthefront.Gapingholeattheback.Perfectfortakingoutassholes.”
Whowasthisguy?
“Shutup,Pierce.”Theblue-eyedmangrittedhisteeth.
“Don’tbeanasshole,Logan.AndnevercallmePierceagain,”hegrowledinreturn.
Joliebarelylistenedtotheirsquabbling.Withasob,shereachedintoMyles’spockets,franticallysearchingforthehandcuffkey.ShehadtogetHeathfree,feelhisarmsaroundhernow,seeforherselfthathewasallright.Whenshefinallyextracteditwithshakingfingers,shejumpedtoherfeetandclosedthedistancebetweenthem.
Jolieapproached,hereyesfastenedonherhusband.Hewatchedherinreturn,gratitudeandlovealloverhisface.
Shestillshookwiththeadrenalinechurningthroughherbloodasshefumbledwiththelittlekey.Finally,shemanagedtoshoveitinthehole,turnit,andwrenchhimfree.
Instantly,Heathtookherintohisarmsandpressedherclose,buryinghisfaceinherneckandbreathingherin.“Yousavedme.”
“You’realive.”Jolietrembledallover.
Neverhadshelovedanyonemore.Untilhim,shehadnevertakenchances,neverbelievedinanythingshecouldn’taccomplishbyherself,neverknownwhatitwastobehalfofasolidunitthatwouldstandforever.
Now,knowingtheyhadafuturetogether,shecouldfinallyreallylive.
“Love…Youdidn’thavetoriskyourselfto—”
“Yes,Idid.Yousacrificedyourselftosaveme.HowcouldIdolessforyou?”Shepepperedhisjawwithkisses.“Nowwe’llhavethechancetospendourlivestogetherand—”
“Ialmostgotyoukilled.Icouldn’thavelivedwithmyselfifI’dbeenyourundoing.”Heheldhertighter—thenabruptlylethergo.“I’mnotworthy.”
Jolie’sheartplummetedtoherfeet.Shestaredathim,blinked,triedtoreadbetweenthelines.“Notworthy?Youarethebestman.Everythingtome…”
“Ican’tliveinaworldwhereyoudon’texist,andIonlyknowonewaytomakesureyou’resafefrommypast.”
Whatwashesaying,thatheintendedtoleaveherforherowngood?“Ineedyoubesideme.”
Heshookhishead,hisdarkeyesfillingwithmoisture.“Younearlydiedbecauseofmyblindfoolishness.IneverimaginedMyleswouldhavebeentheone—”
“Whointheirrightmindwould?”sheargued,reachingforhishandsandrefusingtoletgo.“Youbelievedhewasyourfriend.Butyousavedme.Yousacrificedforme.Iunderstandnowthatyougaveyourlife’ssavingstomebecauseyoubelieveinme.”
Heathnodded.“Ofcourse.Iknowyou’llachievegreatthings.YoumaynotlikethemethodIchose,andI’msorryforthat.ButIneverdidittodeceiveyou,simplytoprovidewhatyouneededanddeservedinawaythatallowedyoufreerein.”
Hiswordstouchedhersodeeply.Neverhadamanbeenmoreperfectforher.Neverwouldshefindanotheronelikehim.Neverwouldsheloveagain.
Evenifheleftamilliontimesoverforher“owngood,”shewouldhunthimdownandbringhimback.
“Ididn’tunderstandatfirst.Ispentsomuchtimetryingnottobedupedandusedbymen,likemymother.Icouldn’tbelievethatanyonewouldreallywanttoinvestinmesimplybecausetheythoughtIcouldachievegoodthings.You’rethefirstone.Theonlyone.”
“I’llalwaysbelieveinyou.”Helookedasifhewantedtotouchhersobadlybutdidn’tallowhimself.
Joliewasn’thavinganyofthat.“Thenbelieveinus.BecauseIbelieveinyou,too.Ibelieveinhowgoodandstrongandjustyouare.Ibelieveyou’retheotherhalfofmysoul.Andifyouleave,Myleswillhavewonafterall.Youdon’twanttoburyme,liveinaworldwithoutme?Idon’twanttoloseyou,livemylifewithouttheperfectmanformebymyside.”Tearsfilledhereyesandspilleddownhercheeksasshepressedclosertohim,willinghimtounderstand.“Stay.”
Heathdidn’tsayanythingforaterrible,timelessmoment.Hesearchedherface,histhoughtsclearlyracing.
Finally,someoneelseclearedhisthroatandbrokeintotheconversation.Tyler.“Dude,doit.Justsayyes.Takeitfromsomeonewhotriedtodenyhowmuchhelovedhiswifeforwaytoolong.Thatwalking-away-to-be-the-better-manshitneverworksout.You’llwindupwithheragainandbesodamnoverthemoonthatyoudecidedtogiveforeveranotherchance.Seriously.”Tylershrugged.“C’mon.Kissandmakeup.”
Theothermenlaughed,exceptOne-Mile,whorolledhiseyesandsighed.“You’reallpussywhipped.”
Noonelistenedtohim.
HopeandwonderspreadacrossHeath’sface.“Youforgiveme?Youreallywantmetostay?”
“Ofcourse!”Shesenthimasaucystare.“Yousaidyoulikedachallenge.HereIam.”
Agrinfinallycutthroughhisdespairandheeasedcloser.“Yes,livingwithyouwillbe,I’mcertain.Iwouldn’twantitanyotherway.”
