PRAISEFORTHENOVELSOFSHAYLABLACK
OurstoLove
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—LoraLeigh,#1NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthorTitlesbyShaylaBlack
TheWickedLoversNovels
WICKEDTIES
DECADENT
DELICIOUS
SURRENDERTOME
BELONGTOME
MINETOHOLD
OURSTOLOVE
THEIRSTOCHERISH
Anthologies
FOURPLAY
(withMayaBanks)
HOTINHANDCUFFS
(withSylviaDayandShilohWalker)
WICKEDANDDANGEROUS
(withRhyannonByrd)
Specials
HERFANTASYMEN
TitlesbyShaylaBlackwritingasShelleyBradley
BOUNDANDDETERMINED
STRIPSEARCHTheirstoCherish
SHAYLABLACK
THEBERKLEYPUBLISHINGGROUP
PublishedbythePenguinGroup
PenguinGroup(USA)LLC
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USA?Canada?UK?Ireland?Australia?NewZealand?India?SouthAfrica?China
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ThisbookisanoriginalpublicationofTheBerkleyPublishingGroup.
Copyright?2014byShelleyBradley,LLC.
Penguinsupportscopyright.Copyrightfuelscreativity,encouragesdiversevoices,promotesfreespeech,andcreatesavibrantculture.Thankyouforbuyinganauthorizededitionofthisbookandforcomplyingwithcopyrightlawsbynotreproducing,scanning,ordistributinganypartofitinanyformwithoutpermission.YouaresupportingwritersandallowingPenguintocontinuetopublishbooksforeveryreader.
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eBookISBN978-1-101-62576-7
LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationData
Black,Shayla.
Theirstocherish/ShaylaBlack.—Berkleytradepaperbackedition.
pagescm
ISBN978-0-425-25123-2(pbk.)
1.Heiresses—Fiction.2.Hidingplaces—Fiction.3.Sexualdominanceandsubmission—Fiction.
4.Sex-orientedbusinesses—Fiction.I.Title.
PS3602.L325245T4820142013038419
813′.6—dc23
PUBLISHINGHISTORY
Berkleytradepaperbackedition/March2014
Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,andincidentseitheraretheproductoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously,andanyresemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,businessestablishments,events,orlocalesisentirelycoincidental.
Version_1TableofContents
Praise
TitlesbyShaylaBlack
TitlePage
Copyright
Dedication
Prologue
ChapterOne
ChapterTwo
ChapterThree
ChapterFour
ChapterFive
ChapterSix
ChapterSeven
ChapterEight
ChapterNine
ChapterTen
ChapterEleven
ChapterTwelve
ChapterThirteen
ChapterFourteen
ChapterFifteen
ChapterSixteen
ChapterSeventeen
ChapterEighteen
ChapterNineteen
ChapterTwenty
ChapterTwenty-one
AbouttheAuthorFortwoincrediblefriends.
Youbothknowwhy.
Thankyouforhelpingmeseethisstory
inawholenewlight.Hugs!Prologue
“Iknowthisisawkwardandthatyourpregnantwifeisprobablypissedyou’rehere,soI’llmakethisquick.Willyouhelpmedisappear?”
CallieWardstoodwithherarmscrossedagainsttheblusteryNovemberwind,justoutofthebeamsofthemini-mart’slightsfloodingtheparkinglot.ShestaredatLoganEdgington,nervouslytappinghertoe.TheformerNavySEALhadnoreasontohelpher,givenhowbrattyshe’doncebeentohim,buthewastheonlypersonsheknewwhocouldmakehervanish,thistimeforgood.
Hecrossedhisbeefyarmsoverhiswidechestandlookedatherasifshe’dlosthermind.She’dlosteverythingelse,sowhynot?
“Disappear?”Heglancedathiswatch.“It’smidnight,Callie,soyeah,Tarawasn’tthrilledwhenyoucalled.Ileftmywarmhouseforthis‘lifeordeath’shit,andyou’retellingmenowthatyoujustwanttogetoutoftown?Didn’tIhearthatyou’recollarednow?”
Automatically,Calliepressedherfingerstothebarehollowofherthroat,missingthefamiliarwireofwhitegoldwithitsdelicatelock.“Yes,but—”
“Youknowhowthisworks.TalktoyourDom.”
“He’stheoneI’mrunningfrom.”Hervoicetrembled.
ThemomentCalliehadrealizedtheextentofher“Sir’s”betrayal,she’drunlikehell.She’dgottentoocomfortable.Complacent.Almostdangerouslyhappy.
Shesniffled,thensuckeditback,refusingtocry.Shewouldnotthinkaboutthefactthatshe’dfalleninlovewithSeanKirkpatrick—ifthatwasevenhisname.
Logan’spissed-off-Domglowergentledasheleanedin,nowallprotectivemale.“Didhethreatenyou?Hurtyou?”
NotthewayLoganmeant.Butwhatthehellcouldshetellhimwithoutgivingeverythingaway?
Crap.Thecoverstoryshe’dplannedonthethree-hourdrivefromDallastoShreveportwasn’tgoingtofly.Loganwastoosmartnottoseetheholesinhertale.Thenagain,sheerutterterrorhadawayofrattlingagirl’strainofthought.
ShewasgoingtohavetotrustLoganorhe’dwalkaway.Itwasn’tasifhe’deverpursuedher,soshecouldn’taccusehimofpryingthestoryoutofherbecausehehadulteriormotives.He’donlyeverhadeyesforprettyredheadedTara.Andhedidn’tworshipthealmightybuck.Loganwasoneofthegoodguys,astraightshooteralltheway.Hecouldn’tbebought,norwouldheeverwillinglyputherindanger.Itmadesensetochoosethedevilsheknewovertheonesheapparentlydidn’tatall.
IfLoganwasgoingtohelpher,hedeservedthetruth—butnothere.
“Canwesitinyourcar?It’sfreezing.”Andshedidn’ttrustthatherswasn’tbugged.
Loganlookedasifhedidn’tmuchlikethequestion,butafterabriefhesitation,heshruggedandledhertoabigblacktruck.Heunlockeditwithhiskeyfobandopenedherdoor.Aminutelater,hesettledhimselfinthedriver’sseat.“Ifthisassholehurtyou,Thorpewon’tstandforit,especiallyunderhisroof.”
MitchellThorpe.Sheclosedhereyes,picturinghisfamiliar,sternface.Sooften,shecouldswearthathispenetratinggrayeyessawrightthroughher.He’dgivenherajob,ahome,acircleoffriends,alifestyleshecraved.Hewasthefirstmanshe’dtrulyloved.He’dalwayshaveachunkofherheart.
Itkilledhertoknowthatshe’dneverseehimagain.
“Ican’tdragThorpeintothis.It’stoorisky.AnyonewhoknowsmewouldassumeI’dgotohimfirst.”Shewrungherhands.“Ihatetoputyouinthisposition,butnoonewouldsuspectthatI’daskyouforhelp.EveryoneatDominionknowsI’mnotyourfavoriteperson.”
Hefrowned.“Ilikeyoualot,Callie.Ijustthinkthat,asasub,you’rebrattyashell.Youdon’tbendmuchmorethananinchandyoudon’ttrustworthadamn.”
Calliedrewinabreathandgavehimashakynod.“Iknow.Ihavereasons.”
“Everystubbornsubdoes.Look,you’renotmyproblemanymore.I’mjustlayingitoutthere.”
“Ireallycan’taffordtotrustanyone,butyou’remylasthope.Ifeelterribleforinvolvingyou,butmorethananyoneIknow,youcanhandleit.Ihavenowhereelsetoturn.Ican’tgobacktoDominion.Ever.”Sherubbedherhandstogetherandclosedhereyes,prayinglikehellthatshewasn’tmakingthebiggestmistakeofherlife.Ifshewas,shecouldbedeadbysunrise.
“Whatthehellhaveyougotteninto?”
“Mynameisn’tCallieWard.Nothingthatyou—oranyoneelse—thinksyouknowaboutmeistrue.”
Hesatbackintheshadows,lookingsomewherebetweenskepticalandtense.“Okay,thenwhoareyou?”
“MymothercalledmeCalliewhenIwaslittle.ButI’msureyouknowmebymyfullname.”Sheswallowed.Please,God,letthisbetherightchoice…“I’mCallindraHowe.”
Logan’seyesnearlypoppedout.“TheCallindraHowe,themissingheiressfromChicago?”
Ofcoursehe’dheardofher.Hernamehadbeensplashedalloverthenewsforthelastnineyears.TherewerealmostasmanyreportedsightingsofherastherewereofElvisoraliens.Poorlittlegreedyorphanwho’dkilledherfamilyforabuck,accordingtothepress.Calliewrappedherarmsaroundhermiddle.Iftheyonlyknewthetruth
Shenodded.“Thatone.”
“Bullshit.Youwereapaininmyasssometimes,butyou’renotthekindofwomantoslaughterherlovedones.”
“Thankyou!Iwasframed.Idon’tevenknowbywhomorwhy.”
Logan’sexpressionturnedflat.“WhyshouldIbelieveyou’reher?”
Goodquestion.Theonlythingshehadofherformerlifewashermother’sFabergéegg,butLoganhadnoclueithadbeenCeciliaHowe’sprideandjoybeforeovariancancerhadquicklysnuffedoutthebrightlightofhersmile.Withnowaytocorroboratetheegg’sauthenticityatthemoment,Calliehadleftitinherbackpack,shovedinthetrunkofhercar.
“I’vegotnothingbutthetruth.I’lltellyouwhatreallyhappenedandhopethatyou’llbelievemesothatwhenIbegyoutomakemedisappearforgood,youwill.”
“I’mlistening.”Hetossedhisforearmoverthesteeringwheelandstared,lookinglikeanimmovablemountain.
Callieswallowednervously.“Whatyouknowisthatnineyearsago,myfatherandsisterwereshotinourhouseandthatthegunwasfoundinmyroom,wipedclean.”
“Yourboyfriendtoldeveryonethatyoukilledthemforthemoneythenightyouranofftogether.”
Holdenhadbeengorgeous,defiant,wild,andfullofgrandideas.Inretrospect,planningtorunoffwithhimhadbeenstupid,buthersixteen-year-oldhearthadbelievedintheconceptofsoulmates.She’dtalkedherselfintobelievingthathewashers.Ifshe’dhadanyideathathewouldendupbetrayingherformoney,shewouldhaveneveracceptedthatfirstrideinhiscarorgivenhimhervirginity.
“Hewaswillingtosayanythingforthebigbountyonmyhead.”Shesnorted.“Iwasyoungandna?venottorealizethat.
“We’dbeenplanningtorunawaytogetherforafewweeks.Hisfamilyhadnomoney,andhehadacrappyhomelife.Whenhesaidthathewantedmetobehisnewfamily,myyoungheartfluttered.Besides,Ididn’twanttobeCallindraHoweanymore.Ifeltlikeafreak.Mostgirlsmyagetookdanceclassesandworkedasummerjobtobuyabeat-upcar.Ihadridinglessons.IspokefluentFrench.BythetimeIwasten,I’dvisitedeverycontinentexceptAntarctica.IhadatrustfundandgotaPorschethedayIgotmydriver’slicense.”
“Itdoesn’tsoundthatbad,”Logandrawled.
“Inretrospect,itwasn’t.Atthetime,Ifeltisolated.Iworshippedmydad,buthe’dbeenremotesincemymother’sdeath.Andmyyoungersister,Charlotte,hadturnedrebellious.”
“Sowhenyourboyfriendpaidattentiontoyouinordertogetlaidandgetclosertoyourmoney,youthoughthewastheanswertoyourproblems?”
“Prettymuch.”Andherstupiditystillstung.“Anyway,thenightmyfatherandsisterwerekilled,Iwaslateforourfamilydinner.Thesecondthemealended,ItoldmydadthatIhadtofinishstudyingforatest.IranbackupstairstocallHoldenandgivehimthegreenlight.Atalittleafterten,Ipretendedtogotobedlikeallwasnormal.I’dpackedthenightbeforeandIwasreadytoleave.Igrabbedmybackpackandwasshovinginafewlast-minuteitemswhenIheardthefirstshotdownstairs,inmyfather’sroom.IthoughtIhadtobemistakenormysisterhadturnedtheTVupreallyloud.Whowouldbeinourhouseshooting?IheardCharlotteheaddownthehallandforthestairs.”Callieclenchedherfists.“Shescreamedsuddenly.Iheardanothergunshot,thisonemuchcloser.Shedidn’tscreamagain.IpeekedoutthedoortoseeifIcouldhelpher,buttheblood…”Calliepressedherlipstogether.“Shewasonlyfourteen.”
Herthroatclosedupandtearsthreatened,butLogansqueezedherhand.“Goon.”
“Iwantedtoruntoher,butthekillerstartedchargingdownmyhall.SoIgrabbedmypackandclimbedoutmywindow,downthebigtreetotheground.I’ddoneitathousandtimes.
“HeshotmejustbeforeImadeittotheground.Fleshwoundtomyhip.Itstunglikeabitch,andIbledoffandonfordays,butIkeptrunningformylife.Holdenwaswaitingformeinhiscaronestreetover.Igotin,sobbing.Icalledthepoliceandtoldthemeverything.TheyimmediatelysuspectedmewhenItoldthemI’dfledthescene.Theywantedmetocomeinfor‘questioning’andsworeIwasjust‘apersonofinterest,’butwithinanhour,themediahadmelabeledasuspect.Iwastoodazedandscaredtofaceinterrogation.Thewholethingwasablur,andIhadnowitnesseswhocouldsayIhadn’tkilledanyone.Ididn’twanttofacethefactthatmyfamilywasgone.SoIran.”
“NoonesuspectedHolden?Afterall,ifyourfatherdied,youstoodtoinheritalotofmoney.”
Sheshookherhead.“Heparkedinfrontofanelderlycouple’shouse.Theyspiedontheteen‘vagrant’slouchedinhisbeat-upMustangfortwentyminutesbecausehewasblastingUsherintheirverywhiteupper-crustneighborhood.Theyweresurethey’dbehorrificallymurderedanysecond.”
Logan’smouthflattenedinagrimline.“Then?”
“Withinanhour,wetradedvehicleswithadrunkguyinabar’sparkinglot,Holden’scarforhisoldtruck.Theguywaswastedenoughtosayyes.Afterthat,weheadedfromIllinoistoIndiana.”
Calliehadn’ttoldanyofthistoasinglesoul—ever.Hell,she’dbarelyletherselfthinkaboutitinyears.Justsayingthewordshurtlikepeelingoffthelayersofherskinoneatatimeuntilshewasableeding,oozingmass.Theworstpartwas,shecouldspillherguts,andLoganmightnotbelieveher.Hecouldcallthepolicebecauseitwastherightthingtodo.Theywouldtakehertojail.Andwhoknewwhatwouldhappenthen…exceptthatitwouldn’tbegood.
“Thenafewdayslater,yourboyfriendrattedyouout?”heasked.
“Yeah.Iwasstillbleeding,myhipinfected.Holdenheardabouttherewardforturningmeinandhecalled.”Anddamnifshewasn’tstillbitteraboutthat.“WhenIsteppedoutoftheshowerformyshampooandoverheardhimonthephone,Ithrewonmyclothes,tookthetruck,andsplit.”
“Keepgoing,”Logandemanded.
“Fromthere,Idashedtothenexttownoverandpaidcashforalittlesedan.Ihadaboutthirtygrandwithme,moneyI’dtakenfrommyfatheroverafewmonthssoHoldenandIcouldstartanewlife.Mydadnevermissedit.
“Sinceitwaswinter,Iboltedsouth.SpentsometimeinKentucky.Whenpeopletheregotsuspicious,Iadoptedanothername,coloredmyhair,andslippedovertheborderintoTennessee.Mississippi,Louisiana,Arkansas,Oklahoma…AnyplaceIcouldfindarent-by-theweekmotelandatransientjob,that’swhereIwent,atleastuntilIthoughtsomeonemightbeontome.ThenI’dbegoneagain.”
“HowdidyoufindThorpe?”
“Iwaitedonsomelifestylerswhileworkingatatwenty-four-hourdinershortlyafterIgottoDallas.Somewerestillintheirfetgarbatthreea.m.whentheywalkedin.Iwascurious,soIaskedquestions.Theygavemeanswers.OneoftheunattachedDomsinvitedmetogotoDominionwithhim.Outofcuriosity,Isaidyes.Heturnedouttobeatroll,anditdidn’ttakeThorpelongtothrowhimout,butIbeggedtostay.I’dfinallyfoundtheperfectplacetohide.Asecretivecommunitywherenooneexpectstoknowyourrealnameandnooneisgoingtooutyou.Icoulddressdifferent,changemyhair,wearalotofmakeup,andnoonewouldraiseabrow.Notasoulwhoknewmeasachildwouldeveradmittoknowingwhatafetclubwas,muchlessthinktolookformethere.Thorpeaskedalotofquestionsatfirst.Imadeupalotoflies.Afterawhile,aslongasIdidmyjobandpromisedtogivehimaheads-upifIplannedtoskipoutsohecouldhiresomeoneelse,heleftitalone.”Shesighed,strugglingtoholditallin.“ThencameSean.”
“YourDom?”
ThestingoftearslashedCallie.Sheblinkedtoholdthemback.“Supposedly,yes.I’vedodgedassassinsandbountyhuntersbeforeandalwaysmanagedtogetaway.Thisoneisadifferentbreed.He’sdeterminedenoughtofindmeagain.That’swhyIneedyourhelp.Themanwho’ssupposedtoprotectandcareforme,who’spleadedwithmetotrusthim?”Sheshookherhead.“He’stryingtokillme.”ChapterOne
Threedaysearlier
CALLIEtrembledasshelaybackonthepaddedtableandSeanKirkpatrick’sstrongfingerswrappedaroundhercuffedwrist,guidingitbacktothebindingsaboveherhead.
“Idon’tknowifIcandothis,”shemurmured.
Hepaused,thendrewinabreathasifhesoughtpatience.“Breathe,lovely.”
Thatgentle,deepbrogueofhisnativeScotlandbroughtherpeace.Hisvoicebotharousedandsoothedher,andshetriedtoletthosefeelingswashthroughher.
“Canyoudothatforme?”heasked.
Hisfingersuncurledfromherwrist,andhegrazedtheinsideofheroutstretchedarmwithhisknuckles.Asalways,histouchwasfullofquietstrength.Hemadeherache.Sheshiveredagain,thistimeforanentirelydifferentreason.
“I’lltry.”
Seanshookhishead,hisdeepblueeyesseemingtoseeeverythingshetriedtohideinside.Thatpenetratingstarescaredthehelloutofher.Whatdidheseewhenhelookedather?Howmuchabouttherealherhadhepiecedtogether?
Thethoughtmadeherpanic.Noonecouldknowhersecret.Noone.She’dkeptitfromeveryone,evenThorpe,duringherfouryearsatDominion.She’dfinallyfoundaplacewhereshefeltsafe,comfortable.Ofcourseshe’dhavetogiveitupsomeday,probablysoon.Shealwaysdid.Butplease,notyet.
Deepbreath.Don’tpanic.Seanwantsyoursubmission,notyoursecrets.
“You’llneedtodobetterthantry.You’vebeen‘trying’foroversixmonths,”heremindedhergently.“DoyouthinkI’dtrulyhurtyou?”
No.Seandidn’tseemtohaveaviolentboneinhisbody.Hewasn’tasadist.Henevergrippedherharshly.Heneverevenraisedhisvoice.She’djokinglythoughtofhimasthesubwhispererbecausehepushedherboundarieswithagentlenessshefoundbothirresistibleandinsidious.Certainly,he’ddraggedfarmoreoutofherthananyothermanhad.Tirelessly,he’dworkedtoearnhertrust.Calliefeltterriblethatshecouldnevergiveit,notwhendoingsocouldbefatal.
Guiltbatteredher.Sheshouldstopwastinghistime.
“Iknowyouwouldn’t,”sheassured,blinkingupathim,willinghimtounderstand.
“Ofcoursenot.”Hepressedhischestoverhers,leaningclosertodelveintohereyes.
Calliecouldn’tresistloweringherlids,shuttingouttherestoftheworld.Evenknowingsheshouldn’t,shesankintothesoftreassuranceofhiskiss.Eachbrushofhislipsoverherssoothedandaroused.Everytimehetouchedher,herheartraced.Herskingrewtight.Hernippleshardened.Herpussymoistenedandswelled.Herheartached.SeanKirkpatrickwouldbesoeasytolove.
Ashisfingersfilteredintoherhair,cradlingherscalp,sheexhaledandmeltedintohiskiss—justforasweetmoment.Itwastheonlyoneshecouldafford.
Afierceyearningfilledher.Shelongedforhimtopeeloffhisclothes,kissherwiththatdeterminationsheoftensawstampedintohiseyes,andtakeherwiththesingle-mindedfervorsheknewhewascapableof.Butinthemonthssincehe’dcollaredher,he’ddonenothingmorethanstrokeherbody,teaseher,andgrantherorgasmswhenhethoughtshe’dearnedthem.Shehadn’tlethimfullyrestrainher.Andhehadn’tyettakenhertobed.
Notknowingthefeelofhimdeepinsideher,ofwaitingandwantinguntilherbodythrobbedrelentlessly,wasmakingherbucketsfullofcrazy.
Afteranotherskillfulbrushofhislips,Seanendedthekissandliftedhishead,breathinghard.Sheclung,notreadytolethimgo.Howhadhegottenunderherskinsoquickly?Histendernessfilledherveinslikeadrug.ThewayhehadaddictedCallieterrifiedher.
“Iwantyou.Sean,please…”Shedamnnearwept.
Withabroadhand,hesweptthestrayhairfromherface.Regretsoftenedhisblueeyesbeforeheeversaidaword.“Ifyou’renotreadytotrustmeasyourDom,doyouthinkyou’rereadyformeasalover?Iwantyoucompletelyopentomebeforewetakethatstep.Allyouhavetodoistrustme,lovely.”
Callieslammedhereyesshut.Thiswassofuckingpointless.ShewantedtotrustSean,yearnedtogivehimeverything—devotion,honesty,faith.Herpastensuredthatshe’dnevergiveanyofthosetoanyone.Buthehadfeelingsforher.Aboutthat,shehadnodoubt.They’dgrownjustashershad,unexpectedly,overtime,afledglinglimbmorphingintoasturdyvinethateventuallycreatedabudjustwaitingtoblossom…ordie.
Sheknewwhich.TheycouldneverhavemorethanthisfalteringDom/subrelationship,destinedtoperishinaprematurewinter.
Sheshouldneverhaveacceptedhiscollar,notwhensheshouldbetryingtokeepherdistancefromeveryone.Theresponsiblechoicenowwouldbetocallhersafeword,walkout,quithim.Releasethembothfromthishell.Neverlookback.
Forthefirsttimeinnearlyadecade,Callieworriedthatshemightnothavethestrengthtosaygood-bye.
Whatwaswrongwithhertonight?Shewastooemotional.Sheneededtopullupherbig-girlpantiesandsnaponherbrattyattitude,pretendthatnothingmattered.Itwashowshe’dcopedforyears.Butshecouldn’tseemtomanagethatwithSean.
“You’reupinyourhead,insteadofherewithme,”hegentlyrebukedher.
Anotherdoseofguiltblisteredher.“Sorry,Sir.”
Seansighedheavily,stoodstraight,thenheldouthishandtoher.“Comewithme.”
Calliewinced.Ifheintendedtostopthescene,thatcouldonlymeanhewantedtotalk.Thesesessionswherehetriedtodigthroughherpsychebecamemorepainfulthanthesexlessnightsshespentinunfulfilledlongingunderhissensualtorture.
Swallowingdownherfrustration,shedredgeduphercourage,thenputherhandinhis.
Holdingherinasteadygrip,SeanledhertothefarsideofDominion’sdungeon,toabenchinashadowedcorner.Assoonasshecouldseetherestoftheroom,Calliefelteyesonher,searingherskin.Withanonchalantglance,shelookedattheotherssceneingaroundthem,buttheyseemedlostintheirownworldofpleasure,pain,groans,sweat,andneed.Alingeringsweepoftheroomrevealedanothersightthathadthepowertodrophertoherknees.Thorpeintheshadows.Staring.AtherwithSean.Hisexpressionwasn’toneofdisapprovalexactly…buthewasn’tpleased.
Seansat,thenpulledherontohislap,supportingherbackwithastronggriparoundherwaist.Hecuppedherchininhispalmandsentherapointedglance.“Eyesonme,lovely.”
Shecomplied,tryingnottothinkaboutthefactthatitwasgettingharderandhardertomeethisstareandnotgiveherselftohimforreal.
Originally,she’dallowedSeanintoherlifebecauseheirritatedThorpe,whosometimeslookedatherasifshewerethebrighteststarinthesky,thenalwayschoseanotherwomantomaster.She’dwantedtomakehimjealous.Hell,she’dwantedtoseeifheevengaveashit.Seanhadwalkedintotheclubwithhisquietsophisticationanddryhumor,takenonelookather,andneverglancedatanyoneelse.Ithaddoneheregoaworldofgood—untilThorpehadremovedhisprotectionandallowedSeantocollarher.Withoutsomuchasblinking,he’dlethergo.
SowhythehellwasThorpewatchinghernow?
“You’reawaywiththefairies,Callie.Getoutofyourhead,”Seangrowled.“Focusonme.Orwe’llendtonightnow.”
Thatwouldbebetter,smarter.AndeverythinginsideherrebelledatthethoughtofSeanleaving.Sheclung,infact.Afterall,sheneverknewifshe’dhaveatomorrowwithanyone.
“I’msorry.Idon’tmeantobepreoccupied.”
Hisfacesoftenedabit.“What’stroublingyou?”
Amillionthingsshecouldneverconfess.Shepluckedatthefirstexcuseoffthetopofherhead.“Youdon’twantme.”
Hegrabbedherfaceinhishands.“Youhavenoideahowuntruethatis,lovely.Ifantasizeaboutlayingyououtundermeandsinkingsodeepinsideyouthatyou’llnoteverforgetthefeelofme.NeverdoubtthatIwantyou.”
HiswordsmadeCallieflushhotallover.“Don’tyouthinksexwouldbringuscloser?”
Awrysmilecrossedhiswidemouth,andshecouldn’tresistbrushingherfingersthroughthewavesofhisdarkhair.Hewassoblindinglyhandsome.He’dbeenherperfectrevengeagainstThorpe’sindifference.Shejusthadn’tplannedonhimstealinghiswayintoherheart.Andnowshehadnoideawhattodo.
“It’satemptingnotion,isn’tit?ButIknowmetoowell.Oncewestartthat,Iwon’tstop.Andwe’vefartoomuchtrusttogrowbetweenustobedistracted.Ialsoknowyou.Sexiseasy,isn’tit?Trueintimacyishard.Idon’tthinkyou’veeverhadit,andyou’reabittoogoodatdodgingit.I’mlookingformorethanafuck,Callie.Iwanttherealthing,andIwon’trushbecausemycockisaching.”
ShehadtofindtheonlysensitivemaninaBDSMdungeon.Shewouldhavebeenbetteroffwithsomeonewhojustwantedhertokneel,callhimSir,andlikedtodishoutagoodpaddlingnowandthen.Perversely,thathadneverattractedher.Sean’sbigheartdid,andshefearedthatshewouldbreakbothhisandhersbeforetheend.
Maybethistimewillbedifferent.Maybethepastwillstaythere.Fouryearsisthelongestyou’vestayedinoneplace.Maybeit’stimetostoprunningandfinallylive.
Calliedrewinashakingbreath.“I’lltryagain.Reallytry.Tellmewhatyouwant,Sir.”
“That’sagirl.”Seaneasedhertoherfeetandledherbacktothepaddedtable.
AglanceupprovedThorpehadgone.Probablyforthebest.Hewasfartoocontrolledandsexualforher.Ifsheevertrulyputherselfinhishands,he’dpryhersoulwideopeninnotimeatall.Shecouldn’ttakethatrisk.
“Lieflatforme,lovely.”
AssoonasthegorgeousScothelpedherontothecushionedsurface,shestretchedout.Hequicklysecuredhercuffedankles.Thatdidn’tfillherwithtoomuchpanic.Thenhegraspedherwristandbegantoclipinoneofthecuffs.Almostimmediately,hertremblingbeganagain.CalliegrittedherteethandfoughttogiveintoSean.Shewantedto.Godknewshedid.
Itwasn’tthatshedidn’ttrusthim.Butwhatifsomeonerecognizedher?Whatifthepolicebustedupthejoint?Whatifsheneededtofleeandcouldn’t?
“Closeyoureyes.Takeadeepbreath.”
Sheoughttobewonderingwhatshewasgoingtodoifshefailedagainandheleftforthenight.Orforgood.Shedidn’twanttobewithouthim,andthatkindofdesperationwassodangerous…
Callieforcedherselftocomply.Instantly,herothersensesjumpedin.Awomaninthefarcornerwashavingaverynoisyorgasm.AmalesubinthevicinityoftherowofSt.Andrew’scrossesgruntedwitheverylashofthewhipfromhistop.Somewherenearby,sheheardoneofthedungeonmonitorsspeakinlowtones.Herownlaboredbreathinggraduallycanceleditallout.HerthunderingheartbeatdidtherestuntilshefocusedsolelyonSean.
“Good.What’syoursafeword?”hecrooned,leaningcloser.
“Summer.”Callieswallowed.Shemissedthathorse.Thelittlebrownfillyhadbeenhermostconstantcompanionafterhermother’sdeath.Nodoubt,themarewasdeadnow.She’dneverhadthechancetosaygood-byetoherfour-leggedfriend.
Sheletloosearaggedbreath.
“Excellent,”hepraisedasheboundhercuffedwristtothetable.
Herentirebodytensed.Shedraggedinaharshbreath.Herheartbeatrampedupevenmore.Herpalmsbegantosweat.Excitementandfearmingledintoaheadycocktail,druggingherveins.
“You’remakingprogress.I’mproudofyou.”Seancuppedhercheek.“Relax.Trustme.Putyourselfinmyhands.”
Howwonderfulthatsounded.Howtempting…Shenestledintohistouch,forcingbackaswellofdevotionthatwasnothingmorethanawaste.
Calliewasn’toneofthosewomenwhodidn’tknowwhyhersoulcriedouttosubmit.Itdidn’ttakeFreudtounderstandthatagirlwho’dspentnearlyadecadebeingentirelyresponsibleforherownwelfareinalife-or-deathstrugglesoughttoturnallofthatovertoaDominantpartnerforhisbroadshoulderstobear.Ofcourse,shealsowantedherfamilyaliveandwholeaswell.Shealwayswantedwhatshecouldn’thave.
Gawd,sheneededtoturnoutthelightsonthispitypartyandgiveSeanallshecouldnow.Tomorrow,she’dapologizeforbeingmuchlessthanheneeded,thenseverthetiesbetweenthem—beforeshecouldnolongerfindthewill.Ofcourseshe’dlieandwishhimwellinhisquesttofindanothersubmissivewhocouldbehistruelove.Watchingthatwouldbetoopainful,soshe’dsoonhavetoleave.Sadly,Thorpewouldn’tmisshermuch,either.Noonewould.Exactlyasshe’dplannedit.
Therealizationwrenchedherheart.
Calliehadbeendesperatelyignoringthewritingonthewallformonths.She’dallowedherselftobecomeemotionallycompromisedandfartoorelaxed.Seankeptpryingdeeperintoherpsyche.Ifshewasn’tcareful,itwouldn’tbelongbeforeheputtwoandtwotogether.Thequestionsheaskedalreadymadehernervous.
MaybethetimetodepartDominionhadalreadycome.No,sheknewithad.Sheneededtoleaveeverythingbehind.Packupandmoveon.Thesoonerthebetter.
“Callie…”Histonewasawarning.
Sheheavedinacleansingbreathandshovedeverythoughtfromhermind,centeringherselfonhispresenceandherneedtosubmittohimjustthisoncebeforesheditchedhimforgood.
“I’mfine,Sir.”Beforeshelosthernerve,sheraisedherotherarmaboveherhead,anofferingofhertrustinhim.
“Finally.”Hisfingerscurledaroundher,warmandprotective,histhumbstrokingoverthevulnerableinsideofherarmbeforehefasteneddownherlastcuff.“Thankyou,lovely.Youlookbeautifulboundforme.Yourtrustisheady.”
Andscarierthanhell.“Iknowit’snotmuch.”
“Shh.Fromyou,it’sagreatdeal.Iknowthatwashardforyou.”
“CanIopenmyeyesforjustaminute?”
Seanpaused.“Doyouneedtoseeme?”
Frantically,Callienodded,fightingtheinsidiouspanicseepingfromherveins.
“Openthem,then.We’llgoslowly.”
Herlashesflutteredopen,andshefocusedonhiminthebrightdungeon.Squareface,sharpjaw,darkgoatee,strongnose,muscledbody.Afurrowseemedpermanentlynotchedbetweenhisheavybrows.Alittlescarsatunderthecornerofhisrighteye,andshewouldhaveswornitcamefromthenickofabulletifheseemedlikethatkindofguy.Everythingabouthimlookedsomasculineandaggressive.Yethetreatedhersotenderly.Ifshehadspecial-orderedtheperfectman,hewouldbeSean.Nodoubthe’dwonderedahundredtimesoverwhathe’ddonetoearnherdistrust.Thethoughtmadehersad.
Ifsheeverwantedtoknowwhatsubmissionfeltlike,whatSeanfeltlike,beforeshemovedontohernextidentity,shewasgoingtohavetogiveinthisonce.Simpleasthat.
“Thankyou,”shemurmured.
“I’mgoingtoblindfoldyounow.”
Ascaryprospect…butoneshefeltreadytohandlenow.Besides,herhearinghadsavedherthenightherfamilyhadbeenmurdered,aswellasfromHolden’sbetrayal.
“Yes,Sir.”
Seancaressedherneck,hisfingertipsglidingdownhercollarbonestotheswellsofherbreasts,thumbingherpuckerednipplecoveredbynearlytransparentwhitecotton.“You’repleasingmegreatly.”
Hepleasedher,too.Everythinginsideheryearnedtoshowhimthat.Shesmiledandliftedherheadsohecouldfitasilkyblackscrapthatlookedlikeasleepmaskoverhereyes.Itsweightfeltlightandnonthreatening.Thenheclaspedherhand.Calliesqueezedback.
“Haveyoueverbeenbothrestrainedandblindfolded?”
“Notentirely,andonlyfordemonstrationpurposes.”
She’dactuallyscenedwithveryfewpeople.LoganEdgingtonhadusuallywantedtogiveheraredasstocorrectherbrattybehavior.HisfriendXanderhadenjoyedarousingherbody,buthe’dneverawakenedevenacornerofherheart.She’dspentalittletimewithsomeoftheotherresidentDomsatDominionwithsimilarresults.Erichadafascinationwithballgagsthatmadehershudder.Zebseemedatadtooexcitedbyfeetforhercomprehension.Hisnibblingathertoeshadickedherout.Jasonhadnotonlybeenasticklerforprotocol,butabigfanofShibari.IthadtakenCallielessthanfourminutestoscreamhersafeword.ThentherewasThorpe…Hewasinaclassallbyhimself.Andwaybeyondherreach.
“Demonstration?”Seansoundedshocked.
Callienodded.“Yeah.ButIhaven’tdoneoneinabouttwoyears.”
NotsincethatDecemberThorpehadaskedhertobottomforademo…thenafterward,behindcloseddoors,thekindlingheatbetweenthemhadexplodedintoatangleofarmsandlips,sighsanddiscardedclothes.She’dbeenwetandreadyandsodesperateforhim,nakedonhisbed.Thenhe’dabruptlywalkedawaywithoutanexplanation,behavingasifnothinghadeverhappened.Tothisday,shedidn’tknowwhyhe’dlefther.Andhe’dneveraskedhertoassisthiminapresentationagain.
Thathurtdidn’tmatteranymore.Oldcrap.OnlySeanwasimportantnow.
“Wereyouabletobeartherestraintthenbecauseyouknewsomeonewouldfreeyouifneedbe?Ifthat’sthecase,lovely,thedungeonmonitorswouldhavemyballsinaninstantiftheythoughtIwashurtingyou.”
“Iknow.”Theywereintenselyprotectiveofallthewomenintheclub,butespeciallyfellowstaff.
“Well,then?”Sean’sswiftreplyaskedhowshehadmanagedtobetieddownforDom/subeducationpurposeswhenshecouldbarelytolerateitwithsomeonesheyearnedtoputallhertrustin.HeronlyanswerwasthatThorpehadbeentheonedoingthetying.Shetrustedhimmorethanshetrustedanyone.Heknewherquirksandhadaccommodatedthem.
ButshehatedSeanbelievingthatshelackedfaithinhim.Callielatchedontothefirstexplanationtohitherbrain.“Logically,Iknowyou’reright.Sadly,logicdoesn’talwayspenetratefear.It’sabitlikeaphobia.”
Hedidn’tanswerrightaway,justbrushedhisthumbbackandforthoverhernippleuntilittingledandshewishedhe’djusttearoffherclothesandfuckheralready.She’dwantedhimforsomanylongmonths.
“Haveyoualwaysbeenthisway?”
“SinceIgotintoBDSM.”She’dliedtoSeanoften,butalwaystriedtostayasclosetothetruthaspossible.
“Doyouknowwhatcausedyourfear,lovely?Wasitsomethinginyourpast?”
Calliebitbackasnort.Prettymucheverything.“Itwasn’tanyoneevent.”
Andthatwasn’tatotallie,justarealizationthatrestraintseverelyinhibitedherabilitytofleeifhermurderrapcaughtuptoher.
“Areyousure?Tellmeaboutyourchildhood.Maybesomethingtherewillhelpmebetterunderstand.”
Thisagain?Hemusthaveaskedtwentytimessincesnappingacollararoundhernecktotellhimaboutherformativeyears.ShemanagedtosimplysaythatshewasfromtheMidwestandwasanorphan.Again,notlies…justnotthecompletetruth.
Sheclenchedherhandsintofists.“Thelongerwetalk,themorenervousIget.Please…”
“Wewillfinishthisconversation,lovely.”
No,theywouldn’t.
“Yes,Sir.”
Seansighed.“You’redoingwell,soI’llrewardyounow.”
Heleanedoverher,caressedhershouldersinhisbighands,thenhisnimblefingersmadeshortworkofthewaist-cinchingcorsetshe’dchosenearlier.Hebeganunlacingitjustbeneathherbreasts,slowlypartingthepanelsdownhertorsobeforehedetacheditfromherbody.Thegarmentprovidedenoughsupportunderherbreaststorenderabraunnecessary.Whenhetoreoffthethinwhitetankshe’dwornbeneath,hisgroan,coupledwithhishandscuppingherbreastsreverently,toldherthatheapproved.
“Alwayssodamnbeautiful,Callie.”
Nowaytomisstheworshipinhisvoice.Nomanhadevermadeherfeelsowanted.
Hepluckedathernipples,pinchinggently,turningthepeakednubs,controllingtheflowofblood.Thesecondhereleasedthem,sensationslammedintoher.Hypersensitiveandhard,thenubstingledandbunchedharder.Shewhimpered.
Thenhebenttoher,breathingharshlyinherearbeforehekissedhiswaydownherneck,nippingatherfairskinuntilashiverwrackedher.Shefeltdeliciouslyvulnerable,helplesstostopwhateverhedidtoherbody.Hemightdeliverpleasure.Hemightheaponpain.Andshecouldonlyacceptwhathechose.
Sofar,submittingwaseverybitasthrillingasshe’dimagined.Yeah,plentyoffolksmightthinkshewaswarped,butasmuchasshehadfearedit,thesurrenderofherwilltoSeanmadeherfeeloddlytreasured.Anditarousedher,especiallywhenhepressedsoftkissesaroundtheexposedfleshofherbreasts.Besidehernipples,belowthem,hoveringjustabove,hetoyedandteasedwithhismouth.Hemadehergaspandholdherbreathinanticipationofhiseveryhotexhalationoverherskinandeverysweetnibblewithhisteeth.
Withalittlepleadingmewl,sheliftedherhipstohim,waitingforhimtorealizethatunderhertinyblackskirt,sheworethebarestscrapoflaceoverherdrenchedpussy.
Seanbracedtheheelofhispalmjustabovehermoundandpusheddowngently.“Ipromisedyouareward,lovely.Notnecessarilyanorgasm.DoIhavetopunishyoutomakeyouunderstand?”
He’dspankedherafewtimes,butshehadn’tconsidereditmuchofapunishment.Instead,thereleaseoffireunderherskinwentrighttoherclitandmadeherthrobwithunrelentingdesire.Alwayssharp,Seanhadquicklycometounderstandthatignoringheroractingwithutterdisinterestwasfarmoreeffectiveinchangingherbehavior.Themoreshecared,themoredisappointinghimcrushedher.
“No,Sir.”Shejustwantedtofeelhimineverywayhe’dallow.
“I’drathernot.Ihaveaspecialplanforyou,butI’llneedyoutobeaweebitpatient.”Hechuckled.“ThoughIknowyou’llfindthatatortureallitsown,I’llmakeitworthyourwhile.”
Calliegrimaced.HerimpatiencearoundDominionwaswell-known.Achildhoodofindulgencehadn’tpreparedherforthespecialhellofdelayedgratification.Seanspecializedinspacingoutherrewardsuntilshesometimesfeltlikescreaming.Thenagain,thebreath-stealingorgasmswerealwaysworththewait.
Shejustwishedhe’dletherreturnthefavor.Nomatterhowhardhiscocklookedorhowmuchdesire-inducedsweatdrenchedhisskin,heneveravailedhimselfofherbody.JustlikeheneveraskedtoseeheroutsideDominion’swalls.Notforthefirsttime,shewonderedifhehadawifeorgirlfriendtuckedawayelsewhere.Shewastooafraidtoask
Withasnarl,Seanremovedhishands.“Whatthehellisinyourheadthat’ssoengrossingyoukeepdriftingawayfromme?Iwantyourfullattention,Callie.”
Continuingherpolicyofhonestywhenpossible,shegavehimmostofthetruth.“IwishIcouldtouchyou.”
“Youmeanyou’dlikeyourhandsfree,toescapebeingbound?”
“No.AshardasIfoundittoallow,I’menjoyingyourrestraints.Ijustwantthechancetogiveyouthepleasureyougiveme.”
Hesuckedinasharpbreath.“BegoodandperhapsI’llletyou.”
Thewayhisvoiceshook,Calliehopedthatmeanthewantedheratleasthalfasmuchasshewantedhim.“Please…”
“Behave,lovely.You’renotinchargehere.”
Shepressedherlipstogether,didherbesttoliesilentlyandlethimhavehisway.Sheexpectedhimtousethoseslightlyroughpalmsofhistoabradeandarouseheruntilshepleaded.Thenhe’ddohisbesttoaskquestionsdesignedtogetinherhead.Sheusuallyhadtoworktokeepherwitsaboutherandgivehimnothingmorethanascrapofinformationsohewouldfinallygrantherscreamingpleasure.
Thatwasn’tonhisagendatoday.
Instead,Seanreleasedheranklerestraintsanddetachedherwristsfromthetable.Armsencircledher,thenhehelpedhertoherfeet.Shedidn’toftenfindherselftoplessintheclub,sothefeelingwashugelyforeign…butnotunwelcome.Thecoolairbrushedherskin,beadinghernipplesmore.ItwasanintriguingcontrasttothepureheatrollingoffSeanasheledhertodanglingchainsintheceiling.
Poisedbehindher,heworkedthesnaphookattachedtoherbindingsthroughthechains,securingherarmsaboveherhead.
“Spreadyourlegsandkeepthemthere.”Hiswordsbrookednorefusal,despitehiscalmtones.Heneverhadtoyelltomakehispoint.
Bitingherlip,Calliecomplied,butshedidn’tunderstandhisintent.Sheknewsheshouldn’t,butshebrushedherfaceagainstherextendedarmtoworktherimoftheblindfolddown,thenshepeekedathimoverhershoulder.
Seansnappedhermaskbackinplace.“Stop,youminx.Eyesfront.You’llseemewhenIwantyouto,notbefore.Rightnow,focusonstayingoutofyourhead.Feelyourbodyinstead.Yourskin,yourbreath,yourpleasure.Ifyourthoughtsstartintruding,trytoblockthem.”Hepressedhischesttoherbackandcradledherbreasts.“Iwanttogivethisgifttoyou,lovely,butyouhavetodoyourpart.”
IfthiswasheronenightofsubmissiontoexperienceallSeanKirkpatrickhadtooffer,thenshewoulddoherverybest.
“Yes,Sir.”
“Good.Wouldyoulikeearbudswithmusictohelpyouconcentrate?”
Andtakeawayherabilitytohear?“No.”
“Allright.Takeadeepbreathandletitout.Clearyourmind.Feelyourmusclesletloose.”
Likepreparingtodoyoga.
Shedideverythingexactlyashe’dcommanded.Itputherinarelaxedstate.Well,asrelaxedasshecouldbe.
“Good.Doyouknowwhatthisis?”
Widestrandsofsomethingsoftskimmedherfromnecktoass.Airfilledherlungsassheraisedup,tryingtoextendthecaress.
“Aflogger.”
“Deerskin,yes.Hasanyoneeverusedoneonyou?”
“No,Sir.”
“Wieldedproperly,it’snotanimplementofpain.Areyouafraid?”
Oftheflogger,no.Buthisintentwasanotherstory.Ifhe’dgoneoutofhiswaytopointoutthattheinstrumentdidn’thavetohurt,shedidn’tthinkheintendedtotestherpainthreshold.AndSeanhadpromisedherareward.Calliehadasuspicionsheknewwherethiswasheaded.
Itscaredthehelloutofherasmuchasitmadeheryearn.
Butshewouldgiveintonight,seeifshecouldseparateherbodyfromhermindinthatfloatingparadiseotherscalledsubspace.Justthisonce…
“Iwantwhateveryou’dliketogiveme.”
Shesensedmorethanfelthisapproval.“Fine,then.Don’tcount.”
Thewordshadbarelyclearedhislipsbeforethetailsofthefloggerstruckthefleshiestpartofherassinaslowthud.Seanrepeatedthemotion—fullacrossherbutt,inthelowcurveofherspine,upherbackanddownagain.Neverhard,neverevenmakinghersting.Rhythmic,sweet,lulling,thefloggingwaslikeaslowdancecradlingherinitsarmsuntilshebegantoblockouteverythingbutthewayhemadeherfeel.Herheartbeatintimewiththetresseskissingherskin.
Calliedidn’thavetoworkveryhardtoblockoutthoughts.Seanperfectlyunderstoodherbody,exactlywhen,where,andhowhardtoworkthefallsoverher.
Herheadstartedtoswimawayfromherbody,andsheletitgoforamoment.Shesanktowardtheabyssjustbeyondher,callingouttoher.Thesensationwaslikehavingacoupleofglassesofwine,butheavierandmorecompelling.Morealluring.
Darknessswamaroundherthoughts.Minutesmighthavepassed.Orhours.Shedidn’treallyfeelherbodyanymore.Theearthheldherbythesolesofherfeetandhercuffedwrists,orshewouldhavefloatedawaytobeautifulnothingness
Vaguely,shefeltSean’shandglideupanddownherhot,sensitiveskin,anacuteriseofburnandsensation.Herheadrolledforward.Shefelteveryinstantofherslow,deepbreathing,almostlikeawakingnap—excepttheintoxicatingeuphoria.Howwonderful…
“Youlookstunning,Callie.”
Adrunklittlesmilecurledherlips.
“ThisiswhatIwantedtogiveyou,lovely,somerespitefromyourhead.”Hislipsslippedupthebackofherneck.Hewrappedhisbroadhandaroundherandunderherchinuntilhetippedherheadback.Thenhekissedhiswaydownherjaw.“Iwouldgiveyoumore.”
Please…Shedidn’thavethestrengthtoopenhermouthandbeg.
“ButIneedsomethingfromyou.Comebacktomejustabit,”hecoaxed.
Calliefrowned.Itwasthelastthingshewantedtodo,butthesweetsplendorofsilenceinherheadwastootempting.Complyingtooksomucheffort.
“Letmeintoyourheart,Callie.Intoyourhead.I’veaskedyoufornothingsincewebeganourjourneytogether.”
Andhe’dgivenhersomuch.
“Youdrawmelikenoother.Iwanttoknoweverythingaboutyou.Idon’twantbusinesstotakemeawayfromyoubeforeI’vehadachancetolearnyouinsideandout.BeforeI’vehadachancetotrulybindyoutome.”
Shesighed.Hepluckedateveryoneofherheartstrings,andshelethim.Suchexquisitewords.Howcouldshenotgivehimalittle?
“We’llstartsmall,”heassured.“Didyouhaveapetasachild?”
Pet?Thefirstrecollectiontohitherbrainspewedfromherlips.“Ifoundakitten.”
“Howoldwereyou?”
“Notquitesix.Icouldn’tkeepher.Momwassick.Iwokeuponemorningandshewasgone.Icried.Momdiedanyway.”
“I’msosorry,lovely.Ofwhat?”
Callieshiedawayfromremembering.“Godtakesthefragileonesbackintohisfold.Dadalwayssaidthat.Itstillmademesad.”
“Ofcourse.”Hepettedher.“Doyouhaveanysisters?Brothers?”
Chilledairsuddenlysmackedhertoastyskin,jostlingherbrain.Awarenessrushedbackintoherhead.Whydidhewanttoknow?
“Both.”Ofcourse,Dadneverknewthatshe’dheardabouthisteenageromancethatresultedinasonnooneevertalkedabout.Shehadn’tthoughtaboutthatinyears,butshe’dspiedonhissononce.Apparently,beinganillegitimateHowesuckedbecausehe’dbeenabitterman.
“You’resure?”
Callietensed.Whywouldhethinkotherwise?Histoneandtheenormityofhisquestionhither.Itmightseemtriflingtomost,butifhesuspectedatallwhoshewasandshedidn’ttreadcarefully,shemightgivehimenoughtoconfirmheridentity.
Wouldhesellherdowntheriverforthetwo-million-dollarbounty?
“I’mcold.”
Seantookastepback.Thefloggerfelloverherback,herass,alternating,thudding,seekingtocalmheragain.Atfirst,itstungagainstherhotskin.Thenshehadtoresistthedivineslidebackintohersilentcocoon.
“Relax,”hecrooned.
Calliedidn’tdare.Shebitherliptostaypresent,butshepretended.Atleastthefloggerwarmedherenoughtostophershivering.
“Didyoutakeanyspecialtripsasachild?”
“No.”She’dwantedtogotoDisneyWorld.DadpreferredEuropeandmuseumswhereshehadtobequiet.AwholesummerintheFrenchcountrysidewhenshe’dbeenfifteenhadseemednearlycomainducing.
“Didyougotopublicschool?”
Never.Hermotherwouldhaverolledoverinhergrave.“Momwastooreligioustoallowthat.Guessitdidn’tstickverywell.”
Heranswerwastrue…inasense.HermotherhadworshippedatthealtarofPradaandbeenafirmbelieverinthechurchofVersace.ShewouldneverhaveallowedherorCharlottetorubelbowswiththemiddle-classkidswholivedinthetracthousesafewmilesaway.Thathadsucked,too.Theylookedliketheyhadmorefun.
“Callie,you’reinyourheadagain.”AndSeandidn’tsoundpleased.
“Sorry.ThecoldrattledmeandIjust…”Gotscaredwithallthequestions.
Thatmadeherevenmoredejected.Mostlikely,themanjustwantedtoknowher.Butjustincaseshewaswrong,shehadtolie.Thetruthwastoorisky.
Greatbasisforarelationship,Callie.Yeah,he’dreallyloveyouifheknewyourpast.
She’dbelonggonebeforehecould.
Hesighed.“Yougetcoldeasily.Ioftenforgetbecauseyoumakemesweat.”
Amomentlater,heshuffledaroundtothefrontofherbody.Shedrankhisnearnessinwithamoan,smellingthemuskwaftingfromhim.Hermouthwatered,herpussywept.Shewantedhimsobadly,hadtrulysoughttopleasehim…
“Igenuinelytried.Ilovedthefloatyfeelingyougaveme.IneverthoughtI’dfindsubspace.”Calliewishedshecouldtouchhim.“Ithurtsmetodisappointyou.”
Seanpeeledthemaskaway,andsheblinkeduntilsheadjustedtotheglaringlights.Hisshirtwasdamp,hischeeksflushed.Asubmissivedipofherheadasheunsnappedherwristsfromthechainsprovedhiscocklusciouslyhard.
“Youcamealongwaytonight,lovely.It’smyownimpatiencethatmakesmewantyousocompletelyrightthisinstant.Butyoureffortpleasedme.”
“I’msorryIcouldn’tgiveyoumore.”Sheblinkedupathimuncertainlyasheunfastenedoneofthecuffsandbloodrushedbackintoherarms.
Disappointmentinherselfchiseledawayathercomposure.Evenwhenshe’dgivenherselfpermissiontoletgoandfullysurrendertoSean,she’dbeenunableto.
“Iwantedto.”Uselesstearswelledinhereyes.
Withasoothingsound,hedrewheragainsthisbody,andsherelishedhiswarmth.Whenhepulledherintohisembrace,shefelttheprotectivewallaroundherheartsoftening,crumbling.Justonce,whycouldn’tshegivethiswonderfulmanwho’dshoweredherwithtendernessandpleasurealittlefuckingbitofherself?Shewassoclosedoffthatevenshecouldbarelyreachtherealherburiedinside.Certainly,shedidn’tknowhowtoshare,evenwithamanaskindasSean.
“Iknowyoudid.”Hecradledherheadinhishand.“Don’tcry,lovely.Let’sgetcomfortableandtalk.”
Hedidn’tgiveherachancetoargue,justpulledheralongbesidehim,backtothebenchinthecorner.Heremovedthelastcuffstilldanglingfromherwristandthosearoundherankles.Hershoulderswereslightlysore.Theskinonherbacksidestillleaptwithtinglinglife.
Seanreachedforablanketinanearbystash,wrappeditaroundher,thenpulledherintohislap.“Don’tbeatyourselfup.Yes,Iwantedmore.Buttomorrowwillcome.”
Notforthem,itwouldn’t.
“Icouldsharemyselfmorereadilyifyousharedwithme,”sheventured.Atleastitsoundedlikeagoodexcuse.
Settlingbackonthebenchwitharaisedbrow,hedrewheragainsthischest.“Isthatso?”
“Whatwehavefeelsso…one-sided.Idon’tknowanythingaboutyou.”
Hedrewinasharpbreath.“IwasraisedbymygrandparentsinScotland.Myfatherservedinthemilitaryinfar-flungpartsoftheworld.MymotherpreferredLondontoparenting.Iattendedlocalschools,finisheduniversity,learnedhowtoholdmyowninafightanddrinkafewpintswithoutgettingtoopissed.Iworkinprojectmanagement.”
Calliegathereduphercourage.“Areyoumarried?Taken?”
Seanletlooseaheartylaugh.“Hasthatbeenworryingyouallthistime?No,lovely.Iwasengagedaboutadecadeago,butIwasalreadymarriedtomyjobbythen.Weendedthingsamicably.I’vebeenalonesince.Andmylifewasemptyashellwithoutyou.”
Thatshouldn’tgettoher.Heshouldn’t.Butdamn,hedid.Shemightaswellbehonestaboutthis,too.“Ididn’tknowhowmuchmylifewasmissinguntilyouwalkedintoit.Ineedmoreofyou.”
Iftheyhadnothingbeyondtonight,shewantedhimineverywayhewouldgivehimselfnow.
Scramblingoffhislapandbetweenhisfeetontheconcretefloor,Calliebracedherhandsonhiskneesandglancedathiscock.Thensheblinkedupathim,pouringherdesperationintothisoneentreaty.“Please…”ChapterTwo
SEANstareddownatCallie,hisbreathtrappedinhischest,hiscockabouttoexplode.Herblueeyes,framedinthickblacklashesandsilentlypleading,piercedhischest.Hell,theydugintohisheart.Hehadtoholdhisfuckingheadtogether.Buthewantedhermorethanhethoughtpossible.Morethanhehadwordstoexpress.
Ofallthedamnwomentofallfor…
Normally,he’dremindherthathewastheDom,andsheshouldn’twheedleforthetermsshewanted.Heknewaprettypieceofmanipulationwhenheheardone.ButCalliewasn’therselftonight.Herbreakthroughactuallyworriedhim.Ontheonehand,he’dfinallypeeledawaylayersofarmortorevealthesoftwomanbeneathherbrattyattitude.Ontheotherhand,everythingabouther—especiallythathauntedlookinhereyes—reekedofdesperation.Ofgood-bye.
Hisguttwisted.Hadsomethingspookedher?Orsomeone,likehim?Therewerealotofreasonsthatlettinghergowasn’tanoption.Ifhehadtorearrangehispriorities,sobeit.Butnomatterwhat,hemustkeepCalliebesidehim.
“Lovely…”Hedidn’tknowwhattosay.Histhroatfelttight.Hisbreaththickenedasherfingersdugintohisthighs.
Shedidn’treply,justsilentlybeseechedhimwiththosesadeyes.Howmuchunhappinesshadsheknowntobesowalledofffromeveryone?Rightnow,Seancouldonlyimagine,buthewantedtoknow.Andhewantedtohealher.
Ifheputheroffnow,she’donlyboltsooner.Asitwas,hesuspectedthatsheplannedtobegonewhenhecamebackforhertomorrow.Butifhegaveintohertonight…Thatwasthewildcard.
He’daskherifsheplannedtoflee,butshewouldonlydenyit.HeknewCalliesowellinsomeways,yetsheremainedthemostintriguingmysteryinothers.
Seanswallowedhisdoubtsdown.Fuckit.Ifhehadthisonechancetokeepher,hewasgoingtotakeitanddealwiththemetricshittonofconsequenceslater.
“Nevermind.”Shebegantoscrambletoherfeet,theunmistakablehurtonherdelicatefacewrenching.
Hebracedahandonhershoulderandpusheddowngently.“Stay.Ihaven’tsaidno.”
Hergazeskitteredaway.“Butyoudidn’tsayyes.Ihaven’tearnedit.”
“That’snottrue.Yougavemeagreatdealofefforttonight.Youfoughtthroughfearsandsurrenderedapartofyourselftome.Iappreciatehowhardthatwasforyou.”
Holdinghisbreath,hereachedforthesnapofhistrousers.Hewascrossingadangerousline,buthesilencedtheconcernsscreaminginsidehimandfocusedonCallie.Ongrowinghisbondwithherandgivingherwhatsheneeded.Rightnow,hesuspectedsheachedtofeelwanted.
Hiszipperwentdowninanearlysilenthiss.Hergazefellbetweenhislegsashereachedintoshovecottonoutofhiswayandtakehiscockinhand.Fuckinghell,hecouldn’trememberthelasttimehe’dbeenthishardordesiredawomansomuch.SomethingaboutCalliehadtuggedathimfromdayone.Seanwishedhecouldsayitwasthesheerchallengeofconqueringher.He’dalwaysenjoyedusinghiswitsorbrawntoovercomeobstacles.Whodidn’tlikewinning?
ButCalliehadbecomefarmorethanaconquest.
Slowlystrokinghiserection,bloodrushedsouthtoengorgehimevenmoreasherwidegazefellonhim,imploring.Hetingledjustfromherlongingstare.
“Doyouwanttotouchme,lovely?”
Shetorehergazeawayandzeroedinonhisface,thenshenodded.
God,thiscouldmakeeverythinggosideways—fast.AnytimeheresistedCallie,itwassomethingofamiracle.Heshouldhaveknownhiswillpowerwouldn’tlast.
Slowly,heeasedhishandaway.Withinmoments,shewrappedherownaroundhislength,andhesuckedinahissingbreathatthecontact.Herskinwassowarm,hertouchsoftyetdeft.Itwasatease.Seeinghersilkenfingersonhim,herstaretakinghimin…Fuck,itwasbeyondheady.Nearlysevenmonthswithoutawoman,andhewassoreadytoblow.Buthehadadeepsuspicionthatifanyotherperchedbetweenhisfeet,hewouldn’tbehalfsomoved.
Withherelbowbracedonhisthigh,Callieglidedherfingersupanddownhiscock,thatgazeofhersboilinghisballs.Butitwastheyearningwonderonherfacethattrulysearedhim.
Onherkneesnow,sheleanedin.Shedidn’taskfirst,justopenedhermouthtohimandswallowedtheheadofhiscockpastherlips.Seanchokedbackagroan.
He’dfoundheaven.Calliedidn’tjustenclosehiminhermouthorlickhim.Sheworshippedthefleshshedrewontohertongue.Shecradledit,lavedandlovedit,savoredit,drawingitindeeperanddeeper.
Seangrippedtheedgeofthebench,hisbodytensingwiththepleasure.Electricitybuzzedthroughhisbloodstream.Heclenchedhisthighs.Andtherewasnostoppinghishandasitcurledintoherhair,caressingherreverentlyassheshoweredhimwithattention,rapidlyundoinghisrestraint.
Holyhell.
Callietookhisencouragementtoheartandsankhiscockevendeeperintohermouthuntilhebumpedthebackofherthroat.Sheswallowedonhim.Hegroanedoutasoundofshockandfistedherinkytressesinhishands,thenearlyblackstrandsglidingsoftlyoverhisfingers,asheliftedhishipsandfuckedhermouthinagonizingstrokes.
Shewasn’texactlyanexpert.ButCalliedefinitelypresentedadichotomy.Agirlwho’dlivedinaBDSMclubforfouryearshadmanagedtoretainasweetsortofinnocence.Hewantedthatforhisown.
Damnit,hewassofargoneforher.Anditwouldbesoeasytothrustintoherwillingmouthandletheroverwhelmhimwithmind-bendingpleasure.
Seantuggedonherhairandgrowledather.“Lookatme.”
Asshesuckeduphislengthagain,shecasthergazeathimthroughherlashes.Withthefewbraincellsfocusedonsomethingotherthanherlusciousmouth,hecouldstillseefinalityinhereyes.Thiswasherlastactwithhimifhedidn’tchangecourse.Sheneededtobewanted,andheachedforher—notonlyinacarnalsense.HehadtobindCallietohim.
God,thiswasgoingtosendtroubleclawinguphisass.Butshewasworthit
Swallowingacurse,heshovedhishandsunderherarmsandtuggedherontohislaponcemore.
“Sir?”shewhispered,bothanxiousandbreathless.
“YousaymynamewhenIfuckyou,lovely.Youscreamit.”
Ashepositionedherlegsoneithersideofhiships,shegrippedhisshoulders.“Butyousaidweweren’tready,thatyouweren’tgoingtorushwhatwehadsimplybecauseyourcockwasaching.”
Thecleverminxhadaninexhaustiblememory.
“Areyouteasingmenow,Callie?Orquestioningme?”
“No,Sir.”Shegyratedherpussyagainsthim,andonlythesoftlaceofwhateversheworeunderherskirtseparatedthem.Herbodyundulateduntilherbreastsflattenedonhischestandherlipsskimmedhisneck.Shepluckedathisshirt,doingherbesttoremoveit.Seanlostpatienceandrippeditaway.
Almostinstantly,herhotstareandcuriousfingersspreadacrosshischest,tuggingathisself-control.Hefoughttoreinitbackin.
Fuck,shewastakingahundredlibertieswithouthispermission,buthecouldn’tbringhimselftocarenow.TheloverinherwassomethingCalliehadn’tgiventoanyoneinthefouryearsshe’dbeenatDominion…exceptmaybeThorpe.Therewassomestorybetweenthosetwo,butnooneknewwhat.He’dasked.Ifthealoofbastardhadfuckedher,ithadn’tbeenrecently.Whateverthecase,he’dhandlethesituationaccordingly.
Andhell,itwasgettinghardforhimtothinkwithheralloverhisthrobbingshaft.Everythinginsidehimshoutedtoclaimherineverywayamancould.Thenpraytofuckitwouldbeenoughtomakeherstay.
“I’lldowhateverittakestomakeusstronger,”hevowed.“You’vethoughtallthistimethatIdidn’twantyouorhadsomeoneelsehiddenaway.Imeantoshowyouthatyou’rewrong.”
“Please.”Shepulledbackenoughtolookintohiseyes.“Atleastthisonce.”
Seanshookhishead.“Thefirsttimeofmany,lovely.Iswearthattoyou.”
Heflippedupherskirtandrippedawaytheblacklaceseparatinghimfromherpussy.Afterasatisfyingtear,hetossedittotheconcretefloor.Finally,Seandugintohispocket,gratefulforoldhabits,andyankedoutacondom.Withshakinghands,heshreddedthefoilsquareopenandrolleditdownhisinflamedlength,feelingherhotstareeathimup.
Whenhehadhimselfsheathed,hewrappedhisarmsaroundherandtuggedhercloser,poisingheroverhiscock.Heslidhisfingersalongherhip,feelingthenickalongherleftside.Whatwouldittaketopersuadehertotellhimaboutthat?Maybeaftertonight…
“Howlonghasitbeenforyou,lovely?”
Callielookedawayandgavehimaparticularfrownhe’dcometoknowwell.Itflittedacrossherfacewhenheaskedapainfulquestionshewantedtoavoid.“Alongtime.”
“Iwon’tgoanyfurtheruntilyougivemeapreciseanswer.”
Shesquirmedinhisgrip,tryingtolowerherselfontohim.Fuckifhedidn’twanttolether.Hisbodyurgedhimtoslidethroughherwetfoldsandlosehismindashercuntgrippedhim.Butinhiscurrentmood—onethatdemandedhepoundherintonextweek—hemighthurther.
Andifsheadmittedthatshe’deverwarmedThorpe’sbed,he’ddowhateverittooktoeliminatethemanascompetition.ItwasobviousunspokenfeelingslaybetweenCallieandherboss.
Fornow,Seanwaited,holdingherwaisttightly,preventingherfromsinkingontohim.
“Sean…”Shewriggledimpatiently.
“I’mnotfuckingyouyet.Whatdoyoucallme?”hegroundout,sweating.
Damnittohell,resistingtheminxwasteeth-grittinglytough,andhehadnodoubtshewouldtaxeverybitofhisrestraintbeforeitwasover.
Calliepleadedwithhimwithwideblueeyes.“Sir.”
Herlittleentreatymadehimevenharder.
“Howlongsinceyou’vehadalover,Callie?Iwon’taskagain.I’lljuststop.”
Shesqueezedhereyesshutasifhatingtolookatanuglyreality.“NooneyouknowhereatDominion.”
Heworkedtoholdinhiselation.“Noone?Notinthelastfouryears?”
“Itriedonce,but…itfeltwrong.Istoppedit.Ithinkhewasrelieved.”Thatfactembarrassedher,butthetormentonherfacealsosaidsomethingaboutherloneliness.Shelookedsofragileinhisarms.“He’smarriednow.”
AllSeancouldfeelwasathrillthatshewouldsoonbehis.ThereliefthatThorpehadneverfuckedherwasundeniable.Hehadnodoubtthebastardwantedto.
“Ijustneededtoknowhowgentletobe,lovely.Thankyouforyourhonesty.Iknowthatwasn’teasyforyou.”
“YoumustthinkI’mbrokenorsomething.”
Seandidn’tthink;heknew.Butnotinthewayshemeant.
“You’rebeautiful.I’venodoubtyou’remuchwantedamongtheDomshere.Ifeelfortunatethatyouchoseme.”
Finally,sheopenedhereyes,andhesawtearsshimmeringthere.Thatyearningonherfacemadehersoullooksonaked.Somethinghewassayingordoingwasreachingher,andacautiousjoyrolledthroughhim.
Calliethrewherselfontohim,armsaroundhim,herfacepressedintohisneck.Sheinhaledhim,clinging.God,howsweetshecouldbe.Underallthatsassyattitude,shehidafragileheart.Andhewasfinallyseeingtherealher.Thewomaninsidewaseverybitasstunningandsoftashe’dimagined.
Whenshewouldhavepulledbackwithanapology,Seanstoppedherwithakiss—andslowlybeganpressingherdownontohiscock.
Shegaspedintohismouth.Herbodytensed.Herpussyclosedaroundhim,sosmallandtight.Howthefuckwashegoingtosurvivetheincendiarygripofherforlong?
Beneathher,heflexedhiships,desperatetoburyhimselfasdeepashecouldandaccustomhertothefeelofhimfillinghercompletely.Afteronlyahandfulofseconds,heknewshewasgoingtobecomehisdrugofchoice.Afterthisaddictingsweetness,therewasnowayhecoulddowithoutheragain.
Nodoubt,hewouldeventuallygethisasshandedtohimforthis…
Calliegavealittleshriekandtriedtoliftoffhiscock.Seanheldherinplace.“Easy.Breathe.”
Shewriggled,andhethoughthemightlosehisdamnmindwiththewayherfleshrubbedandclutchedtheheadofhiscock.Thensheexhaledandslowlyletthetensionslipfromherbody.
“That’sgood,”hepraised.“Leanonmeandletmetakecareofyou.”
Shemethisstare,hergazetangledwithhis.Somethingaboutthewayshesilentlysurrenderedturnedhimon.Themaninhimrespondedtoherwordlessbeggingforhimtotakeeverythingshehad.Herofferingsurprisedthehelloutofhim,buthedidn’tdwellonthat.Fillingherwithbothhiscockandaffectionwasfarmoreimportantnow.
Seanliftedherupafraction,thenloweredheraninchatatime,experimentingwithherclenchingwalls,searchingherfaceforanydiscomfort.Thistime,hesubmergeddeeper,hisheadswimmingwithsensationsuntilhesworehemightdrowninher.Calliewaseverythinghe’dimaginedandsofarbeyonditboggledhismind.
Withhisfingersbitingintoherhips,Seandesperatelyfoughttoholdontohiscontrolasheloweredherevenmore,stoppingwhensheinhaledsharplyandherbodytensedagain.
“It’sallright.Almostthere.”
Shewrithedonhim.“I’msofrustrated.Iwantyousobadly.”
“AndIwantyou.ButIrefusetohurtyou,lovely,whenalittlepatiencewilldo.It’sbeenalongtime.Ididn’texpectthistogoeasy.”
“Iwanteditto.”
Seancouldn’tholdinasmileatherimpatience,thatpartofherthatseemedtothinkorbelievetheworldshouldgoherway.“Idid,too.Nexttime,itwill.Now,Iwantyoutolookrightintomyeyes.”
Callieblinked,focusingonhimthroughtheshadows.Heblockedouteverythingandeveryoneexcepther.Thesoundsofwhipsandmoans,thescentsofsweatandsex,theslightchillintheair—allgone.Onlyshefilledhissenses.
Withoutanotherword,heliftedhertothetipofhiscockagain,thenpresseddown,down,down…Thistime,shehelpedhim,foldingherkneesunderherandtiltingherhipstotakeallofhim.Hemetherhalfway,thrustingupintoherfist-likegrasp.Shefeltsogood,hiseyesnearlycrossed.
Hewasn’tfuckingCallie.Hewasmakinglovetoher.Hewasclaimingher.
Thischangedeverything.
Ashudderworkeduphisspine,spreadingthroughhisbody.Withagroan,hethrewhisheadbackandletpleasurefillhisveins.Jesus,thiswomanwaspotent.
Calliewentwild,franticallyliftingandthrustingabovehim.Sheranherfingersthroughhishair,holdingonasifhewereheranchortothisworld.Hersoftpantsandmoansinhisearweredrivinghimoutofhisfuckingmind.Sosofteverywhere,andherscent…somethingcleanandmuskyatonce.Thecitrusofhershampooblendedwiththefemininetangfromherpussyforanolfactoryhighthatsenthissensesintoadrunkendaze.Hecouldwaxpoeticaboutherfordays,buthereallyjustwantedtobrandherashisown.ForgettingCalliewouldbeimpossible.Seanwasdamneddeterminedtomakesureshecouldn’twipehimfromhermemorybank,either.
Grabbingherhipstighter,hetookcontrol.“Slowdown.”
Sherearedbacktolookathim.Herfacewasflushed.Perspirationdottedherforeheadandherupperlip.Herdarkhairrainedoverhershoulders,curlingdownherslenderarmsandemphasizingthemilky-softskinhelovedstroking.
Themoreshesurrenderedtotherawpassionbetweenthem,themoreshetoreawayathisarmor.Thedeeperheneededtobeinsideher.
“Iache.”Shesoundedlikeawoundedgirlwhoneededhimtofixherproblem.
Inmanyways,shewas.
“Letitbuild,lovely.We’vewaitedsolongalready.Noneedtorushitnow.”
Callieopenedhermouthtoprotest.Nodoubt,hewouldhavetoremindheraboutthemeaningofsubmissionagain,evenifhedidfindherwillfulinsistenceadorableattimes.
Buthecouldn’tremindherofanythingifhedidn’tfirstpersuadehertostay.
Seanstilledherhipsandsentherasternglanceofwarning.Thenhebroughtherdownonhiscockagain,likeaknifethroughmeltingbutter.Slowly.Sodamnslowlyashudderwrackedhimagain.Herkeeningcryzippedtohisballsandstraightuphisstifflength.Damnit,shewasgoingtodismantlehisself-controlifhedidn’tgetagrip.
Herdelicatefingersbitintohisshoulders.Shemovedwithhim,graceful,sensual.Theirbreathingaligned.Seanwatchedherclosehereyesandfinallylethimdictatetheirrhythm.Hewitnessedherslow,intoxicatinglossofcontrol.
Assheundulated,thedelicatecollarhe’dclippedaroundhernecktwinkledaboveherbreasts,whichbouncedgentlyinhisface.Hetookonenippleinhismouth,meltinginsideasthecandy-hardtiptightenedonhistongue.Thenhetooktheothertightpinkbudbetweenhislipsandlavedherbeforesuckingdeep.Herpussyclampeddownonhim.Calliewassoutterlyresponsive,andhedidn’tthinkforaninstantthatshesimplyneededsexafterherlongabstinence.Hewasn’tgoingtobedonehereuntilheknewthatsheneededhim
“Sean…”Herlittlecrytoldhimthatpleasurewasdrivinghertothepeak.
Heliftedonehandfromherhip,tuckingitunderherlittleskirt,thendraggedhisthumboverherclit.
Herresponsewasinstantandgratifying.Sheshriekedandbeganflutteringaroundhiscock,secondsfromorgasm.
“Come,Callie,”hegrowled.
Asifthosewordsheldmagicforher,shetossedherheadbackandletoutawailofpleasure.Herbackarched,herbreaststhrusthigh,andhercuntheldhiminavelvetvise.Hegrittedhisteeth,clenchinghisfistsandsweatinglikeabitchtoholdittogether.
“Sean!”
Lovingthesoundofhisnameonherlips,herodethewaveofherclimax,fromtheshortpulsesthroughtheendlessclutches,tothesweetlittleaftershocks.Thenshedissolvedagainsthim,strugglingtocatchherbreath.Theurgetoexplodeinsideherandmarkherwithhisseednearlyoverwhelmedhim.Miraculously,willpowerandlogicprevailed.Heneededmoreofthiswomanwhotrippedeverysexualtriggerinhisbody.
Brushingherhairawayfromherdampface,heforcedhertolookathim.Hereyesweredazedanddilated,hercheeksrosy-hot.Thatturnedhimonevenmore.
“Howareyoufeeling,lovely?”
Withatired,loopygrinthatdidhisheartgood,shesighedandmeltedagainsthischest.“Fabulous.”
“Goodtohear.”Unfortunately,hewasinhell.
Shestretchedandwriggled.Thenshepaused.
Callieblinkedathim.“You’restill…Youdidn’t…”
“IamandIhaven’t.”
“Oh.”Hereyesdancedassheleveledhimwiththatvixenishstarehe’dcometoadore.“Well,IguessI’lljusthavetotakemoreofyou.Whatashame.”
“Abloodyshameforsure.”Hemanagedtoteaseback.
Whenheurgedherupanddownhiscockagain,however,thesmileslidfromherface.Agaspfellfromherlips,thensheseemedtostopbreathingforalongminute.
“Ah…yes,”shepantedabovehim.Feminine.Agoddess.
Thesightarousedhimsodeeply,Seanknewhecouldn’tholdonmuchlonger.
Trailinghisthumbbacktoherclit,heslowlyrotateduntilshesuckedinasharpbreath,untilherbodyjolted,andshestartedlookingtohimforpermission.
God,thatshitturnedhimon,evenmoresowithher.
“Leanagainstme.Putyourchesttomineand…yes,”hepraisedasshecomplied.
ThenSeangrippedherhipstightlyandpistonedinsideher,probingdeepandquicklylearningherbody.Herentirefrontwallwassensitive,sohedraggedtheheadofhiscockalongitwitheverythrust.Butshealsohadaspotdeepandhigh.Shelovedhavinghercervixnudged.Heworkedher,payingcloseattentiontoeveryreaction.Callieheldherbreath,closedhereyes,tensedup,thencamethehigh-pitchedpantsthatranginhisheadlikeaneroticchant.Herfingernailsdugintohisshoulders.Herpussyclutchedhim.
Hegrippedherhairinhisfistandtugged.“Lookatme.That’sit…Comeformenow!”
“Sean!”Herbodyjerkedandhercuntclampeddownonhim.“Sean!”
Assoonasshescreamedhisname,pleasuresizzledthroughhisblood,ignitingeverythinginsidehim.Climaxrocketedhissystem,launchinghimintoarealmofthick,tangledecstasyhe’dneverknownexisted.Theexplosionblastedthroughhisbody,deepinhischest,markinghissoul.Inhishead,shemightbehis,butheknewdamnwellthathewasnowhers.Tonighthadcomplicatedthefuckoutofeverything.Butashesurgedtothepeak,hedidn’tcareatall.
“Callie…”hepanted.“Iloveyou!”ChapterThree
STANDINGintheshadowsofDominion’sdungeon,MitchellThorpecouldn’tmisstheorgasmthatwrackedCallie’sbody,thefactthatshescreamedanotherman’sname,ortheunabashedwayinwhichshesharedherselfwiththatfuckingsuspiciousScot.Asmuchashewantedtodenyit,thesightandsoundsdamnnearfelledThorpelikeahatchettothechest.
He’dhopedthatinsistingonsomanyrestrictionswhenhe’dallowedSeanKirkpatricktocollarCalliewouldfrustratetheman.Thattheassholewouldleave.Thorpedidn’ttrustKirkpatrick.Somethingwasoffabouttheguy…Butnomatterwhathe’ddone,Seanhadprovengoddamnsingle-mindedwhenitcametothegirl.
Damnit!ThorpehatedthesightoftheothermansurgingdeepinsideCallie,whereheachedtobehimself.Clutchingthelittlesilkrobehe’dretrievedfromherroomthesecondhe’drealizedshemeanttoletSeanfuckher,heclosedhiseyes,refusingtowatchthebastardcomeinsideher.
ThereasonsThorpecouldneverhaveCalliewerecarvedintohisbrain.Andeventhoughhe’dbeatenthedeadhorsementallyenoughtorecitetherationaleinhissleep,heclenchedhisjawandremindedhimselfagain.Therewouldalwaysbefourteenyears,twomonths,andthreedays’differenceintheirages.Besides,heknewCalliewasn’tlikelytostaywithhimmuchlonger.Foreverwasoutofthequestion.Moreimportant,hecouldnevergiveherthekindofloveshecravedanddeserved.
Cursingunderhisbreath,hedaredtoopenhiseyesandstareatthewildtangleofCallie’sblackhairbrushingthefair,flushedskinofherback.Desiregnawedathim,bitingdeep.He’dalwaysbelievedthatbywalkingawayfromherthatDecembernighttwoyearsago,hecouldpreventherfrombreakinghisheart.Thorpedidn’tfinditcomfortingtobeprovensowrong.
Kirkpatrickshoutingouthisloveforhergougedhiminthegut.HearingtheScotadmithisfeelingsforCalliealoudnotonlymadehimjealousashell,butitprovedthemanhadballs.Thorpewasalmostinawe.ButSeanobviouslydidn’tunderstandheratall.ThorpehadnodoubtwhatCallie’sresponsetotheman’sunexpecteddeclarationwouldbe.
Rightoncue,shestiffenedandshookherhead,thenscrambledoffhislap.Kirkpatrickstoodandtoreoffhiscondom,tryingtozipupwhilereachingforherwithanexpressionmeanttobegentleandcalm.
Thorpesnorted.Wrongapproachagain.
Itdidn’tsurprisehimatallwhenCalliewhirledaround,eyessqueezedshuttightly,armsoverherbreasts,andran—straightintohim.
Whenshewouldhavestumbledbackfromtheircollision,hegrippedhershoulders.Thorpetriednottolookatherbreastsagain.Whytempthimselfwithwhathecouldn’thave?Sheblinkedupathim,fearandanguishmixedonherface.Guiltfollowed.
“Letgo,”shebegged.“Please.”
ThosewordsalonetoldThorpehowrawKirkpatrickhadscrapedCallie.Normally,she’dtryallkindsoffootstomping,demanding,andplainol’manipulationbeforesheresortedtoshowinghersoft,submissivesidetoanyone.Whatevertheman’sgame,ThorpehadtogiveSeancreditforopeningheremotionsfarwiderthanexpected.
Overhershoulders,heeasedtherobehe’dretrievedincasehersecondthoughtsabouthavingsexwiththeScotsetin.Nicetoseethathestillknewhersowell.
Hesentherasharpshakeofhishead.“Notyet,pet.”
Callieshovedherarmsthroughtheholesandbeltedtherobetight,sendinghimadefiantglare.Buttearsstilllurkedunderit.ThefuckingScotplayingwithherhearthadrattledher.Thorpehatedtheassholeforitevenmore.Hisneedtoprotecthergrowled,chompingatthebittotearthecollarfromherneckandfreeher.Hecouldn’tdothat,buthehadeveryintentionofhavinga“chat”withKirkpatrick.
“WhyareyourhandsonCallie?”Seandemanded.“She’smysub.”
“You’reundermyroof,andshe’sobviouslyupset.”
“WhichiswhyIneedtotalktoher.SheandIshouldbesortingthisout.Alone.”
Normally,hewouldagree.Buthewouldn’triskCalliebyleavinghervulnerablewithamanhesworehadsomehiddenagenda.Afraud.Besides,Kirkpatrickdidn’tknowherlikehedidandneverwould.“AtDominion,mywordislaw.Playbymyrulesoryou’rewelcometoleave.Yourchoice.”
Seanclenchedhisfistsandignoredhim,focusingonCallie.“Talktome,lovely.IfIupsetyou,helpmeunderstandwhy.”
Thorpefeltherstiffeninhisgrip,thenshelookedupathim,hergazeimploring.Heunderstoodinstantly.She’ddevelopedfeelingsforthismanandhatedtohurthim.Buthealsoknewthatshedidn’tdarelethimclose.
“Callie,gotoyourroom.I’llbeintoseeyouinaminute.”ThorpemotionedforZeb,oneofthedungeonmonitors.
“Youcan’tsendherfromme.Ididn’thurther,”Kirkpatrickprotested.
Withashrug,ThorpeblewSeanoffandaddressedtheapproachingDM.“TakeCallietoherroom.NooneentersuntilIsayotherwise.Andshedoesn’tleave.”WhenCalliegasped,hesentheraknowinglook.“Doyouhavesomethingtosay,pet?”
Sinceshewasn’tabouttoadmitthatshe’dplottedtofleetheclub,sheremainedsilent.Butheknewitassureasheknewhimself.Kilpatrickhadn’tjustplumbedherphysically.He’dpriedherheartopen,andshewaspreparingtoreacttothatintheonlywaysheknew—byrunning.Already,she’dmentallypackedherbags.Thorpeforceddownhispanicandremindedhimselfthataslongasshewasstillhere,hecouldfixthesituation.TheeasiestsolutionwouldbetotossthedamnScotoutonhisear.
Callielookedreadytogrindherteethasshestompedoff.Zebfollowedwithagrinandawink.
Thorpevowedtodealwithherlittlefitofpiqueassoonashe’dunmaskedthisfraudandridhimfromherlife.“Myoffice.Now.”
Hedidn’twaittoseeifKirkpatrickfollowed.He’dratherthefuckerfindtheexitandsavehimthebreath.Butwhenhereachedhispersonaldomainandroundedhisdesk,theScotstoodintheportal,allbutfoamingatthemouth.
Seanslammedthedoor,enclosingtheminaprivacysteepedinthickair.“YouhavenorighttoseparatemefromCallie.”
“I’mresponsibleforthewelfareofallthesubsunderthisroof.UntilIknowwhyshewasrunningawayfromyouintears,thenyes,Ido.”
“That’sapiss-poorexcuse.You’rejealousbecauseyouwantherforyourown.”
Thorpetookhistimeanswering,sittinginhisleatherchairandstaringthecharlatandown.Idly,hewonderedwhenandhowhe’dbeenstupidenoughtotipSeanoff.Xanderhadpointeditout,too,afewmonthsago.Maybehewasgettingsloppy.
“Ihavenotlaidasinglefingeronthegirlforanyreasoninnearlytwoyears.SowhatyoubelieveIwantisirrelevant.Let’stalkaboutwhatactuallyhappened.”
Seansat,poisedontheedgeofhischairasifhe’dratherfight.“Irestrainedandblindfoldedher,thenIfloggedher.Shereachedapeacefulsubspace.Thenwhenshecameout,Imadelovetoher.It’sbeenanemotionalnight.That’sall.”
Isthatwhattheidiotthought?“That’snothowCallieworks.Haveyoubeentoobusyfuckinghertogettoknowher?”
“You’vewatchedmelikeyou’reherbloodykeeper,soIsuspectyouknowthat’snottrue.”Kirkpatrickraisedabrowathim.“JustlikeIsuspectyou’vebeentoobusygettingtoknowhertofuckher.Yourknickersareinatwistnowthatyou’velostyourchance.Bewarned.Imeantomakehermineineveryway.”
Thorpewantedtoriptheguy’sfaceoff,butmanagedtokeephiscomposure.“She’swearingyourcollaralready.”
“Iwantmore,andyou’restandinginmyway.”
“I’mstandinginthewaybecausehertearydashawayfromyoudidn’tindicatehappiness.I’llconfessthatCallieisspecialtome.I’veprotectedhersinceshecametoDominion.Iknowherinsideandout.She’snotagirlpronetocryingjags.Soherbehaviortonighthastobeadirectreflectionofsomethingyou’vedone.”
Seanpoundedhisfistonthedesk.“I’mtellingyou,Ifinallyreachedher.Ibrokethroughthatmile-thickarmorofhersandsawthewomaninside.Everyminuteyoukeepmefromherisanotherminuteshehastorebuildherwalls.Andtoescape.Ithinkshe’splanningtorun.”
Thorpedrewinasteadyingbreath,thenforcedhimselftolookatKirkpatrickwithacalmhedidn’tfeel.Themandidn’tunderstandallthebitsofCallie…buthewascatchingonfast.“Whatmakesyouthinkthat?”
“Don’tplaygames.Ifyouknowthegirl,thenyouknowI’mright.”
Thorpeneitherconfirmednordenied.ButKirkpatrick’suncannyperceptiontroubledhim.“Isthatwhatyouthink?”
“Iknow.Hersurrenderwassosudden,asifshemeantitasagood-bye.”
IfCalliecaredfortheScot,shewouldabsolutelygiveahugechunkofhersoultohimasapartinggift.
Thorpewonderedwhatshe’dplannedongivinghim.Anote?Anemptyroomwhereherscentwouldlingerandhaunthim?Aholeinhisheart?
Damnit,hesoundedwhinyandmaudlin.HewouldnotletCallieleavewithoutcause.Asfarashewasconcerned,nooneherebuthimknewshewasafugitive.AndSeanKirkpatrickwasnothingmorethanabliponhisradar.
“Iwon’tknowifyou’rerightuntilItalktoher.”
TheotherDomsnorted.“Andwhatgoodwillthatdo?She’slivedunderyourroofforfouryears.Thegirlisbroken,andyouhaven’tliftedafingertohealher.Whystartnow?”
IttookeverythingThorpehadnottosnarlandsurgeacrossthedesk.God,he’dlovetowraphishandsaroundtheScot’sneck.Instead,hetappedhisfingersonthedesktop,staringdownKirkpatrickasifhewerelintfromhisunderwear.
“Sinceyoudidn’tknowherwhenshefirstarrivedhere,allowmetocallbullshit.”ButThorpeunderstoodwellthatwhileshe’dmadestridesunderhisprotection,shewasnowherenearwhole.
InordertotakeCallie’shandandhealher,he’dhavetosharetoomuchofhimselfwithher—hisheart,histruth,hissecrets.He’dhavetobeabetterman,thesortwhocouldloveheropenlywitheverycellinhisbody.Shewouldn’tacceptless,norshouldshe.
Itwasn’tthathedidn’tcareenoughaboutCallietotrytoconquerhisdemons.Theyweresimplytoobig.Andwithherpast…she’donlyleavehim.Ifhiswifeofthreeyearscouldwalkawaysoeasily,howbadlywouldagirlontherunwholittheflameinhisheartburnhim?
Hell,shehadnoideathathe’dfiguredoutheridentity.Butshewouldrunthemomentshedid.Fromwhathecouldgrasp,shedidthatanytimeshefeltthreatenedorexposed.ExactlylikeKirkpatrickwasdoingtohernow.
Alittlediggingprovedthatshe’dabruptlyleftherlasttwohidingplaces,oneafteronlyahandfulofweeks.Thetrailbeforethatwasstonecold,andhedidn’timaginethatshe’dstayedanywhereelseforverylong.Ifshehad,she’dhaveleftanindelibleimpression.Shehadonhimalmostinstantly.
Seanshrugged.“I’lladmitthatIdon’tknowwhatshewaslikefouryearsago.Butifyoucallher‘healed’now,youneedtopullyourheadfromyourarse.Sheneedssomeonetocareabouther,givehertenderguidance.”
Shedid,andthatwaspartofThorpe’srub.ButhealsoknewsomethingelseaboutCalliewithabsolutecertaintythatSeandidn’t.
“Sherequiresafirmhand.”
TheScotshookhishead.“You’redaft,man.Thatjustfuelsherdefiance.It’slovesheneeds.”
Thorpesatbackinhischairandcrossedhisarms.“Iwon’tdisagree.Showmeawomanwhodoesn’tneedlove.It’sthefoundationCalliewillbuildherlifeon—withtherightman.Butsheneedsboundaries,too.Cravesthem.They’llmakeherfeelsafe.That’swhatI’vegivenherforthelastfouryears.”
Kirkpatrickglaredincredulously.“You’rewrong,man.SheneedswhatIcangiveher.Iintendtomakeherwhole,andIwon’tletyoutakeherfromme.”
Atleastsomeofthatwasbullshit,andThorperesistedtheurgetospithisanger.Apparently,Seandidn’tunderstandthatifhewantedtoclaimCallie,she’dalreadybeinhisbedwithhiscollararoundherneck.
“Ihavenointentionofcomingbetweenyoutwo,andI’dliketoseeherhappy.ImerelywanttosortoutthissituationtomysatisfactionbeforeIdecidewhethertoreturnhertoyourcare.”IncaseSean’sdesignsonCallieweren’tpurelyDominant,asThorpesuspected.“Sothisishowit’sgoingtogo…”Hestoodandpaced,happilytakingthepsychologicaladvantageofstandingoverKirkpatrick.Timetotestthesonofabitch.“You’regoingtogivemefifteenminuteswithCallie,alone.Glovesoff.”
Seanjumpedtohisfeet,fistsclenched.“ThehellIam!”
“Areyourefusing?”
“You’redamnright.”TheScotturnedredwithanger.
“Well…”Thorpesmiledtightly.“Let’sreview.Byouragreement,you’renotallowedtoseethegirloffthepremiseswithoutmypermission.Ihaven’tgrantedthat.Youwon’tbeseeingCalliehere,either,unlessIdeemitinherbestinterest.Soifyou’dliketocontinuetakingherdownthesubmissivepath,thenI’mafraidyoudon’thavemanyoptions.”
“Youcontrollingwanker.Youhavehersotightlyunderyourthumb—”
“Ikeepherprotected.I’llfindoutwhyshe’supset,ifshe’strulyplanningtoleave,andwhethershewantstowearyourcollaranymore.I’masafeauthorityfigureforher.She’lltellmewhatIwanttoknow.”
Kirkpatricklookedlikehewastornbetweenviolentdisagreementandadesiretocommitmurder.“Iwanttoobserve,then.Certainlyyouhavearoomortwoherethatallowsforvoyeurs.”
Thorpeworkedhardnottorollhiseyes.“Ido.Calliehaslivedandworkedhereforfouryears.Sheknowseachandeveryoneofthoserooms.Sheknowswhereourconversationswon’tbeoverheard.Thegirliscautiousandclever,asI’msureyou’reaware.She’snotgoingtocompromiseherprivacy.ThatIcantellyouunequivocally.”
Afteralongsigh,Seanlookedaroundtheroomlikeitheldtheanswerstohisburningquestions.Orlikehe’dratherlookanywherebutathisrival.Thorpesmiled.
“You’reapushybastard.”
“Isn’tthatpartofbeingaDom?”Heshrugged.“Dowehaveadeal,orcanIescortyoutothedoor?”
“You’dlikethat,”Seanaccused.
Verymuch.ButThorpeheldhistongue.“Thisisn’taboutmeatall.Itisn’taboutyou,either.IfyoucareforCallie’swelfare,thenyouwon’tmindmecheckinginwithhertomakesureshe’sallrightandreadytoseeyouagain.”
Theman’sblueeyesnarrowed.“Ifyouwereanyoneelse,Iwouldn’t.Butwhatdoyoumean‘glovesoff’?”
“Certainly,you’venoticedthatCalliehas…let’scallitastrongwill.”
Seansnorted.“Stubbornasamule,thatone.”
Thorpetriednottosmile.“Precisely.Giventhatobviousfact,formyconversationtohaveanyeffectonher,Ineedtohaveafullarrayofoptionsavailable.”
“You’reaskingmypermissiontodisciplineher?”Theothermanraisedadarkbrow.
“No,I’mnotaskingpermission.I’mtellingyouI’llneedtokeepthatasapossibility.”Heshruggedwithmockregret.“Mightaswellbehonest.WithCallie,it’saprobability.”
AndThorpewasn’tlyingtohimself.Hewouldthoroughlyenjoyit.Anytimehegottotouchthegirlwasasublimethrill.
“Idon’tlikeitandIdon’ttrustyou.”Seancrossedhisarmsoverhischestinchallenge.
“Let’scuttothechase.Youdon’tlikeme.Likewise,”hesaidbluntly.“Butwe’rebothmotivatedbyCallieandherwell-being.Solet’sstayontask,shallwe?Youwanttoknowifshe’splanningtoleave.Iwanttoensurethatshe’sinagoodmentalandemotionalplacebeforeIallowhertoscenewithyouagain.Thesedon’thavetobemutuallyincompatiblegoals.Givemefifteenminutes.I’llgiveyouanswers.”
EverythingaboutSean’sbodylanguagesaidthatheusedallhisrestraintnottothrowapunch.Pity.KnockingtheassholeintonextweekwouldsignificantlyimproveThorpe’smood.ThemanknewthefeelofCallie’sbodyintimately.He’dhadtheopportunitytoexperiencehersurrender.He’dhadtheluxuryoftellingthebeautifulgirlhowhefelt.
Soyes,Thorpefelteverybitofhisjealousy.
“Idon’tlikebeingbackedinacorner,butyouhaven’tgivenmemuchchoice.Ifyoudon’thaveanswersinfifteenminutes,yougiveherbacktome.I’llsootheherandsetherright.”
Thorpeheadedforthedoor.“Mr.Kirkpatrick,thefirstruleofnegotiationisthatyoumusthavesomebargainingpower.Atthemoment,youdon’t.Waitformyreturn.”
Hedidn’tlettheScotgetawordinbeforehestrodeoutofhisofficeandgrabbedhisphonefromhispocket.HisfirsttextwastoAxel,probablyholedupinthesecurityboothwithafewofhiscompadres.HetoldtheotherDomtogettohisofficeASAPandthathewasfreetofuckwithSean’sheadifhecouldgetanyanswersaboutwhytheScothadcometoDominion.
Afteranenthusiasticyesinreply,hetappedamessagetoZebaskingwhatCalliewasdoing.Thereplycamequickly.Soundslikeshe’sintheshower.
Bullshit.ThorpeknewCallie’shabitswell.She’dshoweredjustbeforeSean’sarrival.Shewouldn’twanttoundoallthatmakeupwhentherewasachanceshemightseethemanagain.IftherewasonethingCalliedidn’tallow,itwasforanyonetoseeherwithabareface.
Findoutifshe’spackingasuitcase,hereplied.Thedoorwillbelocked.Dowhatyouhavetodo.
Thistime,thepauseseemedtolastforever.Whilehewaited,ThorpegrabbedafewthingshemightneedfromaroundthedungeontomakehispointwithCallieandslippedthemintohispocket.ThenhelethislonglegseatupthedistancebetweenthemainpartoftheclubandCallie’sroom.Justbeforehereachedherdoor,Zeb’sanswercame.Pickedthelock.She’sshovedmostofherbathroomandclosetintotwobags.
“Sonofabitch,”Thorpecursedroundly.Seanhadscaredthehelloutofher.Hewishednowthathehadpunchedtheasshole.
I’lltakeitfromhere,hetextedback,thenpocketedhisphoneagain.
ThedoortoCallie’sroomopened,andZebsteppedout.Withapassingnod,Thorpegreetedhim,thenstrodeinside,shuttingandlockingthedoorbehindhim.Heshovedherdeskchairagainstitforgoodmeasure.
Theairwashumidfromherrecent“shower.”She’dflungoneverylight.Hertwohastilypackedbagssatinthecornernearthedoor.
Calliepacedinherlittleredrobe,hermanicgaittakingherfromonesideoftheroomtotheother.Goddamnit,shewasn’twearingabra.He’dbetshehadn’tbotheredwithpanties,either.
Mostnotably,she’dstrippedoffhercollarandwasclutchingitinatightgrasp.Hisheartstuttered.Wassheremovingitforgood?
AsThorpeclearedhisthroat,hetampeddownencroachingreliefandtoldhimselftotakethingsonestepatatime.
Sheturnedtospearhimwitharesolutestare.“YousaidyouwantedtoknowwhenI’mleaving.It’snow.Iquit.”
***
CALLIEstaredatThorpe.Hehadalmostnoreactiontoherwords.Gee,itwouldhavebeenniceifyou’dgivenashit.Thenshesquashedthethought.Itwasn’thisfaultthatshecaredfarmoreabouthimthanhedidforher.She’dknownforyearsthatThorpehadthepowertoyankherheartoutofherchestandcrushitbeneathhisveryexpensiveSalvatoreFerragamoloafers.Itsuckedthatshe’dbeenstupidenoughtolethim.
EventhoughshecareddeeplyforSeanand—ifshecouldbelievehispassionatedeclaration—helovedher,thatdidn’tmitigateherattachmenttoDominion’sowner.She’dalwaysbeenalittlescrewedup.Thisjustprovedit.
Thorpewanderedfartherintotheroomandsatontheedgeofthebed.“Iappreciatethenotice,butIneedabitlongerthantenminutestoreplaceyou,pet.”
“Sorry.”Shetossedherhairoverhershoulderandstaredoutthedarkwindow.Hewasfartoobeautifultolookat.“You’llfindsomeoneelsesoon.Youwon’tmissme.”
“YouhavenoideahowI’llfeel.Sitdown,Callie.”
Histonetoldherthatnowasn’tanacceptableanswer.Damnit,heintendedtointerrogateheraboutSean.Calliecouldn’ttakeitnow.Leavingthembothwashardenough…
Shefoughtdownpanicandturnedbacktohim.“Ican’t.Ihavetogetaway.”
“Notyet.”Hepointedtoaspotonthebedrightbesidehimanddidn’tsayaworduntilshefloppeddown.“Good.SeanknowsI’vecomeandthatIintendtounderstandwhathappenedtonight.Tellmeeverything.”
IfThorpewasherewithSean’sblessing,shewasn’tgoingtowormoutofthisconversation,damnit.
AsshesetSean’scollardownonhernightstand,Calliementallysortedthrougheverythingshecouldtellhim.HemustknowthatshehadfeelingsforherSir.Morefeelingsthanshewascomfortablewith.Thorpemissedverylittle,sohewasnodoubtawarethatSeanhadnevertakenherpastherlimits,ignoredhersafeword,oractedinanywayoutofline.Besides,ifshewasgoingtoskipoutonThorpeafterhe’dkeptaroofoverherandensuredhersafetyforfouryears,sheowedhimmorethanaflat-outlie.
Wringingherhands,sheforcedherselftomeethisintentgraygazeandconfessedsomethingelsethathadbeennigglinginthebackofherbrain.“Somethingis…offabouthim.”
ThatclearlypiquedThorpe’sinterest.“Inwhatway?”
Callietappedhertoes.ShehadtoexpressherconcernsaboutSeanwithoutgivingherpastaway.PuttingThorpeintheterriblepositionofharboringaknownfugitivewasn’thowshewantedtorepayhiskindness.
“Heasksalotofquestions.Idon’tlikethem.”
Thorpesentherawrysmile.“Ifit’saboutyourlimits,that’stobeexpected.Pet,he’saDom.It’shisjobtogetinyourhead.Frankly,youneedsomeuntangling.Youmightfindituncomfortable—”
“Hedoesn’tneedtoknowhowmanybrothersandsistersIhave,thenameofmyfirstpet,ifIevertookspecialtripsasachild…Heseemsreallyfocusedonthingsthatshouldn’tmatterifallhewantsisasubinaclub.”
ItwasnothingThorpedidoranychangeinhisexpression,butCalliehadthedistinctimpressionthathewasenraged.“Hashealwaysbehavedthiswaywithyou?”
“Yeah.”
“Youshouldhavetoldmethefirsttime,”Thorpescolded.
“It’snotyourproblem.”
Thatonlymadehimmoreforbidding.“You’realwaysmyconcern,Callie.”
Thepossessioninhisvoiceexcitedhermorethanshewantedtoadmit.“Well,I’mtellingyounow.Whathewantstoknowseemsweird.”
“Iagree.”
“Justlikeit’sweirdthathewalkedintoDominionandimmediatelyhadsomesortofhard-onforme.”
“That’snotweird.Thatmakeshimaman.”
Sherolledhereyes.“Thereareplentyofothersubshere.”
“Noneofthemareyou.”
Damnit,sometimesThorpecould—afterweeksofbeingagiantpaininherass—saythenicestthings.Shetearedup.Gawd,shewasreallygoingtomisshim.
“But…”hewenton.“Idon’tlikethequestionshe’saskingyou,either.Idon’tseehowthey’rerelevanttohelpingyoudownyoursubmissivepath.”
“Exactly.Theotherthingis…Inalmosteveryotherway,he’stoogoodtobetrue.”
Thorperegardedherintently.“Doyouthinkhe’saplayer?”
“No.”Butsomethingwasn’tquiteright.“I’mnotsurewhattomakeofhim,though.”
BecauseifSeanwasacop,abountyhunter,oranassassin,wouldn’thehaveeitherdraggedherinordoneherinbynow?
“Whatdidhesaytoyoutonightthatmadeyouwanttorunawayfromhim?”
Oh.Ouch.Yeah,sheneededtorememberthatThorpeneverhesitatedtogoforthejugular.
“Nothinghemeanttobethreateningorscary.”
“Goodtoknow.Bemorespecific.”Thorpe’stonesharpened.
“It’s…personal.”
“Dodgingmyquestionisn’tanoption,pet.”Thatwarningnoteinhisvoicemadehershiver.“I’drathernotseeyouleaveoverwhateverdrivelhespewed.Tellme.MaybeIcanfixthesituation.”
Itwasembarrassingenoughthathe’dprobablyseenherandSeanhavingsex.He’dbeensoclose,hecouldn’thavemissedtheirclimaticfinish.“Youdidn’thear?”
“Callie,I’mnotgettingthroughtoyou,soletmebeplain.YouwilltellmenoworIwillpaddleyourprettylittleass.”
“Youcan’tdothat!”
Hissmilecontradictedher.“I’veinformedSeanthatit’sadistinctpossibility.Besides,you’vetakenoffhiscollar.Ifyouthinkhe’sbeinglessthanhonest,youdon’tintendtoputitbackon,doyou?”
“WhywouldI?Ialreadytoldyou,I’mleaving.”
“NotuntilIknowwhy.”
Shejumpedtoherfeet,gapingathim.“You’dkeepmehereagainstmywill?”
Thorpecrossedanankleoverhiskneeandbrushedanimaginarythreadfromhistrousers.“YourtonesuggestsIshouldbeuncomfortablewiththatidea.Untilyou’rehonestwithme,IassureyouI’mnot.Furthermore,ifKirkpatrickistroublingyou,he’snothingIcan’thandle.AmIclear?”
Callieblinkedathim,processingeverythinghe’ddeliveredinthatlow,almostrelaxedvoice.Shewasn’tfooled.Underhisurbane,ohsoculturedfa?adebeattheheartofapredator.She’dseenhimtakerivalsapartbothmentallyandphysically.Thorpewasn’tsomeoneasanepersoncrossed.
Callieweighedherwordscarefully.“SeanmademerealizeI’mnotcutoutforaDom/subrelationship.”
“Really,pet?”
Shesidesteppedhisquestion.“AndI’malittleboredwithDallas.LosAngelesiscallingmyname.EverytimeXandercomesbyandtalksabouthistripstothecity,itsoundsfabulous.It’sjusttimetomoveon.”
Thorpesaidnothingforalongmoment.Hesimplystoodandtoweredoverher,thatcharcoalstareboringintoher.“Therewillbeconsequencesforanythinglessthantotallyhonesty,sothinkcarefully,Callie.Wouldyouliketorecantoramendyourstatementinanyway?”
Shit.Thorpeknewsomething.Oreverything.HadheheardSean’sdeclarationoflove?
Shetossedherheadbackandthrustherhandsonherhips.Thiswasgoingtobeuglynomatterwhat.Mightaswellgoforbroke.“Buttoutandstopactinglikeyou’remyfather.”
Hestilled.“That’soneroleIwillneverfill,butIhavenoproblemputtingyouinyourplace.”
Calliedidn’tevenhaveamomenttowonderwhathissilkyvowmeantbeforehehauledherintohisarmsanddraggedher,kickingandscreaming,backtoherbed.Hesat,wranglingherwithembarrassingease,thenspreadhislonglegsandlaidheroverhislap,facedown.
“Youarenotgoingtospankme!”sheinsisted.
Thorpedidn’thesitateforaninstant.“Iam.Itoldyoutherewouldbeconsequences.YoushouldknowIalwayskeepupmyendofabargain.”
Heplantedhishugepalminthesmallofherback,silentlytellingherhowfutileherstruggleswere.Withhisfreehand,heslidthesilkofherrobeupandoverherbareass.Herentirebodytensed.Whatwasheseeing?Thinking?Andwhywasthethoughtofhisdisciplinesodamnarousing?
Therewasdefinitelysomethingwrongwithher.
“Don’tIgetasafeword?”shedemanded.