“Well,Iwouldneverwanttoboreyou,”shedrawled.
“Younevercould,JoliePowell.Iloveyou.”
“Iloveyou,too.Nowwillyoukissmesowecanlivehappilyeverafter?”shesniffledthroughhertears.
Heleanedinandputhisarmsaroundher,holdingontighterthanever.“I’dlikenothingmore…”Epilogue
December
CUTTERBryantsteppedthroughthewroughtirondoorandintobedlam.Voicesandlaughterresoundedjustoverthedinofholidaymusicinthemassivefoyerofwhatcouldonlybecalledamansion.Polishedtravertinegleamed,blendingperfectlywiththerichcreamplasterwalls.Thesoftcolorhighlightedtheintricatecrownmoldingthatrimmedtheceilingandeverydoorwayinsight.Afestivegarlandwrappedthesoaringcolumnsandelaboratehandrailsupbothsidesofthedoublestaircaseinfreshpine,scentingtheroom.Twinklingwhitelightsandbigredbowsaddedtotheholidaycheer.Anenormouschandelierilluminatedeverycornerwithawarmglow,centeredaboveaChristmastreethathadtobetwentyfeettall.
Holyshit.Howmuchdidaplacelikethiscost?
You’realongwayfromthedouble-wide
CallieMackenziescurrieduptohim,wearingastunningreddress,killerblackheels,andawelcomingsmile.“Hi,Cutter.Gladyoucouldcometotheparty.MerryChristmas!”
Hesmoothedapalmdownhiswell-wornjeans,feelingdistinctlyunderdressed.“MerryChristmastoyou,too,Mrs.Mackenzie.Thesignonthedoorsaidtocomein…”
“Totally.Andplease,callmeCallie.”Shepausedtolookaroundhim.“Where’syourplusone?”
“Shecouldn’tmakeit,”hemanagedtosaywithasmile.
Thetruthstillfeltlikeahotpokerinhischest.
“Sorrytohearthat,butIguessthatjustmeansmoreeggnogfortherestofus.”Shewinked.“Comejointheparty.Thecatererssetupthefoodinthediningroombutwe’reallhangingaroundthekitchen.”
“Thanks.Thisisforyou.”Hehandedherabottleofmerlot.God,thewomanprobablyhadacellarfullofexpensivevino.Heknewshitaboutwineandhopedshe’dfindthismorepalatablethanacrossbetweenBoone’sFarmandDrano.
Shetookit,lookinggenuinelytouched.“Thankyou.Youdidn’thavetobringmeanything.Ijustwantedyourcompany.”
SoSeanhadsaidwhenhe’dtextedtheinvite.Cutterstillcouldn’tfigureoutexactlywhytheyhadaskedhimtojointheirparty,buthefollowedCalliedowntheirairy,window-linedhallway,pastaformallivingroomwithababygrand,astunningofficewithanimposingmahoganydeskandtoweringbookshelvesfilledwithhardboundtomes,thenfinallyaformaldiningroomladenwithfoodandanotherchandeliersodazzlingitlookedasifitbelongedinthemiddleofaNeimanMarcusflagshipstore.
Thevoicesgrewlouder.Overthemurmurofconversation,CutterpickedouttheteasingnoteofLoganEdgingtontellinghisbrothertogofuckhimself.Huntergaveaheartylaugh.Amomentlater,heheardLilySutter’spolite,high-pitchedthanksforafreshbottleofwater.MitchellThorpetoldthegirlshewaswelcome.HehadasmileinhisvoicewhenhecalledherSweetPea.
Theyroundedthecorner,andCutterpausedinthewidearchoftheentry.Thankgoodnessthekitchenwasmassive.Therehadtobethirtypeopleinhere,drinksinhand.Happinessbrimmed.CutterspottedJolie,whostoodbesideHeath,holdinghishand.Karisrelayedsomethingthatmadethemallsmile.
“Drink?”Callieasked,playingthegoodhostess.
“I’lltakeabeer,ifyou’vegotone.”
Sheprancedpastawalloftallwhitecabinets,toafloor-to-ceilingSub-Zerorefrigerator,andpulledopenthedoor.“Stella,BlueMoon,Heineken,ShinerBock,Coors,Bud,MillerLite,Corona…”
“Whatever’seasiesttograb.I’mnotpicky.”
Whensheturnedback,shepoppedoffthecapandplantedanice-coldStellainhishand.“Glass?”
Heshookhishead.“I’mgood.Thanks.”
“No,thankyou.YouhelpedHeathkeepsafethewomanwho’slikeasistertome,soifIcandoanythingtomakeyouhappyorcomfortable,justletmeknow.”
WasshereallylaudinghimforgettingwhackedunconsciousinthebathroomatBetti?“Iwasjustdoingmyjob.IwishI’ddoneitbetter.”
“Withoutyou,JolieandKarismightnotbeheretoday.You’rebrave.TheEdgingtonbrotherssayyoucanbedamnfunny.Andmyhusbandthinkstheworldofyou.Thatmakesyouasgoodasfamilyinmybook.”Calliehuggedhim.
Slowly,heembracedthewoman.Twominutesagohe’dbeenfeelingdeeplyoutofplace.Withafewwords,she’dmadehimoneofthegang.Usuallyhepreferredtobealone.Now,helikedthecrowd,waswarmingtothesenseofbelonging.