“I’mnotstrappingyoutoacrossandunleashingasingletailonyou,sodon’tinsultme.Iknowyou.I’vespankedyoubefore.”
Fordemonstrationpurposes,yes.Infact,thefirsttime,she’dgiggled—untilhelandedasinglesmackonherass.Thenithadn’tbeenfunnyanymore.Bythefifthswat,she’dbeenuncomfortablywet.Bythetenth,she’dhadtobitebackapleatocome.Thorpehadsomemysteriouseffectonherthatshedidn’tunderstand.
“I’mnotafraid.Lasttimeyoudidthis,youcouldn’tgetmyclothesofffastenough.Whenyoudid,youcouldn’twaittorunaway.You’renotgoingtodoanythingtomenow.”
Thorpe’sgriponhertightened.
Crap,shewastakingahugechancebythrowingthatnightinhisface.Nodoubt,shewaspissinghimoff.Shesuspectedshewasalsoarousinghim,becauseasshewriggledonhislap,Calliecouldn’tmissthefactthathewashardashell.
“Wrong,”hequippedinherear.“I’mgoingtospankyouuntilyouanswermyquestionandapologizeforyourdisrespect.”
“You’renotmyDom.”
“ButIamaDom,andthisbehaviorisunbecoming.Startcounting,pet.Don’tstopuntilIdo.”
Callietriedagaintosquirmaway.Sherubbedagainsthiscock,andhehissed.Thenhispalmlandedonherassinablisteringblow.
“Ouch!”sheprotested,resistingtheurgetorubherrightcheek.
“Yes,that’swhyit’scalledpunishment.”
“ThisisSean’sright,notyours.”Shegraspedatstraws.
“Notifyou’verescindedhiscollar.Sinceyousaidyouhad,I’llremindyouthatyoulivehere,youworkforme,andyou’rebeingverybratty.That’sthreestrikes,pet.”
Shehadnochancetoscrapetogetherareplybeforehehitheragain.Herleftcheekstung,butnotasmuchasherpride.Anditdidn’ttakelongfortinglestodanceacrossherskin.Herbloodheated,andherbodymeltedunderhistouch.
Damnit.
“Youhaven’tcountedyet,”hepointedout.“Shallwestartover?”
“I’veneverunderstandaDom’sfascinationwithasubcounting.You’reeducated.Youcangettotenwithoutme.”
“YouthinkI’mstoppingatten?”hedrawled.
Calliedrewinabreathandtriedtocalmherself.“Thorpe,please…Can’tIhavealittleprivacy?Isn’titenoughforyoutoknowthatSeandidn’tmeantoupsetme?”
“No.Aslongasyou’reatDominion,that’smycall.I’veprotectedyouforyearsandIdon’tplanonstopping.”Hepaused.“Itpleasesmetoknowyou’resafe,butIfindallthisdefiancewhenI’mtryingtohelpyoudeeplydisappointing.”
Thefightwentoutofher.CalliehatedtoletThorpedown.Mosteveryoneelsecouldblowitouttheirassforallshecared.ButthebigDommatteredtoomuchtoher—andheknewit.
“You’rebeingmanipulative,”shegrumbled.“One.Andtwo.”
“I’malwaysmanipulativewhenyou’rebeingbothmouthyanddishonest.IfMr.Kirkpatrickdidn’tshowyoutheerrorofyourways,Iwill.”Hepunctuatedthestatementwithanotherswattoherrightcheek.
“Three.”Sheknewshesoundedpouty.
Thorpealwaysgotthebestofher.Halfthetimeshecouldn’tdecideifsheresentedthatasmuchasthewaytheirverbalfencingmadeheracheendlesslyforhim.Itdidn’tmatterthatsheinevitablylosttheirbattlesofwill.ThepowerradiatingoffThorpearousedherlikenothingelse.Italwayshad.
ButSeanhadahugechunkofherheart.Whatsuckedmorewasthatcaringabouteither—muchlessboth—ofthemwasnotonlyfutile,itcouldbedeadly.ChapterFour
THORPEcouldn’ttakehiseyesoffCallie’sreddeningass…justlikehe’dneverbeenabletointhepast.Hetookaparticularprideinknowingsheworehismark,eventemporarily.
God,hewasasickfuck.Butthatwasn’tgoingtostophim.
Hehadtodisciplineher.Moreimportant,hehadtogiveherareasontostay.
Herbodyperchedoverhislap,hereverymuscletense.Shepanted.Herskinflushed.Calliemightbeangryashellwithhim,butonethingwasclearandsentajoltofelectricdesiretohiscock:Shehadn’tstoppedwantinghiminthelasttwoyearsanymorethanhe’dstoppedcravingher.AndifshewasgoingtorescindKirkpatrick’scollar,nowmightbehisonlychancetotouchher.Ifshestillran,itwouldhurtlikehell—buthecouldn’tletthischanceslipby.
Dragginginaraggedbreath,hebroughthishandupandsmackedherassagain,repeatingthegesturethesecondthecountleftherlips.Slowly,herbodythaweduntilshesankintohim,herresponsesturningbreathy.
Ten,eleven,twelve…Heslippedintoarhythm,slowandmeaningful,deliberate,measured,strong.Thirteen,fourteen,fifteen…WhywasitsofuckingeasytogetintohisDomspacewithCallie?Heneverhadtotry.Themomenthetouchedher,itwasthere,aboundlesspoolofit.Hefeltherneedsasiftheywerehisown.Withhersprawledacrosshislap,hecouldreadherutterly,eachandeverynuance.
Shewantedhim.Yes,she’dbeenthinkingaboutthatgoddamnScotearlier.Shewaslikelyalsowonderinghowshecouldhavefeelingsfortwomenatonce.AsmuchashedislikedKirkpatrick,Thorpewonderedthat,too.Butthatbastardwasnolongerimportant.Thistempo,hispunishment,herpeace—theybothneededit.Thenhe’dbringheragainsthischestandcareforher,cuddleandshowerherwithworship,findoutwhatsheneededtostay.
Calliemightnotbehis,buthe’ddowhateverittooktokeepherhere.
“Twenty,”shewhispered,absolutelylimpagainsthisthighs.
Thorpehadnodoubtherheadwasfloating.Herdefiancewasgone.Herassthrobbedafieryred.Hercuntseepedasweetmusk.Hishandtingled.Hismouthwatered.
Justlikethelasttimehe’dspankedher,hewasdyingtofuckher.Likethelasttwoyearsofavoidingeveryopportunitytotouchherhadneverexisted.
Lettingoutaharshbreath,Thorpedraggedhisstingingpalmoverherburningbackside,slowlysoothingouttheache.
“Timetoapologize,pet.”
“I’msorry,Sir.”Hervoicewasslurred.
Calliesoundedmostlysincere.Hesmiled,despitetheshittymesshefoundhimselfin.
Howlongcouldhekeepthisgirlbelievingthathedidn’twantherwitheverybreathhedrew?
Ontheotherhand,whatelsecouldhedo?Melissahadupendedhisworldaftershe’dpromisedtolovehimuntildeathpartedthem,thensuddenlyservedhimwithdivorcepapers.Andthatjusttoppedthestinkingpileofshit.AsmuchasheadoredCallie,hecouldn’triskhisheart,especiallyforawomanwithonefootoutthedoor.
Minusanyeasyanswers,Thorpegatheredthepliantbeautyintohislap.Sherestedherheadonhisshoulder.Withhischesttightandaching,hewrappedhisarmsaroundherandkissedthetopofherhead,savoringhernearness.
“WhatdidSeansaytoupsetyou?”
“Thathelovesme.”
Thorpewinced.He’dknownthat,buthearingheradmititstilljabbedhim.Heforcedhimselftosmoothhisfeaturesandliftedherchinwithonehand.“Whydidthatmakeyoucry?”
Slowly,sheblinked,openinghereyes,andfocusingthatdazedbluestareonhim.“Ishouldn’tloveanyone.”Callieliftedherhandandcuppedhisjaw,smoothingherthumboverhischeek.“Butit’stoolate.Ithasbeenforalongtime.”
Hisheartlurched.Jesus,herfeelingsweren’tasurprise,notreally.Theunspokenemotionsbetweenthemhadbeentheneonbillboardintheroomforyears
Hewrappedherhandinhisanddrewitawayfromhisface.“YouhavefeelingsforKirkpatrick,too?”
“Yes.”Hereyescloudedover.Tearsleakedout.“I’msoconfused.”
Ofcourseshewas.Shedidn’thavethelifeexperiencetodealwiththisshit.Hell,hewassignificantlyolderandhedidn’tfeelequippedtohandleit,either.
Sean’swordshauntedhim.Sheneedstenderguidance.Thorpehadguidedher,allright.Buthe’dneverbeenabletodoittenderly.Boundariesandprotectionhecouldgiveherwithoutcompromisinghisheart,butseeingtheloveinhereyesnowasshepressedherfragilebodyagainsthim…Everythingaboutherwaskillinghisresolvetoremainaloof.
“Callie,pet.Youcan’tleaveme.”Hisvoicecroaked,andanunfamiliarstingprickledhiseyes.
Heslammedhislidsdown.Damnit,hecouldnotaffordthisweakness.
“BetterforyouifIdo.”Shesoundedsodamnsad.
Thorpeshookhishead,holdinghercloser.“You’druinme,pet.Infact,Ithinkyoualreadyhave.”
Calliethrewherarmsaroundhim,herbreathwarmagainsthisneck.Hegrippedhertighter.Normally,he’dwishhehadn’tspilledhisguts…buthewouldtryifanybitofthetruthkeptherwithhim.
“You’llbemybiggestregret,”shewhispered.
Goddamnit,thathurt.
Maybeheshouldsimplyadmitthatheknewshewasafugitive.Almostasquickly,Thorpedismissedtheidea.Ifshewasinsistentonrunningnow,hesuspectedthatdivulgingwhatheknewwouldonlymakeCalliemoredeterminedtoflee.
Heheldhertighter,takingineverythingthatmadeheruniquelyCallie.Thefirmlittlecurvesofherbody,thoselonglashesagainstherfaircheeks,herfingersdiggingintohisshirtfrontasifseekingreassurance.Thisclose,hesmelledhercitrusshampooandtheremnantsofthehaircolorheknewsheusedasadisguise.Hersignaturepinkpolishcoloredherpetitetoes,spritzedwithglitter.Andthesoftlittleshuddersofherbodyasshecriedrippedouthisheart
“Iwon’tgiveyouachancetoregretme,pet.IsureashellrefusetowishI’ddonesomethingdifferentwhileIhadyouwithme.”Hewasalreadygoingtoregretthelastfouryears.“Lieback.”
Shegaspedsoftly,hergazeshootinguptohis.Sheswallowed.Desiremingledwithdespairandwrackedherface.“Thorpe…Ican’t.”
Hetensed.“BecauseofKirkpatrick?”
Callienodded.
“You’vesaidyou’rerescindinghiscollar.Ifyou’releavinghere,you’reobviouslyleavinghim,too.”
“Iknow.”Moretearscloudedhereyes.
Ifitwasn’tjustaboutmisguidedloyaltytotheScot,whatelsewasshehesitatingabout?ThehurtfromhisdesertiontwoDecembersago?Christ,thathadtobeit.Remorsewrackedhim.
“Iwon’twalkawayfromyouthistimewithoutgivingyoupleasure.Igiveyoumyword.”
Calliestared,breathheld,themomentfrozen.Thorpewatchedherfaceasathousandthoughtszippedthroughherhead.AndhesawthesecondshedecidedthatifshewasseveringherbondwithKirkpatrickandfleeing,thenshe’dratherhavehimoncethanneveratall.
Withasadsmile,sheclimbedoutofhislapandontoherbed,lyingacrossit.Thorpeturnedtowatchherassheheldoutherarmstohim,asilentsirencallhehadnoideahoworifhecouldresist.
Ontheotherhand,hehadhisansweraboutherpartinggifttohim.Tonight,sheintendedtogiveallofherself.Herbody.Herheart.Hersoul.
Herresponsebothtouchedandinfuriatedhimtothecore.Thegirlwasoftensodamnunpredictable.Rightnow,he’dhavetobethesame.
Standing,Thorpeshuckedhissuitcoat.Thenhedoffedhiscufflinks,settingthemonhernightstand.Hedrapedhisshirtoverhiscoatattheheadofthebed.Thenhecheckedthepocketsofhistrousers.Whatheneededstillrestedinside.Withabracingbreath,heturnedtoCallie.
“Robeoff,pet.Spreadyourlegs.”
Herfingerstrembledassheworkedtheknotaroundherwaistfree.Withalittleliftandanarchofhergracefulspine,shepulleditawayfromherbody,gatheringthesilkinonehand,thenlettingitpuddleonthefloor.Hewouldnevergetoverhowbeautifulshewasandthevisceralreactionsheelicitedinhimeverydamntimehecamenearher.
Callieslowlypartedherthighs.Hisheartchugged.Technically,heshouldwalkawayandleaveheruntoucheduntilsheformallyseveredherrelationshipwithSean.PuttinghishandsonanotherDom’ssubwasn’tethical.ThefactthathesuspectedKirkpatrickofbeingadeceitfuldouchebagwasn’trelevant.Thorperealizeditwaspossiblehe’dconvincedhimselfthatthesewereextenuatingcircumstancesbecausehewantedCalliesobadly.Buthecouldn’tmakehimselfcare.Thiswaslikelyhislastchancetopersuadehertostay.IfhehadtoriskhisreputationintheBDSMcommunitytokeephersafefromamanwhomightbetryingtosnuffheroutorlockherinprison,sobeit.
Herbarepussysplayedoutinfrontofhim,pinkandswollenandtantalizing.EvenifsheremainedatDominion,thisopportunitywouldprobablynevercomeagain.Ifshewasn’twithKirkpatrick,she’dbewithsomeoneelse.Calliewasn’tcutouttospendherlifealone,andheshouldn’tpunishherbecausehe’dresignedhimselftosolitude.
Thorperefusedtotakefromhernow,buthewouldgladlygive.
Heloweredhimselftothebedbetweenherlegs.Herstareneverwaveredfromhim,butheheardherindrawnbreath.Asheengulfedherhipwithhishand,sheshivered.Then,settlinghimselfonhischest,Thorpetookherotherhipinhandanddraggedhercloser,untilherpussywasabreathawayfromhislips.
“Thorpe,yousaid…”
“Youassumed.”Hecorrected.“You’renotdictatingtheterms,Callie.”
“Iknow.”Shethrashedbeneathhim.
“Problem,pet?”
Calliebentherknees,writhed,liftedherhipsrestlessly.“Youmakemeache.”
Thorpecouldn’thelpbutsmile.“Youdothesametome.Relax.”
“Hurry.”
“Alwaystoppingfromthebottom,”hechided.Butthatwaspartofhercharm.
Beforeshecouldreply,hesethismouthoverherpussyandbeganconsumingasmuchofCallieashecould.He’ddreamedofher.Herscenthaddrivenhimtoobsessaboutherflavordayafterday,seeminglyforever.Butthemomentshehithistongue,itwasliketastingadelicacyheconstantlycraved.LikeCallieherself,herpussywassweetandtartandsoft…withjustahintofsomethinghehadn’tencounteredinanyotherwoman.Anddoubtedheeverwouldagain.
Hersoftgaspwentstraighttohiscock,andheraiseduponhiselbows,histhumbspartingtheswollenlipsofhersex.Helashedherhardeningclitwithgentle,rhythmicstrokes,concentratingongrowingherneed.Herskinturnedarosypink.Shegrabbedatthesheetswithrestlessfingers.Herhipsmovedintimewithhismouth.Hergaspsbecamemoans.
Liftinghislipsforamoment,henippedatherthighandtendedtoherengorgedbundleofnerveswithsurefingers.“Doesthatfeelgood,pet?”
“Yes.”Calliethrashedunderhim.“Please…More.”
Thorpesmiled,eagertoindulgeher.Hebenttoheragain,rakinghistonguethroughhersultrysex.Thistime,hedidn’tbotherwithaslowcourtingofherflesh.Heseizedher,suckingatherclit,drawingherdeeperintopleasure,wordlesslydemandingherorgasm.Ifhehadonechancetotasteher,heplannedtoshovehertothebrink,takeherpower,thendriveitbackintohersosheneverforgotthisnight.
Hermoansshortened,wentupanoctave.Underhishands,herthighsclenched.Therestofherbodytensed.Herfingersfoundtheirwayintohishairandpulled.Ashudderslammeddownhisspine.She’dbeahellcattofuck,anactive,clawing,screamingloverhe’dwantagainandagain.
Andifhedidn’tstopthinkingthat,hewouldriphispantsoffandfindoutforhimself.Stayingoncourseandmakingherfeeltreasuredwasmoreimportantthangettingoff.
Thorpeslidtwofingersinsideher.Oh,fuck,wassheevertight.HegavegrudgingcredittoKirkpatrickforlastingaslongashehad.BeinginsideCallie’slittleswelteringcuntwasoneofhisfavoritefantasies.WhenhewasaloneandtiredofallthewomenwhojoinedDominionbecausethey’dreadsomefuckingbookandhadnocluewhatsubmissionactuallymeant,heescapedtohisshower,strokedhimself,andimaginedher.
ProbingCalliegently,itdidn’ttakehimlongtolearnwhereshewassensitive.Herbuckingbodyandimploringwhimpersgaveheraway.
Hewentafterherinearnest,eatingatherlikeajuicypieceoffruit,fuckingherthoroughlywithhisfingersandtongue—andwishingtohellhecouldmountandclaimher.
“Thorpe!”
Shewasbeggingforhispermission.Itwasinhervoice.Inherswollenpussy.Inherclutchingfingers.Inherheelsastheydugintothemattressbesidehim.
Fuck,yes.HewasgoingtomakeCalliesplinterintolittlepiecesbeforehim.Andhewasgoingtoenjoythehelloutofseeinghershatter—thistimeforhimandhimalone.
Keepinghisfingerstuckedtightlyinsideher,Thorpeworkedhiswayupherbody,kissingandnippingherstomach,theundersideofherbreasts,hernipples,herneck,thenherlushbowofamouth.God,hehadn’tkissedherinforeverandhe’dmisseditsodamnmuch.Hewantedtocrawlinsideher,takeher,thrillher,pleaseher.
Hewantedtoownher.
Imfuckingpossible.
Theyhadhereandnow.Tomorrow…hehadnoideawhatwouldhappen.Hewasusedtocontrollingmosteverythingaroundhim.Buthecouldn’tcontrolCallieorthefuture.Thatfactchafedhimlikenothingelse.
Thorpesankdeeperintohermouth,prowlingpastherplumplipstocurlhistonguearoundhersandcaptureeverybitofhersweetresponsehecould.Hemoaned,fittinghisbodyagainsthersandslowlywithdrawinghisfingersfromherpussy,lettingthemhoverjustoverherclit,wheresheneededhimtotouchhermost.
“Handsoveryourhead,pet.”
Calliecompliedwithoutpausingforevenaheartbeat.“Please.Ineedyou…”
Shedid,butnotinthewayshebeggedfor.Sheneededthelimitshe’doncegivenher.He’dstoppedbecauseshe’dturnedtoKirkpatrick.Andhehadn’tfoughtforher.Nowshesoughttoleavehimaltogether.
You’reonlygettingwhatyoudeserve.
Shovingasidethemockingvoice,hereachedintohispocketandwithdrewthecuffshe’dsecretedthere.Beforesheknewwhathewasabout,heflickedonearoundherleftwrist,poisedaboveherhead.Theothercuffhetetheredtothemetalframeofherplatformbedwithajangle.
“Whatareyoudoing?”sheasked,tuggingandfrowningwhenthecuffsclattered.
“Lookatme.”Hedemanded,settinghisfingersbackoverherclit.“Anddon’tlookaway.Doyouunderstand?”
“Yes.”Hervoicetrembled.Herbodyshook.Hereyespleaded.
Withhiscockashardasiron,Thorpehissedinabreathanddelveddeepintohereyes.“TakethepleasureI’mgivingyouasavow,pet.Ifyouleaveme,Iwillhuntyoutotheendsoftheearth.Therewon’tbeaplaceyouhidewhereIcan’tfindyou.Iwillneverstoplooking.Iwillnevergiveup.IwillneverletyougowhenIcansaveyou.”
“Thorpe,don’t…Youcan’t—”
Hecutheroffbyworkingherclitexpertlywithtwofingersdevastatingeithersideofthelittlebud,thenalternatelyrubbingextrafrictionontop.
“Yes,Ican.Itoldyoutolookatme.Now,”hedemanded.“Come!”
Hereyesturnedadizzyingblue,wideningwitheverybreathshehitchedin,emphasizedbytheredflushofhercheeks.Hedidn’tgiveCalliepermission,butshescreamedanyway.Thesoundranginhisears,echoedoffthewalls,andnodoubtdrifteddownthehall.Itwentonandonasherbodyconvulsedandherclitturnedtostoneunderhistouch,thenpulsedbrilliantlyagainandagain.
Callietumbledintohiseyesastheworldfellaway.Onlysheexisted.
God,shewasstunning.Whenshesurrendered,shediditabsolutely.
Andtheknowledgethathehadtoleavehernowbecausehecouldn’ttrusthimselfnottostripoffandfuckherwaskillinghim.
Closinghiseyes,gatheringhiswill,hekissedCallieoneachhotcheek,brushedhislipsoverherdampforehead,thentookhermouthinonelastlingeringpress.Hestayedthere,strugglingtodraginair.Amoment,thenanother.Hecherishedeachprecious,irreplaceablesecond.Calliesobbed,andhischestshattered.
Thorpebrokethekissandpressedhisforeheadtohers,nuzzlingher.
“Youpromisedyouwouldn’twalkaway,”shesaidthroughtears.
“IsaidIwouldn’tbeforeIgaveyoupleasure.You’renotgettingawayfromme,pet.Don’tmakemeshowyoumyruthlessside.”Hethumbedthewellsofhereyesdrywithasofttouch.Thenhedrapedthecomforteroverher,foundherpurse,andrifledthroughituntilhelocatedhercarkeys.Pocketingthem,heshruggedonhisshirt,attachedhiscufflinks,thengrabbedhiscoatandherpackedbags.
“Damnit,Thorpe.Youcan’tundomelikethat,thengetupandleave.”
Heheadedforthedoor.“I’llbeback.”
***
THEsecondThorpelethimselfout,Kirkpatrickcamestompingdownthehall,barrelingtowardhimlikeamanreadyforafight.HowthehellhadhegottenpastAxel?
“WhatthebloodyhellareyoudoingtoCallie?Icanhearherscreamingallovertheclub.”
“DoyouthinkIhurther?”
Sean’sfaceturnedred.“Ithinkyouputyourfuckinghandsalloverher.”
“Ding,ding,ding.Someonegetthemanaprize.”HeedgedawayfromSean,intentonreachinghisoffice.
Kirkpatrickjabbedhiminthejaw,thenfollowedupwithameanlefthooktothegut.Thorpehadn’tseenitcoming…butheshouldhave.
Hedoubledover,andSeantooktheopportunitytoslamhimagainstthewall.“Howdareyoutouchmycollaredsubmissive?I’mbloodyinlovewithCallie.Iknowyouoverheardmetellher.Imadecertainofit.”
Thorpestaredathisunwantedrival,tryingtoshovehimoff.Kirkpatrickwasn’tbudging.Well,theguyhadsomegame.Interestingnoteforfuturereference…Buthewasn’tgoingtotellSeanthatCalliemightnotbehiscollaredsubmissiveforlong.Sayingsowasherplace—evenifhe’dlovetoshoveitinthebastard’sface.
“ForsomereasonIcan’tcomprehend,shehasfeelingsforyou,too.”
Seansnorted.“Nottoomany,Iguess,ifshedecidedtogostraightfromfuckingmetoyou.”
AsmuchasThorpewouldlovetoletKirkpatrickbelievetheworst,herefusedtogiveSeanareasontopunishCallieforhisownactions.“Ididn’tfuckher.”
“Youwantedto,”Seanaccused.
“Thatgoeswithoutsaying.Callieisabeautifulwoman.Asyou’vepreviouslynoted,Icareforher.Whyarewecoveringthiswelltrampledgroundagain?”
“Becauseit’smyrighttoknowexactlywhatyoudidwithher.”HebouncedThorpeagainstthewallagain.
Thefuckerhadpunchedhimsohard,healmostfeltqueasy.Butherefusedtoshowweakness.
“GetoffmeorI’llhaveyouarrestedforassault.”Tomakehispoint,ThorpebentandshovedhisshoulderintotheScot’sand,usingthewallasleverage,heavedtheothermanoffhim.ThenhewhippedouthisphonetotextAxelandtappedouttheircodefor“problem.”
“Idon’thavetimeforyou,”Thorpesaid.“Let’sjustsaythatCalliehasfeelingsforusboth,andsheofferedusthesamegood-bye.Igotherattention,madeafewthingsclear,andlefthercuffedtoherbedalone,allsafeandsound.Ievenswipedhercarkeys.”HewithdrewthemfromhispocketanddangledtheminfrontofSean’sface.
TheScot’sexpressionturnedsomewherebetweensouranddisbelieving.“Iwanttoseeher.”
“I’msorry.I’mstillnotconvincedthatyou’reinherbestinterest.”
“Andyouare?”Kirkpatrickscoffed.
“No.Whichistheonlyreasonshewasn’twearingacollarwhenyoucamesniffingaround.IfandwhenIdecideyoucanseeher,I’llletyouknow.”
Oncue,Axelchargeddownthehallwithacoupleofhisstaffintow.Seancameoutswinging,buttheguardseachgrabbedoneofhisarms.
AxeljustshovedahandinKirkpatrick’shairandyanked.“Youhadtopee,huh?Let’sgo,motherfucker.”
Thorpesmiled.NoonehadeveraccusedAxelofplayingnice.
“Don’tcallme;I’llcallyou.”ThorpeshoutedasthemenforciblycarriedSean,shoutingandbelligerent,fromtheclub.
“Thisisn’tover,”Seanyelledoverhisshoulder,stillfightingthem.“She’smine!”
“Fuckoff,”hemutteredunderhisbreath,thenextractedhisphoneagain,makingstridestohisoffice.
Onceinside,hepaused,thenchoseacourseofaction.Lancehadbeeninthedungeonearlier.Perfect.Callieneededcare,andshe’ddoherbesttooutsmartorwheedleanothersubtogetawayrightnow.Thorpehadhopedthatmerelykindlingthesexualfirebetweenthemmightpersuadehertostay,but…wishfulthinking.Itwouldhavebeensmarterifhe’djustfuckedhersincethathadlikelybeenhisonlyopportunity.Damnit.Nowhehadtotearhisthoughtsfromherpussyandactstrategically.Lancewouldn’ttakealickofcrapfromher.Hewasastrong,cleverDom—anddidn’thaveaheterosexualboneinhisbody.Evenbetter.
Axelreturnedafewminuteslater,windedandlookinglikehemighthaveashinertomorrow.“CanIpressassaultcharges?”
ThorpeslantedtheotherDomaglare.“Wedon’tneedtroublehere.Wouldn’tyourathermeethiminadarkalley?”
“Fuck,yeah.Isthatoptiononthetable,boss?”
Heshrugged.“Havefun.Don’tgetcaught.Butbeforeyougo,wouldyouaskLanceifhe’dtakecareofCallie?”
Withanod,Axelleft.Minuteslater,heescortedLancedownthehallway.
LancepausedatThorpe’sdoor.“Expectingtroublefromourlittlevixen?”
“Justconstantly.”Thorpesmiledfaintly.“Ihaveanurgentphonecalltomake,soIappreciateyourassistance.”
“Alwayshappytohelp.”
WhenLancedisappeared,andAxelheadedbacktothedungeon,Thorpeindulgedinonethingheneverdidduringtheclub’sbusinesshours.Butinthiscase,hefiguredhewasentitled.Hepouredhimselfastiffscotch,ploppedintohischair,anddownedit.Thenhebrokehisownrulesagainandcalledaclienttobeg.
LoganEdgingtonansweredhisphoneonthethirdring,thenoisefromatelevisionclutteringthebackgrounduntilhekilledit.“Thorpe.’Sup,man?It’sgettinglate.”
“Ihaveasituation.Ineedsomeinformation.I’dliketospeakwithyourwife,ifthat’sallright.”
TheformerSEALhesitatedforamoment.“Yeah.Wewerejustwatchingamovie.Tara’sdueinabouttwomonthsandishavingsomeproblemswithinsomnia.IfIdon’tkeepheroccupied,she’llbeup‘nesting’halfthenight,whichiscodeformovingfurniturewithoutconsultingmeoraskingforhelp.”
“Hey,”heheardTaraprotestinthebackground.“Thetwinsareactiveatnight.Ican’tsleepwhenI’mbeingconstantlykicked.IsaidIwassorry.”
“Yeah,afterIaddedanotherinfractiontoyourquicklygrowinglistforafterthesebabiesareborn.You’rerackingthemup,Cherry.”Whenhiswifesighednoisily,Loganjustlaughed.“Mybrother’swife,Kata,isfivemonthsbehindherandstillinthetired-all-the-timephase,sosheconkedoutforthenight.IfyoucanoccupyTara’sbrainrightnow,you’llbemyhero.”
“I’vedefinitelygotawinner,”Thorpepromised.“Areyousureshe’suptoit?”
Loganscoffed.“Heranklesmaybeswollen,butthere’snothingwrongwithhermind.Hereyougo.”
Afteraquickscuffle,Tara’svoicesoundedovertheline.“Hi,Thorpe.”
“Hello,sweetgirl.I’msorryit’ssolate,butIneedyourhelp.”
“Anything.Nameit.”
“DoyoustillhavecontactsattheFBIfromyouranalystdays?”
“Absolutely.”Sheshuffledinbedagain.“Can’tfindacomfortableposition.Sorry.Onesecond…There.Whatdoyouneed?”
“BackgroundonsomeonenewhereatDominion.He’sapotentialproblem.”
“Soareyoulookingforhisarrestrecord,criminalbackground…thatkindofthing?”
“Precisely,”Thorpeconfirmed.“Anythingyoucanfindout,really.I’vethoughtforsomeweeksthatthere’ssomethingabouthimthatseemsoff.Hisstorychecksoutonthesurface,butitfeelsawfullypat.Isuspecthe’snotwhoheclaims.”Hehesitated.“He’sfixatedonCallie.”
Taragrunted.“You’recallingmeabouther?”
“Iknowsheisn’tyourfavoriteperson.”
“Um,notexactly.Shewantedmyhusband.”
“No.”Hedidn’twanttodivulgeCallie’ssecrets,butheneededtosetTaraateasesoshe’dprovideanswers.“Actually,Ibelieveshewastryingtogetmyattentionwithherbrattinessandmisbehavior.”
“Soundslikeshegotit.”
Andthensome.“SheusedLogantoreachmebecausesheknewhewouldn’tbequietaboutherantics.Hewasabigtarget.”
“Hestillis.”Tarasighed.“Allright,whoisthisguy?”
“HeusesthenameSeanKirkpatrick.I’llsendyouapicturewhenwehangup.It’snotfabuloussinceit’ssecurityfootage.Idon’tknowmuchabouthim.Earlythirties,sayshe’sfromScotland.Supposedly,he’safreelanceprojectmanagerwhotravelsforaliving.”Buthesureashellhadameanlefthookforadeskjockey.
“Knowwherehewenttoschool?WhenhecametotheU.S.?”
“Sorry.”
“Sendoverthepicture.I’llseewhatIcando.”
“Thankyou.Callmewithanything,dayornight.Mytimeisshort.Idon’ttrustthisasshole.”
Tarahesitated.“Doyouthinkhe’dhurther?”
Hisgutsaidno.ForallofKirkpatrick’sfaults,heseemedasfiercelyprotectiveofCallieasThorpehimself.ButwouldSeanseparateherfromhimandstealherawayfromDominion?Absolutely.
“Let’ssayI’mnottakinganypossibilityoffthetableyet.”
“Allright.Givemeafewhours.I’llseewhatIcandigup.”
“Thanks.”Thorpesmiledintothephone.Takingactionfeltgood.
FactswouldhelphimdecidehowtoproceedwithKirkpatrick.Personally,ThorpehopedtheScothadsomethingdirtyandblackmail-worthyinhispastsohecouldhangitoverSean’sheadtomakehimdisappearfromCallie’slife.
Then…he’dsetaboutfiguringwhattodooncehehadheralltohimselfagain.
***
SEANpacedthesterilecorporateapartmenthe’dbeenforcedtohanghishatinforthelasteightmonths.Theblandbeigewallswereclosinginlikeatrashcompactorabouttosqueezethelifeoutofhim.Hehadunreturnedmessagesandabosswhowantedtoknowwhatthefuckwasgoingon.
Gettingscrewedbythecompetition.How’sthatforagoddamnupdate?
Sighing,hestaredathisphone,willingCallietocallhim.Hehadamillionquestionsforher,neededtohearwhatwasinherhead.Mostly,hewantedtoknowifshewasallright.Andwhatthatsonofabitch,MitchellThorpe,haddonetoher.
Afterstalkingtothelittledeskthatsatbesidehisbed,hesortedthroughapileoffilefoldersandcametotheonehesought.Pullingitopen,hescannedtheinformationhealreadyknewbackwardandforward.Hisnemesiswasthirty-nine.Hiswifehaddivorcedhimandwasnowremarriedwithtwokids.Hecamefromathoroughlyupper-middle-classbackground.GoodschoolsinConnecticut.Yachtclubparents.YaleUniversitygraduate,thenastintasastockbrokerinNewYorkCityinhisearlytwenties.OwnerofDominionforthelastdozenyears,withaninterestinBDSMforevenlonger.ButSeanreadnothinginthepaperworkthatwouldtellhimhowtogettheupperhandagain.
He’dmiscalculatedtonight,rankinghisdesireforCallieaboveeverythingelse.Hehadafeelingthatbyfuckingher,he’drousedthecompetitorinThorpe.Themandidn’tintendtolose.
“Toobad,asshole.Thatgoesdoubleforme,”hemumbled.
Tossingthefolderbackonthedesk,hepacedtothefrontdoorandbackagain.Itonlytookeightsteps.
Shovinghishandintohispocket,heyankedhisphoneoutanddialedCallie.Immediately,hervoicemailgreetingchimedinhisear.Seancursed.Eitherhislovelyhadn’trememberedtochargeherphoneagain…orshewasn’tspeakingtohim.
Whateverthereason,hecouldn’taffordtoletthissilencebetweenthemfesterorgrow.Buthealsocouldn’tgobacktoDominiontonight.AftertherightcrosstoAxel’seye,hefiguredthatnotonlywasheofftheclub’smembershiprosterforawhile,buthe’dbetterwatchhisback.Normally,Seanwouldbreakintotheclub.Thoughchallenging,itwouldn’tbeimpossible.Butifhegotcaught,Thorpewouldthrowhimoutforgoodandeverythinghe’dworkedeightmonthstobuildwouldswirldownthetoilet.Thingsweren’tdireenoughtoriskthatyet.
Still,hehadtofindsomewaytoreassurehimselfthatCalliewasallright
TheonesilverliningwasthatThorpehadpreventedherfromfleeingDominion—atleastsofar.Sheintendedto.Ofthat,Seanhadnodoubt.HereallyhatedtogiveThorpeanycredit,buthehadtosincethemanhadcuffedhertoherownbedandtakenhercarkeys.Seanknewhewouldprobablyhaveoptedtoreasonwithherandshowerherwithaffectionfirst.
Hewonderednowifthattacticwouldhavebackfired.
Sherequiresafirmhand.
Thorpe’sassertionechoedthroughhishead.Damn,buttheslybastardmightbeontosomething.
NowthatSeanhadtakennote,hewouldn’tletThorpeunderminehimagain.HewashereforCallie.Heintendedtostayforher.Andnoman,noteventheDungeonMasterhimself,wasgoingtogetinhisway.
Armedwithanideatooutfoxthefox,hescoopeduphiscarkeysandheadedoutthedoor.Inlessthananhour,he’dhaveCalliealltohimselfoncemore.ChapterFive
ASThorpewaltzedoutthedoor,Calliefumed.He’dwalkedawayfromher,afterhe’dpromisednotto.He’dutterlyhumiliatedher—again.Allthatpleasurehe’dpouredonher,allthoseshiver-worthywordsaboutneverlettinghergetaway…Thenpoof!He’dgottenupandleft.
Ifhedidn’thavesomuchofherheart,she’dgleefullysmackhimupsidethehead.Asitwas,shedidn’tknowhowshewasgoingtolookThorpeintheeyeagainwithoutbeingcompletelymortifiedthatshe’dthrownherselfathim.Seeingthatithadn’tbeenatalldifficultforhimtoleavehernakedandreadyonlyhurtworse.Shewastiredoftheconstantpainofhisrejection.
AndthentherewasSean.He’dsaidhelovedher—withouthesitation,outloud,resoundingwithtotalconviction.Buthewasn’tgoingtorestuntilhekneweveryoneofhersecrets.
ItwasdefinitelytimeforhertoleaveDominionASAP.
ThefeelingsbloominginherheartforhersexyDomweretoobig,toomuch,toooverwhelming.WasthathowThorpefelt?Calliesighed.WasSeanevenspeakingtoheranymore?Thethoughtthathemightnottoreeverythingoutofherchest
Howthehellcouldshebefoolishenoughtofallfortwomen,especiallywhentheycouldn’tstandoneanother?
Crap,herheadhurtfromallthecirclesherthoughtswereturning.
Whenshe’daskedearlier,LancetoldherthatSeanhadbeenforciblyandindefinitelyremovedfromthepremises.Calliewinced.She’dbetthathadgoneoverwell.Andshecouldonlyimaginewhathewasthinking.DidheknowthatThorpehadgivenhermorethanaspanking?Itwasn’tastretchtoimaginethatherhelpfulbosshadvolunteeredtheinformation.
Somehow—andsoon—shehadtotalktoSean.Ifsheintendedtorescindhiscollar,sheshouldhavethemoxietodoittohisface.Sheowedhimthatmuchbeforesheslippedoutofhislifeforgood.Noideahowtostartthatconversation.I’msosorryIalmostboinkedmybossafterhavingsexwithyou.Shesnorted.Brilliantidea.
ThecomforterThorpehadthrownoverherearliershieldedherfromLance—notthathecared.Nope,hestoodoverher,allleatherandgloatingsmiles.HewasenjoyingbeingThorpe’srighthand.He’dalwayssaidshelackeddiscipline.Sincehewasabigbelieverincorporalpunishment,shecouldjustimaginewhathehadinmind.
Beenthere,donethatalreadytonight.Herbacksidestillthrobbed.Shedidn’tneedmorefromaguywhosepalmitchedbecausehehadn’tyethadthechancetospankhisboy’sass.
“Youdon’thavetostandoverme,youknow,”shepointedout.
Withashrugofhisshoulders,hisleathervestskimmedhisleanlymuscledtorso.“Ienjoypissingyouoff.”
Healwayshad.Apracticaljokesterandabigtease,Lance’slaughterwasinfectious.Itwouldbefunnysomedaythathewaspokingfunather.Justnottoday.
“Gee,thanks.IassumeI’mallowedtoeatsomething.”
Lancegesturedhertowardthedoor.“Feelfree.Youknowwherethekitchenis.”
Callietuggedatthecuffsholdinghertothebedframeandsenthimanexpectantexpression.
“Picky,picky.I’llgetthekeyfromThorpe.”Hegrinnedather.“Don’tgoanywhere.”
“Lance,IswearI’mgoingtothrowsomethingatyou.”Sheheavedabigsigh.
“Tryit.Wanttoguesswhatwillhappen?”
Someonewouldpaddlehergood,probablyLancehimself.Pass…
“Hurry.Please.I’mreallyhungry,”shelied.
Hetookpityonherandstoppedteasing.“Okay.I’llberightback,littlevixen.”
AsthedoorclosedbehindLance,shewaitedimpatiently.ThorpeseemeddeterminedtoseparateherfromSean…butshedidn’tunderstand.Itwasn’tasifhereallywantedher.Whybesohell-bentonkeepingheratDominionifhehadnointentionofmakingherhisown?Probablybecauseheenjoyedgivinghertheultimatemindfuck.Allthemorereasontoleave.
Momentslater,Lanceappearedwiththekeyanduncuffedher.
“Thorpesaysyou’refreetoroamthepremises.Noleavingandnosocializing.Yougetsomethingtoeat,seeifthere’sanythingpressingthatneedsyourattention,thenyoucomebackhere.Understood?”
Callieresistedtheurgetorollhereyes.“Sure.”
“I’llbewatchingyouonthefloor.”
Shedidn’tdoubtLancemeantthat,especiallywhenhewanderedoutofherroom,pointingapairoffingerstohiseyes,thentoherown.
“Igotit!”Shesighedimpatiently.
“That’salmostinsolent,”hecautioned.
“Sorry.”Longfuckingday.“Hungerdoesn’tbringoutthebestinme.”
“I’llletyouslidethistime.Don’tdoitagain…”
“Yes,Sir,”shemurmuredtoplacatehim,throwinginabatofherlashes.Hewouldprobablymissthefinerpointsofthatgesture,butjustincase.
Lanceburstoutlaughingashelefttheroom.“Oh,Thorpehashishandsfullwithyou.”
Onceshewasalone,Calliereachedontothefloor,fishinginherpursetofindherphone.Thenshehesitated.Whatwasshegoingtodo,justcallSeanandapologize?Maybeitwouldbebetterdonefacetoface.Asshewasseveringtheirbond?Veryclassy…Whatifhedidn’twanttoseeheragain?Oreventalktoher?Soon,itwouldn’tevenmatter.She’dgetanotherphoneinanewtown—adifferentnumberwithablankslateofcontacts.Startoveroncemoreinaplacewheresheknewnoone.Winterwascoming.Phoenixmightbegood…
Shewasstilltryingtodecidehowtoproceedwhensheglancedatthelittledevice.Dead.Crap,shereallyneededtoremembertochargeitonceinabluemoon.
Depressedashell,shepluggedinherphone,thentossedonherrobeandmarcheddowntoThorpe’soffice.Shetriedthehandle.Locked.Andhedidn’tanswerasingleoneofherbangingknocksordemandstobeletin.True,hemightnotbeinside,butitwasalsopossibleThorpewascompletelyavoidingher.Callie’smoneywasonthelatter.
ShestillplannedtobegonefromDominionnolaterthantomorrow,butthebastardhadhercarkeysandsuitcases.Andachunkofherheart.Shehadtoretrieveatleastthefirsttwoandmoveon.
Withanagitatedshakeofherhead,shewanderedouttothedungeonfloorandcleanedupafterafewcustomers,wipingdownaftersomeothers.Shegathereddirtytowelsandputtheminthelaundryroom,thendistributedfreshbottlesofwatertothecoolers.ShestockedbinsallaroundwithfreshblanketsforDomstowraptheirsubsinwhenitwastimeforaftercare.AhoppingFridaynight…
Axelhadglaredatherfromacrosstheconcretefloor,scowlingaroundwhatlookedlikeadevelopingblackeye.Shedidn’thavetoaskhowhegotit.Hisgrowlabouther“assholeDom”whenhepassedbysaiditall.
Suddenly,Lancestrodetowardherwithadisparagingglance.“Yourpizzaishere,vixen.OrshouldIsayyourhighness?”
“Pizza?”Shehadn’torderedone.Infact,shehadn’tthoughtaboutfoodatallonceLancehadlethergo.
Whothehellwouldimaginethatshe’dwantfoodwhenherentirelifewasinturmoil?NotThorpe.Heknewbetter.Hadsomeonepulledapracticaljokeonher?Thefirstpersonshe’dsuspect,Lance,woreanexpressionofdisapproval,notmirth.
“Yes,andthedeliveryguyisatthebackdoor,insistingthathegiveittoyoupersonally.”
Thiscouldbeatrick.Whatifitwassomepoliceploy?Butwhyapizzadeliverymanwhentheycouldcomeinwithbadgesflashingandgunsblazing,thenjustarresther?Yeah,thatwasamorelikelyscenario.Whichmeantthepizzahadprobablybeensentbysomeonewhocouldn’treadilytalktoher.
Sean?
“Sure.Letmegetmywallet.”
Lancesighed.“It’spaidfor.Itried,buthesaidyou’dgivenhimacreditcardoverthephone.”
ProbablySean.
“Right,”sheagreedreadily.“I’msohungrythatItotallyforgot.Food.Letmegetthat.”
Shakinghishead,Lancewalkedaway.
Callierantothebackdoor.Sureenough,agangly,pimple-facedteenagerstoodtherewithapizzaboxinhand.Thesmellsofbasilandoreganowaftedfromthecardboardasheshotherasmile.
“CallieWard?”Helookedherupanddownwithaleer.
“Yes,”shesaidcautiously,self-consciouslydrawingtheedgesofherrobeclosertogether,makingdamnsureeverythingwascovered.
“Foryou.Froma‘friend.’”Hewinked.
DefinitelySean.
Withastupidgrin,shetooktheboxfromtheboy,notingthatonesidewasabitheavierthantheother.Heturnedawaywithoutanotherword,sosheshutthebackdoor,thenheadedtoherroom.
Lockingherselfinsideherprivatedomain,sheliftedthelid.Inside,halfawarmpizzalay,brimmingwithcheese,pepperoni,pineapple,andmushrooms.Herfavorite.Seanhadremembered.Despitethedimday,thatmadehersmile.
Theotherhalfoftheboxwasanotherstory.Partitionedawayfromthepizzabyapieceofcardboardlayawhiterectangleshrink-wrappedinplastic.Shestaredatit,blinkingafewtimes.Ayellowstickynoteontophadalmostblendedinwithitsbackground,butassoonassheflippedonalight,shesawthatthelefthalfsaidEatMewithanarrowpointingtothepizza.TheotherhalfsaidOpenMe.
Whatwasthis,AliceinWonderland?
Callieliftedapieceofthepietohermouthandtookabite,surprisedtofindthatshewashungrierthanshe’dimagined.Shemoanedastheflavorburstonhertongue.Sogood…
Butcuriositywaskillingher.
Shepluckedtheplastic-wrappedbundleoutoftheotherhalfofthepizzabox.Immediately,thesizeandweighttoldheritwasacomputer.Whywouldhesendherone?Sheownedalaptop.Itwasold,butitworked.
Shepulledthedevicefromtheindustrialplasticprotectingit.Abrand-newshinysilverunitwithafamiliarpieceofhalf-eatenfruitonthefront.OverthatwasanothernotethatreadTurnMeOn.
Wasthishisroundaboutwayofsendingheramessage,despiteThorpethrowinghimoutoftheclub?
Withacarefulnudgeoftheunit’stoplid,sheopenedit,takingjustamomenttorevelinhowgorgeousitwas.Thishadtohavecosthimasmallfortune.
Peeringintentlyatthemachine,shehitthebuttontopoweriton.Someonehadalreadygonethroughthesetupandregistrationprocessforher.Itcameupwithadesktoppictureofaflower.Theprofilenamematchedherown.
AnotherstickynoteacrossthekeyboardreadThreeGuesses…
She’dneverseenSean’splayfulsideandshelikedit.
Withasmile,shebitherlipandpondered.WhatwouldSeanhaveusedasapassword.Shetriedhisname.Theoperatingsystemdidn’trecognizethat.Thenanotherideacametomind,andshetypeditin.
L-O-V-E-L-Y.
Thatdidit.Secondslater,shewasin.AfamiliarInternetvideochatprogramtriedtoload.Quickly,shetappedintheclub’sWi-Fipassword.Asecondlater,thesoftwarebegancallingSean.Heansweredimmediately,lookingwrungoutandworried,histieloose,hishairmessyasifhe’ddraggedhisfingersthroughitamilliontimes.
“Callie,areyouallright?”
Sheswalloweddownhernervousness.“Yes.Ofcourse.I…”Havenoideawhattosay.
“Haveyoueatenthepizza?Iknowyou,andI’mbettingyouhaven’ttakenthetimetonighttofillyourbelly.”
Evenwhenshe’dhandledeverythingwrongandhurthisfeelings,Seanstillputherneedsfirst.Tearsprickedathereyes.Whatwassheevergoingtodowithouthim?
“Notmuch,butIwill.Itsmellsheavenly.I’vejustbeen…worriedaboutyou.IsawAxel’sblackeyeand—”
Seanlaughed,hisgrainyimagegrinningonthescreen.“Helooksfarworsethanme,lovely.Ofthat,Iassureyou.”
Hisassertionsurprisedher.NooneevergotthebestofThorpe’ssecuritydirector.He’dbeenbouncingheadsforyears.Howhadonemanwhowasn’tasbigasMountAxelmanagedtodamagehimandcomeoutwithoutascratch?Luck,maybe.
“I’msorelievedtohearit.I’veseenAxelreallymessguysupbefore.”Shedrewinadeepbreath,hermindracing.“Idon’tunderstandwhyThorpethrewyouout.Ifanyoneisatfault,it’sme.Yousaidsomethingbeautiful,andIpanicked.”
“YoumustknowexactlyhowjealousThorpeis.”
Seanhadthesituationsowrong.“No,he’sjustconcerned.”
“Becausehewantsyou.ButIdon’tcareaboutThorpenow.Hecan’tkeepusapartforlong.I’llfindawaytoyou,lovely.Ialwayswill.”Hepaused,lookingatherintently.“IwishIcouldtouchyounowandshowyouhowmuchImeantthosewordsIsaidearlier.”
Callie’sheartstuttered.Seanactuallylovedher.Hehadn’tsimplyblurteditintheheatofpassion.Afternearlysevenmonths,mostofthemashissubmissive,itstillstunnedher.Buthadn’tsheworriedthatshewasfallinginlovewithhimherselfjustafewhoursago?
“I’mreallysorryIran,”shemurmured.“Youstartledme.”
“Don’tyoucareformeevenabit?”Hefrowned,thatfurrowbetweenhisblueeyesdeepandtroubled.
Evenifshecouldn’tstayandfulfillthepromiseoftheburgeoninglovebetweenthem,shewouldn’tbedishonestwithSean.Shecouldn’tstandthethoughtofhurtinghimmorethanshewasalreadygoingto.“Icareaboutyouverymuch.Somuchthatitscaresmesometimes.”
“Ah,lovely.Iwon’thurtyou.Youcanletgoandfallintomyarms.I’llcatchyou.”
Howwonderfulthatsounded.Calliepressedahandoverhertremblinglips.Shewishedshecouldstayanddoexactlywhathewanted.Butthatwasastupidfantasy.Therealitywasthatshe’dalreadywayoverstayedhertimeatDominion.
Herheartrailed,andshewantedtoscreamattheuselessnessofherfeelings.WhatwouldSeandoifshestayedandthelawcaughtuptoher?Or,heavenforbid,ifheeverfiguredoutwhoshewas?
SoshehadtoremainstronganddowhatwasbestforbothSeanandThorpe.Iftheyknewthedangerthatlurkedaroundhereverycorner,they’dwanttohelp.Theymighteveninsistonprotectingher.Callierefusedtoletthemriskthemselves.Itwasherproblem,hercrosstobear.Hershittodealwith.
“I’mtrying,”shetoldhim.
Butaftertoday,ithadtostop.Bytomorrow,shehadtoslipoutofhislife,awayfromDominion,Thorpe,andDallas—everythingmeaningfultoher.Maybeshe’dgotoSeattle,instead.Thefrequentrainwouldmatchhermood.
“Iknowyouare.”Hesentherareassuringsmile.“Tellme,whatdidthebastarddowhenhehadyoualoneinyourroom.”
Calliefroze,surethatherfacelookedawfullydeer-in-the-headlights.Ifshetoldhimthetruth,there’dbetrouble.“N-nothingmuch.”
“Don’tyoulietome,lovely.I’llpaddleyoubutgood.Iheardyourcriesofpassionwailingdownthehalls.”
Damnit!Shewishedthevideofeaturewasn’ton.Hecouldprobablyseetheguiltcrawlingalloverherface.HowwasshegoingtogetoutofthiswithoutrilingSeantothepointofwantingtokillThorpe?
“Whatdidhetellyou?”
Sean’sblueeyesnarrowed.“Iexpectananswerfromyou.Thetruth,mindyou.Imightbeabletoforgiveyoubeingconfused.Butifheforcedyouintoanything,I’lltakehisbloodyheadoff.”
Blurtingthatexcuse,thenrunningawaywouldonlyleavethetwomenbehindwithoutherasabuffer.Notagoodideawhentemperswererunninghigh.“Hekissedme.He…touchedme.”
“Andyoulikedit.”Hegroundhisteeth,jawtight.“Pulloffyourrobe.Now.”
Shestartedtorefuse,butshe’drathertakeSean’sangerherselfthanhavehimunleashitonThorpe.
Shestoodandletthesilkskimdownherarmsuntilitpuddledonthefloor.
“StandclosertothecamerasoIcanlookatyou.AndbendsoIcanseeyourbreasts.”
Calliesteppedforwardanddidashecommanded,lettinghimlookhisfill.
“Where’syourcollar?”
Nowwasn’tthetimetoexplainthatevenifshe’dbeenwearingit,thebitofblingwouldn’tbeasymboloftheirrelationshipmuchlonger.She’dexplaintomorrow.Andonceshe’dassumedanewidentity,Seanwouldbenothingbutasweetmemory.Hewouldforgether,surely.
“Iwasgettingreadytotakeashower,”sheliedgently.
Hismouththinnedintoanevenfirmerline.“Allright,then.Showmeyourbellyandyourcunt.Slowly.”
Herentirebodyflushing,sheadjustedthelaptopliduntilthewebcamtookinthelowerhalfofherbodyasshestoodfrozenstillforhim.
“Beautiful,asalways.Sitbackandspreadyourlegs.”Assoonasshereclinedonthebedandpartedherthighs,hemoanedinappreciation.“IsthatwhereThorpetouchedyou?”
“Yes.”Hervoiceshook.
“Showmehow.”
“Youwantmetotouchmyself?”Thethoughtofdisplayingherself-pleasurewasbothuncomfortableandarousing.
“Ido.IwanttoseeyoucomeandIwantyoutobethinkingaboutmethistime.”
Betweenhispossessivewordsandhisnarrow-eyeddemand,sheshivered.“A-allright.”
“Good.I’vespentmonthstouchingmyselfandthinkingofyou,lovely.Iwanttoseeyoudothesameforme.Iwanttobetheonlyoneonyourmindasyoufeelpleasure.”
Thosewordsshouldn’texcitehersomuch,butanimageofSean,eyesclosed,bodytensewithneed,hisbighandroughingupanddownhiscock,madeherache.
Suddenly,touchingherselfwasn’tahardship.Tonight,she’dfeltmorepleasurethanshehadinthelastfiveyearsputtogether.Nowaysheshouldbereadytoorgasmagain.ButafterSean’sgruffvoicegrindingoutsuchawickedsuggestion,needbubbledrightunderherclit.
“Now,Callie,”hesnapped.
Sheeasedbackonherelbowsandbentherknees,craninghernecktomakesurethatSeanstillhadaviewofherpussyinthecamera.
“Iseeyou,lovely.Goon.”
Hishardvoicehaddeepened,hisScottishaccentthickening.Sheswallowedagainstlust,thenslidherfingersdownherbelly,rightbetweenherlegs.
Sean’sdemanddidn’texactlyhavetheeffecthedesired.Thesecondherfingerscaressedherhard,burningclit,Thorpeslippedintoherthoughts.Thememoryofhismouthonher,eatinghervoraciously,thenslidingupherbodytodemandthatshecomeforhimwouldn’tbebanished.Butinherhead,Seanwatched,makingthedemandasThorpeslidhisfingersandtonguealloverher.Herskinsizzled.Herdesireflared.Inaperfectworld,shecouldadmittowantingthemboth—andwishingdesperatelythattheydesiredher.
Thefantasywastotallyunrealistic,butshecouldn’tstopitfrombarrelingpasthergoodsensetomakeherspinoutofcontrol.
Withherfreehand,shetweakedhernipples,imaginingthatSean’sfingerspluckedthesensitivebuds,hishotbreathfallinginherearashetoldherthatshelookedseductivewhileThorpeateherintoafrenzyandswallowedherdown.Thentheywouldbothfuckher,SeanfillinghersensitivepussyandThorpedrivingintoherass,until…
Calliecriedoutasthepeakcrashedintoher.Shejolted,herbackarching,herfingersrubbingfranticcirclesonthepulsingbudbetweenherlegs.
“Lovely…”Sean’svoicesoundedgruffbeforehegroanedlongandloudinpleasure.
Thesoundbroughtherbacktoherself.Callieblinkedandsatup,thenreachedforherrobe,drawingitoverherbreastsasshepanted.Shefeltlikeaterriblehumanbeing.Seanlovedher.Shelovedhim—butshecouldn’tmanagetobanishThorpefromherheart.
“Ididn’tsaythatyoucouldmove,muchlesscoveryourself.I’mnotdonewithyouyet.”Helookedmorerelaxed,butshewouldn’tcallhimhappy.
Stillstrugglingtocatchherbreath,shebaredherselfagain.Seanhadseenitall.Whatwastheretopeepatnow?
“Getbackinpositionanddon’tmoveuntilItellyou,”hecommandedgruffly.
Closinghereyes,CalliegaveherselfovertoSean.Itwouldbethelasttimeshe’deverexperiencesubmission,mostlikely.Evenifshesometimesfoughtit,shecravedit.Sheintendedtosavorthesepreciousmoments.
Rockingbackonherelbows,shespreadherlegsagainforhim.
“Scootcloser.”
Theentirecamerahadtobeonebigclose-upofhercooch.Butshedidn’targue,justcomplied.Thenshewaited.
“Likethat,yes.”
Seanremainedsilentforalongminute,andshecouldallbutfeelhiseyesonher.Inherfantasy,heclimbedhiswayupherbodywithnipsandkisses,thenimpaledherwiththatthickcockofhis,makingherbreathrushandherbackarch.ShepicturedThorpehoveringoverher,too,watching,tippingherheadovertheedgeofthebedtofeedhiserectionbetweenherlipsanddeepinhermouth,mutteringinthefilthiest,mostintimatewhisperhowmuchhewaslookingforwardtoimpalingherbackside.
“Idon’tseeanybruisesonyou.”Sean’svoicepulledherfromhersensualdaydream.
CallieeasedupafractionandlookedatSeanfrombetweenherlegs.“Therearenone,Sir.Thorpedidn’tforceme.”
Afactthatmadeherfeelevenmoreguilty,butshedidn’ttrytohidefromthetruth.
“Situpandlookatme.”Hestayedsilentuntilshedidashe’dbid.“Leavetherobeoff.Ilikeyounaked.”
“Yes,Sir.”
Hesentherareassuringnod,tellingherthatshe’dpleasedhim.“Callie,hemaynothaveforcedyou,butyouwereupset,andhetookadvantageofyou.”
“Notreally.”Shebitherlip.“Sean,Ihavetobehonest.Ihavefeelingsforhim,too.Idon’tthinkit’sone-sided.”
Damn,whycouldn’tshejustkeephermouthshut?Orbreakupwithhimandbedone?
Sean’sfaceclosedup.“Hehadfouryearstogiveyouwhatyouneeded.Andhedidnothing.He’snotthemanforyou.Iam.Don’tletyourgratitudeleadyourheartinthewrongdirection.”
Itwasn’tlikethatatall.Yes,shewasgratefultoThorpeformanythings,butshewouldhavefallenforhimregardless.Someinvisiblestringtetheredhertohim,tuggingherinhisdirection…evenasanotherstringseemedtobindandyankhertowardSean,too.
Itwasbestthatshewasleaving.Shecouldneverchoosebetweenthem.Andifshetried,shewouldinevitablylosetheotherforgood.
“Iunderstandwhatyou’resaying,”sheansweredobliquely.Aftertomorrow,itwouldn’tmatter.
“Good.I’mgoingtodomybesttoreasonwithThorpesoIcanseeyou.Wehavealottotalkabout,lovely.”
Hewasdeadwrong.Itwasallbutover,evenifthatfactwasbreakingherheartinamillionpieces.Ifshetoldhimthatnow,itwouldonlystartanargumentthatneitherofthemwouldwin.Nexttimeshesawhimwouldsimplybegood-bye.
“I’llseewhatIcandoonmyend,too.”
“Excellent,”hepraised.“Nowchargeyourphone.”
“Ialreadyam.”Shesmiled.Sometimesheknewhertoowell.
Seansentheranapprovingnod,hisblueeyescaressingherfacethroughthescreen.“Eatyourpizzaandgetsomesleep.Iplantocomeforyoutomorrow.”
Andbythen,she’dbereadytoreleasehimandgo.“Iwill.”
***
THORPEwasslumpedoverhisdeskatquarter’tilthreewhenhisphonerang.Theclubmembersweregone.Axelhadswepttheplaceclean.NosignofKirkpatrick,butThorpeknewbetterthantoassumehe’dseenthelastoftheasshole.Calliehadhelpedwithcleaningandclosing,thentakenherselfofftobed.Shewastooquietandhadn’tmethisgazewhenhe’dgivenherbackthecontentsofhersuitcases,sansbags.
Heplannedtokeepaveryclosewatchonher.Lackofluggagealonewouldn’tbeenoughtokeepherhereifshewasdeterminedtogo.
Atthefirstshrillchime,Thorpestarted,thenallbutpouncedonthephone.Helookedatthedisplay,smilingatthefamiliarnumber.
“Tara?”
“Yes.”
“Thatwasfast.”Thesmartgirlhadalwaysimpressedhim,butevenmoresotonight.“Thankyou.”
“Don’tthankmeyet.I’vegotsomeinformationforyou.It’sonlypreliminary,but…Idon’tthinkyou’regoingtolikeit.”
Thorpe’sguttightened.He’dwantedtobewrong.Sonofabitch.“Ididn’texpectto.Tellme.”
“SeanKirkpatrick’sstorysurvivesacursoryglance,likeyousaid.ButonceIstarteddigging,itseemsthathedoesn’tappearanywhere,atleastunderthatname,untileightmonthsago.Ialsocan’tfindarecordofanyonewiththatnameandfacebecomingaU.S.citizeninthelastdecade.ThefirstappearanceofhimIhaveisthesupposedcreationofanLLCinthestateofFloridaearlierthisyear.”
“HetoldCalliethathelivestherenow.HeclaimstobelongtoacluboutsideofMiami.Hisreferencescheckedout,but…”
“It’spossiblehepaidsomeoneforthat.”
“Exactly,”Thorpeagreed.
“Almostimmediatelyafterhestartedthecompany,amajorFortune100corporationsupposedlyhiredhisservices.Doyouknowhowtoughagigthatistoget?”
“Exceedingly.Youusuallyhavetoknowsomeone.”
“Orbesuckingtheirdi—um,beintimatewiththem.”
Thorpemanagedasmileatherslipup,despitethegrimsituation.
Tarasmoothedoverthemomentbycontinuingon.“HerentedacorporateapartmentinDallasunderthenameofhisLLCbackinApril.”Sherattledofftheaddress,andhejotteditdown.Anewerpartoftownwithlotsofcorporatepresenceandnonightlife.“Hesignedasix-monthlease.WhenOctoberrolledaround,hestartedextendingitmonthbymonth.Otherthanthat,SeanKirkpatrickhasonerelativelynewcreditcard,nobankaccount,noimmigrationvisa,nomortgage,nocarloan,norecordofmarriagesordivorces,nocourtdates,noarrestrecord,noschoolrecords…nothing.He’saghost.”
Sittingbackinhischair,Thorpesuckedinabreath.“Thewayhesetuphisidentity,doyouthinkhe’saconartist?”
“WhatdoesCalliehavethathe’dwanttosteal?”
“Absolutelynothing.”Onthesurface.Butoverthelastdecade,thebountyonCallie’sheadhadgrowntotwomilliondollars.WhatifSeanKirkpatrickhadsomehowpiecedtogetherheridentityandmanagedtotrailherhere?
Thorpe’sbloodrancold.Hesworethathe’dtakecareofKirkpatrickonceandforall.
“Iwasafraidyouweregoingtosaythat.”Tarasighed.“Sevenmonthsseemsawfullypatientforastalker,butatthispoint,I’mnotsureifI’drulethatout.Ihonestlydon’tknowwhatelsetothink.”
“I’vegotsomeideas.Ifyoucomeacrossanythingelse,letmeknow,wouldyou?”
“Ofcourse.Somethingisdefinitelyoffwiththisman.”
AsThorpehadsuspectedforsometime.“Iappreciateeverythingyou’vedone.”
“Mypleasure.YouknowCallieisn’tevergoingtobemybestfriend…butI’mworriedforher.”
Hegrippedthephonetightly.“Me,too.”
Theyrangoff,andThorpedidn’twasteaminute.HelefthisofficeandcreptdownthehalltoCallie’sroom,lettinghimselfinwiththekey.Hespiedhersleepinginthemoonlight,allcurledupinaseaofdownyquiltsandsoftpillows.Onenakedlegpeekedout,fromhersupplehiptoherlittlepinktoes.Nowayhecouldforgethavinghisfacebetweenhersleekthighs,butsomehowhehadto.
Thorpeturnedandfoundapartiallyeatenpizzasittinginaboxonherdresser.Whenthehellhadsheorderedthat?Noidea,butnothingelselookedoutofplace.Herphonesatchargingonthenightstand,andheswipedit,thendashedbackintohisoffice.
Itdidn’ttakehimlongtofigureoutthatherpasswordwashisbirthday.Anddidn’tthatjustaddakickerofguilttothistormentcocktail?Hebrowsedherrecentcallsandfoundoneshe’dmissedfromSeanearliertonight.Gotcha!
Hetouchedthescreen,andtheimagechangedtoSean’sannoyingmugasthecallconnected.
“Callie?”themandidn’tsoundgroggyordisorientedintheleast.
“Notquite.Guessagain.”
“Whatthefuckdoyouwant,Thorpe?I’vehadituptomyeyeballswithyourantics.Youcan’tseparatemefromCallie.You’venoright,andyouknowit.”
Oh,hehadeveryright,andheintendedtoexerciseeachofthemtothefullestextent.Hemightnotbeherfather,herhusband,orherDom,buthewasherprotector.Andprobablytheonlypersoninherlifeshecouldtrustwithoutquestion.
ButSean’sgratinglecturegavehimanidea.“I’vebeendoingsomethinking.IknowthatI’veoversteppedmyboundsastheowneroftheclub.SoI’mgoingtoallowyoutoseehertomorrow.HereatDominion.Ninep.m.You’renotgoingtogetanotheroffer.Isuggestyoutakeit.”
“I’llbethere.Anddon’tyoubetryinganytrickery.Youwon’tlikewhathappens.”
“Isthatathreat?”Thorpeallbutlickedhislips,hopingtheScotwouldgivehimsomethinghecouldsinkhisteethinto.
“No.Butifyou’relessthanstraightandnarrow,Idon’tthinkCalliewillbetoohappywithyou.Andyoucan’tstandthethoughtthatshemightnotlooktoyouforallherneeds,canyou?”
Thorpesqueezedthephonetightly.Fucker.“Behereatnine.”
WithoutallowingSeantorespond,heendedthecall.ThatScotgotunderhisskin,andhehadtoresisttheurgetothrowCallie’sphoneacrosstheroom.Instead,heforcedoutadeepbreath,thenstood,walkingwithdeliberatestepsbacktoherroomandputthephonewherehe’dfoundit.
Heshouldn’tlookatthegirl,butshe’drolledoverinhersleepandnowlayonherback,herridiculouslylonglashescaressinghercheeks,herheadangledslightlytoexposethegracefullineofherthroat.Paleshouldersmovedsoftlywitheachbreath.Thequiltbarelycoveredherbreasts,andthehintofcleavagewasenoughtomakehimsweat.
Damnit,hehadtogetoutofhere.Hehadtostopobsessing.Keephersafe.Giveheraplacetoliveherlifeinpeace.Thatwasthemosthecouldeverofferher.
Themomentheclosedherdoorbehindhimagainandlockeditoncemore,hechargeddownthehalltoseeifAxelhadleftyet.Aquickturnoftheknobtothesecurityroom,andThorpeslidinside.Axelworeabaseballcap.Themanwasalarge,bluntinstrumentofviolencewhenhechose.Currently,hiseyesweregluedtoasecurityfeed.Hisfistswereclenched.
“Whatisit?”
“Calliegotapizzatonight.”
“Isawtheboxinherroom.”
“Shedidn’tpayforit.”
Thorpefrowned.“AndCalliedoesn’thaveanycreditcardstohavepaidforitinadvance.”
“Exactly.”
“It’sKirkpatrick.”Thorpecursed.God,wouldthisfuckerjustnotgoaway?
“Can’timaginewhoelseitwouldbe.”
“I’vegotaplan.Howdoyoufeelaboutsearchinghisapartmentat,say,ninetomorrownight?”
“Forwhat?”
“Anything.Everything.He’suptonogoodwhereCallieisconcerned.Iwanttoknowwhat.”
Axel’smassiveshouldersslumped.“You’renotgoingtoletmetrashhispad,areyou?”
“Notyet,butdependingonwhatyoufind,youandItogethermaybetrashinghisface.”
“Nowyou’retalking.”Axelsmiledwide.
“Isthatayes,then?”
Axel’sexpressionbrightenedagain.“Ican’twait.”
Thorpefeltthesame.Onewayoranother,bytomorrownight,he’dhavefiguredoutexactlywhoSeanKirkpatrickwasandhowtopermanentlyerasehimfromCallie’slife.Hedidn’tcaremuchhowhehadtodoit.ChapterSix
THORPEdidhisbesttoactlikehedidn’twanttomurderSeanKirkpatrick—orwhateverhisnametrulywas—whentheimposterwalkedintoDominion.Themanshovedsomethinginthepocketofhistrousersandadjustedhisstarkwhitedressshirt.Decentsuitandloafers,butnotdesigner.Hiswatchwasn’tGucci…butitwasn’tTimex,either.WhichreinforcedThorpe’sopinionthatthismanwasn’tafterCallie’smoneybecauseheknewshedidn’thaveany.
HehopedlikehelltheaddressTarahaddugupwasrealandthatAxelworkedquickly.Thorpeneededtoeliminatetheman,thenfindthestrengthtotakeastepbackfromCalliesoherlifecouldresumeitsstatusquo.
Seancaughtsightofhiminthefoyer,standingbesideSweetPea’semptydesk.He’dsenthislittlereceptionistonameaninglesserrandbecausedidn’twantheranywherenearpotentialdanger.
TheScotglared.“WhereisCallie?Yousaidshe’dbehere.”
“Inherroom,waitingforyou.ButyouandIaregoingtogetafewrulesstraightfirst.”
“Morebloodyrules?I’mdoneplayingbyyours,Thorpe.You’redeterminedtobelievetheworstofmyintentionsbecauseyou’vegotyourdickinatwistwithjealousy,andsheshedafewtearslastnight.Ifyoutrulycareaboutthegirl,you’llbackawayandletmemakeherhappy.Shelooksuptoyou.Forhersake,youandIneedtostopthisarguing.”
ThewholespeechsetThorpe’steethonedge,butthenameoftonight’sgamewastolielow,notdoanythingtorousethebastard’ssuspicion.Sohejustsmiled.
“I’drathernotfightwithyou,either.ItdistressesCallie,butIwon’tbelessthanhonest.Idon’tlikeyou.However,ifyoufulfillherandhaveherbestinterestatheart,I’mwillingtotryacceptingyou.Therefore,I’mallowingyoutohavetimealonewithherinherroom.Iwon’tinterrupt.”
“Behindcloseddoors?”
Thorpedughisfingersintohisthighssohedidn’tthrottleSeanandnodded.“Don’tmakemeregretmyshowoftrust.”
“Thankyou.IcametonightintendingtosuggestatruceinCallie’shonor,soI’mgladyouagree.She’sastunning,bigheartedlass.Ifyou’lllethermakeherownchoicesandkeepyourdistance,I’llgiveherallsheneeds.You’vegotmywordonthat.”Seanheldouthishand.
“Ilookforwardtoseeinghersmileagain.”ThorpewasloathtoshakeSean’shand,buthehadnochoice.
IfnotfortheinformationTarahadduguponKirkpatrick,Thorpewassorelyawarethathemightreallyhavebeenwillingtotakethelyingasswipeatfacevalueandtrytobehavecivilly—atleastwhenCalliewasaround.
Butnow,thatoptionwasoffthetable.
Anawkwardsilencefellbetweenthem.Thorpeignoredit,turninghisbackonthemananddrawinghimdowntheprivatehall.Withaseriesofcardkeysandpasscodes,hefinallyreachedtheresidentialsectionoftheclubandheadedtotheendofthehall.
HegesturedtoCallie’sdoor.“She’swaitingforyou.”
AndSeanwasinforatreat.Callieworeabloodreddressthatshowedahealthyhintofcleavage,accentuatedhersmallwaistandpetitestature,whilerevealingalotofthigh.Matchinglipstickanddarkcurlsoffsetherfairface.Whenhe’dseenhertenminutesago,allThorpehadwantedtodowasstraphertohisbeduntilshescreamedoutinpleasureforhim—untilhe’drealizedshewaswearingthatasshole’scollaragain.Whenhe’dquestionedheraboutit,she’dbeenvague.Hadshechangedhermindaboutleaving?
Kirkpatrickknockedonherdoor.“Lovely?”
ThesecondCalliepulleditopen,Thorpe’sstaretangledinhers.Hesawsomethinginhereyesthatsethimonedge.Sadness?BeforeThorpecoulddecipherherexpression,shepeekedoverattheotherman.
“Hi,Sean,”Calliemurmured,loweringhergazeinasweetlysubmissivegesturethatmadehiscockstandtall.“Wouldyouliketocomein?”
“Iwould.”TheScotsteppedinsideandclosedthedoorbehindthem.
Thorpehearditlock.Hewantedtoripthefucker’sgutsout.
Instead,heleanedagainstthewallinthehallwayanddraggedinabreath,tryingtocalmhisrage.Hopefully,intwohoursorless,thisshitwouldbeoverandthisimposterwouldbegoneforgood.Thenhecouldfigureoutwhatwastroublingthegirlandfixit.
Theonlyreasonhe’dletSeaninCallie’sroomwastheknowledgethathecouldunlockherdoorhimselfinseconds.Ifneeded,Axel’smusclemencouldbustitdownintwominutesflat.Herwindowshadbarsontheoutsidetokeepcreepsout…orin.ZebandLancewerestationedateitherendofthehall,listeningandwatching,justincase.Thewholeplanwasagiantcalculatedrisk.Yes,hewasassumingthatSeanwouldn’thurtCallie,sincetheprickhadalreadyhadmonthsifthat’swhathewanted.Whywouldhedoitnow,whenhewascorneredwithnoescaperoute?Norcouldhesneakheroutwithhimpastallthesewatchfuleyes.She’dbesafe;hehadtobelievethat.
BeforeThorpegaveintotheurgetopunchthewall,hewhirledonhisheelandmarcheddownthehall,textingAxel.Workfast.
AsThorpepassedLance,hepocketedhisphoneandfrowned.“Watchoverthegirlforme.”
Lanceshothimashrewdglance.“I’llwatchoveryourgirl.Admitthat’swhatsheis.”
Herubbedathisforeheadwhereabitchofaheadachewasforming.“Let’sfocusonkeepinghersafetonightandgettingridoftheScottishstallion.Ifwemanagethat,I’llthinkaboutit.”
Whenhellfrozeover.
“Ifyouwon’tmakeCallieyours,whynotletherbehappywithsomeonewhoadoresher?”Lancechallenged.“YoumightnotlikeSeanKirkpatrick,buthe’sinlovewiththatlittlevixen.”
“Youdon’tunderstand.”Thorpechafed,butthelesshetoldtheothersaboutCallieandhersecrets,thebetter.
“Thatyouwon’tclaimher,butdon’twantanyoneelsetohaveher?Sure,Ido.It’sadamnshamethatyoupreferherbeingaloneandunhappytopairingup.”
WhydidtheotherDomhavetobringupthepointthatpinprickedThorpewiththemostguilt?
“Idon’twantherunhappy.”Thoughhedidn’thatetheideaofCalliebeingaloneifhecouldn’thaveher.Andyes,heknewthatwasselfishashell.“Butshedeservesthebest.”
Lanceshrugged.“Notarguingthat.Justnotsurehe’sanyworsethanyouencouragingheradorationwhenyouhavenointentionofclaimingher.”Thorpeopenedhismouthtorebut,buttheothermanwaggedafingerinhisface.“Melissa,theex-bitch,walkedoutonyou,andit’snotanexerciseyouwanttorepeat.Gotit.Butuseyourfuckingbrain.IfCalliestayedevenafterallthetimesyourebuffedher,Idoubtshe’sgoingtorunoutonyou.”
Lancecouldn’tbemorewrong,butThorpedidn’tdaresaymore.“Youmightbesurprised.”
“Herheartisyours,”Lanceinsisted,scoffing.
“Notexclusively.”
AndthatbitterpillmadeThorpechoke.
He’dhadenoughofthisconversation.Forcinghimselfaway,hetoreintohisofficeandtriedtoburyhimselfinpaperwork.Nothingheldhisattention.Half-answerede-mailsanddiscardedformscouldn’tmakehimforgetthat,rightnow,Calliewouldbepressedupagainstamanshedidn’treallyknow.Seanmightbeorderinghertostrip.Shemightbebaringherbodyandsoulforastrangerwithsinistermotives.
Damnit!Logically,havingCallieoccupytheassholetoflushhimoutmadesense.ButThorpehatedthisplan.Itwaswearinghisnervesawfullyfuckingthin,aswasLance’sconfrontation.
Hestaredattheclock,watchingeverydragofitshands.Thirtyminutestookthreedays.Finally,hiscellphonechimed.Yankingthedevicefromhispocket,hesawAxel’snumberonthedisplayandstabbedthebuttontoanswer.“Talktome.”
“I’min.It’shisplace,allright.Ihadtoturntheplaceupsidedowntofindanything,but…”Axelpaused.“Youbetterbesitting.I’vegotbadnews,boss.Reallyfuckingbad.”
***
CALLIEtrembledasSeanapproached.“I’mgladyoucame.”
“ThoughThorpeallbutsummonedme,Iwasn’tgoingtosayno,lovely.AnyopportunitytoseeyouisoneI’lltake.”
Sheliftedthecornersofherlipsandhopeditlookedlikeasmile.Knowingthesewerethelastmomentsshe’dhavewithSean,thatshe’dalreadylaideyesonThorpeforthefinaltime,thattomorrowshe’dbeinanothercityandneverseeDallasorthepeoplewho’dbecomeherfamilyagain…Calliesniffled.Shecouldn’taffordthesetearsandhermaudlinwhinefesthadtostop.
“Areyouallright?”Seanasked,curlingasolicitoushandaroundherelbow.
“I’mfine.Justallergies.”Sheforcedherselftosmilebrighter,butitdidn’tseemtobeworking.TheconcerninSean’sfrowndeepened.
Ifhelookedathertoohard,hewouldseethatsomethingtroubledher.Shedidn’twantherlastmemoriesofhimtobeofangerorrebukeashefutilelytriedtoprythereasonsforhermoodfromher.Shehadaplan;sheneededtosticktoit.Everythingwasready,includingthesparekeytohercarsinceThorpehadnevergivenbacktheoneshe’dswipedfromherpurse.Theemergencypackshe’dleftChicagowithallthoseyearsago,alongwithafewotherthingstoaidherdisguise,wasstowedinthetrunkofhercar.Themoneyshe’dscrapedtogetherovertheyearswasinsideaswell.She’dtakenothingelsewithher,notevenherphone,filledwithpicturesofeverythingandeveryonesheloved.Asmuchasshewantedto,therewasnowayshecouldriskcarryingaroundthememories.
ShortlyafterThorpehadtheburglarbarsinstalledovertheclub’swindows,she’dloosenedthemjustenoughtowigglethrough…incasesheeverneededtoleave.Earliertoday,she’dtestedthem.Shecouldtwistthrough,butjustbarely.Soevenifshecouldtakehermemorieswithher,theywouldsimplyhavetostaybehind.
Besides,acleanbreakwasalwaysbetter.She’dbeenthroughthisenoughtoknow.
Callieturnedtotheglassesofwineshe’dprocuredearlierfromDominion’sbarandhandedhimtheoneshe’ddoctoredinadvancewithtwoAmbien.Theywouldn’thurthim,buttheyshouldknockhimoutandgivehertimetoslipaway.SheshouldbeatleastanhourormoredowntheroadbeforeThorpediscoveredshewasgone.
Ditchingherlittlesedanandbuyinganotherwouldbeherfirstpriority.ItsuckedthattomorrowwasSunday.MostcardealershipsinTexaswereclosed.She’dhavetofindausedlotsomewhereandhopeforthebest.Butthatwaslater.ShewantedtoenjoyherlastminuteswithSean.Theyawningchasmofallheremptytomorrowsstretchedoutinfrontofher,andshe’dhavetofaceitsoonenough.
Handinghisglassofwinetohim,shegrabbedherown.
Heraisedhis.“Atoast,lovely.Tonewbeginnings.”
Shetriednottocryatthatirony.“Tonewbeginnings.”
Herswouldsimplybefar,faraway.
Seancaressedherwithmorethankindness.Devotionandhungerlayinhissmile,andsheletherselfbaskinhisgazeforafewpreciousseconds.Ifshe’dbeenanormalgirlwithanormalpast,shewouldgiveherhearttothismanandbesogratefultohavehiminherlife.Asitwas,she’dprobablydiealoneinsomebigcityshewasn’tfamiliarwith.WhoeverfoundherbodywouldneverknowthatshewasCallindraHowe.They’dneverreallyknowthewomanunderneathwhateverfakenameshe’dassumed.She’dbegivenapauper’sburial.Noonewouldcometoherfuneralbecausenoonewouldcare.
Gawd,she’dgottengoodatdepressingherself.Noneofthatmattered.Pickup.Moveon.Don’tcry.
“Bottomsup.”Sheclinkedtheirglassestogetherandtookasip,watchingasSeanswallowedsomeoftheredwine.
“That’samitedry,justhowIlikeit.”
Greatnews.Herswassupersweet,butthedrugshadabitteraftertaste,andshe’dknownthatcrushingtwopillsintotheliquidwouldalterthevino’sflavor.
“Iwanttotoastnewbeginningsbecauseonmywayin,ThorpeandIreachedabitofatruce,”heexplained.
“That’sgreat!”
Iftheyweren’tatoneanother’sthroatsonceshe’dfled,thenmaybenoonewouldbegoingtoprisonformurder.Thorpewoulddiscoverhergone,anditshouldbeobviousthatSeanhadnothelpedherescape.HemightbeangrythatSeanhadbeenunabletostopher,butnowayThorpecouldblamehim.Theymighteachlookforherforatime.Separately,ofcourse.Theydidn’tlikeoneanotherwellenoughtodothattogether.Buteventually,they’dgiveup.Theirliveswouldmoveon.Herswouldbeforevermarkedbyafewdistinctevents:hermother’sdeathshortlyaftershe’dturnedsix,herfamily’smurdertenyearslater,andthedayshe’dleftthetwowonderfulmensheloved.
“It’sastart,anyway.”Seanshrugged.“Ican’tsaythatIlikethefactthatyouworkforhimandliveunderhisroof.Iknowyouhavefeelingsforhim,justlikeIknowhewantsyoubetweenhissheets.”Helookedathersointently.“Iloveyou,Callie.Yousayyouhavefeelingsforme,too.Butforustowork,you’vegottochoose.”
Oh,she’dchosen.Nowshejusthadtomusterupthewilltogothroughwithherplan.Andneverloseherresolveaboutnotlookingback.
“Iknow.I’vebeengivingthisalotofthought.”Calliedownedherwineforsomeliquidcourage,hopingitwouldencourageSeantodothesame.
“And?”heasked,thentookanotherhealthyswigofwinebeforesettinghisstemonthedresserandfocusingonher.
No!Heneededtodrinkmore—allofit.Butwhenhegrabbedhershouldersandtuggedhercloser,sheknewthatwinewasthelastthingonhismind.Now,shecouldonlypraythathe’dimbibedenoughofthedrug.
Calliesetherownglassbesidehis,thenlookedupintohisstrong,familiarface,doingherbesttoremembereverydetail.Soon,she’dhavenothingleftofhimorThorpebutmemories.
“Iloveyou,too,”shewhispered.
Thatwasthelasttruthshecouldevergivehim.Nowshehadtoreleasehim.
Fallingapartinside,shethrewherselfagainstSean’sbroadchest,feelingthestalwartbeatofhisheart,andpressedherlipstohis.
Seanateathermouthforamoment,histongueravenous,hislipspossessive.Thenhepulledback,pantingandstaring,seemingtopiercehersoul.“IfeellikeI’vewaitedhalfmylifetohearyousaythat.Comeawaywithme.”
Hissoftdemandshockedthehelloutofher.“What?”
“Imeanit.We’veneverevenseenoneanotheroutsidethisclub.”
“Ilivehere.”
“We’llfindanewplace,roomenoughfortwo.”
Shegapedathim.“I-Iworkhere.”
“Youdon’tneedthisjob,lovely.I’llsupportyou.”
Dumbfounded,shestaredmutely.Hecaredforherthatmuch?Itbrokeherhearttoshakeherhead.
“Callie,hearmeout.Wecan’ttrulygrowtogetherifThorpeisalwaysinourway.Weneedtimealone,justthetwoofus.”
“I…”Theofferwastempting,inaway.MaybeshecouldstartoverwithSean.Maybehewouldagreetomovesomewhereelseand…Harborawomanwantedformurder?Hideherwhenhiswholelifewouldcomecrashingdownforit?Healreadyaskedtoomanyquestions.Seanwasn’tdumb;itwouldn’ttakehimmuchlongertofigureherout.“Ican’t.”
Justlikeshecouldn’tstandtobreakhisheartnow.Ifhisfeelingsweregenuine,hewouldhurtenoughoncehewoketofindhergone.
Frustrationflashedacrosshisface.Heclenchedhisfists.“Don’tyouunderstand?Aslongashe’sdictatingtheterms,wecan’treallybetogether.Wecan’tgrow.”
Ifshewasn’trunningforherlifeoralsoinlovewiththemanSeanwastryingtowrestherfrom,shemightagree.Shedidn’thavethatluxurynow.“I’llthinkaboutit.Ijustneedtime.Thisisreallysudden.”
Hesighed.“Allright.I’vebeenponderingitforweeksnowandI’mreadytohaveyoualltomyself,but…I’lltrytobepatient.”
“Thankyou.”Shebattedherlashesathim.Thatwasfalse,butshecaressedherwayuphisshoulderandwrappedherfingersaroundhisnape.Underherhands,hefeltsoveryreal.
“You’remine,youknow,”hedeclared,histonestrongandgruffandinsistent.“Iwon’tgiveup.”
Itshouldn’t,buthisdeclarationmadeherheartflutter.
“Fuck,Ican’tstandit.I’vegottohaveyou,lovely.Markyouasminesomehow.Stripforme.”
Callietriednottolosehercool.IfshegavemoreofherselftoSeannow,thehurtwouldonlybedeeperlater.Already,shefeltsodamnclosetocrumblingthatshecouldbarelyholdherselftogether.Butshecouldn’tdenythatshewantedtotouchhimonelasttime.
Ifshecouldn’tgivehimthetruth,thenshecouldgivehimapartofherself.Besides,shehadtodistracthim—fast.
Pullingoffherdress,shelaiditacrossthebed.Herchampagnelacelingeriefollowed,andthelowmoanthatcamefromSean’sthroatechoedwithappreciation.Shekickedhershoesoffnextandrolleddownherstockings,teasinghimwitheverymovement.Calliestaredathimoverhershoulder,gentlywigglingherhips.
“You’rearightheadysiren.”Hepalmedherhip.“EverytimeI’mnearyou,IforgeteverythingIshouldbedoing.Icanonlythinkaboutmakingyoumine.”
Callieknewexactlywhathemeantbecauseheoftenderailedherbetterintentions.
Sendingashakysmilehisway,sheforcedherselftostayontrack.Soshepressedonelastkisstohislips,thensankgracefullytoherknees.
“What’sthis?”heasked,lookingdownather,hiseyesheating.
Herstarerocketeduphisthighsandlingeredatthehealthybulgebehindhiszipper.Shebitherlip,thenforcedherselftostarestraightintohiseyes.“Letmeserveyou.”
Seansuckedinaharshbreath.“Callie…”
Shedidn’twaitforhimtorefuseorcommandhertochangecourse.Sheunbuttonedhistrousers,thenloweredhiszipperwithahissthatthrobbedinthesilence.Withoutaword,heshedhisjacketandshirt,castingthemontothefloor,nevertakinghisstarefromher.
Aftersheeasedthecharcoaltrousersoffhiships,theyfelldownhisthighs.Hekickedhisshoesawayandsteppedoutofthepants.
“Ishouldn’tbelettingyoucontrolthis,”hesaidthickly.Butthatwasn’tstoppinghim.“Imightpaddleyouforitlater.”
Usually,she’dhaveasaucyanswerforhim.Today,shejustcouldn’tscrapeonetogether,notwhenshewassoclosetofallingapart.
Instead,shepeeredupathimwithherheartinhereyes.“Ineedtopleaseyourightnow.”
Thehintofdisapprovallefthisface,andhecaressedthecrownofherhead.“IfindI’mnotverygoodatsayingnotoyou,lovely.”
Theansweringsmileshesenthimperchedsoftlyonherlips.“I’mmoregratefulthanyouknow.”
Beforehecouldsayanythingmore,Callieloweredhisdarkboxer-briefsdownhislegs,revealingthethick,longstalkofhiscock.Attherecollectionofitbetweenherlips,insideherhungrysex,herwombclenched.Onefinaltime…Atleastitwasasmallcomforttoknowthathislastmemoriesofherwouldbeofpleasure.
“Suckme,then,”hesaid.
“Yes,Sir,”shemurmuredandleanedforwardtotakehimbetweenherlips.
Withalongswipeofhertongue,shelavedhimupthelongshaft,overthebulbousheadthatlookedsomewherebetweenblueandpurple,thenswirledallarounduntilhesliddesperatefingersintoherhairandmoanedlow.
Callieclosedhereyesandsankintothemoment,takinghimevendeeperinside.Shesuckedhard,puttingallherloveanddeterminationintoeverypassofherlipsandcurlofhertongueoverhishardflesh.
“Hmm.”Herockedabitonhisfeet.“Feelssogood.You’remakingmedizzy.”
“ThenImustbedoingsomethingright.”AndsomusttheAmbien.
Sheredoubledhereffort,whimperingatthetasteofhimsohotandpotent,growingharderandthicker.Longer.Hegrippedherhairtight,pulling.Theslightstingofpainrousedher,asdidthemuskyscentofhisskin,poolingwithmasculinetanginthedipsandcrooksbetweenhislegs.Cuppinghisheavytesticles,feelingthemdrawupbitbybitinherpalm,shegaveherselftotallytohispleasureandlethistremblingfingersguideherupanddownhislengthuntilhisbreathsawedoutofhischest.Hispantsbecamegrunts,eachgrowinglouderuntilhemoanedaloud.
“Callie…”
Whimperingathisurgency,desperatetofeelhimexplodeonhertongueandtastetheflavorofhissatisfaction,shesuckedharder,bathinghimwithhertongueonelasttime.Herheartstutteredashiscockpulsed.Hegrabbedherhair,thengaveahoarseshoutoffulfillment.
Hishotseederuptedonhertongue,saltyandthick.Calliedrankhimdown,digginghernailsinhishair-dustedthighsandclingingwitheverybitofherneed.
Whycouldn’tthismomentgoonforever?Whycouldn’tshecurlupwithhimonthebed,watchinghimsleepinsatedcontentment,andthinkaboutwhatthey’ddotomorrow?
BecauseshecouldneverbeCallindraHoweagain.Shecouldn’tevenbeawomanwithareallife.
Slowly,sheworkedherlipsupSean’slength,lookingthroughherlashesathisflushedface.Hischestheaved.Hiseyesslidclosed.Gratificationspreadacrosshisface.
“Oh,lovely…”Hisvoicesoundedlowandfaint.Hestumbledonhisfeet.
Calliejumpedtosteadyhim,theneasedhimontothebed.Hetumbledback,headonherpillow,hisbreatheveningout.
Hertimewithhimwasalmostover.
“Iloveyou,”hebreathedout.
Sheleanedoverhim,drinkinginhisstrong,relaxedfeatures,firmlips,hardjaw.Shecuppedhisface.Suchabeautifulman…
Andhe’dneverreallyknowhowmuchshelovedhiminreturn.Sincehewasmomentsfromsleep,Seanwouldn’trememberanythingshesaidnow.
He’dbehurtbyherabruptdeparture.Calliecaressedhisface,tearsformingandfalling.Sheshouldbeleavingrightnow,throwingonherdarkclothesandshimmyingoutside,butthethoughtoftearingherselfawayvoluntarilyfromthisbed—fromhim—wasrippingherchestwideopenandsplinteringherheart.
“Sotired…”Hefrowned.
“Iknow.I’msorry.”Calliewishedshecouldleavebehindapieceofherselfforhim.Maybethen,shecouldfindthewilltomoveon,knowingshe’ddonewhatshecouldtoeasehishurt.
Anideaflashedacrossherbrain,andsheleaptup,diggingfranticallyinSean’spantsuntilshefoundhisphone.Thensheshookhimawake.
“Wha…?”
Calliethrusthisphoneintohishands.“Unlockthisforme.Ineedtomakeacall.Mycellisdead.”
“Toldyou.Chargeit.”Hefoughttopeeratthescreenandtapoutthecode.
Onthethirdtry,hefinallymanaged.Thephoneclicked.Hisarmdroppedtohissideasdeepslumberovertookhim.
Andthatwasit.Herlastwakingwordstohimwereafib.Leavinghimarecordingonhisphonewastheonlywayshecouldthinktoleavehimthetruthinherheart.
Assheflippedthroughhisapps,lookingforaplacetoleavehimavideomessage,shefrownedwhenshestumbledoverapictureofherself.Butnotacurrentone.Itwastheyearbookphotoshe’dtakenhersophomoreyear,justbeforeherfamily’smurderhadforcedhertofleeChicagoandallshe’deverknown.
Seanknewheridentity.Thethoughtbeatthroughherbrain.Heknew.Herfingerswentnumb.Shedroppedthephone.
Everywordhe’deverutteredtoherwasalie.
OhGod.
Suckinginaterrifiedbreath,Callieleaptawayfromhimandfelltothefloor.Shefumbledthroughhispants.Washeacop?Anassassin?Aprivateinvestigator?Histrousersrevealednothing—nodriver’slicense,nowallet,nobadge.Shecrawledoverthecarpetuntilshereachedhiscoat.Afterpattingittwice,sheencounteredahard,coldlump.Foldingbackthefabric,shefoundtheinsidepocketandpeekeddown.Agun.
Calliebitbackashriek.Herheartbeatafast,staccatorhythm.Terrorlacedherveinswithicyfire.
Heknewwhoshewasandhecarriedagun.Hispleaforhertocomeawaywithhim?He’dprobablymeanttokillheroncehe’dluredherawayfromThorpeandDominion.Whoeverhadshotherfatherandsisterhadcomeafterhermorethanoncetofinishthejob,butthey’dnevergottenclosetoher.Thistime,they’dfoundherweakness—herfuckingfoolishheart.
SeanKirkpatrick,thebeautifulScotshe’dstupidlyfallenfor,wastryingtokillher.Shebitbacktearsofbetrayalandran.
***
THORPEendedthecallwithAxel,stunnedandblinking.Achillworkedthroughhisbody.
Callie…
Shewaslockedinherroomwiththatsonofabitch.
Tearingdownthehall,heroundedthecorner,callingsecurityasheranandgrabbingLance,whostillstoodsentryinthehall.
“Whatthehell?”theotherDomasked.
AssoonasAxel’smusclepickedupthephoneinthebooth,Thorpegrowled,“Callie’sroom.Now.She’sindanger.”
Ontheoffchancethisturnedouttobeamisunderstandingoramistake,he’dworryabouttherepercussionsofburstinginonthemlater.
Lancecursed.“What’shappened?”
Thorpehadaterriblefeeling.God,whyhadn’theseenthiscoming?“SeanKirkpatrickisalyingmotherfucker.Nothinghe’stoldusabouthimselfistrue.Andhe’sheretotakeCallie.”
“Goddamnit!”Lanceranfaster.
Theyreachedherdooratthesametimeasthesecurityguards.Panicmakinghisheartdrumloudlyinhisears,Thorpepoundedonthedoor.“Callie?”
Noanswer.
No,no,no…Hecouldn’thandleit.PleaseletherbeasleeporintheshowerorevenbusywithKirkpatrick’sdickinhermouth.Hecouldn’tdealwithherbeinggone.
Fuckingfabuloustimetoadmithowmuchhelovedher.
Thorpeextractedherkeyfromhispocket.Hishandsshookasheslammeditin,thenturnedthelock.Frantically,hetwistedtheknob.Hecouldn’tmovefastenough,gettoherquicklyenough.
Themomenthedid,hetookinthedisheveledbed,anakedKirkpatricksprawledacrossit.Callie’slingerielitteredthefloor.Herdresshadbeenflungnearby.Herpurseandphonesatonthedresser.Butthewindowhungopen…andthewomanhelovedwasnowhereinsight.ChapterSeven
TWOhourslater,ThorpehadnodoubtwhatsoeverthatCalliewaslonggone.Inadditiontohercar,she’dtakenherlaughter,herexpressiveblueeyes…andtheotherhalfofhisheartwithher.
Plowinghishandsthroughhishair,hethoughtacidlythatifhe’dbeengoinggraybefore,worryingaboutCalliewouldacceleratethatprocess.Now,Kirkpatrickwashisonlyhopeforanswers.Sofar,he’dbeenunabletoshakethebastardawake.Intheinterim,Thorpehadrifledthrougheveryinchofherclosetandeachoneofherdrawers.Hehadn’tcomeupwithmuch.
ThebottleofAmbienhe’dgottenthedoctortoprescribeherthissummerhadneverbeentouched.He’drailedathertotakethemandputastoptoherinsomnia.Thestubborngirlhadrefused.Suddenly,twoofthetabletsweregone.BetweenthewineonherdresserandKirkpatrickstillsackedoutinherbed,Thorpedidn’thavetoguesswhathadhappenedtothem.Goddamnit.
Axelreturned,andbythegrimlookonhisface,hissearchofCallie’sfewfavoritehauntshadturnedupempty.Hecouldn’tcallhercellphoneortrackit.She’dleftithere.Ironicallyenough,withafullcharge.She’dshedhersirenreddress.Itstillsmelledlikeher.Inherwake,she’dabandonedeveryotherstitchofclothingsheowned,excepttheonesonherback.Alsoleftbehindwerethecardsandgiftsshe’dpainstakinglypackedawayforthelastfouryears,asifeachonewasatreasuredmemento.Andshe’dremovedSean’scollar,placingitinthecenterofthenightstandbesidehim,wherehewouldcertainlyseeitoncehewoke.
ThorpeknewexactlywhowasresponsibleforCallie’sabruptdeparture.She’dbeen…well,maybenotperfectlyhappy,butcontentforthelastfouryears.Kirkpatrickhadenteredthescene,turnedherfairlyorderedworldupsidedown,andultimatelyfrightenedheraway.Thenlikeawildwind,she’dsweptoutthedoor.OnlyCallieandGodknewwherethehellshewas.
Wouldshethinkshewasallalonenowthathewasn’tbesidehertoholdherhand?
“Nothing?”heaskedAxel.
“Nada.I’velookedeverywhere.Theguyshaveswepteveryinchofthisplace.Thelittleminxcrawledoutthewindow—somehow—thenshemanagedtoavoideveryoneofthesecuritycamerasintheparkinglotonherwaytohercar.Theonlyimagescapturedindicatethatsheworeblackanddroveoutoftheparkinglotnearlythreehoursago.”
Howthefuckhadhiscarefulplanninggonedownthedrain?What,exactly,hadKirkpatrickdonetospookherandmakeCalliefleesosuddenly?Thorpeintendedtogetanswers.
“I’mgoingtofindher.”
“Iknowyou’lltrylikehell.”Axelcrossedhisbeefyarmsoverhismassivechest.“Ijustdon’tknowwheretogowiththesearchfromhere.”
“Ineedtocomeupwithsomeideas.Inthemeantime,canyougetmefakepassports?WhenIfindCallie,I’mgoingtomoveheroutofthecountry.AndI’mgoingtotakecareofher.”
Axelwhistled.“Thedocumentsalonewillcostyouasmallfortune.”
“Idon’tcare.Canyouarrangeitornot?”
“Yeah.Butyouhaveabusinesstorun.Howthehellareyougoingtodothatfrom…ElSalvadororwhereveryouwindup?”
“Yousaidoncethatyouwantedtobuymeout.Here’syourchance.”
Hisheadofsecurityheldupmassivehandsinaplacatinggesture.“You’retalkingaboutthrowingawayeverythingyou’veworkedforoverdamnnearthelastdecadeforagirlyouhaven’teverfuc—”
“Don’t.Finish.That.Sentence.She’shadnoonetotrulyrelyonfortoolong.I’mgoingtochangethat.”
“Ifyou’recaught,you’llgotoprisonwithher.”
Shockpingedthroughhim.AxelhadfiguredoutCallie’sidentity.
Thorpenarrowedhiseyesandgavethebigguyhismostmenacingsnarl.“Whatareyouimplying?”
“Hey…whoa.Nothing,man.ReadingKirkpatrick’sdocumentstonightmadeitobviouswhoCalliereallyis.Blewthefuckoutofmymind.ButIfiguredyouknew,too.”AtThorpe’ssharpnod,Axelwenton.“Herbehaviorallthistimemakessensenow.Howlonghaveyouknown?”
“Almosttwoyears.”SincethatfatefulDecembernightwhenhe’dfinallyputhishandsandhiseyesonthebulletwoundthathadcarvedalittlenickoutofherlefthip—andconfirmedallhisworstfears.“You’dbetternotbecountingthatbigbountyonherhead.”
Axellookedalmosthurt.“TheideaofCallieshootinganyone,muchlessherownfamily,especiallyformoney,ispreposterous.I’dneverstabeitherofyouinthebackforabuck.”
“Ihopeyou’renotfuckingwithme.I’dhatetohavetoendyouanddisposeofyourcorpseatthebottomofalakeinthemiddleofnowhere.”
Axelsnorted.“Iwon’tgiveyouareasontoplotmymurder.Isthatwhatyouhaveinmindforhisfate?”
Thorpefollowedtheotherman’sstaredowntoSean,stillallbutpassedout.“I’mconsideringmyoptions,butI’mnotrulinganythingout.”
“Ifyoudon’tdosomethingwithhim,he’sgoingtoblab.”
“True.AndI’vegottoremovehimfromCallie’spathforgood.Sheneedstoknowthatshe’ssafe,nomatterwherewego.”
“You’reinlovewithher?”
HefiguredthatAxelwasabouttheonlyonewhohadn’tguessedbeforenow.“I’msurprisedLancedidn’tletyouinonthat.He’sapparentlyamused.AndXanderjustfeelssorryforme.”
BeinginCallie’sroomwhenitfeltsoutterlydevoidofthewomanherselfwaskillinghim.Hertouchwashereandherscentlingered.Thorpepaced,butpainseepedintohischest.Everymomentfeltliketorture,anditwasfuckinghardjusttobreathe.Howwouldheclosehiseyesandsleepwithoutknowingwhereshe’dgone?Howwouldhebeabletofacetomorrowwithoutanyideaifshewassafe?
“There’snothingfunnyaboutlovewhenitgoestoshit.”Axelsighedheavily.
Thorpeknewtheguyhadastory,buthehadtofocusonCallienow.“Willyouhelpmeornot?”
“Absolutely.You’vesqueezedmeoutofmorebindsthanIcancount.Ifyouneedme,I’msolid.Justgivemeafewdaystogetallthepaperworkinorder.Focusonfindingher.”
“Yeah.Questionis,wheredowestart?”
“Well,it’snotlikewecanfileamissingperson’sreport…”
“No.Andsomeoneelsewasthelasttoseeherbeforeshebolted,”Thorpepointedout.
TheybothlookeddownatSean.
“I’llmakecoffee.GoodluckwakingSleepingBeauty,”Axeldrawled.
Withanod,Thorpesatontheedgeofthebed.“Whileyou’reatit,checkinwithyourguysagain…justincasetheyhaveanythingnew.”
“Onit.”Axelsaunteredtothedoor,thenpaused.“Iwon’tgiveup,either.We’lldoeverythingwecan.”
Itwouldn’tbeeasy.Calliehadvanishedintothinairmanytimesovertheyears.She’dlearnedhowtoevadelawenforcement,howtodisguiseherselfwell,howtoconnectherselfwithpeoplewhoweren’tallthatfriendlywiththeauthorities.
Butshedidn’tknowhowtoescapeamanwillingtofightdirtyandgiveanythingtohaveherback.She’dsoonlearnthathe’dnevergiveup.
Withasourcurltohislips,hegaveSeanaheartyshove.Themangrunted,smackedhistongueinhismouth,thenrolledawayandresumedsnoring.
Thorpeeyedhimwithannoyance.Thisshithadbeengoingonentirelytoolong.HeshouldhavelistenedtohisgutassoonasKirkpatrickwalkedintheclubandthrewthebastardout.
Sighing,hedraggedSeantotheedgeofthebedandslungthemanoverhisshoulder,firemanstyle.Thefuckergroanedandjerked,halfawakeandflailing.
TrudgingtoCallie’ssmallbathroom,Thorpeheavedthemanintoheremptytub.Sean’sheadhittheporcelainwithalittlethump.
“That’sgoingtoleaveamark.”Axelstoodinthedoorwaywithaconsideringstare.
“Oops.”Thorpesmiledtightlyandreachedforthefaucet.“Aren’tyousupposedtobebusy?”
“Alreadydone.Irushedback.Thisismoreentertaining.”Withabarkoflaughter,AxelconsideredSeanagain.“Ifyou’regoingtosplashcoldwateronhim,becareful.Iwasamedicinthemilitary.Hecouldgointoshock.I’veseenithappenonceafterafewidiotsdranktoomuchtequilaonleave,thentriedtowakeoneanotherup.”
“Well,Ionlyneedthisonealiveforabouttwominutes.Then…”Thorpeshrugged.
“Youhaveareallyruthlessside,boss.”Axelsmiled.“Ilikeit.”
“Itry.”ThorpeflippedthefaucetoninCallie’sshower,blastingridiculouslycoldwateralloverSean,soakinghisskin.
Hecameupsputtering,wipingwaterfromhiseyesandglaring.“Whatthefuck!Areyououtofyourmind?”
Well,well.Isn’tthatinteresting?NoScottishaccent…Theleopardwasfinallyshowinghistruespots.
“Notatall,”Thorpegrowled,thengrabbedthebackofSean’sheadbyhiswethair.
“Getyourbloodyhandsoffme.”
Andtheaccentisback.Thorperolledhiseyes.
“Droptheact.Iknowyou’renotScottish.AndIknowyou’renotatravelingbusinessman.”