“You’reverygracious.TheEdgingtonbrothersarenotonlybossesbutfriends.AndIoweyourhusbandadebtofgratitudeforgivingmeachance.”
Shesmiled.“Mingle.Eat,drink,andbemerry.Ifyou,um…everwanttotalkaboutwhathappenedwithyour‘plusone,’I’mawillingear.Imightevenknowathingortwoaboutcomplicatedrelationships.”
Blessher,butCuttercouldn’tthinkofanythinghewantedtotalkaboutlessthantheclusterfuckofhislovelife.
Beforehecouldformagentleexcuse,MitchellThorpesidledupandplantedakissonhissubmissive’stemple,thenreachedouttoshakehishand.“Cutter,goodtoseeyou.”
“You,too.Thanksfortheinvite,man.”
“Ourpleasure.Letmeintroduceyoutoanyoneyouhaven’tmet.”
Thatwouldtakeawhile.Hedidn’tknowmostoftheroom.
Beerinhand,Thorpeledhimovertoastunningredhead.
“Hi.I’mMorganCole.”Herblueeyessparkledasshelookedacrosstheroomontiptoes.“Ibelongtothebig,badCajun,Jack.”
Cutterhadmetthemanonceortwiceandagreedwithhiswife’sassessment.“AndyouliveinLafayette?”
“Yeah.Ithinkyou’reonlyacoupleofmilesfromus.”Shegavehimabigsmile.“Hey,ifyoulikekids,I’malwayslookingforaqualifiedbabysitter.Ourson,Brice,isanadorableterrorwhowillgrowuptobejustlikehisfather.Andourdaughter—”
“Laceyisalovelybabywithhermama’shair,”Thorpecutin.
“Andherdaddy’stemper.”Morganlaughed.“Butshe’sprecious.”
“Absolutely.”Thorpegaveherafondgrin.
Cutterhadneverpicturedthedungeonownerasthetypewholikedkids,butheguessedthathavingasoncouldhavechangedtheman’soutlook.
“I’mafraidIknowmoreabouthandgunsthankids,ma’am,”hetoldMorgan.
“Oh,god.Ma’amismymother.I’mnotoldenoughforthat.CallmeMorganorI’llhavemyhusbandcallyousomethinghideousinFrench.Butitwillsoundbeautiful.Don’tworry.”
Cuttercouldn’thelpbutlaugh.Maybecomingherereallyhadbeenagoodidea.Beattheshitoutofbeingaloneandwishinghehadn’tfuckedeverythingup.
Justthen,JackColesidledupandshookhishand.“Heythere.Goodtoseeyou.”
“You,too.”
“Howdidasmartmanlikeyouendupworkingformydumbasscompetitors?”Jackteased.
Cutterhadtosmile.“Theyweresmartenoughtohiremefirst.”
Everyonelaughed.
“Touché,”Jackshotback.“Ifyoueverchangeyourmind—”
“We’vegothimundercontract,asshole,”HunterEdgingtonbuttedin,holdinghiswife’shand.“You’readaylateandadollarshort.”
“I’msureyou’redoingjustfinewithoutme,”CutterdrawledtoJack.
“Well,thereseemstobeenoughbusinesstogoaround.”
“Andthensome.Notsureifthat’sagoodthing…”Huntershookhishead,thenturnedtoCutter.“Idon’tthinkyou’veofficiallymetmyotherhalf.Kata,thisisCutterBryant.”
“I’veheardalotaboutyou.Nicetofinallymeetyou,”thegorgeousLatinawithcurvesfordayssaid.
“You,too.”
“Hey,we’rehavingaNewYear’spartyatourhouse,andyou’reofficiallyinvited.”
“AreyougoingtosuggestIbabysit,too?”hepokedatMorgan.
“Hellno.Despitebeingababy,Icanalreadytellthatourson,Phoenix,isgoingtobeaman’sman.Betweenhisfatherandhisuncles,hedoesn’tneedmoremaleinfluence.Besides,I’mgoingtodowhatCalliedidforthispartyandhireacoupleofbabysitters.It’sgreathavingthekidsupstairssowecanpopupandcheckonthemwhileenjoyingtheevening.”
CutterfiguredspendingNewYear’swiththiscrowdwouldsuckwaylessthanspendingitalonewithhisregrets.Besides,thisbunchmadehimsmileforthefirsttimeinweeks.“I’dloveto.”
“Great.I’llhaveHuntergiveyouthedetails.”KataturnedtoJack.“Andyou’rebringingthatawesomegumbo,right?Please…”
“Happyto.”Jacknoddedherway.“Morgan’sbrotherBrandon,hiswifeEmberlin,andtheirbeautifulbundleofjoywhoisprobablybeingbornrightabout”—heglancedathiswatch—“nowwillbevisitingfromHouston,sothey’llprobablybewithus.Isthatallright?”
“Themorethemerrier!”Kataassured.
“Cutter!”Ahandslappedhisback,andheturnedtoseeHunter’sbrother,Logan.
“Hey.”AnewsmilestretchedacrossCutter’sface.
“Youdoingallright?”Themanlookedconcerned.
Tonight,Cutterwantedtoforgeteverythingweighinghimdown.Resistingtheurgetorubathisneck,henoddedLogan’sway.Whythefuckhadhegottendrunklastweekandspilledhisshit?“Fine.”