Seanrearedback.“I’venoideawhatyou’retalkin’about.I’mfromEdinburgh.ImovedtoFloridaafewyearsback—”
“Shutthefuckup.”
“I’ddowhathesays,ifIwereyou,”Axelsuggested.“He’sinareallybadmood.”
Sean’sbluestarezippedaroundtheroom.“Where’sCallie?”
“Well,that’swhatIwanttoaskyousinceyouwerethelastpersontoseeherbeforeshefled.”
***
WITHaripecurse,SeanjerkedawayfromThorpe’sbrutalholdandstood,turningoffthefreezingshower.Heshookofftheexcesswaterlikeadog,snickeringwhenThorpeandAxelbothprotested.Thentheyjustlookedangrier.
Well,fuck.Twoagainstone,andI’mbucknaked.Theoddsweren’tgood.HowdidThorpeknowhewasn’taScottishbusinessman?Andwhatelsedidheknow?
Later.HissluggishbrainwasjustnowprocessingwhatThorpehaddeclared.
Hisheartfroze,thenbeganpoundinglikeadamnjackhammer.
“Fled?”Headdedthelilt,refusingtobreakcover,evenifpanicgratedhisinsides.“Howdidyouletherslippastyou?”
Thorperolledhiseyes.“I’llexplainthemeaningof‘thejigisup’whenCallieisbackhomesafely.I’maskinghowsheslippedpastyou.Afterall,youwereinthesameroomwithher.”
Seanweighedhiswordscarefully,tryingtoreconstructtheeveninginhishead,thenheplayedthepartofKirkpatrick,ashehadformonths.“Thelassmusthavedruggedthewineshegaveme.Idon’trecallmuch.Thenshe…”
Heletoutaraggedbreath.ThepartwhereCalliehadswalloweddownhiscockandsuckedhimdry,allwithsuchasadlookinhereyes,wascrystalclear.
“What?”
“That’sbetweenCallieandme,aprivatematterbetweenaMasterandhissub.”
Axelleanedoutthedoor,thencamebackdanglingCallie’scollarononefinger.“Idon’tthinkshe’syoursubanymore.Shetookthisoffbeforesheshimmiedoutthewindow.”
ThesightofCallie’scollarglintinginAxel’shandstaggeredhimlikehe’dfallenundertheweightofagiantredwood.Hestumbledback.Sonofabitch,heshouldhavelistenedtohisinstinctandpushedCallieforanswers.He’dknownsomethingwastroublingher.
SeangrabbedthecollarfromAxelandclutcheditinhishand,thenglaredThorpe’sway.“Whatdidyoudotoher?”
“NothingIhateworsethanafakeaccent,”theclubownermutteredtothesecuritybeefcake.“Iadmitithadmefooledforalongtime,butnowitjustmakesmegritmyteeth.”Finally,themanregardedhimagain.“Whatthefuckkindofquestionisthat?”
“Thekindwhereyouexplaintomewhatyoudidtodistressmyweelovely.She’sbeenupsetsincelastnight,whenyousawustogetherinthedungeon.Sheseemedmorethanamiteonedgetonight.”
“AreyousuggestingthatI’mtheonewhoranheroff?”
“ThatIam.I’venoideawhatshelikesaboutyou,butshedoesbyherownadmission.Youpushingyourattentionsonherlastnightconfusedthepoorgirl.”
“Youblurtingthatyouloveherdidn’t?Areyougoingtotellmehertearsthenwerefake?”
Axelsteppedbetweenthem.“Guys,thisisn’thelpingusfindCallie.”
True,andhehadtokeepittogether.He’dinvestednearlyayear’sworthofworkonher…andwithoutmeaningto,hisheart.
“I’mgoingtocheckinwiththerestofthestaff,questionsomeofthememberswhowereintheparkinglotearlier,andmakeafewphonecalls.Be-fucking-have,youtwo,”Axeldemanded,thenstrodeoutthedoor,shakinghishead.
Astheothermandisappeared,Seangotbacktothematterathand.“Calliedidn’tsayawordtomeaboutleaving.Wedranksomewine,talkedabit,thenmadeourwaytothebed.That’sthelastthingIrecall.”
“Noideaifshefiguredoutyou’reafed?”
Sean’sbloodrancold.“Afed?You’rearseendup.I’mtellingyou—”
“AbirdietoldmetherearelotsoffilesfromtheFBIaboutmeandeveryoneelsewhofrequentsthisclubinyourapartment.Andofcourseeveryknownfactabout‘wee’Callie.”
Shit,Thorpeknewexactlywhohewas.Andwhoshewas,too.ThegoodnewswasThorpewasprotectiveofthegirl.Thebadnewswasthatmightchangenowthatherealizedhe’dbeenhavingfeelingsforandharboringafugitiveallthistime.
IfThorpehurther,Seanvowedtokillhim.
Hurdlingtherimofthetub,hejumpedinThorpe’sfaceand,despitehisnudity,shovedtheannoyingassholeagainstthewall.“Ishouldhaveyoufuckingarrested.”
Nosenseinfakingtheaccentnow.Thorpehadcrossedtheline,invadingafederalagent’sturf.ButSeanknewheshouldkickhisownass,too.Heshouldcarryinformationinamorediscreetway.Heshouldusesomehigh-techwaytolockitup.Buthe’dbeenraisedbyhisgrandparents.Hightechwasn’thisthing.CertaininthebeliefthatnooneatDominionhadseenthroughhiscover,he’dallowedhimselftoslack.Andnowhewasgoingtopay.
“Thankyou,”Thorpespit.“Thataccentwasdrivingmemad.”
“Itwasmygrandfather’s,andit’sspoton.I’vetesteditinScotland,inhishometown.Fuckoff.”Hestompedonthewettile,sloshingaround,beforehegrabbedCallie’stowelofftherack.Itwasstilldamp.Anddamnifitdidn’tsmelllikeher.Seannearlywentweakintheknees.Hehadtobelievethathe’dsmellherskinagainsoon.Shecouldn’tbegoneforeverinaninstant.
“WilltherealSeanstepforward?”Thorpedrawled“Oristhatevenyourname?”
“Idon’thavetoanswerthat.”Seanwrappedthetowelaroundhiswaist,stillclutchingthedelicateweightofhercollar.
“Ithinkyoudo,unlessyouhavenointerestinfindingCallie.”Thorpecrossedhisarms,andtheseamsofhiscoatstruggledtocontainthebulkofhisshoulders.“BecauseI’mnotgoingtotellyouwhatIknowuntilyoudo.”
He’dlearnedquicklyfromobservationaroundtheclubthatMitchellThorpehidbehindaveneerofcivility,butunderitall,hecouldbeunflinchinglyruthlesswhensomethingorsomeonehevaluedwasthreatened.
“SpecialAgentSeanMackenzie.IhaveeveryinterestinfindingCallie.She’snotjustthesubjectofaninvestigationtome.”Heclearedhisthroat.“Iloveher.”
“NotsureIbelieveyou.”Thorpepaused.“AndI’vegotaboutamillionquestions,butnotuntilwehavesomeideawhereCalliehasgone.”
“Fairenough.”
“Didshegiveyouanyindicationwhereshemightbeheaded?”
“LikeIsaid,shedidn’tindicatethatshewasgoingatall.Isuspected,but…CanweheadbacktothebedroomsoIcanhavemyclothes?Unlessyoulikemenakedorsomething?”
“Fuckno.”Thorpemovedoutofthedoorway.
SeanambledintoCallie’sroom,lookingatthewindowwithafrown.“Shecrawledoutthatwindowwiththebars?”
Thorpenodded,seemingbothvexedandoddlyproudofCallie.“Itookaflashlightandexaminedtheareawhereshe’dloosenedthebarsinonecorner.Itappearsthatshediditsometimeagotomakesureshehadanescaperoute.”
“Soshe’salwayshadaplan,Isuppose.”
“Ithinkshealwaysdoes.Howelsecouldshemanagetoeludeyouguysforsolong?”
SeannoddedandlocatedhisclothesinthemessThorpehadmadesearchingtheroom.SettingCallie’scollaronhernightstand,hesworehe’dhaveitaroundherneckagain,someday,somehow—forreal.Thenheslippedonhispants.“I’vestudiedherpatterns.FromwhatIcantell,shecamemostrecentlyfromOklahomaCity.Idon’tseehergoingbackthere.I’msureyou’velookedatthesecurityfootage.Didsheleaveinhercar?”
Thorpehesitated.“Shedid,butIdon’texpecthertokeepitlong.”
“Agreed.It’saliability.Shewouldn’twanttoruntheriskofusputtinganAPBoutonherorbeingarrestedbythefirstoverzealouscopwhorunsherlicenseplate.”
“No.”Theclubownerdidn’taddasingleotherwordtotheconversation.Obviously,hewasn’tgoingtoliftafingertohelp.
“IwishedI’dlistenedtomygutandputaGPStrackeronhercar.”
“Youdon’thaveanyotherwaytotrackher?”WhenSeanshookhishead,Thorpesighedinfrustration.“Areyoufuckingkiddingme?Youknewshewasaflightrisk.”
“Ihaddevicesinbothhercollarandherpurse.Sheconvenientlyremovedthefirstandleftthesecondbehind.IfIwasgoingtoplaythepointlessblamegame,I’daskwhyyoudidn’tcheckthebarsonherwindowstomakesuretheyweresecure.Afterall,youknewshewasaflightrisk,too.”
“Fuckoff.”
“Wedon’thaveAxeltorefereeforusnow.ArewegoingtonarrowdownwherewemightfindCallieorjustfight?”
Thorpeclenchedhisfists,lookingreadytospitnails.“We’regoingtofindher.”
“Good.I’vegotsometheories.Shewouldn’theadanywherenorthornortheastwithwintercoming,”Seanmusedaloud.
“Whatmakesyouthinkthat?”
“Don’ttreatmelikeI’mstupid.”Hebristled.“Calliedislikesthecold.Andoverthelastnineyears,we’vetrackedherthrougheightstates.We’veoftenmissedherbydays,sometimesevenhours.”Seancouldn’thelpbutadmirehergutsasheslippedonhisshirt.“Butshealwayschasesthewarmth.Youknow,we’vebeenawareforsometimethatshewasinTexas.WeevensuspectedDallas,butcouldn’tpinherdown.”
Thorpeswallowedthickly.“Howdidyoufindher?”
“WegotahitonfacialrecognitionsoftwarewhenyousenthertoyourbanktomakeadepositattheendofJanuary.Ittookafewweeksforthebureautopositivelyidentifyher,thenanothersixweeksformetowatchthisplace,you,theothershere,andher,sowecoulddecidehowtoproceed.”
Thorpeclosedhiseyes,andSeancouldguessthathewaskickinghisownass.“Ineverimaginedthatasimpleerrandwouldputheratrisk.”
“Don’tblameyourself.Itcouldhavejustaseasilybeenatrafficorsidewalkcam.”
ButThorpe’sfacesaidthatheabsolutelyfeltresponsibleandthatifheeverfoundCallie,hewouldn’tmakethatmistakeagain.Seanwouldbeteverydimeinhisbankaccountthatthemanwasalreadyplanningtosecretheroutofthecountry,someplacefarwarmerandsouthoftheU.S.,outofthebureau’sreach
Heregardedhisnemesis,hopinglikehellhewouldn’thavetodetainorhurtThorpe.Itwouldjustbeawasteoftimeandthelossofatemporaryally.
“Soyoudon’thaveanyideaswhereCalliemighthavegone?”Seanchallenged,wantingtoknowifThorpewasgoingtoplaynice.Obviously,themanhadideas.Timetoseehowmuchhe’dbewillingtoshare.
“Notreally.TheonlythingI’veeverbeenabletocountonwithCalliewastheunpredictable.MaybeFlorida.Ifshewantedtogetoutofthecountry,doingitfromtheKeyswouldbeeasier.”
SeanpoundedhisfistonthewallbesideThorpe’shead.“Bullshit!Thelongeryouplaythisstupidfuckinggamewithme,thelongershehastogetaway.Shewon’tgotoFloridabecauseshethinksmyhomeandbusinessarethere.”
“Well,damn.IguessIcan’taccuseyouofbeingstupidafterall.”
Seanjustsnorted.
“AreyoubasedinFlorida?”Thorpesoundedalmosthopeful.
“RighthereinDallas.”Hesmiledacidly.
“Well,hunkyfuckingdory.Isn’titmyluckyday?”
“Hey,youdon’thavetolikemeanybetterthanIlikeyou.Butrightnow,wehavetoworktogethertofindher.Everyminutethatticksby—”
“Isanotherminutesheslipsfartheraway.Iknowthat,asshole.”Thorpegaveanagitatedhuffandrakedahandthroughhishair.
“Look,whetheryoubelievemeornot,myfeelingsforCalliearereal.Ihaveaveryvestedinterestinmakingsureshedoesn’tgotojail,especiallyforacrimethere’snowayshecommitted.”
ThatsetThorpeonhisear.“Youknowshe’sinnocent?”
“Ofcourse.Butisthatreallytheimportantquestion?”
“Whydoesthebureauwanther?Murderisn’treallytheirjurisdiction.”
“Nowyou’rethinking.That’ssomethingI’veaskedmyselfoverandover.Idon’thaveananswer,andbeforeyousayaword,that’snotaloadofcrap.Idon’thavethetimeorenergytolietoyou,man.Theykeepgivingmealineaboutidentityfraud.”
“Calliewouldn’tstealanyone’sidentity.”Thorpefrowned.
“Butshe’screatedpersonasandgottenfakeIDs,sometimescrossingstatelinesbeforesheddingthemandhercar,thenstartingover.”
Thorpelookedathimasifhe’dlosthismind.“Andthat’scauseforthebureautosendinanundercoveragentformonths?”
“Exactly.Noneofthisaddsupforme,either.Andthey’retreatingthecaselikeit’svitaltonationalsecurity.”
“What?Thatdoesn’tmakeanyfuckingsense.”
“Whatmakesevenlesssenseisthatmydirectiveisjusttokeeptabsonherandsearchforanythingshemayhavetakenofherfather’s.”
“Nottoarresther?”Thorpelookedtense,poisedonaknife’sedgewaitingfortheanswer.
ApartofSeanwantedtolettheclubownersquirmindiscomfort,buttheyjustdidn’thavetime.“Atleastfornow.Iftheyreallybelievedshehadviolatedlaws,they’dwantherbehindbarspronto.Twoandtwoisn’taddingup.Something’srotteninDenmark.Usewhateverclichéyoulike,butit’smessedup.AndI’mgoingtodoeverythingIcantoprotecther.”
“Thatmakestwoofus.”Crossinghisarms,Thorpeswallowed.“Allright.ShementionedsomethingaboutL.A.tomelastnight.”
Sean’swholebodytightened.“Doessheknowanyonethere?”
“Notanymore.XandermovedtoLouisiana.Andtheyaren’tclose.”
Withashrugofhisshoulders,Seanconsideredthesuggestion.“It’sapossibility.Theyhavefairlywarmwinters.It’sfarfromhere.It’sabigcity,soshecangetlost.”
“Thatmakessense.”
Thorpelookedlikethatnotionscaredthehelloutofhim.ItworriedSean,too.Whatifhecouldn’tfindherthere?Oranywhere?
“She’lldefinitelyheadwest.Where’smydamnphone?”Seanpattedhispockets,thenlookedaroundthefloor,thenthebed.Finally,hespottedthedeviceandnearlypouncedonit.Thesecondhetappedinhiscode,thepicturethatappearedmadehimswearabluestreak.“IknowwhyCallieran.Damnit,shefuckingtrickedmeandfiguredoutthatIknowwhosheis.”
HeflashedThorpethepictureofherteenageself,chippersmile,darkblondhair,andthosesameblueeyeshecoulddrownin.
Thorpe’ssibilantcursefilledtheair.“Thatwoulddoit.”
“Iscaredher.”Sean’sfacefilledwithregret.
“Nodoubt.Ifyouthinkshe’sgoingwest,I’mgoingtofindher.”
“You?”Seanshookhishead.“Thisismyjob.Youneedtostayhere.”
“Nothappening.I’mgoingwithyoutofindCallieandmakesureyoudon’tdragheraway.”
“You’vegottostayhereandactlikeeverythingisnormal.”
“How?”Thorpedemanded,lookingatSeanasifheneverhadanymindtoactuallylose.“Myworldisupsidedown.AnyonewhoknowsmeknowsdamnwellthatIwouldn’tletthatgirlgowithoutafight.”
“Maybe,butyou’recrazyifyouthinkthebureauisn’twatchingyou,too.Theydon’tgeteyesonCallietoooftenoutsideDominion.Butyou…everytimeyou’vehoppedonacommercialflightoreventakenataxisinceweidentifiedherhasbeentrackedandnoted,justincaseyouleavingisasignthatshe’sdartingwithyou.”
“Someoneinsidetheclubsnitchedthatwe’reclose?”
Seanquicklyassuredhimwithashakeofhishead.“BeforeIjoined,Icouldn’tgetanyonetotalk,butthebureausurmisedit.She’sneverstayedinoneplaceforevenhalfthislong,sowehadtoassumethatshewasattachedtosomeonehere.Youseemedlikethemostlogicalchoice.ThesecondIgotinthedoor,Iknewshe’dremainedherealltheseyearsforyou.”
Hedidn’ttellThorpethatheknewCalliehadlargelyacceptedhiscollartoseeifThorpewouldcare.Ifthebastardhadn’tfiguredoutthatshewasinlovewithhim,too,Seandidn’tfeeltheneedtoenlightenhim.Inhisbook,ifThorpehadn’tclaimedherbynow,he’dmissedhischance.
“Here’sathought,”Thorpetossedout.“Youstayhereandlook‘normal.’I’llborrowsomeoneelse’scarandheadwest,incasethey’relookingformine.I’llfindCallie.”
“Sureyouwill.Whileyou’reworkingoutsomeschemeinyourheadwhereyouintendtoclearthecountrywithher,nevertobeseenagain.IpromiseIwon’tletthathappen.I’llthrowobstruction,tampering,harboringafugitive—whateverIcanmakestick—atyou.I’llalsoprosecutethehelloutofAxelforbreakingintomyapartmentandtamperingwithfederalevidence.You’llbothgotojail.AndbeforeyoutellmeAxelhadnothingtodowithit,shutupandsparemethelie.”
“Thenwe’reatacrossroads.Youwanttofindher.Iwanttofindher.Yougivemethe‘twoheadsarebetterthanone’speech,thenthinkyou’regoingtoleavemeherewhileyoufindCalliealone?”Thorpeshookhishead.“Atthispoint,Idon’tgiveafuckifyoutrytoarrestme.Ionlycareaboutbringingherbacksafe.Idon’tdoubtthatshe’sdodgedsomeunscrupulousmeninthepastwhohavelookedatherandseennothingbutthattwo-million-dollarbounty.”Thorpefrownedathim.“Ifshe’snotactuallywantedforacrime,whythebigpriceonherhead?”
“Idon’tknow.Shedoesn’thaveanyotherfamilytoputupmoney,sothat’sanothermysterythatmakesnosensetome.ButifUncleSamiswillingtoponyupthatmuchcash,she’ssomehowvaluable.Someoneelseknowsthat—andknowswhy.Peoplefarmoredangerousthanbountyhunters.”
Thorpewentabsolutelystill.“Whoeverkilledherfamily?”
“That’swhatI’mthinking.Afterall,theyalsoshotherthenightsheescaped.Iftheywantedherdeadthen,whystoptryingnow?”
“You’reright.Jesus…”
“AccordingtothefilesIhaveaccessto,she’seludedsomewell-paidassassinsoverthelastnineyears.Someonewantstosilenceher.IjustwishIknewwhy.I’dlovetohuntdowntheseassholessoIcankeephersafe.”
“Wecan’tstandhereandfuckaround.ThisisbiggerthanIimagined.”Thorpedidn’tlooklikeamanwhoeverbegged,buthecameprettyclosenow.“Twoheadsarebetterthanone.Youmightknowmoreaboutherbackground,butIknowher.Iknowwhosheisnow.Ihaveabetterideawhereshe’dgo,whatshe’ddo,andwhy.”
Seanpausedandreluctantlynodded.“Allright.Butyoucan’ttakeheroutofthecountryoncewefindher.”
“We’llworkthatoutlater.Let’sfindherfirst.”
Seandidn’tlikeit,butThorpehadavalidpoint.“Myrules,though.Leaveyourphonehere.”
“What?No!”Thorpelookedathimlikehe’dlosthismind.“Ifshecallsme—”
“Shewon’t.Sheleftherphoneherewithallhercontactnumbers.”
“Calliememorizesnumbers.Sheknowshowtocallme.”
Seanshookhishead.“Thebureauismonitoringthelocationofyourphone.Leaveithere.”
“Damnit!How?”
“Tradesecret.GetaburnerphoneandtellAxelhowtofindyouincaseCalliecallsyouorreturns.Weneedacar,notyoursormine.”
“AxelwillbehappytodrivemyJagwhileI’mgone,”Thorpedrawled.
“Perfect.”Seanclappedhimontheshoulder.“Let’sgo.Webothneedtograbasmuchcashaswecan.Oncewedo,we’llgetontheroad.Hopefully,wecanbeoutofDallasbeforedawn.”
“Andwhat,justheadwest?”
Withanod,Sean’sfaceturnedgrim.“We’llhopeforabreakintheinformationaswe’retraveling.”
AfteraquickchatwithAxel,theyexchangedkeys,andhisheadofsecuritywasgrinningfromeartoear,promisingtotakecareofthebusinessandcar,asThorpemadehiswaytohisoffice.Justashesethisphoneinadrawerofhisdesktolockitup,itchimedwithatext.Seanglancedatthescreen.LoganEdgington.911.
“Whatdoeshewantatthislatehour?”Seanasked.
“Notsure.MighthavesomethingtodowithaphonecallImadeearlier.”Hesnatchedhisphoneupagainandquicklyhitafewbuttons,thenjammedthedeviceagainsthisear.
Seandidn’tbelievehimforasecond.“Putitonspeaker.”
“Fuckoff.”
“Oryoustayhere—behindbars.Icanarrangethat.”
Thorpegrumbled,thenhitthespeakerbuttonasthecallconnected.Thesecondtheothermananswered,Thorpeskippedthesmalltalk.“What’sup,Logan?”
“TarajustfoundoutthroughhercontactsatthebureauthatKirkpatrickisreallyafednamedMackenzie.”
“Igotthatalready.Andhe’sstandingrightbesideme.”
Thorpeslantedhimastare,andSeanhadtoadmitthathewasimpressedthattheclubownerhadtheforethoughttolookintohisbackground.TheguymightmakeabetterpartnerinthesearchforCalliethanexpected.
“Well…Ididn’tknowthatuntiljustnow.Sodon’tkillme.”
“Notreallymypriorityatthemoment,Logan.Ihavetogo.Callieismissing.”
“Iknow.Shecametome,terrifiedoutofhermind.Shedidn’tknowwhoorwhatthisSeanguywas.”Logansighed.“Shethoughthewastryingtokillher,soIhelpedherdisappear.”ChapterEight
“WHYthefuckdidn’tyoucallmebeforenow?”Thorpedemanded.“Hell,whydidn’tshecometome?I’mgoingtopaddleherasswhenIcatchupwithher…”
“Getinline?”Seangrousedbesidehim.“Thelittleminxtrickedme,druggedme,liedtome.I’msureIcanaddtothatlistifIthinkaboutitforafewsecondsmore.”
“Calliewasscared,guys.Shepanicked.Basedonwhatshetoldme,Iunderstood,”Logansaid,tryingtobethevoiceofreason.
Therewereahundredreasonsthatwasfunny,butThorpewasn’tinthemoodtolaughjustnow.“Andwhatdidshetellyou?”
“AreyouhereasalawenforcementofficerorherDom?”Loganasked.
“MypriorityisCallie’ssafety,”Seanclarified.“Nothingelsematters.”
Logansnorted.“Ifyou’relying,Thorpewillprobablymakesurethatsomeonefindsyoumonthsfromnowatthebottomofalakewithhundred-poundweightsattachedtoyourankles.”
Damn,Loganknewhimwell.
“Whatever.Spititout.”Seanrolledhiseyes.
“Shetoldmeeverything,”Loganadmitted.
Callietrustsamanshehasn’tseenintwoyearsmorethanshetrustsme?ThethoughtstungThorpelikeanicyrain.Itfuckinghurt,tobesodisregardedafterfouryearsof…whatwastheirrelationshipexactly?
Ifhethoughtaboutit,Calliehadbeenhissubinsomanyways.Notsexually,ofcourse.Butshe’ddeferredtohimatwork.She’dbeguntocometohimwithherproblems—notthisone,granted.She’dleanedonhim,sometimeslettinghimholdherwhenshe’dlookedforlornormelancholy.Andsweetestofall,sheoftentriedtopleasehiminlittleways.He’ddonehisbesttogiveherallthesecurity,support,boundaries,andcaringsherequired.
Ithadn’tbeenenough.Withonesentence,Loganhadstrippedawayhisblindersandproventhathewasn’tCallie’sgo-toconfidante.Itwouldbeeasytoimaginethatshedidn’tcareforhim,butthosetearyblueeyeshadn’tliedwhenhe’dheldher,andshe’dcuppedhischeekasshe’dpouredoutherfeelings.Shedidlovehim…inherway.Asmuchassheletherselfloveanyone.
“Sowhere’smyCallienow?”Seanaskedintothephone.
“YourCallie?”Thorpeaskedsharply.“Remindmewherehercollarisnow.”
“ShutupandletEdgingtonanswer,”Seansnapped.
“She’sonherwaytoVegas,”Logansupplied.“IcalledaheadtooneofmyoldSEALteambuddies.Elijahisagoodguyandahellofanoperative.Tomorrow,Ipromisedtogetsomepaperworktogetherforhersoshecouldleavethecountry.”
“Sonofabitch,”Seanmuttered,echoingThorpe’sownsentiment.Thenthefedlookedathim.“SoIguesswe’reheadingtoVegas.Howisshegettingthere?”
“Ifoundheralast-minutecharterwithabunchofvacationers.It’sadirectflight,leavingfromNewOrleansabout…now.Theplaneisabigone.She’sintheback.Hopefully,noonewillrememberher,especiallyaftersheboughtafloppyhatatWalmartthatcovershalfherface.Elijahwillpickherupwhentheflightlands.He’llputherupwithhim.He’svacatinghiswifeandkidsfromthehouse,justincasethere’strouble.Assoonasallherpaperworkcametogether,Iwasgoingtoovernightittoher.”
Andthatwouldhavebeenthat.Shewouldhavedisappearedfromhislifeforever.AndThorperealized,ifthathadhappened,shewouldhavebeenhisbiggestregret,too.Healreadyhadsomanyofthem.Washepreparedtoaddhertothelist?
“ThesecondCalliecalledyoutomeether,youshouldhaveletmeknow.Youshouldhavetoldmewhereshewas,whatwasgoingon—”
“Shebeggedme.IpromisednottocallyouuntilwemetandIheardherout.OnceIhad,Iunderstoodwhyshewasadamantaboutnotriskingyou,soIpromisednottosayanything.Andshewasright;everyonewhoknewherwouldassumeshe’dcometoyouwithherproblems.Sheusuallydoes.”
Thorpestilldidn’tlikeit.“HowwouldyoufeelifTaracametomewantingtoescapedanger,andrefusedtoinvolveyouevenforyourowngood?”
“It’sdifferent.She’smywife.”
“It’snotdifferent.IfXanderknewhowIfeltabouther,Iguaranteeyoudid.”Hecursed.“We’lltalkmoreaboutthislater.WherecanwefindElijah?”
Loganrattledofftheaddress,thensighed.“Look,I’msorry.Inyourshoes,I’dbepissed,too.IdidwhatIthoughtwasbestwiththeinformationIhad.I’llstallherpaperworkandtellElijahtohangontoheruntilyoucangetthere.Thenyoucandecidethebestcourseofaction.”
“Thanks,”Seansaidintothephone.“We’llcallyouagainfromtheroadwithdisposablenumbers.Neitherofusaretakingourphones.”
“Check.”
Thorpeendedthecall,barelyresistingtheurgetothrowhiscellacrosstheroomandsmashitintopieces.Instead,helockedthedeviceintooneofhisdeskdrawerssoonlyAxelcouldaccessit,thenlookedathisrivalforCallie’saffectionandhisnewpartnerinherretrieval.“IwanttogettoCallieasquicklyaswecan.Iwon’trestagainuntilIseeher.”
“Ifeelthesame.Let’sgo.”
***
DAWNhadinchedupoverthehorizonafewhoursago,andtheywereinthearmpitofTexas,somewherebetweenDallasandAmarillo.MileaftermileofboringhighwayrolledbywithnothingbutsmallTexastownstosee,andthedriveseemedinterminable.HeandSeanhadpassedthehourswithafast-foodbreakfastsandwich,severalcupsofcoffee,andabsolutesilence.Yesterday’sclothesfeltgrittyandstiff.Butnoneofthatmatterednow.ThorpecouldonlypraythatnoonehadrecognizedCallieandthatsheremainedoutofharm’sway.
Besidehim,Sean’seyesdroopedlikehestillhadatingeofanAmbienhangover.ButhecontinuedtostareattheroadasifitwouldsomehowbringCalliebacktohim.
“Ifyouwanttosleep,goahead.Igotit,”Thorpesaid,breakingthetensehush.
Seanshookhisdarkhead.“I’vebeenonstakeoutsinthepastandhadtogotwoorthreedayswithoutmuchsleep,soI’vebeenmoretired.”
Heshouldprobablyjustshutup,butthey’dlostallradioreceptionsometimeago,unlessonecountedtheclassiccountrytwangstation,whichhedidn’t.Tosaythedrivewasstressfulandboringwasasobviousascallingtheskyblue.
“Yoursleepdeprivationisn’tgoingtohelpusfindheranyfaster,”Thorpepointedout.
“Rightnow,I’mnotsureIcouldnodoffforanyreason.We’vegothours,maybedays,beforewecatchuptoCallie.IfIclosedmyeyesnow,I’djustdwellonhowdisturbedIamthatshebelievesI’mouttokillher.”
“Whatelsedidyouexpecthertothinkaftersherealizedyoulied?”
“Iunderstandlogically.Howmanydirtbagshavehuntedherinthepast,right?Herwarinesshasprobablysavedhermorethanonce.”Apainedfrownconsumedtheotherman’sface,fullofdeeplinesandsilentrestraint.Callie’sbeliefthatSeanwascapableofhurtingherwasclearlyshreddinghisguts.“ButIwouldn’ttellCalliethatIlovedherifI’djustplannedonendingher.”
Mackenzie’stoneaskedwhythegirlcouldn’tseethat.Themanmighthavespewedalotofcrapinthepast,butunfortunatelyThorpehadnodoubthisfeelingsweregenuine.
“Orturningherinforthemoney?”
“Never.”
“Whendidshebecomemorethanacasetoyou?”Thorpewasn’tinterestedinhavingatouchy-feelyconversation,butitwouldbothfillthelongdriveandtellhimhowmuchhecouldtrusttheguy.
Seanshrugged.“IthinkbeforeIevenmether.Calliewasneveranameinafileforme.Fromthemomentthiscasecamemyway,Iwantedtounderstandwhatmadehertick.Ikeptthinkinghowdamnharditwouldbetoloseyourmotherasalittlegirl,thensoviolentlyloseeveryoneelseyoulovedbeforereallygrowingup.”
“Andthenhavetorunforyourlifeandbeforcedtoleaveeveryoneyoucametocareaboutagainandagain.”
“Yeah.”Seanstewedforaminute.“Hercircumstanceshitmehard.Ididn’tknowmyparentstoowell,butmygrandparentsraisedme.Whentheydied…”Heletoutalongbreath.“Thatwasdamnhard.Theytaughtmehowtoloveandthevalueoffamily.Anyway,IfeltforCallie.ButthemomentImether…fuck,IknewIwastoast.”
Thorpegrippedthesteeringwheeltighter,stunnedbySean’ssimplehonesty.Heunderstoodclosenessandlove.Thorpehadbeenavoidingthoseforsomanyyears,he’dforgottenwhatitwasliketotrulyletanyoneinsidehisheart—untilCalliehadbulldozedhisprotectivewallsanddugherwayinwithoutevenknowingit.She’dquicklytakenroot,aweedhecouldn’tbringhimselftopull.Ifhemanagedtofindher,couldheopenenoughtobetheman,thelover,sheneeded?
Accordingtomostpeopleinhispast,hedidn’thaveaprayerinhell.
“Rightaway,Icouldseethatshe’dbeenalonefortoolong.Sheisn’tmeanttobe,”Seanpointedout,histonealmostachallenge,asifhewaswillingtofightuntilThorpeagreed.
Buttherewasnothingtoargueabout.“You’reright.”
Seanrelaxed.“Callieyearnsformore.”
“Shedoes.She’safraidtoconnectwithanyone,butherheartistoobignottoshare.Despitethatbrattyattitudesheflashes,she’smostcontentwhenshe’smakingothershappy.”
IftheycouldhelpCallieunderstandthattheybothsimplywantedhersafe,maybeshewouldcomehome.Butthatwouldn’tmakeherwhole.Thegirlneededthefirmhandofatendermastertoguideherthroughlifeandlove.Shewasprobablybetteroffwithouthim,butThorpeknewthatifhedidn’tgetoverhisshitandtrytoassumethatrole,Seancertainlywould.Ifthemansucceeded,Calliecouldbelosttohimforever.
Thesunbeatdownthroughthebackwindow.Theremnantsofthecoffeetastedlikecoldsawdust.Hisstomachcoiledintotightknots.Sincehedoubtedhecouldbewhatsheneededbuthedidn’twanttolivewithouther,wheredidthatleavehim?Fucked.
“Iseeherdesiretopleaseothers,”Seanagreed.“Buttosurvive,thecleverlittlekittenhasdevelopedsomesharpclaws.”ThefondsmileonSean’sfacemadeThorpebothappreciatethemanmoreandwanttoriphisentrailsoutwithjealousy.“Calliewillfightwhenshethinksit’snecessary.”
“Everytime.Butinthelastfouryears,I’vewatchedherblossom.Whenshefirstcametome,shedidn’tsmile,wouldn’ttalk,liedabouteverything.Thefuckingsadnessonherface…Iknewshewasinsomesortoftrouble.Itwasdamnhard,butIdidn’tpushorpry.”
“WhendidyoufigureoutwhoCalliereallywas?”
Thorpesenthimaskepticalglare.“Andadmittoknowinglyharboringafugitivesoyouhaveareasontoarrestme?Nothappening.”
Seantossedhishandsintheair.“IfI’dwantedtoarrestyouforthat,IcouldhavedoneitbackinDallas.AndifItrumpedupachargeandthrewyouinjail,Calliewouldneverforgiveme.AsmuchasIhatetosayit,Ineedyourhelptofindher.”
Prettyspeech,butthatdidn’tmeanThorpetrustedthefed.“Whathappenswhenwedo?”
“Youmeanwhogetsthegirl?That’suptoCallie.”Seansighed.“Shelovesusboth.”
Anothertruth.Theevenugliertruthwasthathe’dneverfoughtforher.Foryears,Thorpehaddeniedhowmuchhecared,pretendedthatheknewnothingaboutherfeelings.Whywouldthegirleverchooseadivorcedmanfifteenyearsherseniorwho’donlyeverrebuffedheroverthehot,youngagentwhocouldn’twaittotellherthathelovedher?
“Wouldn’tyoursuperiorsfrownonyouforgettinginvolvedwitha‘personofinterest’?”Thorpeasked.Itwasaweakargument,butthebesthehad.
Thetruthwas,ifCallielovedandtrustedaman,shewouldalwaysstandbesidehim.FunnyhowclearlyThorpecouldseethatifhe’dacknowledgedthefeelingstheysharedandproventhatshecouldtrusthimwithheridentity,CalliewouldstillbeatDominion.Shewouldneverhaverunoffbeforetalkingthroughtheissuesorintentionallyleavehimbroken.
HemightbetoojadedtogiveCalliethedevotionshedeserved,butthatdidn’tmakeMackenziegoodforher,either.Hewasjustanotherbrandofwrong,asfarasThorpecouldtell.
“I’llcrossthatbridgewhenIcometoit,butIwon’tletanythinghappentoher,”thefedvowed,sendinghimachallengingstare.“I’veansweredyourquestion.Youanswermine.”
“Allright.Ifiguredoutwhoshewasacoupleofyearsback.Ultimately,it’shereyes.”
Seannodded.“They’resoblue,youcan’tmissthem.It’sonereasonshe’sworncoloredcontactsmoreoftenthannotforyears.Sowhydidyouletherstayonceyourealizedwhoshewas?”
“YouthinkIshouldhavetossedheroutwhensheneededsomeonetoprotecther?Fuck,no.”
“Inyourshoes,Iwouldhavemadethesamechoice.It’sgoodthatshe’sgotsomeoneelseinhercorner,”headmitted.“Howlonghaveyoubeeninlovewithher?”
Thorpetriedhardnottogrithisteeth.“Canweskipthischat?”
“Youstartedit,”Seanreminded.
“Andyouturneditaroundtointerrogatemequicklyenough.”
Seansatbackwithagrin.“Occupationalhazard.”
Thorpegrunted,buthefeltaghostofasmilebendhislips.Hedidn’tlikeMackenzie,exactly,butnowthattheguywasn’tpretendingtobesomeoneelse,hedidn’thatethefedquitesomuch.“WhatdoesCallie’sfilesayaboutherthatIdon’tknow?”
“Classified.”
“We’rebacktothisgame?Allright,whenyouwanttoaskmesomethingaboutthewomantoday,you’llbebarkingupthewrongtree.”
Seansighed.“Thismissionwouldhavebeensomucheasierwithoutyou.”
“CalliewouldstillbeatDominionifitwasn’tforyou.”
Exasperationcrossedhisface.“Look,I’mnotauthorizedtotellyouanythingoutright…butIcan’tstopyoufromguessing.Assoonasyoutellmehowlongyou’vebeeninlovewithher.”
ThorpesentMackenzieaspeculativeglance.He’dguessedthatSeanwasn’tabovebendingtherules,butfoundhavingthatconfirmedhelpful.AndevenifhewasnogoodforCallie,Thorpeachedtofillinsomeofthegapsinhisknowledgeaboutthegirl.“Easilyoverthreeyears.”Notthatit’severgoingtomatter.“Happy?”
“That’salongtimetohaveastiffdick,oldman.”
Thatjibehitabittooclosetohome.“Fuckoff.”
“Hey,it’sgoodforme.Yourlossismygain.”
“It’snotoveryet,”Thorpethreatened,sadlyawarethatitmostlikelywas.
Seanshrugged.“OnlyCalliecansettlethisargument.Inthemeantime,youwanttoknowsomethinginherfileornot.”
Prick.“Yeah.I’veoftenwonderedhowCalliesupportedherselfinothercitiesbeforeshecametome.Yourfilesayanythingaboutthat?”
“Yes.She’sfallenbackonthesameoccupationseveraltimesinseveralcities.Alwayswithdifferentnames,ofcourse.Anyguesses?”
“Besideswaitressing?”
“She’sdonethatmorethanonce,soI’llgiveyouapointforthatanswer.ButI’mthinkingofsomethingelse.”
“You’reenjoyingholdingthisovermyhead,”Thorpeaccused.
“Yep.”Withagrin,Seanshrugged.“Sueme.”
Rollinghiseyes,Thorpefocusedontheemptyroadandthesignthattoldhimitwasfortymilestothenearesttown.“Callie’sgreatatalotofthings.ShespeaksfluentFrench,butthere’snotabigcallingforthathere.”
“Nope.”
“She’sanorganizationaldynamo,andI’msureshecoulddothatprofessionally,butopeningherownbusinesswouldputdowntoomanyrootsforher,soI’llbetthat’snotit,either.”
“I’vesearchedCallie’sroommorethanonce,”Seanadmitted.“She’sextremelyorganized.”
“Shemademystyofanofficetheneatestit’severbeen.Shehasagoodheadformath,too.”
“Accordingtohergrades,shewasgoodinmostofherclasses.”
Thorpesmiled.“Exceptscience,I’llbet.IenjoysomeoftheshowsontheScienceChannel,andsheoccasionallycurlsupwithmeduringoff-hourstowatch.Sheseemslosthalfthetime.”
ThatmadeMackenzielaugh.“Icanpicturethat.EverseentheprogramnarratedbyMorganFreeman?Ilikethatone.”
“ThroughtheWormhole?Me,too.”Thorpeturnedastareonhim,shockedthattheyagreedonanything.Infact,theywerealmostgettingalong.
Seanclearedhisthroat.“Keepguessing.AnotherwayCalliemadeendsmeet?”
Yeah,movingon…Thorpewasuncomfortablewiththeconceptofthetwoofthembeingchummy.“She’sadisasterinthekitchen.Cerealmightbetootoughforher,soI’mguessingshedidn’tcookasakid.Andhowwouldshehavelearned?I’msureherfatheremployedafullstaff,nannies—chefs,gardeners,apersonalvalet—theworks.”
“Accordingtoherfiles,yes,”Seanconfirmed.
WhichmadeoneofhismostpreciousmemoriesofCallieallthesweeter.Thorpesmiled.“SheknowshowmuchIlikeItaliancreamcakeandtriedtomakeit,alongwithalovelydinnerformylastbirthday.Themealwashorrific,andwebothlaughed.Butthecakewasactuallyprettygood.”
HiswordsseemedtohitSeanbetweentheeyeslikeabullet.Thefactthatshe’dtriedsohardtopleaseThorpeclearlylefthimfeelingoutinthecold.Oddly,Thorpeunderstood.Everytimehe’dseeherdressupforSeanorkneelforthefucker,itfeltlikeatwo-by-fourtohisgut.
“Sinceshenevermadeanymoneycooking,IsuspectCalliecouldearnherlivingeithersingingordancing.She’sexceptionalatboth.”
“Wow,youdoknowher.”Seanlookedsomewherebetweenawedandannoyed.“Singing.That’showshepaidherbillsmorethanonce.Infact,duringherbriefstintinNashville,anexecutiveforamajorlabelsawheratabarandofferedherarecorddeal.Shemadeanappointmenttovisithisofficethenextday.”
“Andnevershowed?”Thorpeguessed.
“Exactly.Sheskippedtownovernight.Ididn’tknowshecoulddance.Herfilesindicatethatshehaddanceclasses,butsodidmycousins.Thatdidn’thelpthem.”Seansnorted.
Thorpelaughedandfoundhimselfrelaxingabit.“ThelasttimeIsawherdancewasjustbeforeyoucame.IhostedacharityauctionforwoundedsoldiersandtheirfamiliesbackinMarch.Slave-for-a-daykindofthing.Shedancedonstageandworkedupenthusiasmforthecrowd.”
“Calliehasgreatlegs,soI’mnotsurpriseditworked.”
“Whoboughther?”
“Idid.”Thorpehadbeenunabletowatchanyoneelsetouchher,sohe’dgivenherthenightoffifshepromisedtospenditaloneinherroom.He’dspentitwithsomeoneelse…thinkingofher.
Sean’ssmilefaded.“Idon’tlikethethoughtthatImayneverseeherdance.”
“Idon’tlikethinkingthatI’llneverhearaboutCallie’schildhoodfromher.ThefewtimesItriedtoprobeaboutherpast—beforeIknewwhoshewas,ofcourse—shewaseitherclosemouthedorsarcastic.”
Seanshothimaspeculativelook.“I’msurprisedyoudidn’tbeatherassforit.”
“Iwastempted.”
Thefedgrunted.“So,Calliewastwenty-onewhenshecametoDominion?Whatwasshelike?”
“Shehadachiponhershoulderthatwarnedeveryoneawayformonths.Thegirlonlyspoketomebecauseshehadto.I’llneverforget…Ifoundhercryingonthebackpatioaftershe’dbeenthereafewweeks.Calliejudiciouslyavoidedanythingremotelypersonalwitheveryone.Butthosetears…”Thorpeshookhishead.“Iwatchedherforafewminutes,thenIcouldn’tstandit.Itriedtohelp.”
“Sherebuffedyou.”
“Instantly,”Thorpeconfirmed.“IfIwantedtotalkaboutBDSMorwork,shewasallears.ThesecondIaskedanythingpersonal,sheclammedup.”
“Whendidshefinallyletyouclose?”
“IfoundthefirstchinkinherarmoratChristmas.God,Callielovesit.Decorateseverythinginsight.Ipraisedherwildly,andshestartedsoftening.”
“Ididn’tseeanythinginherfileaboutthat.”
Thorpeshrugged.“IonlyhavesketchydetailsaboutasliverofhertimebeforeshecametoDominion,butitwasobvioustomethatCallieenjoysChristmasbecauseit’saholidayforfamily.”
“I’mguessingthatsinceshedoesn’thaveany,sheadoptedeveryoneattheclubasherown.”Seanclosedhiseyes.“See,thisiswhyIcouldneverpictureherasahardenedcriminal.EvenifsheplannedtorunoffwiththatHoldenprick,Calliewantedasenseofbelonging.Awomanlikethatwouldneverkillherlovedones.”
“Precisely.IwasshockedthatfirstholidayseasonwithCallie.Shefanciedtheplaceup,organizedaparty,madeeverythingrunlikeawell-oiledmachine…thenstoodinthecornerandwatchedlikealittlegirlwithhernosepressedtotheglass.”
Frowning,Seanshookhishead.“Thenshehascomealongway.CallieteasesmosteveryoneatDominionnow.IguessIhaveyoutothankforthechange.Ihatetoadmitit,butyou’vetakengoodcareofher.”
Withthesunglaringthroughthebackwindow,Thorpeflippedhiswristuptostareathiswatch,uncomfortablewiththeman’spraise.HowmuchmorecouldhehavehealedCallieifhewascapableofactuallyfuckingtrying?
“HowlongdoesittaketoflyfromNewOrleanstoVegas?”Thorpespitout.“Threehours?Four?Shouldn’tshebetherebynow?”
“I’daskthebureautotracktheflight,but…”Helookedvaguelyuneasy.
ThetruthhitThorpe.“You’redoingthisundertheradar,aren’tyou?”
“I’vesaidenough.”
“Look,we’renotbestpals,butwebothhaveavestedinterestinfindingCallie.We’vegothoursofdrivingaheadofusandwe’reinthisshittogether.SoyoubetterbehonestwithmeorI’llleaveyouonthesideofthisdamnroadandfindherwithoutyou.”
Spreadinghiskneesandstaringoutthewindow,Seansighed.“Asmygrandfatherwouldhavesaid,someofthehigher-upsareadodgylot.They’vealwaysactedabitevasiveaboutthiscase,butoverthepastfewweeks,something’schanged.Ican’tputmyfingeronit.IjusthavethisgutfeelingthatifIgavethemanyindicationCalliehasfled,itwouldopenupacanofwormsImightnotbeabletoclose.Ithinkthey’dstartafull-fledgedmanhunt.TheymighteveninsistthatIarresther.Ican’tdothat.”
AndifSeancouldn’tarresther,Thorpedidn’tthinkhe’dturnherin,evenforatwo-million-dollarbounty.Hemightbewrong…buthedidn’tthinkso.
“Shit!”Thorpedidn’tlikethesoundofthatatall.“Canyouleanonthem,findoutanything?”
“I’vetried.Often,agentsareatthebottomoftheinformationtotempole.Politicsarealwaysonaneed-to-knowbasis,andtheythinkIdon’tneedtoknow.”
“Areyoufuckingwithme?”
“Rightnow,Idon’thavetheenergy.IjustwantCallieback,adecentmeal,andagoodnight’ssleep—inthatorder.”
Thorpewantedthat,too,alongwithapassionate,grindingslideintoCallie’sundoubtedlytightpussysohecouldhearhercryoutinhisearwhileshedugherlittlenailsintohisback,justasshe’ddonetoSean.Hedidn’tlikeanothermanfuckingher,buthelikedthefactthathe’dneverhadthepleasureoffeelingherhimselfevenless.
Listentohimwhine…Hewasn’tinherbestinterest.WhateverMackenzie’sflawsoragenda,thefedlovedher—enoughtoriskhisjobforher.Thorpecouldn’tfaultSeanforthat.
“So,abouttheex-wife,Melissa…”Mackenziebegan.
Thorpechoked,thentookaswigofcoldcoffeetorecover.“Nothingtosayabouther.”
“Sheleft,soyou’rebitter?Orgunshy?”Seanprobed.
“Wherethefuckdoyougetoffquestioningme?We’retalkingaboutCallie.”
“I’mtryingtounderstandyou.YourbadexperiencewiththelousyexisthereasonyoukeptCallieatarm’slengthalltheseyears,right?”
No,buthewasn’tspillingallhisdemonsforSean.“There’sasignificantagegap,too.”
“Whichismoreyourhang-upthanhers,I’dbet.Whatelse?”
Thorpeglancedathiscrappyburnerphone,wonderingwhereLogan’scallwasthatCalliehadreachedVegasallright.IfLogandidn’tcallinfive,he’dringtheformerSEAL.Butwhateverhedid,hewasn’treplyingtoSean.
“Soit’smostlyyourownfear.”Thefedsuppliedhisownanswer.“Iguessthatmakessenseinachickenshitsortofway.Butonethinghasmestumped.WhydecidetogetpossessiveafterIenteredthepicture?You’reoffrelationshipsbecauseoftheex,soyoutellyourselfthatyoudon’twantCallie.Butyoudon’twantanyoneelsetohaveher,either.You’vegotyourheadupyourass,Thorpe.It’snotfairtoher.”
Sean’swordsechoedLance’sandrangalittletootrue.Damnitifhedidn’twanttopunchtheman.“Noneofthisisanyofyourfuckingbusiness.”
“ItisifyouwanttoknowanythingelseinCallie’sfile.”Seangavehimanexpectantsmile.
Thorperubbedhisbroadforehead,wishinghecouldmassageawaythebeginningsofhisheadache.HereallywantedtotossMackenziefromthevehicle,butthatwasn’tinCallie’sbestinterest.Shehadtobeprioritynumberone.“Atfirst,she’dbarelytalktome.Aftershe’dbeenatDominionafewmonths,Iusedherforateachingdemo.OfcourseIwasattractedtoherfromthebeginning,butCalliewasapurenovice.Ididn’tknowifshewastrulysubmissiveorwaspretendingbecausesheneededajob.Ifoundoutquicklythatshewas.Ourchemistrywas…notlikeanythingI’deverexperienced.Itshockedme.”
“Soyoubackedaway?”
“No.Ishouldhave,butCalliewasfarmoresubmissivethanI’ddaredtohope,nottomentionaddicting.Itwasn’tlongbeforeIusedherforeverydemo.ItwastheonlyexcuseIwouldgivemyselftotouchher.Shestillkeptherdistancemoreoftenthannot,butdamn,thewaysherespondedtome…Iwasveryseriouslyconsideringbreakingmyownruleaboutnevertakinganexclusivesub
“ThenIwaswatchingsomesillynewsprogramoneday.TheyshowedapictureofCallieatsixteen,thesameoneyouhaveonyourphone.Itallclicked.IhopedIwaswrong,soIinventedanewexcusetotouchherandseeifshehadascaronherhipwherethatbulletgother.”
“Andwhenyoufoundit,youcutoffallbutthemostprofessionalcontact.”Seandidn’tphraseitlikeaquestion.Heknewtheanswer.
ThoughThorpedidn’tlikebeingtransparent,hesupposedhismotivesweren’tthathardtodeduce.
“Yes.Shewasalwaysgoingtoleaveme.Itwasjustamatterofwhen.”Assoonashe’dhadtostoptouchingCallie,Thorperealizedjusthowattachedtoherhe’dbecome.Andithadscaredthehelloutofhim.He’dpunishedherbybeinganabsolutebastard.
God,didn’thesoundlikeapussy,afraidofhisownemotions?
“Youdidn’twanttoendureheartacheagainafteryourdivorce.”
Seandidn’tknowthehalfofit.
“Somethinglikethat.Butseeingyouwithher…”Thorpeletoutadeepbreath.“Irealizedthenthatallmyattemptstodenymyfeelingshadbeenafuckingwaste.Happynow?Canwechangethesubject?”
“Almost.”Seancutastareoverathim.“Ifwefindher,areyougoingtobewillingtoriskyourheartforher?Becauseifyou’renot,youshouldn’tbotherfightingmeforher.Webothagreedthatshe’snotmeanttobealone.”
Thorpewasn’tsurewhatthehellhewasgoingtodo.Hewantedtofightforher…butwhatwasbestforCallie?“You’renotentirelypreparedtohandleher.”
Seancrossedhisarmsoverhischest.“Whatdoesthatmean?”
“Ifyou’rereallyaDom,youhaven’tbeenoneforlong.You’reabittoolenientwiththegirl.Sometimes,she’sahandfulbecauseshewantsyourattention.Yougiveittoherandlethertopfromthebottom.”Thorpetskedathim.“I’vealsonoticedthatyou’renotcomfortablewithalltheequipmentinthedungeon.Ifwefindher,areyougoingtobewillingtoexpandyourboundariestobewhatsheneeds?Ifnot,youshouldleavehertome.”
ThatmadeSeanindignant.“Fuckyou.Imaynothavebeenanacknowledgedpervertfortwodecades,butI’mmorethanwillingto‘expandmyboundaries’tohangontoCallie.”
“Pfft.”Thorperolledhiseyes.“You’vebeenatthis…what?Lessthanayear?”
“Actually,Igotinterestedacoupleofyearsback,wenttoafewclubsinFloridawithsomefriends.Butlong-termundercoverassignmentsdidn’texactlyleavemealotoftimetogetmykinkon.”
ThorpeopenedhismouthtodropMackenziewithascathingremarkaboutwannabeDoms,buthisphonerang.Theybothpouncedforit,buthewascloserandpressedthebuttontoanswerthecall.“Logan?”
“Putitonspeaker,”Seandemanded.
“Canyoubothhearme?”Loganasked.
Feelingasupremeirritationthatdamnnearchokedhim,Thorpehitthespeakerbuttonandlaidthephoneontheconsolebetweenthem.“Yeah.”
“I’mhere,”Seanadvised.“IsCalliewithyourfriend?”
“Iputherontheplane.OneoftheflightattendantssayssheremembersseeingCallienappingattheveryback.Therewasnowayshecouldhavegottenoffthatbirdinmidair.ButElijahsaidshenevermethiminbaggageclaim,likeIinstructedherto.”
“Youdon’tknowwheresheis?”Seangrowled.
“She’smissing?”Thorpeechoedhisincreduloustone.
“Yeah.”Logansoundedsomber.“Butthatisn’ttheworstnews.Elijahspottedsomedudeinauniformhe’dneverseenflashingCallie’spicturetothepassengersjustastheyclearedthesecureareaoftheterminal.Theguyaskedalotofquestions.”
Thorpe’sveinsranicywithforeboding,thenhesnappedhisgazetoSean.“Uniform?Likemilitary?”
“That’stheimpressionhegaveme,yeah,”Loganconfirmed.“Butnotonehe’deverseen.That,alongwitheverythingelse,sendsupabigredflagforme.”
“Me,too.Howisthispossible?”
“Idon’tknow.Itdoesn’tmakeanysense.”Logansighed.“Ididn’ttellasingleothersoulbesidesElijahandyoutwothatI’dputherontheplane.”
“ThorpeandIhaven’tbeenoutofoneanother’ssightsince.”Thefed’sexpressionsaidhedidn’tlikeanyofthis.
“AndElijahwouldn’ttalk.He’stight.Besides,Ididn’teventellhimwhoshereallywas,”Loganexplained.“Calliedidn’tmentionanythingaboutbeinghuntedbyanyoneelsewhenshetoldmewhyshewantedtoleaveDallas.Couldthefedsbeafterher,Mackenzie?”
“Iftheywere,Ishouldbethefirsttoknow.EvenifIwasoutoftheloop,theywouldn’tcomeafterherinsomeuniform.”
“You’reright,”Loganagreed.“EveryoneElijahtalkedtofromtheflightseemedwaryorshakenaftertheuniformeddudeleft.Whatevermessthatgirlhasgottenherselfinto,she’sinwayoverherhead.You’vegottogettoVegasandfindherbeforethisassholedoes.”ChapterNine
SEANthankedGodthatThorpehadrichfriendswhentheylandedinLasVegasafewhourslater.AfterLogan’spronouncementthatCalliewasatlargesomewhereinSinCity,heandThorpehadbothbeenreadytocrawloutoftheirskins.Twominuteslater,ThorpehadplacedacalltoXanderSantiago.Seanrememberedhim,hisbrother,andtheprettyblondesubtheysharedfromtheirvisittoDominionovertheprevioussummer—mostlybecauseCalliehadlefttheclubwiththeotherwomananddisappearedfordamnneartwelvehours.
Thatturnedouttobeabonus.BecauseCalliehadtakensuchgoodcareofXanderandJavier’swife,London,thebillionaireshadbeenmorethanwillingtolendhimandThorpetheirplane.IthadbeenfueledupandjettingtoAmarillo,Texas,innotime.Theyhadn’twaitedlongatallbeforethesmallluxuryplanearrivedtospiritthemawaytoVegas.
Afterafitfulcatnapinmidair,theytoucheddownaroundnoon.Ashetossedhiscarry-onoveroneshoulder,SeanracedThorpetotheexitanddowntheairstairs.Thorpehadshovedsomenecessitiesofhisowninabriefcaseandnowclutcheditinhisfistashesprintedfortheparkinglot.Anythingtheyneededandhadn’tpackedtheycouldbuy—excepttime.AndeverymomentthattickedbytheyspentawayfromCalliemadeitlesslikelytheywouldfindheratall,muchlessbeforesomeuniformwhoalreadyseemedhalfastepaheadofthemdid.Atthetwenty-four-hourmark,itwaslikelythetrailwouldgrowcold,andthey’dalreadyeatenuphalftheirtimeonfuckingtravel.
“We’vegotourplan,”heremindedThorpe,tampingdownhisanxiety.“Let’ssticktoit.”
Theclubownernoddedabsently,runningforthestrangerwaitinginthedistance.Logan’sfriendElijahwasbig,bald,andmenacing.TheformerSEALdidn’tlooklikesomeonehe’dwantforanenemy.Norwashemuchforsmalltalk,whichsuitedSeanjustfine.
Withinseconds,they’dtakenthekeystotheman’struckandpaidhimtorentacar.Theideawasn’tperfect,butitwouldn’tleaveacompletelyobvioustrailforanyonetofollow.SincesomeoneinauniformhadknowntofollowCallietoVegas,theguymightalsobekeepinganeyeonhimandThorpe,too.They’dhavetoliereallyfuckinglowinordertobothfindherandfigureoutwhofollowedher.
ThemomenttheyreachedElijah’sJeep,Seanslippedbehindthewheel.He’ddoneanundercoverstintinVegasabouttwoyearsagoandknewhiswayaroundthecityreasonablywell.ThesecondThorpe’sasshitthepassengerseat,themanhadhisburnerphoneopenandwascallingfolksinthelocalfetcommunity.SeandoubtedthatCalliewouldfallbackintoakinkenvironment.Shemightfinditcomfortable,buthesuspectedshewouldchoosetobeasunpredictableaspossible.Ithadkeptheraliveandfreethislong.
Inthemeantime,Seanpulledouthisownphoneashetoreawayfromtheairportandstartedcallingsomeless-than-legalguyshe’dmetherepreviously.Heaskedquestionsdelicatelybecausehewasn’tabouttotipoffknowncriminalsaboutawomanwithatwo-million-dollarbountyonherhead.NoonehadseenanewgirlintownworkingtheseediersideoflifewhomatchedCallie’sdescription,butSeandidn’tthinkitwouldbelong.Shehadn’thadtimetoplanherescapetothelastdetail.She’dhavetofallbackonexistingskillsforfastcashuntilshecouldcomeupwithabetterplan.
Thorpeslammedhisphoneontheconsolewithacurse.
“Itakeitthatmeansyoucameupempty-handed?”Seanasked.
“Yes,damnit.IknowaclubownernamedTalonwho’sconnectedtonearlyeveryoneinthelifehereinVegas.Buthehasn’tseenorheardaboutanyonenewwhofitsCallie’sdescriptioninthelastdayorso.Thenagain,she’llalreadyhavesomesortofdisguise.”
Undoubtedly.HeandThorpewouldhavetofactorthatin.“We’vemadeourinitialcontacts.Nowwe’regoingtohavetosplitup.Youhitthefetjointsandkinkbars,maketheroundsthereincaseshe’shidingout.I’llhitdivebars,nightclubs,restaurants—anyplacethatmighthavefilledtheneedforquickhelpinthelastdayorso.Webothjustneedtolookpastanydisguiseforthatfamiliarface.”
“Absolutely.Shewon’tgetawayfrommeagain.
“Calliewon’tbeworkingontheStrip,”Seanwarned.“She’llhavefoundsomewherejustoff,maybedowntown,somewherewithabitlesssophisticatedsecurity,whereshecouldmakemoneywithoutdrawingtoomuchattentiontoherself.”
“I’llcheckintoafewbarsIknow.IfIcomeupempty,we’llkeeptryinguntilsomethingworks.”
“Andifyoufindher,youbetternotskipthefuckingcountry.Yougotthat?”Seanthreatened.“It’slikelygoingtotakemorethanonepersontoprotecther,andifsomeoneinasecretbranchofthemilitarywantsher,thenyoubetyourasstheycanreachyoudowninSouthAmerica.”
“Iknow,”Thorpesaid,obviouslyresigned.“I’vealreadythoughtofthat.”
SeannoddedgrimlyanddrovestraightforthedowntownareathathadseenitsglorydaysearlyinVegas’shistory,sixtyyearsago.Overall,thehotelswerealittleseedier,aswerethepeople.Calliecouldeasilygetlostinthisseaofhumanity.Awig,afewnewclothes,somecoloredcontacts…Noonewouldknowher—orcare.Shewouldn’tstaylonginthiscity.CalliemustknowthatheandThorpewouldcomelookingforher.AndifsheknewsomeoneofficialsoughtherandhadshakenLogan’sprotection,thenshewouldwantoutofthiscityevenfaster.Theyhadafewdays.Aweek,tops.Assoonasshesavedalittlemoney,shewouldslipoutoftown.Oroutofthecountry.
“Fuck,”hemutteredtohimselfandsteppedonthegas,lurchingthecarintoheavytraffic.
***
TWOhourslater,Thorpehadindigestionfromalousypieceofpizzahe’deatenwhilepoundingthesidewalks.Thetwokink-orientedbarsheknewwerebothhalfemptyduringtheafternoon.Ithadtakenforevertosearchthecavernousplaces.He’dseensomeprettygirlswithCallie’sheightandbuild…butnotthewomanherself.TalonhadgreetedhimattheSlipKnotwithadrinkinhand.Thorpehaddeclinedthescotchandaskedhisfriendtokeepalookout.
Finallymakinghiswayoutside,hepulledouthisphoneandcalledSean.Voicemailpickedupafteracoupleofrings,andhetookataxibacktotheparkinglotofthehotelwhereSeanhadleftElijah’svehicle.Whenhegotthere,theJeepwasempty.NoSean.Nokeys.Great.Nowheeitherhadtostandhereandwaitorpoundthepavementmore.
AshepushedawayfromElijah’ssilverSUV,arealizationhithim.Pickinguphisstride,hedialedSeanagain,whopickeduponthefirstring.
“Jesus,Ijustfinishedlisteningtoyourvoicemail.Alittlepatience.”
“IthinkI’vegotanidea.Whereareyounow?”ThorpehadnomorethanaskedthequestionwhenhelookeduptoseeSeanstridingthroughtheparkinglot.
Theybothhungup,andthefedlookedathimwithanexpectantbrow.Thorpetriednottobristle.
“We’renotbeingsmart,”hetoldSean.
“Thenenlightenme.Whatarewenotdoingright?”
“Thinkaboutit.CalliedrovetoLoganforhelp,butheputheronaplane.Shedoesn’thaveacar.”
“Iseewhereyou’regoingwiththis.”Sean’seyeslitupwithpossibilities.“Shewon’twastemoneytakingataxitoandfromwhateverjobshe’smanagedtoscrapetogether.Andshewouldhavehadtolayherheadsomeplacelastnight.”
Thorpelookedaroundtheareawithalookofhorror.“Wherethehellwouldshestayinthisneighborhood?”
“Notatacasinohotel.They’retoopublicandprobablyabitexpensive.Shelikesextended-stayhotels,especiallyonesthataren’tpartofachain,”Seanremindedhim.“Iknowthisarea.Icanthinkofafewoffthetopofmyhead.I’vegotanidea.Followme.”
God,wherevershewas,itwaslikelyadive,somemotelthatdoubledasarent-by-the-hourhavenforlocalpimps.ThorpegrittedhisteethandfollowedafterSean.Theywalkedthepavementuntiltheycametothefirstplace.
Theexteriorwasafadedpink.ThesignadvertisedcolorTVsandair-conditioningasitsbigsellingfeatures.ThetarredparkinglothadlongagocrackedandbuckledundertheheatofpunishingVegassummers.Ironrailingsoverlookingdroopybalconieswerecoveredinrust.Theswimmingpoolwasanoff-puttingshadeofblue-green.
Theoldmanbehindthecounterlookedhalfasleep,andhecouldn’thavecaredlessthathehadcustomers.HebarelyliftedoneeyeawayfromthelittleTV.Hisjowlshungoverhiswrinkledhandasheglancedtheirway.
“We’relookingforamissingpersonwhomighthavecheckedinyesterday.She’stwenty-fiveandpetite,withafaircomplexion.Verypretty.Mayormaynothaveblackhairandblueeyes.”
“Look,Irentrooms,notgirls.Backinmyday,Iwouldhavelikedabroadlikethat,too,butIhaven’trentedaroomtoanyoneunderfiftyinatleasttwomonths.AndIdefinitelyhaven’thadadreamboatwanttostayhere.CanIgetbacktomyshownow?I’mmissingFinalJeopardy.”
“Thanksforyourtime.Ifshecomesby,canyoupleasecallthisnumber?”Seanjottedhisdigitsdownonastickynotethatlayontheclutteredcounter,thenslidittowardtheoldman.“It’surgent.”
“Sure.”Buthedidn’tlookawayfromhisshow,listeninginsteadtoAlexTrebek.
ThorpegrittedhisteethasheandSeanexited.“Thatwasawaste.”
“Maybenot.Calliemightskiparoundforawhiletoconfuseeveryoneonhertrail.We’llvisitthisoldfartagaininafewdaysifwehaven’tfoundher.”
Tryingnottobedisheartenedorgiveintoexhaustion,henodded.“Wheretonext?”
Seanledthewaytoahandfulofmotelsthatadvertisedweeklyormonthlyrates.Alldiveshedidn’teverwanttocallhome.Alllookedasifthey’dhadtheirheydayduringthegoldenageoftheRatPack.Bothgavethemsimilarspeeches.Noonenewrentingherewhofitthatdescription,yadda,yadda,yadda.
“WeneedaplanC,”hetoldSean.
Theothermansighedheavilyandrakedahandthroughhisdarkwaves.“We’rebothexhausted.I’mfamished.Let’stakealoadoffandtalkthisthrough.”
Fooddidn’tholdmuchappealforThorpenow,buthecoulduseacupofstrongcoffee.
Theymadetheirwaytoalittlegreasyspoon.Aslongastheywerethere,theyinquiredaboutCallie.Ofcourse,theycameupempty-handed.
“Istillcan’tfigureoutwhysomeonemilitarymightbelookingforher,”Seansaidquietlyonceseatedatatableinthecorner.
“I’maslostthereasyou,”Thorpevowed.“ItbarelymakessensetomethattheFBIwantstokeeptabsonher.Iguessthefactthatherfatherwasamultibillionaireisnoteworthy,but…”
“Whydoesthebureaucare?LikeIsaid,Idon’thaveanyanswers.Andanyoneinthemilitaryhuntingherdownseemswayoutinleftfield.”
“Exactly.Idon’tseehowshecouldhavegottenmixedupwithanythingoranyoneundermyroof.Beforeyoucame,IwatchedCalliejustabouteverymomentofeveryday.AndifIdidn’thaveeyesonher,Axeloroneofhisguysdid.Ididmybesttoprotectherandkeepheroutoftrouble.”
“Youdid.”Seansighed.“Let’sassumethispursuithassomethingtodowithherfamily’smurders.Theywerecarriedoutbyprofessionals.Youcouldalmostsaywithmilitaryprecision.”
Thatdidn’tmakeThorpefeelbetter.“Anychancethey’retryingtoprotectherfromsomething?”
“Whywaitnineyearstoeventry?”
Goodquestion,onewithoutalogicalanswer.“Whenyouputitlikethat…”
“Let’sassumethey’reafterherandthatthey’redangerous.I’mguessingtheyjustnowgotaleadonher.Otherwise,whywouldn’ttheyhavecomeafterheratDominion?”
“ButhowthehelldidtheyfindherinVegasbeforeshe’devenarrived?”Thorpeasked.
“I’vewonderedthat,too.”
“Wedon’tknowhowLogangotherontotheplane,buthe’sacleverbastard.Hecouldhavesomehowmanagedtobypassthesecurityscreening.OrmaybesheusedIDfromapreviousalias.”
“It’spossiblethatsomethingattheairportalertedwhoeverishuntingCallie.Butthere’sanotherscenario.Tellme,howmuchcanwereallytrustLogan?”
“Implicitly.I’dvouchforhimalldaylong.”WhenSeanstilldidn’tlookconvinced,Thorpetriedanothertactic.“WhywouldhesetCallieupwithasafehavenandvolunteeralltheinformationtousifhejustwantedtocollectthebounty?”
“You’reright.Hell,IfeellikeI’mgraspingatstraws.Nothingmakessense.”
Withafrown,Thorpeleanedacrossthetable,pausingwhenthewaitresscamebytopourmorecoffee.“Let’scomebacktohowtheyfoundherlater.Theotherbigquestionis,whyaretheyafterher?Didherfatherhaveanythingtodowiththearmedforces?Didhehaveanymoneyindefensecontracting?HaveanyswaywithsenatorsontheArmedServicesCommittee?Rubelbowswithgenerals?”
“I’dhavetogobackanddouble-checkherfile,butnoneofthatringsabell.”Seansighed.“Idon’twantit,butIneedsomefuckingsleep.”
AsmuchasThorpewouldratherkeepsearchingforher,heneededsomeshut-eye,too.Hewouldbenogoodtoanyoneuntilhegotit,andneitherwouldSean.
Helookedathiswatch.Lateafternoon.“There’sagoodchancethatwhereverCallieisnow,she’slyinglowandresting.Ifshe’ssinging,she’lllikelybedoingitatnight.”
“Iagree.Sincethatwillbeherfirstchoiceofjobs,ratherthanservingfoodonherfeetallthetime,let’sgowiththeideathatshe’snotworkingrightnow.Afteranap,youandIwillmeetupagain.Sixsoundgood?”
Thorpedidn’twanttopause,buttheybothneededtobesharp.“Yeah.”
Insilence,theywalkedtoacheaphotelnearbyandsecuredacoupleofrooms.Theplacewasdecentbutolder,tookcash,anddidn’taskmanyquestionssincethey’dpaidforaweekinadvance.ItwashardlytheRitz,andhecouldn’thavecaredless.
Onceinside,Thorpemadeafewmorephonecalls,onetoXander,whohookedhimupwithJavier.Carefully,heaskedquestionsaboutDanielHowewithoutmentioningCallieherself.TheelderSantiagobrotherhadbeeninthedefensecontractingbusinessforoveradecade,buthe’dneverheardanythingaboutCallie’sfatherdippinghistoeinthatwater,financingsuchaventure,orhobnobbingwithinfluentialsenatorsormilitaryofficials.Anotherdeadfuckingend.
Nextdoor,hecouldhearSeantalkingaswell.Fuck,thisplacewasmustyandold.Normally,he’dneverstayhere,anditbrokehishearttothinkofCalliecurledupsomeplaceevendumpierthanthis.
Whyhadsherunwithouttalkingtohimatall?Hadshetrulybelievedthathedidn’tcareenoughtokeephersafe?
Withatiredsigh,hewedgedhimselfintothesmallshowerandtriedtowashhisfunkaway.Nosuchluck.Hismoodwasstillcrashing.HefelteverysinglesecondthattickedbyandstartedtopicturetherestofhislifewithoutCallie.God,eventhethoughtmadehiminsane.Nowayhecoulddowithoutherinhislife.He’dmovemountains,partoceans,riphisowndamnheartoutofhischesttohaveherback.
Butevenifhedid,hestillwouldn’tbetherightmanforher.
Steppingoutoftheshower,hewrappedathreadbarewhitetowelaroundhiswaistandploddedovertohisbed.Justashesatinexhaustiontocallhimselfeverykindofdumbshitforlettingherslipthroughhisfingers,hisphonerang.ThenumberlookedlikeLogan’s.
“Hi.Yougotsomethingforme?”hebarked.
“Yousoundfuckingmiserable.”
“Iam,Logan.I’minarattrapwithasplittingheadache.Ineedsleep,andallIcanthinkaboutisCallieoutthere,believingthatshe’stotallyalone.Whatifthemilitarybrasslookingforherfoundherbeforewedid?Idon’tevenwanttothinkit,butIdon’tknowwhytheywanther,wheretheywouldhavetakenher,or—”
“Takeabreath,man,”Logancutin.“Calliemadeitoutoftheairportinonepiece.IjustgotoffthephonewithElijah.”
“You’resure?”Hopespranginsidehimforasweetmoment.
“Yeah,”Loganassured.“Hefoundsomeoneinairportsecuritywhowaswillingtolethimviewthefootageoftheterminaljustafterherflightlanded.Shecameofftheplaneindifferentclothing,completewithafakebellyandsomehowsmallerboobs.Noideahowshemanagedthat.She’dditchedthehat,donnedablondwig,putonacrap-tonofmakeupandsunglasses.Elijahsaidittookhimafewpassesthroughthefootagetospother,buthedid.”
“Calliemanagedtoprepareforthistrip,atleastalittle.Herresourcefulnessshouldn’tsurpriseme.”Butitsurerelievedthefuckoutofhim.She’dgottenawayfromherpotentiallydangerousenemy—atleastfornow.
“Ishouldn’tbesurprised,either.TheCallieIknewonlyexcelledatwantingherwayandthrowingahissyuntilshegotit.ButIonlysawthesamebrattyactshepeddledtoeveryoneelse.Youknowtherealwoman.”
Thorpeclosedhiseyes.Hedid,butithadtakenalongwhiletolearnher.Aftershe’dgottenabitcomfortablewithhimandDominion,she’dslowlyletherguarddown.She’dlethiminabitmorewhenshe’dlaughedathisjokes,passedtimewithhimonthesofa,orchattedwithhimwhenshecouldn’tsleep.Thenagainwhenshe’dhadtheflu,disagreedwithhimabouthersometimesdisrespectfulbehavior,orteasedhimabouthis“stodgy”music.Andstillmorewhenhe’dboundherfordemos,heldher,kissedher…barelystoppedhimselffromclaimingherwhenshewasn’this.Hehadseenherheartandthat’swhenhe’dfalleninlove.
“I’mgladshegotaway,”hesaidthickly.
“Clean,”Loganconfirmed.“Afterstoppingoffatthefirstbathroominsidetheterminal,shewalkedoutnolongercarryingherbackpack.She’dgottenaredduffelfromsomewhere.AccordingtoElijah,shedraggeditbehindherandmadeherwaytowardthemeetpointinbaggageclaim.Sheintendedtofollowthroughwithmyplan.Icanonlyguessthatshetookprecautionsontheplanejusttobesafe,thenrealizedthemaninuniformjustoutsidetheterminalwaslookingforher.Shechangedcourseandwalkedrightpastmybuddy,thenoutthedoor.Inthelastframeoffootageshe’sviewable,she’swalkingdownthelonglineoftaxis.Noideawhichonesheeventuallygotin.”
Sotheycouldn’ttrackthevehicle.
EverywordfeltlikeadeathknelltoThorpe’shopesoffindingheragain.“Goddamnit,Logan.She’sgottobeterrifiedoutofhermind.AndIcan’tevenfuckingfindhertohelpher.She’saloneandworried,maybeevenrunningoutofmoney.Doessheevenknowwhereshe’sgoingtosleeptonight?ShemightevenbemakingplanstogetoutofVegasnow.AndI’mtoocluelesstohelpher.WhatkindofprotectoramI?”
“Cutyourselfsomeslack.You’vedoneeverythingyoucantofindher.I’mgoingtolookforthismilitaryasswipe.Elijahischeckingtheairportsecurityfootageforapictureofhim,sowecanpiecetogetherwhoheisandwhyhewantsCallie.Ifwegetsomething,I’llsendityourway.Elijahislocalifyouneedmoreassistanceinyoursearch.”Logantriedtosoundbothcalmandreassuring.“Callieissmartandsheknowshowtostayalive.We’llfindherandbringherhome.”
AsThorpehungup,hehopedthatwastrue.Thealternativewastoohorrifictocontemplate.
***
SEANdraggedhisassoutofbed.Hecouldhavesleptmore.Hisbodyscreamedforit,butCallie’sfacehauntedhim.Thefeelofherinhisarms,thesoundsofhersaucylaughterinhisear,thehauntingbeautyofherexpressiveeyeslockedwithhisashefilledherbody…Shit,howhadhegoneonasimplebaby-sittingmissionandendedupinlove?
Foroveradecade,he’dbeenmarriedtohisjob.He’dlostafiancéeonceuponatimetohisbadge.He’dlosttouchwithallhisoldpals,hiscousins,andanyonewhohadonceoccupiedhis“normal”life.
Butinbarelymorethanahandfulofmonths,Calliehadrewiredhispriorities.Shemattered.Shefilledthehalfofhimhehadn’tevenknownwasempty.She’dresurrectedhimjustbybeinghersweet,bratty,kind,unpredictableself.Damnit,hehadtofindher—beforesomeonewithintentionsbetweennebulousandnefariousdid.
Allthroughhisblistering-hotshower,hegroanedunderthesprayandtriedtothinkofplaceshemightlookforhislovely.AfterheandThorpehadcaughtanapyesterdayafternoon,they’dresumedtheirsearchthatevening,poundingthepavementandopeningthedoortonearlyeverycasino,divebar,andtwenty-four-hourdinertheycouldfindwithinwalkingdistance.Atfoura.m.,they’dfinallyagreedtopauseagain.He’dtoldThorpehewouldworkonanewplan,butthetruthwas,hewasrunningoutofideas.
Wherethehellcouldshebe?Worryknottedhisgutsandpingedinhisheadlikeapinballbouncingbetweenbumpers,settingoffonealarmbellafteranother
Thirtyminuteslater,Thorpescootedintoaboothacrossfromhiminthehotel’sdiner.Thoughdressedimmaculately,themandidn’tlookanybetterrestedthanhefelt.
“AnythingnewfromLoganorElijah?”Seanaskedhopefully.
Thorpeansweredwithagrimshakeofhishead.“Nothingnewsinceyesterday.MaybeCallieisontheStrip.”
He’dbeenoverthismentallyathousandtimesinthelasttwenty-fourhours.“Highlyunlikely.Anyonewho’demployherdowntherewouldinsistonhavingproperidentification.SinceCallieleftherfakedriver’slicensebackinDallasknowingwe’dtrackthatname,she’dhavenouseforitnow.It’spossibleshehasanotheralias,butshewouldn’tkeepitforlongandshewouldn’thaveaskedLoganforhelpifshefeltsecureintheidentity.Besides,thevideosurveillanceontheStripwillbefarsharperandmoresophisticatedthananythingintheoldersectionoftown.Thesecuritypresenceinjointsupthereispalpable.Calliewouldn’tgotherevoluntarily.She’stoosmart.”
“Thatmakessense.”Thorpesighedtiredly,thenabsentlythankedthewaitresswhotooktheirordersandfilledtheircoffeecups.“Seemslikewe’vecombedeveryinchofthesestreets.Idon’tknowwhereelsetogo.”
Theonlyplacesdowntownlefttosearchwerethereallyunsavoryandunpalatable.Thedangeroushauntsforthedepravedandcriminalelement.Buthekeptthattohimself.Thorpealreadylookedreadytoloseit.ThestrainofbeingunabletolocateCalliewaswearingonhim,too.IfSeanhadeverhadanyillusionsaboutThorpe’sfeelings,hedidn’tnow.Asmuchashehatedtoadmitit,themangenuinelylovedher.
“I’vegotafewmorepossibilities.”Seantriedtoshrugcasually.“Yougetanysleep?It’sgoingtobeanotherlongday.”
“Icrashedforthreehours.Afterthat…offandon.”Hetookaswigofcoffee,wincingasthesteamingbrewhithistongue.“IkepthavingdreamsaboutCallieneedinghelp,beingalone,crying.Icouldn’ttakeit.Iknowshe’saverycapablewoman,but…”
Seanshothimaruefulsmile.“I’minthesamecamp,man.IwokeupwonderingifI’mcrazy.HowwelldoIknowthisgirl?Iknowthepersonsheshowedme.Ilovedthatwoman.ButisshetherealCallie?”
Thorpepausedforsolong,Seanwasn’tsureheintendedtoanswer.“IwantlikehelltolietoyouandtellyouthateverythingyousawwasBS.Butthat’snotwhat’sbestforher.”Hesighed.“Yeah,yousawtherealCallie,especiallythatlastnightonthedungeonfloor.Sheloweredherwallsforyou.Withanyoneelse,she’dgnawherownarmoffbeforetremblingorshowingvulnerability.She’davoidthatkindofeyecontact,andrunscreamingfromthatmuch…intimacy.Shecaredwhatyouthought,howyoufelt.Hertakingoffprobablydoesn’tsaythattoyou,butIknowCalliebetterthananyoneelse.Believeme,yousawher.”
Suddenly,SeanunderstoodoneofthemanythingsthatrippedatThorpe’sguts.“You’renotusedtosharingthatsoft,secretsideofher.Youwanteditforyourself.”
Thebigmanacrossthetablepaused,froze,thencrushedtheemptyplasticcreamercontainerinhisfist.“IfIcouldn’thaveanyotherpartofher,Iwaswillingtoacceptthat.Seeingherwantingtopleasesomeoneelsefeltlikeanever-endingkickintheballs.Butyou’rebetterforher,so…”
Yeah,heshouldprobablyletthatgo.ItwasinhisbestinteresttoletThorpethinkhe’druinCallieorwhateverbullshittrolledthroughhishead.Butthemanhadbeenbrutallyhonestwithhimtoday,andthey’dbeenthroughtoomuchinthelastthirty-sixhoursforthatcrap.Theyweren’tfriends,buttheysharedanewrespectforgedinfire.Bothofthemknewbonedeepthattheotherwoulddoanything—everything—tokeepCalliesafe.
Seanswallowed.“You’renotbadforCallie.Shelookstoyouforsomuch—comfort,security.”Hehadtoforceoutthenexttruth.“Evenlove.Shewantsyouinherlife.I’mprobablytheinterloperhere.”
Withatightsqueezeofhiseyes,Thorpeblockedhimout,lookingasifheworkedhardtoholdhimselftogether.“IlovehermorethanIbelievedmyselfcapableoflovinganywoman.Youhavenoideahowdifficultitisformetosaythat,butIfeelcompelledtoconfesssinceyoucalledmeacowardandrubbedmynoseinmyfeelingslikedogshit.I’mpainfullyawarethatCallieneedsthetendernessyou’vegivenher.I’mnotcapableofit.”Herubbedathisforehead.“Askmyex-wife,forstarters.”
“Tendernessisn’tallsheneeds.”Seanprayedhehadeverythinginsidehimsherequiredtobewhole.NightsatDominionwhenhe’dwonderedexactlyhowtogiveherboundariesthatwouldbothbindhertohimandletherflyfree…That’swhenhe’dfeltunsure.That’swhenhe’dwonderedifThorpewasthebettermanforher.
“Oh,sheneedsalotmore.”Thorpesnorted.“Startingwithathoroughpaddling.”
“Damnstraight.”Hepickeduphiscoffeecup,andclinkeditagainstThorpe’s,whostillclutchedhisinhand.
Theyeachtookasipandresortedtosilence,asifthismuchgettingalongwasunnerving.
Theirfoodarrived,andSeanwasn’tterriblyhungry.BythewayThorpepushedhiseggsaroundhisplate,itlookedliketheothermancouldn’tfindhisappetite,either.Still,theyforcedthemealdown,knowingthey’dneedtheenergy.NothingwassaidabouthowlongtheywouldstayhereandwhattheywoulddoifCalliewasstillmissinginaweek,inamonth…orlonger.Seanwasn’tabouttogiveup,andhe’dbethisbadgethatThorpewasn’teither.
“I’mtryingtodecideifit’sgoodorbadthatwehaven’trunintoanyoneinauniformlookingforCallie,”Thorpesaidsuddenly.
“I’vehadthesamequestion,butIhavetothinkit’sgood.”
“Iknowshemanagedtoleavetheairportwithoutahitch,buthowdoweknowsomeonehasn’talreadyfoundCallieand…”
Capturedher?Killedher?Seanswallowed.Fuck,Thorpewasallbutreadinghismind.Buthedidn’twanttovoiceanyofthosefears.“Wejustneedtokeeplooking.Staystrongandbepersistent.Wehaveonethinggoingforusthatnooneelsedoes.”
Thorpeliftedmiserablegrayeyestohim,lookinglikethegloomiestday.“What?Givemeanythingtofeelgoodabout.”
Seanwasnocheerleader,butinthiscase,herefusedtobelieveanythingexceptthey’dgottenajumpontheassholehuntingherdownforonereasonalone.“Callieisn’tjustacasetoeitherofus.Shemeanssomething.Hell,everything.Weknowherdesires,herhabits,hersecretyearnings.Shecan’tburyallthosepartsofherselfforever.Whensheneeds…”Seannodded,willingThorpenottolosefaith.“Whenshecomesuplookingforasenseofhomeorconnectionoraffection—whatever—we’llbewaiting.”
Buttwelvehourslater,hewaslosinghope.They’dhiteventheworstoftheworstplacesdowntown.Terrible,seedy,dirty,filledwiththedregsofhumanity.Hecouldn’tpictureCalliehere.She’dshinetoobright,betoobeautiful.Nowayshecouldhidehereforlong.
Astheycontinuedpoundingthepavement,theystumbledacrossamotelwithablinkingturquoiseneonsignthatproclaimeditSummerWind.GiventhefactthatthiswasVegas,ithadtobeanodtooneofSinatra’sclassictunes,butitsfadedfa?ademadeThorpestopinhistracks.
“Callie’sfavoriteseason,”Thorpemurmured.
“‘Summer’washersafeword,too.”Seanswallowed,hopebrimming.
Thorpezippedasharpstareinhisdirection.TheknowledgelookedlikeithitthebigDomrightinthegut.“Itfits.Wehavetolookhere.”
Itwasacrapshoot,butSeantotallyagreed.
Theplacelookedbeyondrun-down.Ithadtobecheap.Butitseemedlikethefirstplaceinovertwenty-fourhoursthatmadesenseforCallietohavecome.
HeandThorpepushedtheirwayinside.Wow,itwaseasilyoneofthecrappiestmotelshe’deverseen.Thewindowshadn’tbeenwashedinthelasttwodecades.Inthelobby,thecarpetbeneathhisfeetwassticky.Theairreekedofcigarettes,vomit,urine,andcheapdisinfectant.Rentbytheweekorthehour—apparentlythemanagementwasn’tpickyabouthowlonganyonestayedaslongastheypaid.
Insidestoodawomanwhowasprobablyinherlatethirtiesbuthadlivedsodamnhardshe’deasilybemistakenforfifty.SheloungedagainstascarredwhiteFormicacountertoppermanentlystainedyellow,wearingathriftstorecastoffofatanktopthatshowedcleavagewrinkledfromtoomuchsun.Thewoman’slinedlipswrappedaroundaslimsmokeandshesuckedinhardbeforeblowingthesmokehiswaywithaboredstare.
“Youtwolookingforaroom?”Hervoicerattledfromherlungs.“Ifyouneedmorethananhourforyour‘business,’youmighthavetocomeback.We’reprettyfullup.”
Besidehim,Thorpechoked,lookingreadytothrottlethewoman.HeslicedherhismostdispleasedDomface.Inseconds,thewomanloweredhercigaretteandstaredathimwarily.
Seansteppedbetweenthem,shootingThorpeaglarethattoldhimtobefuckingreasonable.“No.Wedon’tneedaroomtoshare.Oranyroomatall.”Hereachedintothepocketofhistrousersandpulledouthisbadge.“FBI.I’mlookingforsomeone.”
Thebleachblondewiththegrayrootslookedreadytopissherpants.“IswearItoldJohnnytobecarefulwhothehellhehired.Whoisit,thenewrepairman?Isuspectedhemightbeaconman,butIdidn’tknow.”
“Focus,woman,”Thorpesnapped.“We’reaskingthequestions.Youwillansweruspreciselyandhonestly.Youwillnotspeakunlessspokento.Ifyou’redishonest,we’llhaveproblems,youandI.Isthatclear?”
Thewomangavearattledbobofherhead.“Um…yeah.”
Thorpeturnedtohimwithagrimsmile.“Proceed.”
Thesituationwasn’tfunny,butSeanrepressedtheurgetogrin.Thorpehadgottenthewoman’sattention,thatwasforsure.Afterahandfulofwords,shecouldn’twaittogivehimahealthydoseofrespect.HesupposedThorpe’scommandingpresencewasonereasonsomanysubssoughthimasaDominant.AnditwasprobablyoneofthereasonsCalliehadlatchedontohim.Deepdown,sheneededtobelievethatsomeonewatchedoverher,lookedoutforher,andwouldreinherinifshe’dgonetoofar.Sheachedtoknowthatsomeonecouldsaveherifpushcametoshove.ButCalliewassodamnheadstrongthatwhomeversheturnedtowouldhavetotrulyexerthiscontrolbeforeshe’dheedit.Thorpewouldhavenoproblemdoingthat.He’drelishit.
Thethoughtniggledathisbrainashewithdrewarecentpicturehe’dprintedofCallie,onehe’dclandestinelysnappedonhisphoneatDominion.SheworealittleMonaLisasmile,herfull,rosylipssomehowtauntingandaffectionateatonce,temptinghim.Hereyesglitteredwithlifeandvitality.Herglossyblackhairshoneagainstherpalecheek.Inchafterinchofthemostunspoiledskinhe’devertoucheddrewhisstareallthewaydowntothehintofhercleavage.Hismemorysuppliedtherest—sweetpink-berrynipples,flatbelly,slenderhips,sleekthighs,snugpussy.Sexualpowerinapetitedynamoofafemale.
Thorpenudgedhim.“Getonwithit.”
Pulledoutofhismusings,Seannodded,thensattheimagedownonthecounterinfrontofthedeskclerk.Heheldhisbreath.
Hereyesflaredwithrecognition,andshelookedathim,suddenlyinahurrytobeforthcoming.TheapprehensiveglancesheslidThorpe’swayexplainedwhy.“Yeah,Iknowher.”
“And?Goon.Whendidshecheckin?”Seandemanded.
“Twodaysago.Middleofthenight.”
Bingo!“Goon.”
“Shewasdraggingaredduffel.Ithinkshe’sablondenow.”
HeandThorpeexchangedaglance.She’ddisguisedherself,asthey’dsuspected.Buthisexcitementwasreflectedintheotherman’sgrayeyes.TheywerefinallygettingaleadonCallie.Sean’sheartpumped.Hisskintingled.Hell,evenhiscockengorged.Instincttoldhimtheywereclose.
Thorpebracedhishandsonthecounterwithdeceptivecalm.Hestoodtallandimposing.Hismoodstretchedtighterthanwiresuspendingabridge.Thewoman’sjawwentslackasshestaredupathim,blinkingsorapidly,Seanwassurprisedherfalseeyelashesdidn’ttakeflight.
“You’lltelluseverythingyouremember,”Thorpecommanded.“Now.”
Thewomanbobbedherheadagain.“Sh-sheaskedforacornerroomnearthestairs.Ihappenedtohaveit.Sheaskedaboutaplacetoeatandsomewheretofindwork.Isentheracrossthestreettothediner.”
Theonethathadseenbetterdaysdecadesagoandhadacollectionofhomelessdrunkslitteringtheparkinglot.
“She’swaitressingthere?”Thorpebarked.
“N-no.MycousinMartyrunsaclubabouttwoblocksdownandhe’salwayslookingforprettygirls,soIsentherthere.”
“Didshego?”TheDom’svoicedrippedice.
“Yeah.She’sworkinguntiltwoa.m.Marty…um,calledmetothankmeaboutanhourago.Afterlessthanthreeshifts,she’salreadyacustomerfavorite.Hecalledheragoldmine.”
Thorpegrittedhisteeth,andSeancouldonlyimaginewhatwasrunningthroughtheman’shead.Probablythesamewhat-the-fuckthoughtsdashingthroughhisown.
“Thenameoftheclub?”Thorpewasn’tsoundinganywarmer.
Thebrassyblondeswallowedandstaredup,almostpleadingsilentlyforThorpe’sleniency.“G-glitterGirls.Gooutthedoor,takearightandhead—”
“Whatthefuckkindofplaceisthat?”Thorpecutinwithagrowl.
“Iknowexactlywhereitis.”SeandiscreetlyelbowedtheDomashesmiledattheclerk.“What’sherroomnumber?”
Shefocusedonhimandsoftened.Seanshoveddownhisfurytosendheragentlyencouragingexpression.Ifgoodcop-badcopworked,hewasallforit.
“Two-seventeen,”shemurmured.“Outthedoor,totheleft,thenupthestairs.It’srightatthetop.”
“Key.”Seanheldouthishand.
“I-I’mreallynotsupposedto—”
Thorperaisedamenacingbrow,promisingretributionifshecontinuedtoprotest.Thewomanjumpedtoaction,reachingunderthedeskwithtremblingfingerstoextractakey.ShedroppeditinSean’shand,thencuthergazetoThorpe,hereyespleadingforapproval.
“Isherroompaid?”theDomdemanded.
“Throughtomorrownight.”
Damn,hadCallieintendedtoskiptowninanothertwenty-fourhoursorless?
“Verygood.Youcanconsiderherroomvacantinthenexthour.”ThesmileThorpebestowedonherthenwasbrilliant,praisingashetappedherchingently.“Thankyouforyourhelp…Yourname?”
Shelappedupthatsmilelikeakittenwithfreshmilk.“Doreen.Sir.”
Ifanything,Thorpe’ssmilewidened.“You’vebeenveryhelpful,sweetgirl.”
“Itried,”shebreathedwithawobblysmile.
Seantriedtoholdinhisastonishment.Instead,heleanedacrossthecountertotheclerkandslappedahundred-dollarbillonthecounterbetweenthem.“Andyouneversawus,Doreen.”
Shelookedathimblankly,thenbackovertoThorpe.Allthemandidwassendheranexpectantstare,andshenoddedvigorously.“Never.”
SeanpalmedthekeyandturnedtoThorpe,stillholdingthewomanallbuthypnotized.“Let’sgo.”ChapterTen
THORPEturnedtohimastheymadetheirwayoutofthemotel’sdisgustinglobbyandheadedfortheJeep.“Sowhere’sthisclub?”
“Inaminute.We’vegottoclearherroomfirst.”Seaninclinedhisheadtowardthestairstotheupperlevelofthejoint.
“Fuckwhatever’sinherroom.WeneedtogettoGlitterGirlsnow,beforeshegetsawayagain.”
Seanglancedathiswatch.“Iwanttoreachher,too.Youknowthat.It’snotquiteone,andshe’sworkinguntiltwo,sowe’vegotsometime.Butwecan’tleavebehindanytraceofCalliethatanyonelookingforhercouldfind.Ifthere’snotrail,therearefewerfollowers.”
Thorpegrittedhisteeth.“Idon’tlikeit.”
“Idon’teither,butwhatareourotherchoices?”
Itannoyedhim,butSeanhadapoint.Thorpeconcededwithasigh.“Allright.Thegoodnewsis,itwillprobablytakefiveminutesorlesssinceCalliewon’thavespreadherstuffout.Hell,shewaswithmenearlythreemonthsbeforesheputanythinginadrawer.”
Seanstaredattheupperstoryofthemotelasthechillydesertwindwhippedthroughhislightjacket.“Let’smakethisquick.”
Nodding,ThorpefollowedSeananddartedforthestairs,takingthemtwoatatimeuntilhereachedthecrackedcementlevel.Therustedrailinghadoncebeenpaintedabrightblue,buthadfadedandchippedovertime.Thebluedrapeswiththeirblackoutbackingineachoftheroom’sfilthywindowslookeddirtyenoughtobeabreedinggroundforbacteriaandinsecteggs.Afewdoorsdown,amanandawomanwerearguingatthetopoftheirlungs.Inthedistance,agunshotsounded,thentiresscreeched.
ThorpeknewwhyCalliehadchosenthisplace,buthestillwonderedwhatthehellshewasdoinghere.Therehadtobesomeplaceelseoutofthewaythatwasn’tquitesoghetto-gutter.
Inthemoonlight,heapproachedthefirstdooratthetopofthestairsandbarelymadeoutthetarnishedbrassnumbers.
“Calliechosethecornerroom,theonewithstairsineitherdirection,”Seancommented.
“Obviously,she’dscopedtheplaceoutinadvance.”
“Clever,clevergirl.”
Astheychargedtowardtheroominquestion,Thorpetossedhimanod.“Youknowsheis.Don’tunderestimateher.”
“No.”Seanshookhishead.“I’vemadethatmistakeforthelasttime.”
Theyhitthedoor,andSeanshovedthekeyintothelock,thenpusheditopen.Assoonashedid,Thorpesqueezedpasthimandflippedonthelight.Hewishedhehadn’t.Thecarpetlookedsomeindiscriminatecolorthatmighthavebeenbeigeonce.Thewallswerecoveredinfadedoakpaneling.Theceilingshowedsignsofwaterdamage.Adilapidatedswampcoolercontrolledtheroom’stemperature—sortof.Thedrapeswereafadedbluefloralthatwouldmakeevenagreat-grandmothercringe.Thebedspreadwasacheappolyesterimitationofpolka-dottedandzigzaggedstripes.Thelightfixtureinthebathroomwasminusitsdecorativecover.Aroachcrawledacrossthewallabovethemussed,unmadebed.
“Whatafuckingdump.”Seanstaredaroundtheroominstupefiedhorror.
“Thisisthewayshelivedbeforeshecametome,”Thorpesaidwithahollowvoice.
“Iknewthatonpaper,butholyshit.”
“Howcouldshegobacktothisaftereverything…”Thorpepressedhislipstogether,refusingtolosecontrolofhisanger—orfeeltoohurt.“WhenIgetmyhandsonher,shewon’tsitforaweek.Andthat’sthebeginningofwhatI’vegotplannedforher.”
“Bettermakethattwoweeks.Ihavesomeideasofmyown.”
ThorpeshovedasidethefactthatSeanhadn’tobjectedtohimspankingCallie.Yes,she’dtakenoffhercollar,butshehadn’tdiscusseditwithSean,whoprobablydidn’tseetheirrelationshipasover.Thorpeknewthatthegirlwouldneverbelongtohim,butherefusedtoletthisbehaviorslidewithoutputtinginhistwocents—andthensome.
Quickly,theysearchedtheroom.Hefoundherbackpackintheclosetandgrabbedit.Therewasnosignoftheredduffelshe’dmysteriouslyacquiredintheairportbathroom.Shehadnothingelsepersonalanywhereintheroom.Evenhertoothbrushhadbeenstowedbackintheappropriateplasticholderinazipperedpouch.Theusedbarofsoaptoldhimthatshe’dtakenashower.Overtheodorofmildewandstalecigarettespervadingthemotel,hesmelledalighttraceofher.
AsCallie’sscentregisteredinhisbrain,boilingbloodfilledhiscock.Acavemanurgetograbher,bindher,andfuckheruntilsheunderstoodallthereasonsshecouldneverrunawayfromhimagainseizedThorpe.
“Shewashere,”Seanconfirmed,sniffingthesheets.
“I’vegotherstuff.”Heindicatedtothepackslungoverhisshoulder.
Seangavehimathumbs-up,thenheadedforthedoor.Thorpefollowed,hotonhisheels.Backinthelobby,hetossedthekeytoDoreenwithasternwarningglance.Thewomanlookedsomewherebetweenbreathlessandreadytoshitherpantswhenheleft.Shewouldn’ttalkwithoutsubstantialincentive.NotaperfectsolutionforkeepingCalliesafe,butthebesthecoulddonow.
BackintheJeep,Seanhadstartedtheengineandturnedonthelights.ThorpetossedCallie’sbackpackinandshutthepassengerdoorastheothermanthrewthevehicleintoreverseandpeeledoutoftheparkinglot.
ThejourneytoGlitterGirlsseemedlikethelongesttwoblocksofhislife.Whentheyreachedtheseedydivebar,hisworstfearswereconfirmed.Thewindowswerecoveredupandpaintedthesamecolorastheexteriorwalls.AbigneonsignoverthebuildingadvertisedTOPLESSGIRLS!Thorpeswore.
Itwasafuckingstripjoint.Calliebetterhopeforhersakethatshewasmerelywaitressing.
Thelowlifeclienteleslinkinginseemedlikeamixtureoflocalsandtourists.Theyalllookedasifthey’dservedtime.Noneofthemappearedtotakebathingtooseriously.
Astheyreachedthefrontdoor,abigbouncerstoodgruntingouta“request”forthecoverchargeovertheraucousmusic.Tenbuckswithatwo-drinkminimum.Theguysinfrontofthempulledoutabigwadofcashhe’dbettheyhadobtainedinless-than-legalways.
AsheandSeaneachpulledoutabillandraninthedoor,thesmoke,stalebeer,sweat,andglitterassailedhim.Goddamnit,thisplacewastheworstsortofdive.
Onthesaggingstage,someonenamedWhippedCream,whoworetwolittlepastiesdesignedtolooklikehernamesake,wastakingherfinalbows.Hermotherdefinitelyhadn’tgivenherthatname—orthatshadeofruby-redhair.Shedidn’tlooklikeshehadallherteeth.
Thedeejaysoundedboredashetoldtheaudiencetogiveitupforthewoman.Thesmatteringofapplausebrokeintochatter.AfewbillslitteredthestageasThorpestudiedthegirlsservingdrinks,hoping…Buthedidn’tseeanywaitresswhohadCallie’sface,build,orinnategrace.
Fuckingsonofabitch.
Seanlookedaround,too,obviouslyworried.“Wherethehelldidshegetofftonow?”
Thorpedidn’tthinkDoreenwouldhavebeendumbenoughtocallhercousinandtellhimtowarnCallie.“I’mhopingshe’sintherestroom.Orgettingsomeoneadrink.”
“Ifshe’salreadybecomeacustomerfavorite,Idoubtshe’sservingdrinks,”Seanmanagedtogrowloutwithhisteethgrinding.“Ifthat’sthecase,she’llprobablygoonwhenthenight’sinfullswing,towardtheendofhershift.”
Intwentyminutesorless.
Damnittohell,hewasright.“Wedon’tknowherstagename,sowehavenoideawhotoaskfor.”
“UnlessIbargeintothebackwithmybadgeanddragheroutofhere.”
Theideahadmerit.Thorpelookedaround,tryingtogaugewhatthemanagement’sreactiontohavinganFBIagentintheirmidstwouldbewhenawaitresscamebyfortheirdrinkorders.Truthtold,hedidn’twantanything,butorderedabourbonandwater,knowinghewouldn’tdrinkit.Seanaskedforavodkatonic,thenmotionedherdowntohiminamomentbetweenthemusic.
“I’mwondering,prettylass,ifyou’dmindtogivemeaweebitofinformation.”SeanslippedintohisScottishaccentandsmiledattheacne-pronewaitress,wholookedbarelylegalandtotallydazzled.Thefedflashingabitofcashsealedthedeal.
“I’lltellyouanything.Mybrasizeisathirty-sixD.They’rereal.”
Theyweren’t,butThorpewasn’tgoingtobotherdebatingthegirl’sassets.
“You’rerightfetching,that’sforsure.ButI’minquiringaboutthenewbitoffluff.Formyfriendhere.”Seangesturedtohim.
Thewaitressmadeasourfaceandrolledhereyes.“Allthecustomersare,like,totallyinsaneoverJuicy.It’snotasifshe’sgotamagicalpussy.”
Juicy?
ThorpecastaglanceovertoSean,wholookedreadytodisagreewiththewaitress,buthemanagedtoforceanothersmileontohisface.“Juicy,yousay?Tellmemore.Myfriendisquiteinterested.”
“Thatoneisantisocial.She’spissedallthegirlsoff.WhippedCreamandSparkleSwallowsbothcan’tstandher.Twodayshere,andshe’salreadygotmorefansthaneveryoneelse.Nowifyoutwowantnice…”Shesmiled,showingoffslightlybuckedteeth.
“Whatdoesshelooklike?”Seanasked.
“Blond,blue-eyed,stacked.”Thegirlsighed.“Butshe’snotspecial.”
“Whendoesshecomeon?”
Thewaitressopenedhermouthtoanswer,butthedeejay’svoiceoverthespeakersdrownedherout.“She’snew.She’sexciting.She’syourwettestdream.GiveitupforJuicy!”
Seanstiffened,lookinglikehisfuryhadclimbedtennotches.SinceThorpefeltlikestranglingthedeejayandkillingeveryonewhostoodbetweenthemandthestage,thatsuitedhimjustfine.
AndifJuicyandCalliewereoneandthesame,slippingawayunseenwiththegirlintowhadjustbecomeimpossible.
Themusiccued,andBritneycameonwithsomedamnsuggestivelyrics.Thenthecurtainparted,andoutstruttedthenextact.Despitethebrightlightsglaring,allthemakeup,andtheskimpycostume,ThorpeknewinstantlyitwasCallie
Shedefinitelywasn’twaitressing.
Tingleszippeddownhisspine.Heitchedtowraphisfingersinhersilkyhair.Evenbeinginthesameroomwithhermadehimtitaniumhard,soifhehadn’tknownineveryotherwaythathe’dfoundCallie,hisreactionmadeitdamnobvious.
Ashewatchedheronstage,thewaitressstompedherfootandhuffedoff.Hebarelyglancedattheothergirl.Callieheldhimraptasshegyratedforthecrowdwearingaschoolgirluniform,completewithaplaidskirt.Herblondwighunginlongpigtails.Thewhistlingandcatcallsrampedup,andshepastedonacome-hithersmile.Buthereyes…theydidn’tinvite.BecauseheknewCallie,hecouldreadthatexpression.Shelookedbothunnervedandscaredoutofhermind.
Besidehim,Seancursedabluestreakandleanedforward,gazedrillingintoher.Thorpefelttheman’sdispleasure.Itmirroredhisown.Ragebubbledandturned,andheknewthatCalliewouldfeeleveryinchoftheirdisapprovalthesecondtheygottheirhandsonher.
“Herfiledoesn’tindicatethatshe’severstoopedthislow,”Seansnarled.