“You’reaterribleliar,”LogansaidjustloudenoughforCuttertohear.“Seethatprettyredheadoverthere?”Hemotionedtoapetitebeautywitheyesonlyforherhusband.“IpinedforthatoneforaneternitybeforeIgotsmartenoughtomarryher.Maybeyoushoulddothesame.”
Itwouldbeacolddayinhell.
Logan’swifejoinedthem.“Hi.YoumustbeCutter.TaraEdgington.”
“Happytomeetyou.”Hebitbacktheurgetocallherma’am.HedoubtedshewouldlikeitanybetterthanMorgan,butitwashardtocastoffhisTexasupbringing.
“Didyoucheckonthetwins?”Loganaskedhiswife.
“Mandyisasleep.Macy,predictably,iscausingtrouble.”Sheshookherheadruefully.“She’stryingtokeepupwithLucandAlyssa’slittleone.”
“Thosetwoaregoingtoberunningbuddies,aren’tthey?”Loganshookhisheadasifthatpossibilitywassomethingtofear.
Adrop-deadgorgeousblondeinwickedheelsandadressdesignedforseductionstrolledupwithagrin.“I’lljustapologizenow.Chloewasbornatroublemaker,andit’sboundtoruboff.”
“Iblameyou,”teasedamanwithinkyhairandlaughingdarkeyeswhowrappedhisarmaroundtheblonde.
Cutterfrowned.Theguylookedfamiliar,buthecouldn’tplacetheman.
Thorpejumpedin.“DoyouknowLucandAlyssaTraverson?”
“Idon’tbelieveIdo.”CutterheldouthishandatLuc.“ButIrecognizeyou.You’reafamouschef,right?”
“TVstrikesagain.”Helaughed.“Doyoucook?”
AsmilecrackedCutter’sface.“Notalick.”
Luclaughed.“YouworkforHunterandLogan,right?”
“Ido.”Cuttersippedhisbeer.
“Poorbastard,”Alyssajumpedinwithanaffectionategrin.“Anddon’tfeelbadaboutyourlackofculinaryexpertise.ComparedtoLuc,Icanbarelyboilwater.Butit’sallright;helikestofeedeveryone.Infact,hemadesomeofthedessertsfortonight.”
“EverythingI’veseenyoucookonTVisamazing,soI’lllookforwardtothat.”
“IknowCallieis.”Thorpegrinnedandturnedhimbacktowardtherestoftherevelry.“Thatwomanloveshersweets.”
“I’mlookingforwardtosomethingelsesweet,sugar,”CutterheardLucmuttersoftlytohiswife.
AglanceoverhisshoulderrevealedAlyssasteppinguptokissherhusbandwithapassionheenvied.
“You’vemetKimber?”Thorpeaskedashepluckedupaplumpshrimpanddippeditinthecocktailsauce.
Cutterfollowedsuitandnoddedathisbosses’youngersister.“Afewtimes,yes.Howareyou?”
“Great.Goodtoseeyouagain.”Thelankyknockoutwithauburnhairsmiled.Asimposingasherbrotherscouldbe,Kimberwasalleasy-breezywelcome.
Thesamecouldn’tbesaidaboutherhusband.
“Deke.”ThemanheldouthishandbuthisstarewarnedCutternottovisuallylingeronhiswife.
“Don’tbesuchacaveman.”Kimberrolledhereyes.“He’snotgoingtojumponmeinthenexttwoseconds.”
“Hemight,kitten.”Dekeshrugged.“Iwantto.”
“Youalwayswantto.”Sheshookherheadwithasmirk.
Dekewinked.“Damnstraight.
Shetriednottoshowthathispossessivenessamusedher.“Thekidsokayupstairs?”
“Cal,Seth,andChaseareallinthesameroom.I’mthinkingwe’llbeluckyifthehouseisstillstandingbytheendofthenight.”Dekewinced.
“Youthinkit’sbadnow?Waituntilpuberty.”Kimberpointedout.“How’sSierra?”
ThesmilethatscrawledacrossDeke’sfacewasalmostalittlelove-drunk.“Ourgirlisprettyasusual.Shewasgettingsleepyandprobablywantingkissesfrommommy.”
“Onit,”Kimbervowed.“Nicetoseeyou,Cutter.”Shewavedassheturnedtoleavethekitchen.
SeanMackenziepassedherashesaunteredintotheroomandmadeabeelineforThorpe.“Thesittersareputtingalltheinfantstobed.CallieandIjusttuckedAshintohiscrib,ifyouwanttogivehimagoodnightkiss.”
“Wouldn’tmisstheopportunitytotuckourlittlemanintobed.WouldyoufinishintroducingCuttertoeveryone?”ThorpefilledSeaninonthefolkshe’dalreadymet.“Backsoon.”
Afterthedungeonownerhustledoutofthekitchen,SeanledCutterovertoapairofurbaneHispanicguyswholookedsomuchalike,theyhadtobebrothers.Betweenthemstoodalusciousblondebeauty.Theybothheldoneofherhandsandhoveredprotectively.
“HowcanyoupossiblythinktheSaintsaregoingtobeintheSuperBowlthisyear?”Theelderbrotherchidedabigblondhulkofamanwithabrawnyarmwrappedaroundaprettybrunette.
“Becausethey’rebetterthanthefuckingRams.”Thebeefyguyscoffedback.
“AndIthinktheCowboyswillbeatthemall,”Seancutin.
“Inyourdreams.”Theyoungersuave-suitedbrotherrolledhiseyes.
Thewomenjustlookedatoneanother,obviouslydeterminedtogetoffthesportstalkandontosomethingmoreinteresting.
“Youtoldmeparentingwasn’teasy.Ithoughtitwouldbesomuchsimplerwiththreeofus.”Theblondeshookherheadruefully.
“Ha!I’llseeyourinfantgirlandraiseyouthreerambunctiousboysundertheageoffour.”Thebrunetteanchoredahandonherhipandgrinnedback.“Sethwasalreadyahandful.Chaseuppedthechaostimestwenty.ButwhenBlakewasbornafewmonthsback?Igaveuponanythingthatlookedlikepeaceandquietforever.IfIgettwentyminutesaweekinmyspatub,Icallthatawin.”
Theattractiveblondewinced.“Nevermindcoffeenextweek.Howaboutadrink?”
Theirmenalleruptedwithlaughter.
“ThisisCutterBryant,”Seansaidtothegroup,thenturnedtohim.“MeettheSantiagos.JavierandXanderownadefensecontractingcompany.Thisistheirlovelywife,London.”
“Greattoputafacewithaname.”Cuttereagerlyshooktheirhands.“YoulentHunterandLoganyourplanesotheycouldreachJolieintimetosaveher.Ican’tthankyouenough.Ifithadn’tbeenforyouguys…”
Seansmiled.“They’velentmorethanoneofuslovesicksapstheirjetsowecanbringbackourwomaninonepiece.Ifnotforthem,Idon’tknowifI’dhavefoundCallieagain.AndI’dbealostman.”
HiswifejoinedhimthenandpressedakisstohislipsbeforebumpingshoulderswiththeelderSantiagobrother.“We’reallgrateful,guys.ButatthetimeSeanandThorpehuntedmedown,Iwascursingyournames.”
“Justrepayingyouforallthetimesyoustuckyourtongueoutateveryone,brat,”Xanderteased.
Sherepeatedthegesturewithasassysmile.
Theylaughed,thenSeanadded,“ThesittersaresettlingDulceintoherplaypenifyouwanttojointhem.”
“Thanks,”Londonmurmured.“Cutter,ifyou’rewillingtotalkaboutanythingbutfootball,IhopewecanchatagainafterItuckmydaughterin.”
“We’llcome,too,belleza.”Xanderfollowedwithahandatthesmallofherback.
“MerryChristmas.”Javiernoddedhisway.
“Sametoyou.”Cutterwatchedthemleave,bothmentouchingtheircurvaceouswifeagain.Hemarveledatthem,justashedidCallie,Sean,andThorpe.Makingloveworkwithtwopeoplewashardenough.Hecouldn’timaginehowdifficultitwouldbetogetthreepeopleonthesamepage.
SeandirectedCuttertotheothercouplenearby.“TylerandDelaneyMurphy.Ifyou’relookingfortrouble,he’stheguyyouwant.”
“DidLuctellyoutosaythat?”Theblondhulknarrowedhiseyes.
“No.”Sean’sfacedancedwithmirth.“Lysdid.”
ThatmadeDelaneylaugh.“Guessshehasn’tforgivenyouforallyour‘cockzilla’antics.”
Cutter,whohadjusttakenanothersipofhisdesignerbeer,nearlyspititout.“Cockzilla?”
Tyleractuallylookedalittleuncomfortable.“Imighthave,um…gottenaroundalittlebeforeDelandImarried.”Hewrappedhisarmaroundhiswifeandbroughtherclose.“Luckyforme,allittakesistheloveofanamazingwomantochangeeverything.”
Cutterhadoncethoughtthesamething.Butithadn’tworkedthatwayforhim.
Delaneylookedalmostsmug.“I’dsayyou’redamnlucky.”
Tylerkissedhersoundly.“Yougotthatright.”
Whenhedoveintohiswife’skissforseconds,Seanelbowedthem.“Hey,noconceivingbabynumberfouronmykitchenfloor.”
Theybrokeapart,andDelaneyblushed.“Onthatnote,I’llgokissBlake.”
“I’lltrytocalmSethandChasedown,”Tyleroffered.“Stopthemfromhuffingandpuffingandblowingthehousedown.”
“Whatareyougoingtosingthemtonight,daddy?”Sheshotherhusbandafondsmile.
“I’mtakingrequests…”
Astheylefttheroom,SeandirectedCuttertoafamiliarfoursome.HeshookJoaquinMu?oz’shand.TheformerNSAagentwasonthequietside,butmorethanfairanddamnfinetoworkfor.Hisballerinabride,Bailey,flashedherblueeyesandawelcomingexpression.
“Goodtoseeyou.”Cutternoddedtheirway.
“You,too,man.Nicetogetinafewwordsoutoftheoffice.”Joaquinclappedhimontheshoulder.
“Cutter,”theeldestEdgingtongreeted.
HeturnedtoCalebwitharespectfulnod.“Colonel.Howareyouandyourlovelywife?”
“CarlottaandIjustcamebackfromaSouthPacificcruise.I’mlikingthisretirementgig.”