Thorpedidn’ttakehiseyesoffher.“Idon’tthinkshe’severbeenthisdesperate.”
Seannoddedgrimly,andtheywatchedherslowlyreachforthetopbuttonofherblouse.
Tensingbeforesheevenhaditundone,Thorpewonderedifhe’dsurvivethenextthreeminutes.Hefidgetedinhisseat,eagertostormthestage,takeherdown,andletherfeelthefullmeasureofherconsequences.“What’sthefuckingplan?”
“Itwouldbebetterifwedidn’tmakeascene,”Seanbitout,grittinghisteeth.“Buttheminutethismusicisover…”
“We’regoingtograbherassandhaulheroutofhere.I’malloverthat.”
“Iwascountingonit.”
Callieslippedthetopbuttonfree,thenanother,andathird.Thesecondstickedby,oneaftertheother,inahorrificshowthatslowlyrevealedhermilkyfleshandhadallthemenintheroomshoutingthattheywantedsomething“Juicy.”EverymuscleinThorpe’sbodyscreamedathimtostopthistravesty,evenashisheadsilencedhisinnerNeanderthalandtoldhimtokeephisassinhisseat.Theycouldn’tmakeascene.
Withasexylittlespin,Calliewhirledawayandletthewhiteshirtslipoffhershoulders.Shelookedbackattheaudiencewithanexaggeratedwink.Eventerrified,therewassomethingunmistakablyspecialabouther.Shehadasweetqualityandagoodnessthatherdifficultlifehadn’tkilled.Butthegirlstillexudedsexfromthesparkleofhereyesandthepoutofherglossylips,allthewaydowntoherswayinghipsandpink-tippedtoespeekingoutfromblackpatentstilettos.Denyingjusthowmuchhewantedherwasn’tpossibleanymore.He’dnevermetawomanhecouldn’tresist—untilCallie.Thorpefearedthatwalkingawayfromheragainwouldbeliketryingtoswimagainstaragingtidalwave.
Tothebeatofthemusic,Callieflippedupherillegallyshortskirtandflashedtheaudiencehersinfullysmallthong—andherasscheeks—beforetheplaidfellsoftlyoverherbacksideagain.Thewhoopingandwhistlesrevvedup.Abouncernearbystoodmutelyandwatched.
“Showusyourtits!”someonenearthestageshouted.
“Gimmeapieceofthatlusciousass,”anotherdemanded.
TheideathatthesedregsnowhadCallieintheirspankbankmadehimfeelsomewherebetweennauseatedandhomicidal.
“Damnitall.”Seangrippedthetable,lookingreadytocombust.“Thisthreeminutesistakingforfuckingever.”
Thorpecouldn’tagreemore.“Itwillend.”Ithadto.
Butwoulditbeforetheylosttheirminds?Hewasn’tsureaboutthat,especiallywhentheshirtslippedfromthecrooksofherelbowsandontothebuckledstage,leavinghertophalfcladinnothingbutanearlysheerlacebra.Whensheturnedbacktotheaudience,therewasnomistakingthepinkishcastofherplumpnipples.
Calliearchedherback,runningherpalmsdownherbreasts,overherflatbelly,thenpressedherfingerstowardherpussy.Theaudiencestartedwhoopingatdecibelsnearfrat-partylevels.Thorpebegantosweat.Jesus,heknewwhathersweetpussytastedlike,andhismouthwateredforanotherchancetomakeamealoutofher.Ofcourse,everymaninthisroomwantedthatopportunity.Onestartedpoundingonthestage.Othersjoinedin,slammingthewoodensurfacetothebeatofthemusic,demandingmoreofher.
Fuck,thiswasgettingoutofcontrol,andittookeverythingThorpehadtostayinhisseat.
Amaninacheapsuitwithapimpmoustacheandashavedheadcrowdedcloser.Hethoughthewastheshit,clearly.Withaconfidentleer,heleanedacrossthecornerofthestage,holdingupahundred-dollarbill.HesaidsomethingtoCalliethatThorpecouldn’thearoverthemusic.Hereyeswidened.Moredisquietfilledherface,butshedancedinthedude’sdirection.
Withashimmy,sheliftedherskirtinfrontofhimandcircledherhips,spinningarounduntilshebackeduptohim.Thenshecrouched,wigglingherassseductivelyinhisface.Hereyesslidshut.Toanyonewhodidn’tknowher,shemightlookasifshewereinthemidstofpassion,butThorpesawdifferently.Hehadnodoubtherskinwascrawlingandshewasbarelyresistingtheurgetorunlikehell.
Justbecauseshewasn’tenjoyingherself,however,didn’tmeanshewasgoingtoescapepunishment.ShehadaprotectorandaDom,bothofwhomwoulddoanythingtohelpher.Hadshetrustedeitherofthem?No.She’djustleft.Sean,hesortofunderstood.Hell,Thorpehadn’ttrustedthemanhimselfuntil…what?Maybeyesterday.Orthedaybefore.Hisdayswererunningtogether.ButCalliehadknownhimforfourfuckingyears.Inallthattime,shehadn’tlearnedthathecared,thathewoulddoanythingtohelpher?
Shewasdamnwellgoingtolearnnow.
Obviously,shehadpanicked.Heunderstoodthat—toapoint.ButherefusedtoacceptexcusesfromCallie.Shewasgoingtolearntorelyonthemenwholovedher.Whateverhappenednext,whetherhenevergottolayanotherhandonherafterherpunishmenttonight,hewouldteachheronceandforalltolooktohimifsheeverfoundherselfintroubleagain.
TheslimeballwiththeskinnyblacktieandtheC-noteinhishandshovedthebillintothebackofherthong—thencoppedalongcaressofherass.Withtheotherhand,hebrushedhiswayupherthigh,lookingatherlikeshewasaparticularlyprimecutoffilet.
Thorpefeltsteamcomingfromhisearsandfuckinglostit.
Ashejumpedtohisfeet,Seanwasrightbesidehim,fistsclenched.ThorpekickedhischairoutofthewayandprowledtowardCallie,shouldertoshoulderwiththeotherman.
Callieleanedawayfromtheletchfeelingherup,cringingback.Tryingtocoverherreaction,shesentthemanalittlesmileoverhershoulder,thendancedaway.Thorpefelthisfiststightenwiththeneedtobeatthefuckertodeath.
Seanwasfaster,grabbingthesonofabitchbythebackoftheneckandsnarlingsomethinginhisear.Thethugtriedtofightback,butthefedprovedhimselfallkindofbadass,blockingtheguy’severymove,thenslammingthecreepface-firstontoanearbypost.Thorperacedover,morethanhappytohelp.HewasgratifiedwhenSeanyankedtheskunkbacktorevealabroken,bleedingnose.Infact,hehopedSeanhaddonepermanentdamagetotheassholefordaringtotouchCallie.
FranticallyThorpelookedforheragain.Andhefoundher,damnit.Hertrimbackandundulatingspinetoldhimshenowcourtedthemenontheothersideoftheroom,stillholdingherskirtupandwrigglingherhipsuntilafewmoremenshovedmorebillsinthestringofherthong.Theyhowledassheenticedthem,andmoreguysapproachedthestagewithmoneyinfists,justwantingthechancetogetclosetoCallie.
WhileThorpehadbeendistractedbyher,Seanandtheletchgotintoascuffle.Apparently,thefedhadbeenbusierwatchingCalliethanthegreaseball’selbowtohisgut.AsSeangruntedanddodgedtheguy’sflailingfists,Thorpeapproached.Sodidthebouncer.
“Nofighting,”heshoutedoverthemusic.“Takeitoutside.”
“Yeah,getyourfuckinghandsoffme,prick!”saidcheapsuit.“Igavetheprettyslutsomemoney.Sowhat?”
Oh,thatwasit.Domssometimescalledtheirsubmissives“slut,”butasaformofendearment,howeveroddthatseemedtoothers.Noteveryoneunderstood,butthatwastrueofthewholelifestyle.EvenifhewouldnevercallCalliehisslut,nootherrandomdickwasgoingtomalignthegirlwhenhedidn’tknowheratallandhadnoideahowfarfromthetruththatwas.
“Don’ttouchheragain.”Seanlookedreadytokill.
“Getoverit,”thelowliferantedon.“Youdon’townher.
“Actually,”Seantossedback,“Ido.”
Thorpethrewapunch,hittingthefuckwadsquareinthejawandsendinghimreelingtothegroundwiththeforceoftheblow,outcold.Thebouncerturnedtohimwithamenacingglareandreachedtothrowhimoutthedoor.
Fuck,heshouldhaveheldhistemper.Hecouldn’taffordtogettossedout.
ThorpeturnedbacktoCallie.Shewhippedhergazeinhisdirectiontodecipherthecommotion.Theirgazesconnected,andelectricityfiredhisveins.Shockwidenedhereyesandbleachedthecolorfromhercheeks.ThenhergazezippedovertoSean.Shegaspedasifshe’dseenaghost.
Despitethefactthatshehadn’tfinishedhernumberandthemusicstillplayed,sheturnedanddartedforthecurtainandthebackoftheclub.
Thebouncerrightlyputkeepingthetalentworkingaboverestrainingafewguysfromfighting,soheranafterCallie,catchingherinhisbeefygripjustbeforeshecouldslipbackstage.
Shestruggledandcursed,demandingtobeletfreeasthecrowdcollectivelybooedherretreat.
“Showusyourtits!”repeatedamaninthefrontrowwithaone-trackmind
ThebouncerdraggedCalliebacktowardmid-stage,thenstoodbetweenherandthecurtain.“FinishyourdamnnumberorMartyisgonnafireyourass.”
Predictably,themomentthebigbeefcakereleasedher,shemadeanotherrunforit,thistimedartingforthestairsthatledtotheclubfloor.Shevaluedherfreedomwaymorethanthispiss-assjob.
ButThorpewasonestepaheadofher.Hestoodatthebottomofthestairs,blockingherexitoffthestage.Andinthoseshoes,jumpingdownfivefeettothegroundwouldbeimpossible.
Theyhadhersurrounded.
Seanquicklyassessedthesituation,thenleaptontothestageandreachedintohispockettoflashhisbadgetothehunkofbeefcake.“FBI.Unlessyouwanttrouble,givethegirltome.”
Thebigguystiffenedasthemusicscreechedtoastop,hiseyesnarrowingashetookinSean,thenhisbadge.Hesteppedbackandtossedhishandsintheair.“Wejusthiredher,man.Wedon’twantanytrouble.Takeher.”
CallietossedSeanadefiantglowerandoverthedinofthecrowd,shewarned,“Youstayawayfromme.”
“Notgoingtohappen,lovely.”Thewordswereavow,spokenasSeanprowledcloser,buthisexpressionwaspurewarning.Hemeanttoasserthiswill.
Shefroze,thenhergazedartedaroundtheroom.Thorpe’sgutknotted.Goddamnit,shewasgoingtomakearunforit.
HeopenedhismouthtowarnSean,butshewasquicker,takingoffoneofherwickedshoesandtossingitinSean’sdirection.Callie’smakeshiftweaponsmackedhimintheshoulder,thensheplantedherhandonhischestandshovedhimoffbalance.WhileSeanscrambledtorighthimself,shetoreofftheotherstilettoandraiseditmenacinglyatthebouncer.Hechargedherandgrabbedherwrist,clampingdownharshlytostopherfrompeltinghim.Soshekickedhimintheballs.
Astheincrediblystupidhulkdroppedtohisknees,heclutchedhisgenitalsandgroaned.Calliesprintedpasthimandthroughthecurtain,disappearingbackstage.
Thorpedartedupthestairsafterher,tearingpastthedrapeintimetoseehershovetheweatheredindustrialbackdooropenandraceintothealleybehindthebuilding.Hesworeandtookoffafterher.
Themetaldoorwasswingingshut,andThorpepusheditopen,thenhitthealley.Underthespotlightofabug-infestedbulb,helookedleft,thenrightbeforehecaughtsightofCalliedashingawayonherbarefeetinafeveredpanic,artificialblondpigtailsswingingagainstherpalebackonlysavedfrombarenessbythestrapofthattiny,sexybra.Damnit,shewaseitherbeggingtosteponglassorberapedbysomecriminalintheshadows.Ofcourse,shewasinfullflightmodeandnotusingallherlogic,butwhatthehellwasshethinking?
Onethingbecameimmediatelyclear:Calliewasyoungerandsurprisinglyfast.Butifheletherthroughhisgraspagain,he’dbefuckedsevenwaysfromSunday.
Hechargedafterherasfastashisstridewouldtakehim,rapidlygaininggroundonthebarefootgirl.Shewasabouttoreachtheendofthealley,whichdidn’tworryhim…untilataxirolledby.Ofalltherottenfuckingluck.
Somehow,hehadtostopCallie.Onfeet,hewouldn’tcatchherintime.NeitherwouldSean,whomhecouldhearchuggingdownthepavementbehindhim.OnceCalliemadeitinsidethattaxi,Thorpeknewshe’dbegoneforever.She’ddefinitelybetakinghisheartwithher.AndSean’s.Motherfucker.
Betweenthelightsofotherbusinessesandthemoon,hecouldseethatthealleywasblessedlyempty.Sohedidtheonethinghethoughtmightstopthepanickedgirlinhertracks.
“CallindraAlexisHowe,stopandlookatmethisinstant.”ChapterEleven
WHENCallieheardThorpeshoutherrealname,herheartscreechedtoastop.Heknew?Sheturned,stillbackingaway,tangledupinhisgrayeyes.How?When?Whathadgivenheraway?
Damnit,hislifehadjustbecometwentytimesmorecomplicated—anddangerous.Shedidn’twantthatforhim.
Stricken,sheshookherhead,strugglingtotakeinair.“You’rewrong.That’snotme.”
Thorpeapproachedherinlong,determinedsteps,hisfacegranite,hishandoutstretched.Behindhim,Sean,thatdeceitfulsnake,chargedtowardherlikeatrainwithaheadfulofsteam.Shespunaroundanddartedawayagain.Whatthehellwashedoinghere?WithThorpe?Shecouldn’talloweitherofthemtogettheirhandsonher.
Callieracedforthecabfiftyfeetaway,stillidlingatthecornerandwaitingforthelighttoturngreen.Dressedonlyinabraandalittleshortskirt,shecouldprobablygethisattention.Maybe.Inthisneighborhood,maybenot.Goodthingshehadmoneyinherthong.She’dhavetopickupher“go”bagatthemotel,laylowforawhile,thenfindabusstation…
“Don’tyoulietome,”Thorpeshoutedouttoher.“Anddon’trun!”
“Don’tbelieveSean,”shetossedoverhershoulder.
“Thatnickonyourlefthipcamefromabullet,deliveredwhenyourfamily’skillershotatyou.Ifeltitwithmyownfuckingfingers.”
TwoDecembersago,whenhe’dtouchedherintimately.Thatexplainedsomuch,likewhyaftersomanypassionatekisses,eachanexquisitepromise,he’dwalkedawaywithoutawordandleftheraching.Andwhyhe’dcutoffnearlyallromanticorsexualcontactsince.
Forthepasttwoyears,Thorpehadneverevenhintedthatheknewthetruth.Anddespitethestupidlyhugebountyonherhead,hehadneverturnedherin,either.
Seanwouldthemomentshestoodstill.She’dseenhisbadgeatGlitterGirls.Obviously,she’dbeenwrongabouthim.Hemightnotbeanassassintryingtokillherorabountyhunteroutforaquickpayday,buthe’ddamnsurearrestherthefirstchancehegot.
“Stop!”Thorpethundered.
Hisfootstepsdrewcloserandcloser,butshedidn’tdareheedhiswords.“Letmego.”
“Never.”
Attheironresolveinhistone,Callie’sheartroaredharder.Sheglancedoverhershoulder.Sureenough,hewasclosingin—fast.Andnow,Seanwasnowhereinsight.Itdidn’tmatter.Shewasnearlytothetaxi…
Withmaybetenstepstogo,shelandedonarock.Itgougedherheel,slicingtheskinopen.Thestingscreamedupherleg.Shetriednottoletthepainstopher,butwhensheslammedthatfootdownontheasphaltagain,thepebbleembeddeddeeperinherskin.Thesharpachenearlymadehercrumpletotheground.Sheslowed,hobbled,untilThorpewasnearlyontopofher.
Panicked,Callieopenedhermouthtoscreamtothetaxidriver—toanyonewhowouldlisten.SeanjumpedoutfrombehindaDumpsterandclampedonearmaroundherwaistlikeavise.Theotherhebracketedoverhermouth.
“Stop!”hepanted.
Hisbreathwaswarmonherface,hisbodylikeafurnaceagainstherchilledskin,nowsheenedwithperspiration.Hersensesregisteredsuccorandsafety.Theywantedtomeltintohim.Theyyearnedforhisgentletouch,hisfierykiss.
Everyoneofwhichhadbeenalie.
Herbrainscreechedthatsheshouldpryherselfawayandrun.CalliebuckedwildlysoshecouldfreehermouthandtellSeantogotohell.Butheheldtight.Thorpeblanketedherback,bracinghishandsonherhips.Shetriedtostandstronganddefiant,buthewrappedhissuitcoataroundhershouldersbothtowarmandimmobilizeher.Immediately,thegarmentsteepedherinhisbodyheat.Theirhotbreathscaressedherskin.Theirheadymasculinescentsswirledtogetherastheirtautbodiessurroundedher.
“Don’tmove,”Thorpegrowled.“You’reinenoughtroubleasitis.”
Sheshiveredatthosewords.Then,merefeetinfrontofher,thetaxidashedaway,takingwithitheronlyavenueofescape.
Finally,Seanslowlydrewhishandawayfromherlips,staringdownatherwithblueeyes,piercingherdespitethecrappylightingandshadows.Shesteeledherheartagainsthisoncebelovedface.She’dalwaysassociatedhimwithpatienceandgentlecare.Nowsheknewhewasaconartistwithabadge,callousenoughtostealherheartjusttobringherin.
“Takeyourfuckinghandsoffme.”
Facetighteningwithdispleasure,Seannarrowedhiseyesather.“Lookingtoaddtoyourpunishment,lovely?Idon’trecommendit.Yourassisalreadygoingtobesore.”
“Youandyourformerfakeaccentcangoeatshit.Itookmycollaroff,soyouhavenobusinesstouchingme.”
“That’snotpreciselyhowitworks,Callie,andyouknowit,”Thorpemurmuredinherear.
Sheturnedherheadtothemanshe’doncetrustedandlovedaboveallothers.“You’reonhissidenow?Ineverimaginedthatyou’dbegullibleenoughtofallforhislines,too.”
Behindher,ThorpeleanedaroundtolookatSean.“Therewon’tbeanyreasoningwithherinthenexttenminutes.”
Seangrunted.“Orinthenextmillennium,Iimagine.Thisisn’tasmartplacetotalk.”
“Goodpoint.”
“Staywithher.I’llbringthecar.”
ShecouldallbutfeelThorpesmile.“I’llmakesureshedoesn’tgoanywhere.”
Callie’sjawdropped.Whenthehellhadtheygottensochummy?AndwhydidThorpetrusttheliar?
Withherheadstillreeling,Seanjoggedoff.ShestruggledagainstThorpe’sgrip,holdingouthopethatanothertaxiwouldzoomby.Butevenifshewasluckyenoughforthat,shedidn’tthinkshecouldoutrunhimwithherfootsmarting.
“Whyareyouhelpingthatrat?”She’dalwaysbelievedthatThorpewouldbeonherside,andknowingotherwisefeltasifsomeonehadpriedherheartfromherchestwithacrowbar.“Hewantstoseemeinprison.”
“Seanwantstoprotectyou,pet.JustlikeIdo.Don’tlookatmelikethat,”hedemanded.“Youdidn’taskanyquestionsbeforeyoujumpedtoconclusions.Youjustranaway.Andyouweredeadwrong.”
“Hefooledyoulikehefooledme.”
“Ifhe’dwantedtoarrestyou,hecouldhavedoneitanytimeoverthelastsevenmonths,”Thorpereasoned.“Hecouldhavebroughtinasmallarmyofagentsandletthemhaulyouout.Iwouldn’thavebeenabletostopthem.Ifyouthinkhe’sinanall-firedhurrytolockyouupandthrowawaythekey,askyourselfwhyhehasn’talreadydoneit.”
Callietried.TherewaslogicinwhatThorpewassaying,butshe’dbeenrunningforsolong.Herflightresponsewassoingrained.Panicstillpumpedthroughhersystem.Thethoughtniggledinthebackofherhead…WhatifThorpewaswrong?
“Pet.”Hislowvoicesoothed.“Thinkaboutit.”
“Thenwhydidn’thetellmehewassomesortofagent?”
“Becauseyouwouldhaverunimmediatelyifyou’ddiscoveredhewasFBI.Weallknowthat,especiallySean.Youdon’ttrustwell,Callie,andweunderstandthereasons.Butthingsaregoingtochangenow.Neitherofuswilleverriskyou.Ifwehaven’tturnedyouinfortwomilliondollarsyet,we’renotlikelyto.”
HeadlightsbobbedupthewornalleybeforeasilverJeepshedidn’trecognizestoppedbesidethem.Seanstuckhisheadoutthewindow.“Someonealreadycalledthepolice.They’retwoblocksover.Getin.”
AsCallie’sbloodrancold,Thorpecursedandshovedhertowardthevehicle.Sheduginherheels.
“Callie!”Thorpegrowled.“Getinthefuckingcar.”
SheprobablystoodabetterchanceofeludingthelocalpolicethantheFBI.ShemightbeabletoconvincetheVegasPDthatshewasthevictimofsomerandomattackinthisalley.Itwaspossiblethey’dreleaseherbeforetheyfiguredoutwhoshewas,andshe’dbelonggonebeforethetruthhitthem.
ButthatwouldleaveThorpe…where?Injail?AndwhataboutSean?Ifhereallywasn’ttryingtoturnherinforthecashorapatonthebackatwork…Theimplicationswerestaggering.Wouldthepolicethinktheguyshadkidnappedherorsomething?Whatiftheycouldn’tgetaway?Whatifshecouldn’t?Amillionthoughtsracedthroughherhead,andshecouldn’tquitegraspanyofthem.Ontheonehand,she’dreliedonherselfforsolong,shedidn’treallyknowhowtorelinquishhercontrol.Ontheotherhand,asThorpehadpointedout,theyhadn’tgivenheruporletanyonehaulheraway,sowhywouldtheystartnow?
Crap,shewasn’tsurewhattodo.
“Trustme,Callie,”Seanstaredatherthroughthedriver’ssidewindow.Heheldoutonehandtoher,hisearnestexpressionwillinghertobelievehim.“Whateveryouthink,IswearthatI’mnotherenowbecauseofmyjob.Iwoulddoanythingtokeepyousafe.”
Hiswordsmadehermeltalittlemorethantheyshould.Gawd,shewantedtobelievehimsobadly.IfshewaswrongandsheclimbedintothatSUV,itcouldmeantheendofherfreedom.Shehadn’tmanagedtoeludecaptureforthislongbecauseshemadedecisionswithherheart.
AshoutfromGlitterGirls’parkinglothadherheadzippingaroundandhergazetryingtopenetratethedarkanddistance.Thorpe,however,justlosthispatience.
Withagrunt,hepickedherup,yankedopenthedoortothebackseat,andtossedherin.Shebracedherselfontheleatherbench,scramblingtothefarsideoftheSUVasThorpejumpedinandslammedthedoor.
Calliedidn’tlikeanyofthis—toosudden,notimetothink.Shedidn’trunoffwithotherpeople.She’dmanagedtoescapethefatefulnightherfamilyhadbeenkilledandshewasstillalivetodaybecauseshe’dstayedonestepaheadofthecopsandkillersafterher.Shewasn’tabouttodragThorpethroughthemud.AndshewasstillonthefenceaboutwhethertobelieveSean.
Lungingforthepassengerdooronthefarsideofthecar,Calliegrabbedthehandle,preparingtotumbleoutintothechillyNovembereveningagainanddashthedistanceto…somewhere.WhereverThorpeandSeanweren’t.
Seanmerelylockedthedoorstothecar,killedtheheadlights,thenrocketedintothenight.Atthefirstcorner,heflippedontheheadlightsagainandmergedintotraffic,blendinginwitheveryothercarchasingLadyLuckontheVegasstreets.
“Areyouinsane?”sheshriekedatThorpe.“Doyouunderstandwhatwillhappeniftheauthoritiesfindoutthatyou’reknowinglyaidingafugitive’sescape?ItwasonethingwhenyoucouldsayIliedtoyou.Thenyoucouldhavebeenthevictim.Thenyouwouldn’thavegonetojail.”SheglaredatSeaninthedriver’sseat.“Andifyou’renotgoingtoarrestme,doyourealizethatyoucouldloseyourjob?Whatthehellareyoutwodoing?”
“Youwanttotakethisone?”Seanlookedathisnew“pal”intherearviewmirror.“Ineedtomakesurewe’renotbeingfollowedandtrytodecidewherewecangofromhere.”
“Withpleasure.”
“Good.Ihaveafeelingourtimeisshort.Didyoualreadypackupeverythinginyourroomandputyourbelongingsinthecar?”
“Idid.”
“Thatmakestwoofus.Carryon.”
Thorpenoddedathim,thenturnedtoherwithaDomglowersomenacingshefoundherselfinchingbackuntilthecardoorensuredthatshehadnowhereelsetogo.
Calliegulped.“What?I-Itookcareofmyself.Icouldn’tverywellexpectthetwoofyouto—”
“Bereasonablyconcernedhumanbeingswhowantedtokeepyouhappyandsafe?Talktothetwomenwhowillalwaysputyourwelfareaboveeverythingelse?”
Damnit,hewasdeterminedtomakeherfeelsomewherebetweenstupidandirresponsible.“Seanwasaliar.HowwasIsupposedtoknowhewouldn’tturnmein?”
“I’msorryforthesubterfuge,lovely.ButIhadtocreateacovertogetintotheclubandkeepeveryonefromgettingsuspicious,especiallyyou.”
Anddidn’tshefeellikeanidiotforfallingforit—andhim?“Greatjob,Mr.Kirkpatrick.Youhadmefooled.”
“Mackenzie,”hecorrected.“SeanMackenzieismyrealname.Here.”Hepassedheralittleleathercase.Sheflippeditoverasheturnedontheinteriorlight.
CallieclutchedthedocumentinherhandandreaditwithasenseofsomethingbetweenOMGandholyshit.Itwastrue.SeanMackenzietrulywasaSpecialAgentfortheFBI.Shepassedhiscredentialsbackwithnumbfingers.Hegrabbeditandkilledtheinteriorlight.
Thendarknesssettledaroundher,leavinghertobattleherthoughtsagain.HolyshitfinallybeatoutOMGasherfinalreaction.Andangerthatshe’dbeenduped.Apparentlyhe’ddoneitwithoutmuchdifficultyandprobablyevenlessregret.
“Iguessthat’swhyyouwereabletogiveAxelablackeye.”Whatelsewastheretosay?
“Itaughthand-to-handcombatforthebureaufortwoyears.”
Whichmeantthathewasdamngoodatit.Andhereshe’dthoughthedidn’thaveaviolentboneinhisbody.Calliesnorted.Thatprovedshehadalmostnoclueabouthim.Infact,therewereprobablyathousandotherfactsaboutSeanKirkpatrick—orMackenzie,rather—thatshedidn’tknow.“Whoareyou?Obviously,Idon’tknow.”
“Youdo.”Hisvoicewassosoft,compellinghertobelievehim.“Everythingexceptmynameandoccupationwastherealme.IneverliedabouthowIfelt.”
Shewantedtobelievehim.Butthetruthwas,she’dfallenforacharmingsmile,afakebrogue,andawholelotofsmoothlines.Ifhistendernessandcaringhadseemedlikemore,well…wasn’tthatthepointofwinninghertrustandbreakingherbarriersdown?“Whatever.”
“It’salotmorethan‘whatever,’Callie.Isweartoyou.”
“EveniffindingoutthatSeanwasn’twhoheclaimed,thatdoesn’texcuseyouforrunningoffwithouttalkingtome,pet,”Thorpejumpedin.“What’syourjustificationthere?”
“Ididn’tthinkyouknewwhoIwas,soItriedtokeepyoufromthismess.WasIsupposedtoguessthatyoucaredaboutme?”
Shehadn’tthoughtitpossible,buthisfacebecameevenmoreforbidding.“Don’tyoueversaythattomeagain.Ishelteredyouforfouryears,Callie.Itriedtoteachyou,helpyou,comfortyou.WhatpartofthatindicatedtoyouthatIdidn’tgiveashit?”
“Iknewyoucaredasafriend,butIdidn’tthinkyou—”Shetriedtountangleherthoughtsasheleanedacrosstheseattowardher.“Thenightyou…thatitseemedlikeweweregoingto…youknow.”Shestillhatedthinkingaboutthathumiliatingevent.“Thenyoujustwalkedawayandneverexplained,nevertouchedmeagain,so—”
“BecauseIdidn’tfuckyou,youimaginedthatIdidn’tcareanymore?”
“Prettymuch,yeah.”Sheshrugged.“Imighthavebelievedthataloverwouldgooutonalimbforme,butnotmerelyabossorafriend.”
“Therearesomanythingswrongwiththatstatement.”Thorpecursed,shakinghishead.
“Beingyourloverclearlydidn’tgivemeanyextraperksinthetrustdepartment,”Seanpipedupfromthefrontseat.“Infact,IthinkyougavemeevenlessthanThorpe.”
“Well,yeah,”Calliedefendedhotly.“Everythingbetweenuswaspretenseandbullshit.Don’ttrytoconvincemethatI’vewrongedyou.”
“He’snottellinghissuperiorsthatyou’verunorthathiscoverisblownbecausehe’stryingtominimizethechancesthattheFBIwillsuddenlywantyoubroughtin.”
Maybethatwastrue.Evenifitwas,shewasn’treadytobelessangry.No,hurt.Damnit.“SoI’msupposedtothankyouforyourkindlies?Wasitdifficulttogethardoncommand?Wasfuckingmeachore?”
Seanslappedhispalmagainstthesteeringwheel.“That’sit.I’vehadenough.Thorpe…”
“Onit,”heassuredtheotherman.“We’redonewithyourlackoftrust.”
“Andyourbrattymouth,”Seanadded.“Don’tforgetthat.”
“Absolutely,”Thorpeagreed.“Youwillapologizethisinstanttobothofus.”
“Likehell!Youtwodon’tlikethewayIcommunicate.Guesswhat?Yourstylesucks,too.Youlie.”ShepointedatSean,thenturnedherstareonThorpe.“Andyouclamup.”
Thorpegrabbedherbythearm.“You’verefusedtorelyonthemendeterminedtohelpyou.”
“Ididn’taskforhelp,”shepointedout.
“You’verefusedtoapologize,andyou’veinsultedus.”
“Youinsultedme,too.BecauseI’mgoingtodefendmyself,I’mbratty?”Sherolledhereyes.“I’mnottheonlyoneslingingwordsaroundhere.”
“Imighthavelied,lovely,butIdidn’tdrugyou,”Seanremindeddarkly.
“Neitherofusstrippedforaroomfullofscum.Anditwasyourthirdshiftintwodays?”Thorperaisedanintimidatingbrowather.
Agongofforebodingresoundedinhergut.Shit,they’ddonetheirlegwork.Sometimes,shelosthertemperandforgotimportantdetails…likebeingatthemercyoftwopissedoffDoms.Ofcourse,Thorpeprobablywouldn’tpunishher.Infact,he’dprobablynevertouchheragain.Buthe’dsuregiveSeanlotsofcraptasticideasabouthowtodoiteffectively.
“Iwasn’tenjoyingmyself.Iwasmakingmoney.”
“Toskiptown,right?”Thorpe’squestionwassharpasablade.
“It’swhatIdo.”
“Alongwithdrivingusoutofourfuckingminds,”Seangrowled.
“Itwasn’tintendedtobeapersonalaffront!”sheinsisted.
“Soweweresupposedtoshrugthatyou’dleftandmoveonwithourlives.Doyouknowhowworriedwe’vebeen?”herformerbossasked.
“Ohmygawd,youbothsoundlikeoverprotectivehens.”
CalliebracedforThorpe’sexplosion.Instead,hedrewinabracingbreath,nostrilsflaring,thenwithatautprofileandrigidlycontrolledbody,hedirectedhisgazetothefrontseat.“Sean,reasoningwithherisn’tgoingtowork.”
“Agreed.Goahead.Ineedtofocushere,butI’vehadmorethanenough.”
“Excellent.Minusthegloves?”
Hesighed.“Idoubtanythinglesswillregister.”
“Icouldn’tagreemore.It’sboundtogetnoisy.”
Seansmiledfaintly.“I’llenjoythat.”
HeglancedatherinthemirroratthesametimeThorperegardedherwithafrighteningsmile.Calliefeltlikeanactresswho’dforgottenherlines,pinnedbyaspotlight.
“Apologize,pet.”
Itwasn’tasuggestion.Buttherewasnowayshewasgoingtosay“sorry”fordoingwhatshethoughtnecessary.“I’msorryifwhateverIdidupsetyou.”
“And?”Thorpe’sgriponherarmtightened.
“I’msorryifImisinterpretedyouractions.”
“Anythingelse?”Hisvoicedroppedtoasilkybaritonethatservedasitsownwarning.“Anythingyou’dliketosaytoSean?”
Callie’sbellytightened,butsherefusedtolie.“No,Ithinkthat’sit.”
“Thenit’sobviousweneedtolaydownafewrulesandexpectations.”Thorpesettledagainstthebackseat,legsbracedwide,thengrabbedhershouldersandgaveamightyjerkuntilshetumbledfacedownacrosshislap.
“Ohhell,no!”Shewrithed,tryingtotwistuprightagain.
Likethatwasgoingtohelp.He’ddealtwithathousandsquirmingsubmissives.Therewouldbenoescape.Shealreadyknewthatfromexperience.
Expertly,hesplayedahandinthemiddleofherback,pinninghertohislap.“Hell,yes.It’spastdue,pet.You’vemorethanearnedit.Yourattitudeneedsseriousadjusting.”
Thorpepunctuatedhisassertionbyliftingherlittleskirt,yankingthebillsoutofherthongandthrowingthemonthefloorboard,thengivingherrightcheekaquick,blisteringswat.Beforeshe’devenfinishedgasping,hespankedtheleft.Ouch!Herassstung.Heatflared.Andnotforoneseconddidshethinkthathewasdone.
“Fromnowon,”hebegan,“youwillkeepuppermostinyourmindthatanythingthataffectsyouconcernsus.Wecare.Isthatclear?”
Evenifshewasalittlethrilledattheconvictioninhiswordsandmorethanabitexcitedatthewayherestrainedandhandledher,Calliewantedtotellhimtojumpoffabridge.Shewasabouttosaysomethingsatisfyinglydismissivewhenhesmackedtheflatofhishandagainsteachofhercheeksagain.Ayelpslippedfromhermouth.
“I’lltakethatasayes.”Asmirkresonatedinhisvoice
Damnhim!
“Youwillneverleaveoursightwithoutproperpermission.Ifyoueverrunawayagainwithoutdoingthecourtesyoftalkingtousboth,yourasswillbeaglowingshadeofredforamonth,Ipromise.”
Washeserious?“Idon’tneedbabysitters.”
“Sinceyoucouldhavegottenyourselfmolestedinthatterriblecluborinthefuckingalleybehindit,ifnotforus,I’mgoingtodisagree.”
“ButIdidn’t.”
“Ididn’tgiveyoupermissiontospeak.”Thorpe’svoicedroppedanotheroctave.
Anotherfewswatstoherbacksidehadherfleshstingingagain…andherpussyweeping.WhydidThorpe’sdisciplinealwaysturnheron?Whycouldn’tshehatehimforitandtellhimtogotohell?
“Andlovely?Therewillbenodrugginganyone,notakingyourclothesoffforstrangers,andabsolutelynolying,”Seaninsistedfromthefrontseat.Hisvoiceheldaharsh,authoritarianedgeshe’dneverheardfromhimbefore.
“Ifyouremovesomuchasashoeinfrontofanothermanwithoutourpermission,youwillfeelmywrath.”
Andtoprovehispoint,Thorperainedaseriesofshort,sharpblowsdownonherbackside,oneaftertheother.Calliecouldn’tstopthegasps,themoans.Herbloodfeltlikeithadcaughtfire.Herskinburned.Still,Thorpekeptatherass,poundingonewallopafteranotheronhervulnerablebacksideuntilshethoughtshewouldmeltalloverhim.Shebarelyreinedintheurgetocryoutinpleasure.
“Mine,too,”Seanvowed.“You’relikelytofeelitassoonasIdon’tneedtofocusontheroad,infact.”
Well,wasn’tthatsomethingtolookforwardto?
“Ididn’tgiveeitherofyoupermissiontotouchme,”shepointedout.
“Lousyattempt,pet,”hetskedather.“Youjustkeepdiggingadeeperhole.”
“Igavehimpermission,”Seanclarified.“AndIdon’tcareifyouthinkyouremovedyourcollar.Wedidn’ttalkaboutit.Youdecidedwithoutconsultingme.LasttimeIchecked,youweren’ttheDominantinthisrelationship.”
“Thisisridiculous.I’mnotapossession.”
“No,butyou’reasubmissiveinneedofagreatdealofdiscipline.Ihavenoproblemgivingittoyou,pet.”
“Ihavenoproblemeither,Callie.Iwastooeasyonyoubefore.That’sgoingtochange,”Seanpromised.
Herheartlurched.Theyabsolutelymeantbusiness,andabitofherreallywantedtoletthemtakeherundertheirwingandrelyonthemforhersafety.Ifshewasn’tCallindraHowe,shemightdiphertoeinthewater.Okay,soshe’dprobablydivein.Butthatwasn’therreality.
“Thehellitis!IonlymanagedtostayfreefornineyearsbecauseInevergotsentimental.IleaveeverythingandeveryonebehindandseveralltiesonceI’mgone.Thorpe,it’snotthatIdon’tbelieveyou’ddoeverythingpossibletokeepmesafe.ButIcan’tletyouruinyourlife.IleftbecauseI’mtryingtodotherightthingsoyoucangetbacktonormalcy.”
“Hedidn’taskyoutothrowyourselfonthesword,lovely.”Sean’svoicesoftenedbeforeithardenedagain.“NeitherdidI.Wewon’tletyoucasteitherofusasidebecauseyouthinkit’s‘safer.’Whatyou’rereallydoingisbeingstingywithyourtrustandprotectingyourheart.Iwon’thaveit.”
“NorwillI,”Thorpeadded.“Imighthavebeenyourbossandyourfriend,butyou’relyingtomeandyourselfifyouthinkweweren’tmore.”
Washefinallyadmittingtherewassomethingbetweenthem?Callieclosedhereyes.Whatcrappytiming…
“So?”shetossedback.“Youignoredityourselfforyears.”
“Idid,”headmitted.“AndI’mdone.”
Herheatedassthrobbedinthecoolnight,andshefeltThorpe’sstareonherbareskin.Theyearningnearlychokedher,butthiswasn’tjustabouther.Shecouldn’tstandtoseethemgetsuckedintothemorassherlifehadbecome.
Calliefiguredshecouldplaythisoneoftwoways:eitherkeepfightingtoothandnailandgetherassbeatmoreforherdefianceorgiveinuntiltheylettheirguarddown.Thenshe’drunagain.Seanhadn’taskedhertothrowherselfonthesword,andwell…shehadn’taskedhimforthateither.Ifhereallyhadbeenprotectingherandwashereagainsthisorders,shecouldn’tlethimjeopardizehisjobanymorethanshecouldriskbeinginvolvedwithanFBIagent.AndsherefusedtogambleherheartonThorpe,oneofthemostemotionallyunavailablemenshe’devermet.Nogoodwouldcomefromthat.
“Yes,Sirs.”
Aboveher,Thorpestilled.“Idon’tknowwhethertopraiseyourbreakthroughorwailonyourassagainforlying.”
“IthinkIknow,”Seanquipped.
“IthinkIdo,too.Buttimewilltell.Justforgoodmeasure…”Thorpepalmedtheburningfleshofherbackside,thenspankedheragainwithunyieldingdisciplinebeforejerkingherskirtdownandsittingheronthelongseatbesidehim.“Behave,pet.”
Shefidgetedfromthestingingburnmakingherskintingleandcouldn’tsitstill.
“Thorpe,isthenaughtygirl’spussywet?”
HezippedhisgazeuptowardSean,whometitintherearviewmirror.Nowordswereexchanged,butThorpemusthaveseenwhathewantedbecausehenoddedandsatbackwithalittlesmileplayingatthecornersofhislipsbeforeheturnedtoher.
Callie’seyeswidened.InwhatalternateuniversewasSeangoingtoletherformerbosseventhinkabouthergirlparts?Punishmentwasonething,especiallywhilehewasdriving,but…ThethoughtofThorpe’shandrightwheresheachedforhimmostmadeherclitswellandsizzle.Heturnedandpinnedherwithaferalstare.
Sheshookherhead,knowingshelookedmorethanatadpanicked.“No.”
Ifhegotnearher,he’dknowshehadjustliedtohimagain.Therewouldbemorepunishment.Butthetruthwastooembarrassing.
“Spreadyourlegsandletmefeelformyself,pet.”
Ohhell.Sheflippedherstareuptotherearviewmirror,hopingtocatch’sSean’sdisapprovingscowl.Despitethespankingandhisquestion,hewouldn’treallyletThorpetouchherthere,wouldhe?
ShedidsnagSean’sgaze,buthemerelylookedatherexpectantly.“We’rewaiting.”
“Andnotpatiently,”Thorpedrawled.
Callie’sheartstartedbeatingharder.Hersilkythongwasalreadybeyonddampandwasn’tgoingtoabsorbanyoftheexcessmoisture.Eveninthedarkenedbackseat,Thorpewouldseeifshetriedtouseherskirttowipeawaytheevidence.
Shepressedherlipstogetherandfrowned.“Allright,Iam.”
“Soyoulied?”Damn,thatDomvoiceofhiswentstraighttoherclit.Theachecoiledup.
Afewpossibleresponsesranthroughherhead,butshe’dseenThorpeoperateenoughtoknowthatexcuseswouldn’twork.Compoundingthingswithanotherliewouldonlymakehereventualpunishment—andtherewouldbeone—worse.Soshesettledontheonlythingthatmightpersuadehimtoshowalittlebitofmercy
“I’msorry,”shewhispered.“I’mconfused.Iwas…ashamed.”
Hegrabbedherchin.“Explain.”
Shouldn’titbeobvious?“Youhaven’ttouchedmeintwoyears,exceptthenightafterSeanandI,um…”
“Madelove,”hesuppliedfromthefrontseatohsohelpfully.
“Thatwasthenightyoucameundermytongueandfingers.”Thorpestaredintohereyes,forcinghertorememberthewayshe’dwrithedforhimandscreamedhisname.
MortificationfrozeCallie.WouldSeanbemad?OrwouldthisweirdalternateuniversewhereheandThorpewerehavingsomebizarrebromancecontinueandleadSeantodosomethingonceincomprehensible,likehigh-fivetheDungeonMaster?
Sheclearedherthroat.“Otherthanthat,you’veshownalmostnosexualinterestinmeforsolong.It’skindofembarrassingthatyourspanking,um…arousedme.”
Thorpelookedlikehewantedtosaysomething,buthedidn’t.Afteralongpause,hesimplyglancedatherthighs.“Spreadthem.Iwon’taskagain.”
“You’rereallygoingtocheck?”Sheblinkedathim,thenbackupatSeaninthemirror.
“Iaskedhimto,lovely.”
“Soyes,”Thorpeprovided,thenlookedatherimpatiently.
Herheartchuggedlikeaherdofwildhorses.IthadbeenonethingtospreadherlegsforThorpewhenshethoughtithadbeengood-bye,whenshethoughtshe’dneverhavetoseetheknowinggleaminhiseyesagainorworrythathethoughtherasilly,inexperiencedgirlforbeingsoeasilyexcitedbyhim.Now…shegotthefeelingthatheintendedtoplowhisfingersthroughherfemininefoldsandenjoythehelloutofherresponse.Forherhesitation,he’donlywanttoarousehermore,baskinherhelplessreactiontohim.
Wouldsheratherhavemorepunishmentormoreembarrassment?Theformerwouldonlyleadtomoreofthelatter,soshemightaswellgetthisshitoverwith.Itwasn’tlikeshehadanywayofpreventinghimfromtyingherdownanddoingwhateverhewantedtoherpussytheminutetheymadeitoutofthiscarandfoundaflatsurface.
Slowly,Calliepartedherthighsuntilherkneeswereaswideasherhips.Shecouldn’tbringherselftolookathim,andrealizedthateveryhang-upaboutsexshe’deverhadwascomingbacktohaunther.
Herfatherhadnevertalkedaboutthetaboosubject.Holdenmayhavebeenherfirst,butthefumblinginhisbackyardthatearlyfalleveninghadn’ttaughtheralotexceptthatlosinghervirginityhurt.She’dtriedcasualsexonceovertheyearswithXander.She’dwantedThorpesobadlyandhadn’tknownhowelsetogethisattention.Thirtysecondsandonefakeorgasmlater,she’dcalleditoff,knowingthatshecouldn’tbringherselftofuckonemanwhenshewantedanother.Xanderhadbeenfinewithendingit,too,leavinghertowonderifshelackedsexappealaltogether.ThencameSean.He’dgivenherapleasuresoexcruciating,Calliestillcaughtherbreathjustthinkingaboutit.Shehadn’teverknownsuchecstasyexisted.Andshe’dcravedhimsince.ButThorpe?Gawd,shewasalmostafraidtodiscoverallthewayshecouldturnherbodyinsideout
“Please…”Thewordslippedoutasshestaredintohiseyes.
Whatthehellwasshedoing,showinghervulnerablesidetoamanwell-knownforhisruthlessdomination?
“Pleasewhat,pet?”
Herentirebodyshook.Thorpemadehernervous;healwayshad.Suchabig,forcefulpresence.Itwashardnottowanttopleasehim.Thenotknowingwhethershematteredtohimassomethingmorethanaresponsibilitytroubledher.Oneminutehe’dwantedher,thenexthehadn’t.HehadonceagainwhenSeanhadcomeonthescene.WhatdidThorpereallyfeelforher?
Exhaustionandhungertoreather.Thepainmakingherheelthrobwasnothingcomparedwiththeacheinherpussy.ItwasimpossiblenottoacknowledgehowimportantThorpehadbeentoher.Foragirlwhousuallyuprootedeveryfewmonths,fouryearstofeelunrequitedlovewasadamnlongtime.
Atearstreakeddownhercheek,andshewipeditaway.“Idon’tknow.I’msoconfused.”
Heletlooseaheavysigh.Thenhewrappedanarmaroundherandtuggedheragainsthistall,hardframe.“Onmylap,pet.”
Calliewasdyingtoknowwhathewasthinking,feeling,wanting.Buthewasn’tgoingtotellher.“Yes,Sir.”
Asshescrambledintohislap,hecuppedagentlehandaroundthebackofherheadandguidedherontohisshoulder,wrappinghissuitcoataroundheroncemore.“Areyoucold?”
“Alittle.”
“I’mturninguptheheater,lovely.Allyouhadtodowassaysomething.”
ThatgentlenotewasbackinSean’svoice,tuggingather.Emotionsshedidn’tknowhowtocomprehendpiledup,rightontopofallherconfusion.Mentally,shecouldn’tholditalluporinanymore.
“Thankyou.”Shesniffled.
“Givemeyourfeet.”Thorpeheldoutonehandwhereshecouldsnugglethemintohispalm.
Sheshookherhead.“Idon’twanttogetbloodonyou.”
“Blood?”hequestionedsharply.
“M-myfoot.Isteppedonarock.It’snothing.”
“I’llbethejudgeofthat.”
“I’lladdfirstaidsuppliestomymentalgrocerylist,”Seansaid.
“Doyouhaveanyideawherewe’regoing?”Thorpeinquired,curlinghisarmsaroundhermoretightly.
Hisembracewaslikeheaven.Itmightbestupid,buttheonlythingthatwouldmakeherhappierwouldbetohaveSeancuddleduptoher,too.
“Ihaveafewthoughts.Callie,doyouliketoswim?”
“No.”Hersisterhadnearlydrownedasatoddlerinalittlekoipondinthebackyardofaneighbor’shouse.She’dtriedlikehelltorescueCharlotte—andalmostdrownedherself.She’dbeenterrifiedofthewatersince.
“Shecan’tswim,”Thorpesupplied.“ImanagedtodraghertothelakeoncewithsomeoftheregularsfromDominion.Shespenttheentiretimeasfarawayfromtherailingoftheboataspossible.”
“Perfect,”Seansaidwithasmileinhisvoice.
Thewordsfilledherwithdisquiet.Notbecauseshethoughteitherofthemwouldwillinglyhurther,butiftheyisolatedhersomeplacewhereshecouldn’tescapeandputtheirheadstogethertocollaborateonwhatcamenext…Calliehadafeelingshe—andherheart—mightbeinrealtrouble.ChapterTwelve
FOURhourslater,SeanstareddownatCallie’ssleepingfigurealmostswallowedwholebythesurprisinglybigbed.Shewaswornout,andwhenhebenttoremovetheterribleblondwig,shedidn’tmoveamuscle.Thatalonetoldhimhowfatiguedshewas,asdidthegraysmudgesunderhereyes.Hetossedthesynthetichairinthecornerandcarefullyremovedallthepinsuntilherdarktressesspreadacrossthewhitesheets.Shelookedsobeautiful,itbrokehisfuckingheart.
Thorpestoodbesidehim.“Isshestillasleep?”
Henodded.“She’sexhausted.”
“Well,she’snottheonlyone.”Thorpetwistedhispowerfultorso,stretchingandstiflingayawn.“Wegotherback,andthatwasafeatinitself,butwe’vestillgotashitloadtodo.”
“Yep.Nowthatwe’vegotdistancebetweenusandVegas,wecansortthroughthefactsanddecidewhatcomesnext.”
Withanod,Thorpeheadedoutofthebedroomingrimsilence,thenoutontothedock,intothenight.Seanfollowed.Fromthedeckoftheirrentedhouseboat,moonlightglowedoverthedarkwatersofLakeMead.Now,justbeforethedawn,everythingwasshimmeringandquiet,ahushofnightbeforetheriotoflifethatcamewithdayprevailed.Itwasawelcomechangefromthelastfranticfewhours.
“Idon’tthinkwewerefollowed,”Thorpeobserved.
“Asdesertedastheroadfromthehighwaytothisprivatedockis,wewouldhaveseenanyoneonourtail.Let’sjusthopenoonerealizesthatwe’veleftDallasyetorfiguresouthowtotrackusdown.”
AftersnatchingCalliefrombehindGlitterGirls,he’ddevelopedaplantoholeupandbegantosetitinmotion.Afterherpunishment,she’dgivenintowearinessandallbutpassedoutonThorpe’slap.Shehadn’tawakenedwhenthey’dstoppedatatwenty-four-hoursuperstoreonthesoutheastsideofVegas.Oncethere,Seanhadgrabbedaballcapandwindbreakerfromhisbagandemergedthirtyminuteslaterwithacartfulofeverythingtheywouldneedforaweekofisolation.Iftheyneededmoreprovisions,he’ddealwiththatlater.
Afterleavingthevehicle’skeysinamagneticboxinthewheelwell,they’dhoppedinataxi.Usingtheburnerphonesthey’dpickedupinDallas,bothheandThorpehadmadeafewcallsastheytraveledsoutheast.ThebigDomdialedAxeltocheckin.AfterfindingoutallwaswellatDominion,herangLoganforupdatesandgavehimthenumberforanewprepaidcell.TheformerSEALjotteddownThorpe’snewdigits,sworetocallonlyifitwasanemergency,andsaidhewasstilllookingintotheguysearchingforCallieattheairport.
Meanwhile,SeanreachedouttoElijahtoexplainwherethey’dlefthisJeepandtoadvisehimtocallLoganifhelearnedanythingmoreaboutthemilitarygoonhe’dseenflashingCallie’spictureatbaggageclaim.
Thosetaskscompleted,he’dusedhisnewphonetoputthroughhisfinalcall,thisonetoabusinesshe’dseenadvertisedinabrochureattheirhotel.He’dawakenedtheoldmaninthemiddleofthenightwithabullshitnameandpromisedawadofcashinexchangeforahouseboatforsevendays.
Shortlyafterthat,they’darrivedatthemarinawithCallieandtheirbags.Theysetaboutcastingofffromthedocksingrimsilence.Theminutethesunrose,Seanvowedtosteerthisfifty-footluxuryvesseltoasecludedspotsotheycouldgetdowntowork.Itwasn’taperfectsolution,butwithoutknownphonenumbers,Wi-Fi,orothermeanstotracethem,hehopedtheycouldhideuntilheandThorpecouldfigureouthowtomakeCalliesafeforgood.Seanhadnocluehowlongthatwouldtakeorwhatthey’dhavetodo.Hewasriskingeverythingbydisconnectingfromhissuperiors.NotonlycouldhebefiredandThorpelosehisbusiness,butitwaspossiblethey’dbehauledofftojailforobstructionandhamperinganinvestigation.Still,Seandidn’tseeanyalternativeifCalliewasgoingtohaveafutureandhewantedtobeapartofit.
Butthisroadtrip/search-and-rescuemissionhadshownhimthattomorrowwasn’tsimple.SeanknewhewouldneverhavegottenthisfarwithoutThorpe’sassistance,andhewassurprisinglygladtohavethemanhelpinghimkeepherbothsafeandinline.