“Wehadalovelytime,”Joaquin’smotheradded.“Ihaveneverseenwatersoblue.ItwasthehoneymoonwecouldnothavewhenCalebwasworking.”
“Thatsoundsfantastic.”Cutterwouldlovetoseetheworldwithsomeoneheadoredsomedaybut…Yeah,notgoingtohappen,andhewassoundinglikeaweepingpansy,lamentinghisloneliness,blah,blah,blah.
She’sgone.Moveon,dumbass.
“Youenjoyingworkingforoursons?”Calebgavehimalopsidedgrin,clearlyknowingheaskedaloadedquestion.
CutterglancedatJoaquin,thenturnedbacktothecolonel.“Iam.”
Calebbarkedoutalaugh.“GoodP.C.answer.Howaboutthetruth?”
“IfIhadtoguess…”Joaquindrawled.“Noneofusareyou,andhe’dreallybeenlookingforwardtolearningfromyourexperience.Isthataboutright?”
Cutterhadtolaugh.“Yep.Nooffense.”
“Nonetaken,”Joaquinassured.
SeanledCutteraway.Withrelief,heglancedattheclusteroffamiliarfacessittingatthebreakfastnooktable.“IthinkI’vegotitfromhere.That’salotofpeopletomeetinonenight.MyintrovertedsoulmighthavetocrawlinacornerforadecadebeforeIrecover.”
Seanlaughed.“Theshythingwon’tlastlonginthiscrowd.Andthat’snoteveneveryoneweinvited.GiaandJasonDenningareataholidaypartywithherfamilyacrosstowntonight.DeckerMcConnellcalledforarainchecksincehiswife,Rachel,hastheflu.JesseMcCalltookhisbride,Bristol,withhimonhisfarewelltour.Ithinkthey’reinMexicoCitytonight.Toughgig,huh?”
Nowhewasimpressed.“Wow,McCallisamegastar.”
“He’salsoKimber’sformerfiancé.Dekewouldn’tmindifsomeonetiedaboulderaroundtheguy’sneckanddroppedhimintheocean,buteveryoneelsesaysthesingerhaschangedandhisnewwifeisadoll.”Seanshrugged.“Ifthere’sonethingweallbelievein,it’ssecondchances.”
Meaningnoonewasgoingtoholdagainsthimthefactthathe’dgottenhisskullbashedinwhilepeeing.ButCutterwasalltooawarethatintheirbusiness,mistakescostlives.Ifhehadado-overonthatday,he’dgladlytakeit.Buttalkingaboutthatdebaclewaspointless,sohenodded.
“Allright,then.I’llleaveyoutoit.”Seangavehimanod.
“Thanksfortheintroductions.I’llmeandertothecorner.Iknowallthefolksoverthere.”HepointedtoJolie,Heath,andthefolksclusteredaroundthetable.
“Needafreshbeer?”
Plentyleftinthisbottle,andhe’ddrivenhimselftonight.Cuttershookhishead.“Oneismylimit.”
“Letusknowifyouneedanythingelse.Andwelcome,man.”
“Thanks.”Cuttercouldn’thelpbutfeelasifSeanhadwelcomedhimnotjusttotheparty,buttotheirclose-knitclusteroffriends.Andweirdly,despiteallthecommittedrelationshipsandthelovehangingheavyintheair,hedidn’tfeeloutofplace.
Withanothersipofbrew,heheadedforJolieandHeath.Theybothleaptupfromtheirseatstogivehimawarmwelcome.They’dreplacedtheirhastilypurchasedweddingbandswithsomethingmoresubstantial.DiamondswinkedfromJolie’slefthand.RibbedtitaniumbandedHeath’sfinger.Theylookedincrediblyhappy.
“Iwashopingwe’dseeyoutonight.”Shehuggedhim.
StoneSutterpulledupachairforhim.Heathallbutshovedhimintoit.
Karisgavehimasoftsmile.Hewishednowtherecouldhavebeensomesparkbetweenthem.Shewouldneverhaverippedhimintwo.Butthey’dtalkedabouttheirlackofchemistryafterJolieandHeath’srescue.Neitherfeltavibeotherthanfriendship.
“Hey,”shecalledsoftly.
“How’smyfavoritebrown-eyedgirltoday?”heaskedsoftly.“Andwhere’sArthur?”
Sheshookherhead.“Itwasn’tgoingtolast.Hewasawhim.IwantedtolikehimmorethanIactuallydid.HeleftBetti,tookajobinDenver.Howaboutyou?Iheardyou’reengagednow.”
“Yeah.”Otherthantheclippedword,Cutterkepthisfacecarefullyblank.Hedidn’twantanyoneknowingthatthelastfewweekshadutterlyguttedhim.Theyhadenoughontheirplates,andtalkingchangednothing.“BreaandIareplanningaJanuarywedding.”
“Whereisshe?”
“Withherfamily.”Hedidn’twanttosaymore.Karisalreadylookedsuspiciousenough,studyinghimwithbigeyes.
“You’rehurting.I’msorry.”
Hewishedtohellshe’dstopbeingsoperceptive.“I’llbefine.Hey,Breaisgoingskiingfortheholidayswithherparents.Maybe…WouldyoucometoHunterandKataEdgington’sNewYear’spartywithme?”
“Neitherofuswouldhavetospendtheholidayalone.Score,”shetriedtojoke.
Butherexpressionlookednearlyassadashefelt.Shewantedsomeone,wantedtobeinlove.Attwenty-three,shehadplentyoftimetofindsomeoneforherhearttocallhome.HejusthopedthatwhenKarisfoundthatsomeone,hedidn’tripthebeatingorganfromherchestwithafewawfulwords.
CutterstoppedhismarchdownMaudlinLane.“I’dappreciateit.”
Shereachedforhishandandsqueezed.“That’swhatfriendsarefor.”
Theyfellsilent,andhehomedinontheconversationtherestofthewomenaroundthetablewerewhispering.
“Exactly!”MysteryDillonleanedagainstherbigbrickofahusband,Axel.They’dgottenhitchedinaposhceremonysixweeksago.“IgetupsomemorningsandIfeelgreat.Others…it’slikeIcanbarelyrolloutofbedbeforethenauseahits.”
LilySutterwrinkledhernose.“Right?Andwhenthatnausealastsallday?”
Bothwomengroaned.
“Itgetsbetterafterthefirsttrimester,right?”Mysteryputin.“Pleasetellmeitdoes.”
Stoneplacedabracinghandonhiswife’sshoulderbeforeLilynodded.“Itdidformethefirsttime.I’mhopingthatholdstrueagain.OnethingIamrealizing?”Sheyawned,thenlaughed.“IwasalotlesstiredallthetimewhenIdidthispregnancythingasateenager.Thisbabyissuckingoutallmyvitamins.”Shecradledherstill-flatbelly.“Ifeellikeatwenty-three-year-oldgrandma.Igotobedateightthirtynow.”
Everyonelaughed.
Nicetoseetheladies,formerlyrivalsforAxel’saffection,bondinglikefastfriendsovertheircomingbabies.
“Ifeelthesame.Twenty-fivegoingonseventy-five,”Mysteryswore.“Somedaysarejustwretched,andyetI’msoexcitedtoexperienceeverythingaboutthispregnancy,evenhavingmystomachannouncemyarrivalbeforeIactuallymakeitintoaroom.What’syourduedate?”
“Augustsixth.You?”
Mysterylaughed.“Augustfourth.Lookslikewe’llbedoingthistogether.”
Lilyreachedforherhand.“Thankgoodness.”
StoneandAxelexchangedaglancethatsilentlyaskedwhentheirbrideshadbecomebestbuddies.Butneitherobjected.Theyjustshruggedandclinkedbeerbottles.
“Well…”Jolieputin.“Iwon’tbelivingvicariouslythroughyoutwo.”
CutterwhippedhisstarearoundtotheincrediblybusyownerofBetti.
“You’repregnant?”Karisasked,clearlyholdingherbreath.
“Wefoundoutthismorning,”Heathsupplied,givinghiswife’sshoulderasqueeze.
Karissquealedandjumpedoutofherchair.Jolierose,andthesistersmethalfwayforaheartfelthug.
Itwasnicetoknowthatgoodthingsstillhappenedtogoodpeople.CutterstuckouthishandtoHeath.“Congrats,man.”
“Thanks.We’rebeyondthrilled.”
Jolienodded.“It’sthebestweekever.Beforethebabynews,theTVpromosofShealynWestinmyspringcollectionstartedairing.”
Cutter’sheartclutchedbuthekepthisexpressionflat.
“Ordersarealreadyexploding.Thepresslaudedtheline.Isimplyhadtohireapermanentheadofsecurity.”Jolie’smegawattsmilesaidthatallherdreamswerecomingtrue.Thensheglancedupatherhusbandasifhewashermosttreasuredblessing.
“YoumadecertainIcouldn’tsaynotothatposition—oranyother—love,”Heathribbed.
Sheblushed.
“That’sgreat,”Cuttertoldthem.“Congratulations.”
“IthelpsthatShealynWestlooksgoodineverything.”
Shelooksevenbetterinabsolutelynothing
CutterswallowedbackthethoughtandgaveJolieavaguesmile.“I’mreallyhappyforyou.Forallofyou.”Hefinishedoffthelastofhisbeerandsetitonthecounter.“ButIhavetoheadbacktoLafayettetonight,soI’mgoingtohittheroad.”
Karisgrabbedhisarm.“Ifyouleave,I’mtheonlyothersadsacksingleintheplace.Please…”
“You’regoingtobefine,littlegypsy.”Hekissedherforehead.
Beforehecouldmakehisgetaway,theconversationsfelltowhispers,thendiedtoasuddenhush.Cutterturnedtotheopeningofthekitchen.Hisfingerscurledintofists.
WhothefuckhadinvitedOne-Mile?
Theguyclamberedinwearingcombatbootsandasneer.Asusual,thosedeaddarkeyesgaveawaynothingashescannedthecrowd.Theireyesmet.Cutterfelttheblastofhatefromacrossthekitchen.
“Whoa,”Stonesaidunderhisbreath.
Asifsensingtherisingtension,Logan’swifegrabbedCalliebythehand.Together,thetwoofthemledthesnipertothefarsideoftheroom.
Allthemorereasontoleave.IfCutterstayed,he’dwanttoavengeBrea.Afterall,hewasgoingtomarryher,andhedidn’tthinkforaninstantthatCalliewouldforgivehimforcommittingmurderonherkitchenfloor.
“I’llcatchyoualllater.”Henoddedateveryone,thensnaggedSean’sattention.“Thanksforeverything.Ihadagreattime.”
“Canyoustayforthreemoreminutes?Calliehostedthispartyforareason.”
Cuttersighed.Thewomanhadbeennothingbutgracious.Nearlyeveryoneinthisroomhadbeen.Hecouldshelvehisanimosityforabit.“Sure.”
Asifsensingthesuddenundercurrentintheroomcouldgetuglyfast,Callieroseandclinkedaforkagainstherglassofchampagne.Seanheadedforhiswifeandflankedherleft.Thorpehadalreadytakenupresidenceatherright.Everyonegavehertheirattention,evenPiercethepus-bleedingasswipe.
“Thorpe,Sean,andIaresohappyeveryonecouldcomeforthisholidaycelebrationwithus.Someofyouareactuallyfamily,butasyouknow,Iwasunfortunateenoughtolosemineyearsago.SamewithSeanandThorpe.We’vemadeourownlittlefamilytogether.Mostofyouhavemarriedanddonethesame.”Shelaughed.“Thesheernumberofbabiesbetweenallofusiscrazy.”
“Twelve.”Thorpeshookhishead.“Withtwomoreontheway.Weneedtofigureoutwhat’scausingthat.”
“Anddoitagain.”Seanwinked.
Everyonelaughed.
“Makethatthreemoreontheway,”Heathcutin,smoothingahanddownJolie’sbelly.
WellwishesresoundedaroundtheroombeforeeveryoneturnedbacktoCallieagain.
“Clearly,we’reprettygoodatexpandingourfamily,”sheteased,thensobered.“That’swhattonightisabout.We’renotconventionalandneverhavebeen.Butwehavebighearts,loyaltyamilewide,andlovetospare.We’vehelpedoneanother,sharedjoy,tears,goodtimesandbad.Besidessignificantothers,we’vefoundour‘people’inthisgroup.We’velearnedhowtobecomeeachother’sbrothers,sisters,cousins,neighbors,bestfriends,confidantes…We’vebecomeabig,wonderfulextendedfamily.Icouldn’tthinkofbetterpeopletomakemywaythroughlifewith.”Shetearedup.“AndnowI’mgoingtocry.Justknowthatyou’rethefamilywe’vechosen.Weloveyouasifyousharedourblood.WewishyoutheverymerriestofChristmasesandthehappiestofNewYears.”
“Hear,hear!”EveryoneraisedtheirglassesandtoastedtheMackenzie-Thorpetriobeforehugsbeganallaround.
Cutterfoundhimselfwrappedupinasoft,femininehugortherecipientofaheartyslapontheback.Thejoywascontagious.Hefoundhimselfsmiling,sharingamoment,evenopeningalittleofhisshell.
UntilhespiedPierceWalkeracrosstheroom.
Heathgrabbedhisarm.“Letitgo.”
Never.“Sure.Greattoseeyou,man.Let’sgettogethersoon.”
TheBritnoddedbutheclearlywasn’tfooled.“Youhavemynumber.”
Ifhewantedtotalk?Nope.Thiswasprobablyonesituationthatwouldonlybesolvedwithviolence.
ButCutterkeptthattohimself.HeshookHeath’shand,huggedJolieandKaris,brushedakissacrossCallie’scheek,thenheadedforthedoor.
Thesoundofloudbootsclompedbehindhim.“Hey,fucker!You’renotmarryingBrea.”
CutterignoredOne-Mile’sspewofcrapandslammedthedoorbetweenthem.Notforaseconddidhethinkthiswasover.Butforthenighthewasdeterminedtoignoretheassholeandfocusontheholidayspirit,alongwiththenew,extendedfamilyhe’dsurprisinglybeenadoptedinto.Hehadafeelingalltheirexperience,positivevibes,andlovewouldhelphimthroughthistrial—andanythingelsethatgavehimhell.
Withthatbitofunexpectedreassurance,heclimbedinhiscaranddroveintothenight…AbouttheAuthor
ShaylaBlackistheNewYorkTimesandUSATodaybestsellingauthorofaboutfiftynovels.Foroverfifteenyears,she’swrittencontemporary,erotic,paranormal,andhistoricalromancesviatraditional,independent,foreign,andaudiopublishers.Herbookshavesoldmillionsofcopiesandbeenpublishedinadozenlanguages.
Raisedanonlychild,Shaylaoccupiedherselfwithlotsofdaydreaming,muchtothechagrinofherteachers.Incollege,shefoundherloveforreadingandrealizedthatshecouldhaveacareerpublishingthestoriesspinninginherimagination.ThoughshegraduatedwithadegreeinMarketing/AdvertisingandembarkedonastintincorporateAmericatopaythebills,herhearthasalwaysbeenwithhercharacters.She’sthrilledthatshe’sbeenlivingherdreamasafull-timeauthorforthepastsevenyears.
ShaylacurrentlylivesinNorthTexaswithherwonderfullysupportivehusband,herteenagedaughter,andaveryspoiledcat.Inher“free”time,sheenjoysrealityTV,reading,andlisteningtoaneclecticblendofmusic.What’snextonyourreadinglist?
Discoveryournextgreatread!
Getpersonalizedbookpicksandup-to-datenewsaboutthisauthor.
Signupnow.
© Copyright Notice
The copyright of the article belongs to the author. Please do not reprint without permission.
THE END
No comments yet