Overandoverinhishead,hekeptreplayingthewaytheDomhadpunishedCallieintheJeep.ShehadlaysprawledacrossThorpe’slap,herbacksideallbutbaretohim,hercriesresoundinginthedark.NotevenablindmanwouldhavemissedThorpe’speaceathavingherunderhiscontrol,beingthemasterofherbeautifulvulnerability.
Calliehadn’tbeenimmune,either.He’daskedifshewaswettoestablishthatfact.Theothermanhadn’thadthechancetocheck,butSeanwouldhavebethisjobandhislifethatshe’dbeenturnedonbythatmanhandling.Thorpehadprobablyknownit,too.
Yes,SeansuspectedthatCalliewouldhaverespondedtohisowndisciplineandsubmittedtohimaswell,butthatquicklyandwiththatmuchabandon?Sure,she’dcomplainedaboutThorpe’spunishment—thatwasCallie—butfarmorethansexualdesiregluedthemtogether.Theyyearnedforoneanother.Somewhereinherstubbornheart,Seanknewthatshelovedhim,too.Afterall,she’dblossomedbeneathhistendercarejustdaysago,givingherbodytohimandatantalizingchunkofhersoul.
HeandThorpehadalreadyacknowledgedtheybothlovedher.Andifshelovedbothofthem…wherethehelldidtheygofromhere?
Together,heandThorpeeasedintothegalleytoputawaythegroceries,ensuringallthefood-relatedbagshadbeenemptied.
“Ithinkthat’severything.”Seanglancedaroundtheroom.Together,theygrabbedmostoftheotherbags—toiletries,clothes,andothernecessities—alongwiththebottleoftequilahe’dboughtduringhismiddle-of-the-nightstop.“Weshouldtalk.”
Thorpegaveatightnod.“WherewecankeepaneyeonCallie.”
“Agreed.”Sean’sthoughtsracedashebacktrackedtothebedroominwhichsheslept,Thorpetrailingbehindhimdownthenarrowpassage.Inside,hewalkedtothefarsideofthebed,setthebottleonthenightstand,toedoffhisshoes,thenclimbedinbesideher,trailinghishandacrossthechilledskinofherback.Theothermanstood,watchingCalliewithahungersostrong,itwasvisceral.
Inhersleep,sheshivered,andSeangatheredhercloser,slidingdowntoplasterhisbodyagainsthers,wishinghecouldhoardher.Butotherthanhim,whodidthatbenefit?
“Damnit,she’sfreezing,”hetoldThorpe.“Canyoulookatherfoot?Whenyou’redone,I’llfindsomeblanketsforthebed.”
“Yeah.”Thorpedugthroughtheplasticbagdanglingfromhisfingersuntilhefoundsomecottonballsandantiseptic.Withawince,heflippedontheoverheadlightwhileSeanshieldedCallie’seyes.
IfthesightofhimholdingherbotheredThorpe,itdidn’tshow.Instead,thebigDomsimplycleanedherwound.Hetendedtoherneed,shelvinghisown,evenwhenshemoanedgroggilyandtriedtosquirmaway.Seanwatchedtheman’sbighandcurlaroundherankletosteadyhersohecouldtrytohealher.ThevisualmetaphorstruckSeaninthegut.Overtheyears,ThorpehaddonethatforCallieinnearlyeveryotherway.Itwasonereasonshelovedhim.Seanwonderedifhisownbrokentrustwiththegirlcouldberepaired.Wouldsheeverseethat,eventhoughhe’dgivenherafakename,hisfeelingsforherhadbeenveryreal?
OnceThorpewasdonewithhisfirstaid,heturnedoffthelight,castingthebedroominshadowagain.Seanflickedtherockerswitchforthenightstandlight,castingadimartificialglowoverthebed.
“It’snotserious,”Thorpesaid.“Herheelwillbetenderforafewdays.”
Seannodded.“Goodtohear.”
Theothermanlookedaway.OutofdiscomfortbecauseThorpedidn’twanttoseehimcradlingCallie’sscantilycladbody?OroutofrespectbecauseThorpebelievedshewasn’this?Eitherway,theotherDomdidn’twastetimesquabblingorbackbiting.Mattersnowwerefartooseriousforthat.
“Um,theguywhorentedustheboat—Werner,wasn’tit?—saidtherewasanotherbedroomdownthehall,right?”Thorpetuggedatthebackofhisneck.“Andashower?Ifwe’redonehere,IthinkI’lljustgrabthoseand—”
“We’renot.Stay.”Seantemperedhisdemand.“Please.Wereallydoneedtotalk.”
TherewasnoplaceinthesmallbedroomforThorpetositexceptthebed.Hestood,armscrossed,untilSeanmotionedtothemattressontheothersideofCallieandpassedhimthebottleoftequila.
Withasigh,Thorpesatontheedgeandwrangledopenthebottle,takingalongswallow.
“Sorry,Ihaven’tgotanysaltandlime.”
Thorpeshrugged.“Itjustslowsdownthedrinking.”
Heheldouthishandforthebottle.“Amentothat.”
Aftertakingalongswallow,hepassedthetequilabacktoThorpe.Thealcoholwasalreadywarminghim,butshestilltrembledwiththechill.
“Callieneedsablanket,”Seansaid.“Letmefindone.”
Thorpemadetorise.“I’lldoit.”
Itwouldhavebeensoeasytolettheothermanseetothetask,butwhatdidCallieneed?Theanswerwasn’tsimple…butseemedsoobvious.Seanswallowedhard.
“Youkeepherwarm.I’llfindit.IthinkIrememberwhereWernersaidhestashedtherestofthebedding.”
Seanjumpedupandprowledintheroom’slittlecloset.Hefoundastackofblanketsonashelf,butloiteredtoseewhatThorpewoulddo.Theothermansetthebottleasideandsankfartherontothebed.HisgazefellinstantlyonCallie,buthekepthisdistanceuntilthegirlshiveredagain.Novemberhadturnedcold,especiallyoutonthewater.Theboathadaheater,butSeanhadn’tfoundityet.Shestillworenexttonothing.AndjudgingbythelookonThorpe’sface,hewashard-pressedtoforgetthat.
Whenshetrembledagain,hegatheredherinhisarms,closinghiseyesasshesettledagainsthimwithalittlesigh.ThecontentmentonhisfacespokevolumestoSean.Eventhougheverythingwasupintheairandfilledwithdanger,inthatmoment,allwasrightwithThorpe.AndCallie.Thesightdidn’tbotherSean.Shewassafeandcontent—andhewassurprisinglygoodwiththat.
WhenthebigDomlookedsettled,Seanscoopeduptheblanketsandspreadacoupleoverher.Sheburrowedunderthem,lookingevenmorerelaxed.
Momentslater,hesatbesideCallie,whoremainednestledagainstThorpe,andcombedhisfingersthroughhersilkyhair.“Ineedtosayacoupleofthings.”
Thorpetensed.“Shoot.”
“First,wehavetofigureoutwho’safterCallieandwhy.Mymoneyisstillonwhoeverhadherfamilyoffed.”
“Mine,too.”
“WhichmeanswehavetodigdeeperintoCallie’sbackground.We’llhavetoaskherquestionswhenshewakesup.”
“Oh,she’lllovethat,”Thorpedrawled.
“I’msure.Butaspainfulasshemayfindthementaljauntthroughherpast,Ithinkit’simportant.There’snowayshedoesn’tknowsomething.Itmayjusttaketherightquestionsforhertorememberit.Oncewefigureeverythingout,we’llgofromthere.”
“Don’tyouthinkshe’striedthisamilliontimes?”Thorpelookedupathimasifhewasstatingtheobvious.
Maybehewas.
Seanshrugged.“I’mhopingthatmoreheadsarebetterthanone.Wecan’tfailtotryjustbecauseshehasn’tsucceededonherown.I’vebeenstudyingthiscaseforclosetoayear.I’llhaveabetterideaofthequestionsthatneedtobeasked.Maybethatwillmakeadifference.”
“Maybe.”Thorpeshrugged.
“Ididn’tsayitwouldbeovernight.Infact,I’mbettingitwon’tbe.Buthoweverlongittakes,I’minthisfortheduration.”
“Becauseyouloveher?”
Nodding,Seanheldouthishandforthetequila.WithoutdisplacingCallie,Thorperolledoverandpluckedupthebottlefromthefloor,passingitoverhersupineform.
“Sameasyou.”Seantookalongswallowoftheclearliquidfromthebottletheyshared.
Thorpedidn’tcommentdirectly.“I’mnotsureifshe’sreadyforeitherofustofeelthatway.Shedoesn’tknowhowtoletherselfbelovedbecausesheneverreallyhasbeen.”
Seandidn’tevenhavetothinkaboutthat.“Asawoman?No.”
“I’dloveapieceofthatHoldenpeckerwhotriedtosellheroutforcashasateenager.I’dwringhisfuckingneck.”
“Actually,I’dliketogetwaymorecreative,”Seanmused.“I’driphisthroatoutthroughhisassholeafterI’vecarvedouthisspinewithascrewdriverandgougedouthiseyeswithaspork.”
“Remindmenottopissyouoff.”Thorpelookedbothhorrifiedandsuitablyimpressed.
Seansmiled.“AslongasCalliecomesfirst,wewon’thaveaproblem.Sheneedsthat.Basedonherfile,Ithinktheonlyperson,besidesus,whoopenlylovedCalliewashermother.”
“Shewasonlysixwhenthewomandied.”DismayspreadacrossThorpe’sface.
“Exactly.”Seantookanotherlongswigofbooze.“Sheandhersisterhadmoreofamother-daughterrelationship.Byallaccounts,shereallylovedCharlotte,butwhenthegirlhittwelve,shestartedrebellingandthey’dbeenhavingmajorargumentsaboutherbehavior.”Hepaused.“Accordingtotheautopsy,Charlottewasnineweekspregnantwhenshedied.”
“Atfourteen?Iknowthathappens,but…”ShocksentThorpe’sbrowsintoafrown.“DoyouthinkCallieknew?”
“Onlyshecananswerthat.LotsofspeculationaboutwhofatheredCharlotte’sbaby…”
Thorpe’sfrownbecameascowl.“YouthinkitwasCallie’sprickofaboyfriend?”
“Holdenapparentlyspentalotoftimeattheirhouse,andhewasobviouslyanunscrupulousbastard.I’dsayanythingispossible.”
Thorperuffledahandthroughhismussedhair.“Sonofabitch.Ifthat’sthecase,itcouldbeanotherreasonshedoesn’ttrustwell.Beingbetrayedbyherboyfriendandhersisteratsuchayoungagewouldbeharsh.”
“Itwasn’tasifshecouldrelyonherfather,either.Myinformationsaysthat,afterhermotherdied,heleftthegirls’caretohiredhelpandbeganhangingoutwithpeoplewillingtotakehismoney,primarilymedicalresearchers.Seemshebecameobsessedwithdiscoveringthecureforcancerinhislatewife’sname.”
“Ohhell.”Thorpeshookhishead.“Thegirlsweresoyoung.Theyhadlostamother.Theyneededreassurance,guidance,andlove.NowonderCalliewantedtorunawayfromhomeandbelievedthefirstguywithastiffdickwhoclaimedtoloveher.Shelearnedherlessonthehardway.Howthehellisshesupposedtorecoverfromthatwhilerunningforherdamnlife?”
“I’mnotsureshehas.I’vetriedtohealherasmuchasIcould,butasyouknow,it’sabigfuckingjob.”Seansighed.“Sheneedsconstants,peopleshecancountonwithoutfail.”
ThatthoughtseemedtosoberThorpeevenmore.“You’reright.”
“SoifyouwanttoheadbacktoDominion,tellmenow.I’llgetyoutolandaftersunrise.Aslongasyoukeepyourmouthshut,I’llunderstand.”
“What?Ihaven’tcomethisfartobailnow.Iwon’tabandonCallie.AxelcanmanageDominionwithoutme.Lotsoffolkstherewillhelp.AndSweetPeamightseemlikethemostsubmissivecreatureever,butshecanrunthatplacelikeadrillinstructorwhenshehasto.”
RelieffloodedSean’ssystem.TheybothagreedthatCalliehadtocomefirst.Theymightnothavealotincommon,buttheysharedthatbelief.Nowtheconversationgottricky…
“Good.I’vebeenthinkingaboutthis.IneedyourhelpwithCallie.Sometimesyou’retheonlypersonwhocanreachher.”Seansighedandtriedtofigureouthowtosayalltheotherthingscrowdinghishead.Heshouldprobablyhaveabitofsleepandastiffcupofcoffeebeforeheeventried,buttimewasn’tontheirside.OnceCalliewoke,they’dhaveafightontheirhands.ThedustbetweenheandThorpehadtobesettlednow.
“I’mhereforher,whateversheneeds.”
“Evenifthat’sbothofus?”
Thorpehesitated.“Whatdoyoumean?”
“She’llprobablyneedusbothtoprotectherfromwhoeverissearchingforher,”Seanbegan.“Ithinkit’ssafetoassumethatiftheykilledherfamilyandtookashotather,theywantherdead,too.Themorepeopleshehaswatchingherback,thesafershe’llbe.”
“Agreed.”
“Andyouknowhowsecretiveshe’salwaysbeen—forgoodreason.Butifwe’regoingtopryheropensoshe’lltellusaboutherpast,we’regoingtohavetoearnhertrust.I’llneedyoursteadyhand.”
Thorpesatupandpeeredacrossthedarknessathim.“Meaning?”
“Aftermonthsofgivinghermycoverstory,hertrustinmeisshakyatbestrightnow.Wecan’twaittogrowitagainbeforewefindoutwhatsheknows.Weneedthatinfonow.”Thorpedidn’tanswer,butSeancouldseetheman’smindturning.“YouknowI’mright.”
“Yeah.”Thorpeswallowed.
“JustlikeyouknowwhereI’mgoingwiththis,man.Thiswomanhasneverhadwhatsheneeds.Asalittlegirl,sheneededamother,buthersdiedofcancer.Asateenager,sheneededthesupportofherfamily,butherfatherwastoodistant,whilehersisterprobablystabbedherintheback.Sheneededtofinishgrowingupinasafeenvironment…andyouknowhowthatstorygoes.NowCallieneedsusformorethanprotection.Sheneedsustofinallymakeherwhole.”
“Jesus…”Thorpeblewoutabreathandrakedahandthroughhishair.
Seanpressedon.“YousaidyourselfthatIlackedtheknowledgetoproperlyguideher.Butyoudon’t.Shetrustsyou.Andshelovesyou,too.”
Thorpedidn’tsayawordatfirst,justheldouthishandforthebottle.Seanpasseditback,watchingtheothermanguzzledownmoretequilaashe,nodoubt,turnedoverallthepossibilitiesinhishead.
“I’daskifyou’refuckingserious,butyouobviouslyare.”Heshookhisheadofmussedhair.“Idon’trecommendinvitingmeinsideyourpicketfence,Mackenzie.I’mnotgoodforher.”
Thatassertionwasridiculous.HeandCalliefittogetherperfectly.
“Rightnow,I’mjusttryingtokeepheralive,”Seanhedged.“Ifyouwanttogoyourseparatewayoncethedangerisdone,I’llhelpyoufindthedoor.”
Hehadmixedfeelingsaboutmakingthatoffer.ThorpewalkingoutonCalliewouldcrushher.Butifthathappened,he’djusthavetofindsomewaytohelpherdeal.Regardless,thatwasanotherproblemforanotherday.Hehadenoughtojugglenow.HejusthadtotrustthatonceThorpegotclosetoher,hewouldn’tbeabletowalkaway.
“ButIwantyoutothinkaboutthis.Theonlyplacewhereyouragedifferencemeansathingisinyourhead.Andyourworryaboutgivingherenoughtenderness?It’sbullshit.”
Evenifitwasn’t,SeanwouldbehappytosupplyCallieplentyofaffection.Afterall,ifhecouldn’tgivehersomething,Thorpemightwelledgehimoutofherheart.Ormaybethatwashisownfeartalkingbecausethenheclosedhiseyesandrememberedhertremblingsurrender,hercriesthatshelovedhim.HemighthavestartedoutwithCallieasasubstitutefortheneedsThorpewasn’tfulfilling,buttheirrelationshiphadprogressedintosomethingfardeeperthanhe’deverimaginedwhenshe’dbeenjustanameonafilefolderandapictureofaprettygirl.
“Cuttothechaseandtellmewhatyou’resaying,”Thorpechompedimpatiently.“Spellitout.Idon’twantanygraybetweenus.”
“Weshareheronehundredpercent—atleastforaslongasshe’sindanger.Everythingwedoforher,wedotogether.Butyoucan’thalf-assthis.Youhavetogiveheryourall.”
Thorpestilled.“So…youwantmetodisciplineher?”
“Whensheneedsit,yes.”
Adeepbreath.Apensivestare.Agulp.“Areyoumegivingagreenlighttosex?”
Therewasthequestionhe’dknownwouldsurfacesoonerorlater.HowmuchofCalliewashewillingtogranttheotherman…
NowitwasSean’sturntohesitate.Honestly,hedidn’tknowhowhewasgoingtofeelseeingThorpe’shandsonher,hiscocktunnelinginsideher.HemightfeellikeslashingtheDom’sthroat.ButhealsomighttakecomfortindoingtherightthingforCallieandwatchingherbloom.Eitherway,hehadtoputherfirst.Iftheydidn’tforcepertinentinformationaboutthepastoutofher,shemightnotlivethroughthisordeal.Hisjealousywouldbeawfullymootthen.
“Tellmesomething,”Seanfinallysaid.“Wouldyoutopanotherprettysubmissiveanddismissthepossibilityofsexbeforeyou’veevenstartedtherelationship?WouldCalliebelieveyouwerecommittedtoherifyourefusedtogiveyourselfinreturn?”
“Shit.”Thorpetookseverallongdragsfromthebottle,lookingfloored.“Sothat’sayestosex.”
Despitethegravityoftheconversation,Seanwasalmostamusedbytheman’stension.“Isthataproblem?”
“Oh,fuckno.Notatall.”Thorpeshothimadirtyglare.“Butyouknewthat.”
“Justchecking.”Hegrinned.
“Shemaythinkshe’stakenhercollaroff,butIrespectthefactthatshe’sstillowned.”
AndThorpesoundedlikehe’dratherspitnailsthanadmitthat.
“Sowhataremylimits?”theothermanasked.
Withashrug,Seanrolledthroughthepossibilities.“Onlyone:EverythingwedowithCallie,wedoasateam.NoLoneRangeracts.”
Thorpepaused,frownedforamoment,thennodded.“I’min.WeneedtomakeCalliefeelsafeenoughtoopenuptous.It’simportantthatweestablishourcontrolandgetwhateverinformationshe’sgotinherheadoutsoon.You’reabsolutelyrightaboutthat.It’souronlychanceofherlisteningtousifdangerfollowsherhere.Beyondthat…I’vebeenhungryforherforyears.”
Soitwassettled.TheywouldshareinCallie’scare.TheywouldbothDominateher.Theywouldbothpartakeofher.Andtheywoulddoitalltogether.
“Youeverhadaménage?”
“Sure.Justforfun.”Thorpetappedhisthumbagainstthebottle.“Thisisdifferent.”
Seanwasgladhesawthedistinction.“Completely.Idon’tknowhowcomplicateditwillbe.Butwe’llfigureitout.”
“Forher,wehaveto.”
“Exactly.Thesun’scomingup.”Seangesturedtothegrayingskyoutsidethebedroomwindowasamixedcocktailofreliefandanxietyflowedthroughhisveins.“First,weneedsomesleepbeforeHurricaneCalliewakesandfiguresoutwheresheis.”
“Sure.Yeah.”Thorpebracedhimselfonthemattressandpushedupright.“Doyouwantmetogetoutofyourwayandletyoubunkdownwithyourgirl?”
Seanshookhishead.Apparently,itwasgoingtotakeThorpemorethanafewsecondstoadjusttotheideaofsharinghercompletely.“Webothtakecareofher.Thisisourbednow.YouneedtostaywithCallieincaseshewakesup.She’llbedisorientedatbestandfuriousatworst.Getherunderthesheets,makesureshe’scomfortable.NowthatI’vegotsomesunlightandIwon’trunthisboatintotheshore,Ineedtoanchoritsomeplaceassecludedaspossible.”Hegrabbedhisshoesandthrustthemon.“Backinten.”
Seandidn’twaitforThorpetoreplybeforehedartedoutthebedroomdoor.Hepickedupanchorandcruisedthelakeuntilhefoundawideinletwithtall,craggyrocksoneitherside.Henavigatedtothemiddle,stillawayfromshore,thendroppedanchoragain.Itwouldn’thidethemfromsomeoneinahelicopter,butanyoneelseonthelakewouldbehard-pressedtofindthem.
Nearlyfortyminuteshadpassed.Exhaustionweighedhiseverylimb,andnothingsoundedbetterthantumblingintothebedwithCallieandsleepingforlong,uninterruptedhoursbeforewakingtomakelovetoher.
Whenhehitthebedroomagain,hestoppedshortinthedoorway.ThorpehadfallenasleepontherightsideofthebedwithCalliespoonedagainsthischest.Theybothlookedpeaceful,exhalingtogetherinharmony.
TheworrySeanhadbeentryingtorestrainjabbedathim.Naturally,hehadconcernsaboutlettingThorpetooclosetohiswoman.Wouldsheultimatelychoosetheothermaninstead?OrwouldCalliealwaysneedthemboth?Nearlythreesleeplessdayshadn’tequippedhimtoanswerthatquestionnow.
Withawearysigh,heshutthedrapes,thenshedeverythingexcepthisboxer-briefs.Heslidunderthesheets,rollingovertokissCallie’sforehead.Shemoanedquietly,thenscootedclosertohimasifseekingwarmth…whileThorpe’sarmremainedsnugaroundher,hislegstangledinhers,hisbreathrufflingherlong,loosehair.Seandriftedinthepeaceandslept.
***
COCOONEDinwarmth,Calliewokeandsquintedagainstthefilteredlightmakingitswaythroughthecurtains.Thelittlebitshecouldseearoundherdidn’tlookatallfamiliar.Itcertainlywasn’tDominion.No,wait.She’dleftthereandshewouldn’trehashallthereasonsthathadbeennecessary.Itdamnwellwasn’therskuzzydumpofaVegasmoteleither.Andwhydidthegroundseemlikeitwasswayingslightly?
Sheforcedoneeyeopen—andthesightsjustkeptgettingweirder.AshirtlessSeansleptononesideofher,hishardchestpressedtoherown.Hispowerfultorsoroseaboveasoft,fadedblanket.Helookeddamngoodforaliar.
Behindher,hotbreathspreadunexpectedlyacrossherneck.Withalittlejerk,shestaredoverhershoulder.Thorpe.Asleepinarumpledwhitedressshirtanddarktrousers.Thefive-o’clockshadowdarkenedhissharpjawmorethanusual.
Themenshelovedsurroundedher.Itwaslikeafantasy.Ithadtobeadream.Theyhatedoneanother…ortheyhadbackatDominion.Thetimesinceherdeparturefromtheclubrushedbacktoher,hermemorieslingeringontherideinthesilverJeeplastnight,onThorpesmackingherassandSeanapprovingeverygesturewithhisstareintherearviewmirror.
Lastnight,they’dbeenateam,unitedbytheirdeterminationtocaptureherandbringherbacktosafety.Orsotheyclaimed.Thorpe,shebelieved.Sean?Shereallydidn’tknowhimorhaveanyideahowmuchofwhathadpassedbetweenthemwasalie.Ithadfeltsoveryreal.He’dswornitwas.Andshehadtoadmitthatifhe’dsimplywantedtobringherinforthebountyorprestige,heprobablywouldhavedoneitinDallas.Hecertainlywouldn’tbelettingThorpetagalong,either.
Butevenifheactuallylovedher,asheclaimed,andevenifeverywordSeanandThorpesaidwastrue,shecouldn’tstay.Herlifewastoodangerous,andshewasn’tgoingtodragthemintohermuck.Theyhadsomefoolishnotionintheirheadstobenoble,heroic.Byallappearances,theycared.Whatevertheirmotives,Calliecouldn’tletthem.
Carefully,sheinchedtotheendofthebedandcreptoffthemattress,shiveringandsteadyingherself.Crap,itwascoldthismorning.Shereachedforthefirstgarmentsheencountered,Sean’sshirt.Itevensmelledlikehim.Wherewerehershoes?
Inhalinghismuskassheslippediton,sheglancedatthemboth,regretnearlybringinghertotears.They’dworkedhardtotrackherdownand“rescue”her,notreallyunderstandingthatthejobofsavingherwasbiggerthanthemboth,evenwiththeirforcescombined.TheirefforthumbledCallie,andtheguiltforleavingthemagainnearlytookhertoherknees.Butshewouldn’tbeabletolivewithherselfifshewasthereasontheyfoundthemselvesbehindbars.
Thefloorbeneathherdippedagain,agentlerockingthatconfusedher.Wherethehellhadtheybroughther?Tiptoeingtothewindow,sheeasedthedullwhitedrapeasideandpeekedout.Water—andalotofit.
Calliesuckedinastunnedbreathandtriedtoshovedownherpanic.Shit!Okay,keepittogether.Iftheywereonaboat,maybetheyweredocked.Therehadtobeawayoff,right?Inherhead,though,sheheardSeanaskagainifshelikedtoswim…
Onsilentfeet,shedashedoutoftheroom,downthelittlepassageway,thenfoundadoorleadingouttotheexpansivedeck.Watereverywhere,atthefrontoftheboat,eitherside…Calliesprintedtothebackofthevessel,heartpoundingthreetimesforeverystepshetook.Butallshefoundwasmorewater.Thenearestland,formidablerockformationsthatwouldbeaterrifyinglysteepclimb,lookedahundredfeetaway—atleast.
Herheartpoundedsofuriouslythatherbloodvesselsfeltclosetobursting.Herentirebodyfloodedwithadrenaline.Memoriesofnearlydrowningasakidandthebrackishwaterfillinghermouth,stinginghereyes,andrenderingherlungsuselessoverwhelmedher.
Ifshewantedoffthisrockingprison,shewouldhavetoswimandclimbandhaulassthroughthedesertwithoutshoes,water,orsunscreen.Hell,shewasdoomed.
Calliecouldn’tstopherself.Sheopenedhermouthandscreamed.Andscreamed.Andscreamed.
Suddenly,shefeltahandcupoverherlips,trappinginthesound.“Areyoutryingtobringeverypoliceofficerandbountyhunterwithinahundred-mileradiusdownonourheads?”
Sean.Hegrowledthewordsinherearashebracketedherbackwithhissolidwarmth.
Onherright,Thorpestormedupandturnedonher,lookingdisheveledandpissedoff.Hegrabbedthebackofherneckinafirmgrip.Hisgrayeyeslookedthunderousashepinnedherinplacewithhisstare.“Calmdown,pet.Notanothersound.You’resafehere.Weintendtokeepyouthatway.”
Surrounded.Trapped.Escapehadbeentheonlywayshe’dsurvivedfornearlyaslongasshecouldremember.Now,thesetwoseemeddeterminedtokeepherhereonthisfloatinghellandruintheirlivesintheprocess.
Shetwistedaway,dislodgingSean’shandfromhermouth.“Don’tdothis!Letmegobeforeyouregretit.”
“Itoldyounottomakeasound,”Thorpereminded,hisvoiceheavywithdisapproval.
Behindher,Sean’sdisappointmentseepedintoher,too.
Shehatedhurtingthem.Thesubmissiveinherespeciallyhateddisappointingthem.Logically,itdidn’tmakesense,butthatdidn’tmakethefeelinglessreal.
“Let’sgetherinside.”
Seannodded.“Justincasethislakeisn’tasdesertedaswehoped.Thelastthingweneedisafellowboaterhearingherandcalling911.Iftheycomedownonourheadsandfindher,Imaynotbeabletocontrolwhathappensnext.”
Withoutexchanginganotherword,hewrappedonehandaroundherback,thenbentandslidhisotherarmbehindherknees.Heliftedheragainsthisbarechestasifherweightdidn’tstrainhimatall.Hisshouldersbulgedandhisjawtightenedasheturnedandmadehiswaybackinsidethelivingquarters.Hestareddownatherwithreprovingblueeyesandgaveheraslowshakeofhishead.
Shewouldhavesquirmedandscrambledoutofhisarmsifshethoughtitwoulddoanygood,butThorpewalkedrightbehindthem.Nodoubt,he’dhaulherbackifshetriedtorun—andprovidehersomesortofextra“motivation”tostay.Andifshedidflee,whatthen?Swimmingtoshoreandwalkingbacktocivilizationwithoutanyprotectionfromthedesertsunoracenttohernamejustwasn’tanoption.
“We’renothashingthisoutagain,lovely,”Seansaid.“Wetoldyoulastnightthatyouwerenottoleaveagainwithoutourpermissionortherewouldbeconsequences.Doyourememberthat?”
“Thisisn’taboutmebeingdisobedient.It’saboutyoutwolosingeverythingtotrytosavemewhenyoucan’t.Noonecan.Iappreciateyouwantingtohelp,butIwouldn’tbeabletohandleitifyouwoundupconvictsoversomethingfutile.”
SeansighedheavilyasheloweredhertothebedandlookedatThorpe.“She’snotlistening.”
“Shehasthatnastyhabitattimes.”Thorpeapproachedherandtookherchininhishand.“Yoursituationisn’tfutile.Havesomefaithinus.”
“Thorpe—”
Hesentherasharpstareandheldupafingertosilenceher.Damnifitdidn’twork.He’drunhotandcoldwithherforyears.Whythehelldidshestillrespondtohimsocompletely?
“It’snotopenfordiscussion.Whenwasthelasttimeyouate?”heasked.
Withafrustratedsigh,Calliementallyretracedthepreviousday.“Breakfastyesterday.ThenIhadahandfulofalmondsaboutthreeo’clock.”
TheybothlookedatherwithglaringdisapprovalbeforeSeanclenchedhisfists.“Damnit,Callie.”
“Itjustwasn’tthemostimportantthingonmymind.”Theirfrownsdeepened,andtheirconcernforhermadeherfeelsmall,asifshe’dmessedupevenmore.“Sorry.”
“Notyet,butyouwillbe,”ThorpepromisedbeforeheturnedbacktoSean.“Howareyourkitchenskills?”
“Passable.I’vebeenfeedingmyselfsincecollege.”Heshrugged.“Iwon’tpoisonher.”
“Good.Mineareterrible.It’swhyGodinventedtakeout.”Thorpesmiledwryly.
“Icanfeedmyself,guys.Ifitwillmakeyoufeelbetter,I’llgrabsomethingandeatitalllikeagoodlittlegirlifyou’lljustletmego.”
“Notthisagain.”Seansoundedattheendofhisrope.
“Shedoesn’tunderstand…yet,”Thorpedrawled.“First,sheneedsfood.”
“Andashower,”Seanadded.
“True.GodknowshowmanyfuckinggermswerebreedingatGlitterGirls.”Thorpespearedherwithaglare.“Eventually,we’regoingtohavealongdiscussionaboutwhyyouchosethatplace.”
“Youmeanyouintendtopunishmeagain.”Sherolledhereyes.
“Andthensometimesshecatchesonsoquickly…”ThorpesmiledSean’sway.
“I’vebeensureforawhilenowthatshechoosesnotto‘getit’atleasthalfthetimebecauseshe’sjuststubborn.”Seansighed.
Callieballedherhandsintofists.“Stopit!You’renotmyDomanymore—ifyouevertrulywere.Itookoffmycollar.Andbeforeeitherofyoutellsmeagainitdoesn’tworkthatway,youbothknowthatBDSMissafe,sane,andconsensual.I’mnotconsenting.Andyou.”SheturnedtoglareatThorpe.“Yes,you’rethebigbadDomorwhatever.Butdamnit,thatdoesn’tgiveyouanyrighttokeepmeagainstmywill.Youhavetoletmego!”
Theybothtensed,thenSeanshookhishead.Insteadofpersuadingthemtoreleaseher,she’dhurthim.Painwascarvedintohisexpression.Byallappearances,he’dsacrificedeverythingtohelpher,andshe’dthrownitinhisface.Thorpe,too.Aglanceatherbossdidn’tshowhimanylessruffled.Hemostlylookedpissedoff,excepthisburningeyes…Anguishlaythere.
Calliedraggedinatightbreath,everythinginsideherfeelingasifshe’dscrewedupagain.
“That’snotgoingtohappen,”Seanvowedsoftly.“Ifyoustillwanttoleaveonceyou’resafe,I’lltakeyouwhereveryouwanttogoandleaveyouwithmywellwishes.”
Ifhewantedtoarresther,wouldhereallymakethatoffer?He’dhavetobetheworstkindofconartist…andfoolishornot,Calliejustcouldn’tbelievethatabouthim.
Thorpestared,hisfacecloseduptight.“Untilthen,you’restayingherewithus.Weintendtokeepyousafeandsolvethismystery.Youcancountonthat,pet.”
Theirselflessness—alongwithaheftydoseofguilt—floggedheralloveragain.
“Guys,please.”Tearsprickledhereyes.“Idon’twantyoutodosomethingthatwilldestroyyourfuture.”
“Wedon’twantyourunningfortherestofyourlife.AndIdon’twanttohavethisconversationagain.Ourdecisionwon’tchange.Ifwehavetokeepyouagainstyourwill…”Thorpeshrugged.
“Youcan’tdothatforever.Youbothhavelives.”Shesighedtiredly.“Mineisscrewed,butyoursdon’thavetobe.Ican’tprovethatIdidn’tkillmyfatherandsister.Thecrimeiswaycold,andnoamountofinvestigatingnowisgoingto—”
“TheFBIdoesn’twanttoarrestyou,”Seancutin.
“What?”Shecouldn’thaveheardthatright.
“Ifthebureautookaninterestinthiscaseandwantedyoubehindbars,you’dalreadybelockedup.Iwasjustsenttowatchyou,lookforanyclues,nothingmore.Theywouldn’tgivemethatdirectiveiftheybelievedyou’dcommittedaterriblecrime.”
Thenewsimpactedherlikeatwo-tonbomb,bothblowingherawayandcreatingonehellofacraterinherthoughts.“TheChicagopolicestillhaveanAPBoutonme.”
“Theywanttoquestionyou,butthat’snotmyjurisdiction.Ionlycareaboutmyorders.UncleSamhasn’tgivenmeanyindicationthatyou’reregardedasacriminal.”
Callieblinked.Shewasn’tactuallywantedformurder?Afternineyears,shedidn’tevenknowhowtoprocessthatpossibility.“Thenwhythehugebountyonmyhead?Becauseofthat,Ialmostbitanassassin’sbulletinBirmingham.IliterallyranoutofArkansaswithapairofbounty-huntinggoonschasingme.I’vecrossedpathswithbothsortsovertheyearsand—”
“Botharedefinitelyafteryou,pet,”Thorpecutin.
“AndIthinksomeonepowerfulisbehindthebountyorIwouldn’thavebeenassignedtokeeptabsonyou.”
“Whydidn’tyoutellmeanyofthis?”sheasked,crossingherarmsoverherchest.
“Iwasn’tatlibertytoblowmycover,lovely.I’mstillnot…butIwon’tloseyou.”
“We’llhaveanicelongchatabouteverythinglater,”Thorpecutin.“Infact,we’regoingtotalkaboutmanythings.Fornow,believethatyou’renotgoingtojailandthatyoucantrustuswithyourlife.Otherthanthat,we’renotsayinganotherworduntilyou’veshoweredandeaten.”
“Wellput,”Seanagreed,slappingThorpeontheback.
WhenhadtheybecometheDominationDuo,abletocommandshiveringsubswithasingleglance?Weirdly,theynotonlyseemedabletotolerateoneanother,theyfunctionedlikeateam.
“Understood?”Thorpeasked.
Calliegapedatthem.Shedidn’thaveanyillusionsthatshe’dfindtheconversationpleasant.Sheknewitwouldbepointless.Afterall,shewasaccustomedtolivingalone,runningandhidingforherlife.Theguysweretough,butnotcutoutforthatlife.
“Ifyouwanttohelp,thenletmehaveacarandfiftybucks.Yougohomeandtrytofigureoutwhowantsmedead.Oncethatthreatisstopped,then…”What?She’djustlookthemup?Inanothertenyears,they’dprobablybothbemarriedwithkidsandwiveswhowouldn’tappreciateaCallieblastfromthepast.“ThenI’llbesafe.”
SeanandThorpeexchangedaglance.“Iappreciateyourindependence,lovely—toapoint.Butnotwhenitcomestodanger.Untilnow,you’vedonewellkeepingyourselfsafe,butyouwon’tbedoingitaloneanymore.”
“That’sfinal.Don’teverrunfromusagain,”Thorpeadded.
Likeshecouldkeepthatpromise.“A-allright.”
“Allright,Sir?Isn’tthatwhatyoumeant?”Thorperaisedademandingbrow.“Notonlydidyourresponselackconviction,itwasalsoshortonrespect.Unacceptable,pet.”
Calliecasthergazedown.Athousandthoughtsthunderedthroughherhead.They’dspenttimeandmoney,encounteredviolenceandputthemselvesonthelinetohelpher.Yes,itwasfornothing.Theywerebeingstubborn,bossy,foolish,andpig-headed.Andshewantedtothrottlethem.Butshealsohadn’tthankedthemforallthey’dtriedtodoforher,muchlessshownrespect.
Bothflusteredandhumbled,shelookedfromThorpe’sforbiddingcountenancetoSean’squestioningstare.Easiertostartwhereshecouldseealittlesoftness.Thenshe’dfigureouthowtoproceedfromthere.
Sherosetoherkneesonthemattressandscootedcloser,liftingherarmstoSean.“Thankyou.I’veputyouthroughalot.Iknowwhatyou’verisked.Iwishyouhadn’t.”
Hecrushedheragainsthim.“Itoldyouwhy,Callie.Iloveyou.”
Soeasy-breezyforhimtojustputitoutthere.She’dneverhadtheluxuryofsayingthosewordsopenlytoanyone.Theyimpliedthepromiseoftomorrowsshe’dneverhad.
Calliecouldonlyhopethatsomehowherlifewasn’tdoomedtoendbadly.Evenifitwas,shehadhisaffectionanddevotionrightnow.Howmanyyearshadshespentutterlyaloneandachingforsomeonetogiveashitabouther?Toomanytocount.
Wasshereallygoingtothrowitaway?Couldn’tshehavethemforadayortwo?Couldn’tshegiveSeanthelovefillingherheartinreturn?Thorpetheobedienceanddevotionhedeserved?
“IfellforyouatDominion.”ShecuppedSean’scheekandmetthesincerityofhisbluestare,soopen.Hisdashinglittlesmilecreasedthecornersofhiseyesandliftedherheart.“Iloveyou,too.”
Seancaressedabroadhanddownhertangledhair,deepeningtheconnectionoftheirstares.Inside,shecouldfeelhim,hiscaring,hisunderstanding.She’dbeenluckywhentheFBIassignedhimtowatchoverherandhadafeelingthathealwayswouldifshelethim.
Nowforthehardpart.CallieonlyhopedthatSeanwouldunderstandthatherfeelingsforThorpedidn’tmeanthatshecaredforhimless.
ShedrewinashakybreathandturnedtoThorpe,alreadysearchingforthewordstotellhimhowgratefulshewasforallhe’ddoneandsomehowconfesseverythinghemeanttoher.Beforeshecouldunscrambleherthoughts,Thorpezippedaroundandstrodeoutthedoor,shuttingitwithcarefulquietbehindhim.ChapterThirteen
CALLIE’Sheartdroppedinasickeningfall.Guiltflayedheragain.Damnit,shehadn’tmeanttohurtThorpe’sfeelings.
“Ineedto…”What?ApologizetoSeanforalsobeinginlovewithThorpe?Sayshewassorryformovingbeyondcarryinganunrequitedtorchforherprotector?Seandidn’twanttohearherpouroutherfeelingsforThorpeanymorethanherformerbosswantedtohearherwaxpoeticaboutthefedshe’doncecalledherDom.Couldthisgetanymorecomplicated?“Ididn’tmeantomakehimuncomfortable.”
“Youdidn’t.Thorpeisjustbeatinghimselfup.Hewantstotellyouthathelovesyou,too.Buthe’safraid.”
Thosewordsstunnedher.Presumably,SeanhadspokeninEnglish,butitmightaswellhavebeenGreek.HowwouldheknowanythingaboutThorpe’sfeelings?Whywouldhecare?Andhowdidhehaveitsowrong?
“No.”Calliesteppedback,shakingherhead.“Thorpedoesn’tlovemelikethat.”
“Hedoes,exactlyasIdo.Likeamanlovesawoman.He’sgotahang-uportwo,Igather,buthelovesyou.Justlikeyoulovehim.”
Withalittlegasp,sheblinkedupathim,strugglingtofindwordsbeyondhershock.He’dfiguredthatoutandhewasn’tfurious?“Oh,Sean.I’msosorryifI’vehurtyou.Idon’tknowwhattosay.I—”
“Youcan’tapologizeforyourheart.”Hekissedherforehead.“I’veknownthatyouloveusbothforawhile.Sohashe.WouldIenjoyhavingyoutomyself?Ofcourse.ButI’veaskedmyselflongandhardwhatyouneed.ThorpegivesyousomethingIcan’t.”
Sheclungtohim,grabbinghisarms.“Butyougivemethingshedoesn’t.Idon’twanttolose—”
“Iknow,lovely.Youwon’t.WhatsortofmanwouldIbeifIputmyownanxietyandjealousyaboveyourfulfillment?”
Calliestaredupathiminwonder,blinkingthroughasheenoftears.“Youamazeme.”
Hegaveherasadsmile.“Theworldhasn’tshownyoualotofkindness,soyoudon’texpectitinothers.You’vehadsomuchtakenfromyou.IfIhavetobendmypridetobetheonetofinallymakeyouwhole,I’llbefine.”
Asuddenthumpsoundedjustoutsidetheirinsulatedlittlegalley,andtheybothturnedtoseeThorpeshakinghishand…likehe’djustpunchedthewallandhurthisknuckles.
Herheartachedforhim,buthe’dwalledhimselfofffromher.He’dalwaysbeenanisland,neverquitelettingothersclose.Shecouldn’thelphimifhewouldn’tletherbehindhisdefenses.
“Ithinkhe’sbeenworriedthatyou’llleavehim,Callie.Youwouldn’tbethefirstwomantodoit.Andheseemstobelievethathe’sabittoooldandrougharoundtheedgesforyou.Hejustneedsalittlereassurance.You’llhavetogiveittohim.”
CallieblinkedupatSean,whosmiledsoftly.Washeforreal?
“Youwon’tfeelbetrayed?”
“Whatgoodwoulditdome?”Heshrugged.“Havingtwoofustoprotectyoumakessense.IfIforceyoutochoosebetweenus,notonlycouldIloseyoualtogether,butIthinkyou’donlybehalfwayhappy.Ineverthoughtitpossibleforsomeonetolovetwopeopleatonce,butwhenIseeyouwithus,Iknowyousincerelydo.Notsureyethoweverythingwillworkinthe‘real’world,butlet’sgetyoupastthisdangerandwe’llsee.”
Herheartnearlyburstopen.Calliehadn’tthoughtshecouldloveSeanevenmore.Butshe’dbeenwrong.Shetightenedherarmsaroundhim.“Howdoyouunderstandmesowell?”
Hechuckledandcuppedhercheek.“I’vebeenstudyingyouforayearnow.You’vebeenmylife.Andmaybemyobsessionaweebit.Fromthestart,IwantedtobejealousofyourconnectionwithThorpe,andmaybeIshouldbe.ButI’veseenhow,whenheandIworktogether,webalanceoneanothertomakeyourworldright.Ithinkthatwillmakeusbothhappierinturn.”
Callietearedupagain.“Idon’tknowhowtothankyouforbeingsowonderfuland—”
“Youcanstartwithashower.”Seangrimaced.“GetthatGod-awfulinchofmakeupoffyourface.HaveThorpehelpyou.Tellhimtobesureyougetniceandclean.Then…we’llseewhathappens.Justdon’ttakenoforananswer.”Withawink,heturnedher,smackedherass,andsentherintheotherman’sdirection.“Go.”
***
THORPEcouldn’tstopthejealousyrollingthroughhimlikeanuglyblackcloud.Itwasn’tbecauseshelovedSean.He’dknownthat.Andhecouldactuallyadmitthatthefedwasnotonlyadecentguy,butgoodforher.
Whatmadehimresentfulashellwasthathecouldn’tbethatopenwithherabouthisfeelings.NotonceinthreeyearsofmarriagehadhebeenabletotellMelissathathelovedher.Itwasn’tlikehedidn’tknowwhy.
Hesighed.AtenderheartedgirllikeCalliewouldneedthatreassurance.Hedidn’thaveitinhim.Seanhadgivenhimthegreenlighttofuckher,soThorpewoulddamnwelltakeadvantageofthatgoldenopportunitywheneverpossible.Butitcouldn’tleadanywhere.
Alltoosoon,he’dbeforty,andshe’dbarelybethroughhermid-twenties.Seansuitedherbetterfromanageperspective.Callielookedhappywiththeotherman.Becauseshemeanteverythingtohim,Thorperefusedtoburdenherwithhisbottled-upheart.Whentheyuntangledherfromthemessthathadrippedherworldapartforyears,hewouldquietlysupportSeanandfadeintothebackground.
Buthe’dneverstoplovingher.
WhenCallieapproachedhimondeck,thewindwhippingherdarkhairaroundhershoulders,heclosedhiseyes.Lookingatherandknowingthathe’dalreadylostherwaskillinghim.
“Mitchell?”Shetouchedahandtohisarm.
Nooneevercalledhimthat…excepther,exceptwhenhermoodwassoft.Thesoundofhisnameonherlipswaslikeasirensong.Hersweetcaressclutchedhisheartandsentdesiresizzlinguphisarm,streakingunderhisskin.
“What?”hebarkedmorethanhemeantto.
Callieopenedhermouth,thensnappeditshut.“Thankyouforhelpingme.Iwishforyoursakethatyouhadn’t,butitmeanstheworldthatyou’drisksomuchforme.NowI’llmakeyouhappyandleaveyoualone.”
Likehell.Hegrabbedherwristbeforeshecouldgetaway.“Whereareyougoing?”
“Well,sinceBoraBoraisoutofthequestionrightnow,Seanwantsmetotakeashower.HehadsomestrangenotionthatyouneededtosupervisemeandmakesureIgotsqueakyclean,butI’vebeenbathingmyselfforalongtime.Youdon’thavetobother.I’llmanage.”
Callietuggedfreeandturnedaway.Shehadn’tsparedanywordsofloveoraffectionforhim.Nosurprise.Hehadn’tdoneanythingtoengenderthem.Still,asCallieeasedthroughthedoorandintothegalleyagain,itfuckinghurttowatchherwalkaway.Heshouldprotectherandstrictlylimittheirinteractiontopunishmentandsex.Itwouldn’tbeeasy,butbetterforher.LessterriblewhenshepairedoffwithSeanforgoodandshatteredhisheart.
Butrightnow,herattitudeneededtocomedownabouttennotches.Seanhadkepthimaroundforareason.Mightaswellstartearninghisprivileges.
Insidethegalley,CallieandSeanexchangedafewwords.Shegesticulatedinagitation.Thefedraisedabrow,thenstaredathimoutthewindow.Amomentlater,thegirlrolledhereyesandstompeddownthenarrowpassagetowardthebedroom.
Insolentlittlebrat.Thorpestoopedthroughthedoorandmarchedafterher.
“I’vegother,”heassuredSean.“She’llfuckingshinebythetimeshestepsoutoftheshower.”
“Good.Westilloweheralotofpunishment,alongwithathoroughinterrogation…whichwillprobablyleadtomorepunishment.Idon’twantanytraceofGlitterGirlsonheroritwilljustpissmeoffmore.”
Sincehecouldstillpictureheronstage,wearingnexttonothingandwigglingherassinthefaceofaguywholookedliketheposterboyforpimpdom,Thorpecouldn’tdisagree.“Samehere.”
“Good.Whileyoutakecareofthat,I’llfinishcooking.Then…it’son.”
Absofuckinglutely.
Thorpestrodedownthehall,intothefirstbedroomanditsadjoiningbath.HefoundCalliestaringinthemirrorinthetinybathroom,peelingofffalseeyelashes.
“Youdidn’twaitformetobringyoutotheshower.”
Sheturnedtohimandraisedherchin.“Iknowwhereitis.Andyour‘fuckoff’demeanordidn’texactlyinvitecompany.”
“You’vegotthirtysecondsalonetoemptyyourbladderbeforeyourshower.Afterthat,I’mcomingin.”
Callierolledhereyes.“Why?Iwon’trunagain.WherewouldIgo?”
Maybenot,butafterherHoudini-likeescapefromDominion,followedbyhisnearlythreesleeplessdaysoffranticsearchingforher,Thorpewasn’tinclinedtoletheroutofhissight.Besides,Seanhadgivenhimthisduty,andhewasn’tgivingupthechancetolookathernaked.“Goodtohear.I’mnotbudging.”
“Icanshoweralone.”
“Butyou’renotgoingto.”Heglancedathiswatch.“Go.Clock’sticking.”
“Ugh…”Shesighedandclosedthedoorinhisface.Nearthethirty-secondmark,heheardthetoiletflushandsheyankedthelittledooropen.“Happy?”
“DoIseemthrilled,pet?Inthepastfewdays,I’vehadalmostnosleeporfood,andI’mrunningthinonpatience,too.Don’ttestme.”
Andhisbadmoodwasexacerbatedbyhowratcheteduphefelt.He’dgonetosleepthinkingaboutthemomenthecouldfinallyslidehisbareskinoverhersbeforeplunginghiscockintohertemptingpinkpussyandatleastpretendthatshebelongedtohim.He’dawakenedthinkingexactlythesamething.Unlesshewantedtotorturethefuckoutofhimself,he’dbetterquitthatlineofthinking
Dismissingthatfromhismindonlylefthimwiththenaggingworryaboutthedangerlurkingaroundeveryunseencorner.Itallgnawedathiscomposure.
“Sorry,”shemurmured,castinghergazetohertoes.“Sir.”
“Shower,”hebarked.
Calliehesitated.“Onequestion.”
Hecrossedhisarmsoverhischest.Thelastdamnthinghewantedwasadialogue.Dangerousground.Buthemusthaveasecretmasochisticstreak.Inhisbook,somecontactwithCalliewasbetterthannone.
“What?”
“Seanhasmadeitveryclearwhyhe’sgoneoutonalimbtohelpme.Butyou’vedonesomuchformeforyears.You’vesaidthatyouwantme,but…”
“FishingtofindouthowIfeel?Afterrunningawayfrommewithoutaword?”Aftershe’dtoldSeanthatshelovedhimwhilehehadtolisten?“We’vealwaysbeenfriends—”
“Yousaidlastnightthatweweremore.”
Atacticalerroronhispart.Hisbloodhadbeenrushingatthethoughtofhavingherinhisgraspagain,sprawledacrosshislapforhisdiscipline.Whyhadn’thekepthisdamnmouthshut?
“Leaveitalone,Callie.ShowerbeforeSeanfinishesyourbreakfastanditgetscold.”
“Iloveyou,”shechoked,herstareallbutimploring.“That’shardformetosay.”
Hisheartstopped.Joy,hope,loveallfloodedin—untilrealitycrashedback.Hewouldneverbethetenderloversheneededanddeserved.AndCalliewasyoung.Shemightthinkthatshelovedhimnow,butinadozenyears?He’dbeabletojoinAARP,andshe’dstillbeabletobearchildren.Theywouldneverwork.Andthatwasjustoneoftheirproblems.Someday,she’drealizehewasn’tagoodfitforherandleave.Ifhedidn’tstuntthingsbetweenthemnow,itwouldhurtfarworselater.
“You’vehadplentyofpracticewithSean,”heshotback.
Herchintrembledassheraiseditandcrossedherarmsoverherchest.“Whydoyoualwaysmakemefeellikesomeurchintuggingafteryouforyouraffection?”
“YouhaveaDom,Callie.WhatIfeeldoesn’tmatter.”
“Isn’tthatconvenientforyou?Thatway,youdon’thavetoadmitthatImeansomethingtoyoubeyondafriend.Butyouwouldn’tgothisfaroutonalimbformeunlessImeantmore,despitewhatyou’veclaimedinthepast.Everytimeyou’vekissedme,itwasn’tlikeaplatonicpal.Andthatcertainlywasn’thowitfeltwhenyouspankedmeorputyourtongueonmy—”
“Whatdoyouwantfromme?”hegrowled.
“Thetruth.”
Hepressedhislipsinagrimlineashestruggledtorestraintheurgetograbherandsnarlouthislovewhilehefilledhercuntfullofeveryhardinchheachedtogiveher.“Thisisnotopenfordiscussion.Shower.Now.”
“Youalwaysavoidme.Oh,disciplineme,ofcourse,butdon’ttalkaboutyourfeelings.They’rescary,”shemocked.
“Callie,”hegrowled,hatinghowrightshewas.
Sheshruggedhimoff.Sean’sshirt,swimmingonherpetiteformandhangingtoherknees,slippedoffoneshoulder.Thelongsleevesnearlyswallowedherhands.Thoughshe’drolledbackthecuffs,thegarmentwasstillhuge.Butassheeasedthebuttonsfromtheirmoorings,Calliepeeledthecottonopenbitbybit,exposingfair,rosyskin.Finally,sheshookitoff.Thewhitefabriccascadeddownherarmsandfelltothefloor.Shestoodbeforehiminanearlytransparentbraandatinythong.
Thorpeswallowed.Jesus,Calliekilledhisself-control.Shetestedhim,pushedhim.Didherbesttolurehimin.Didn’tthegirlseethatSeanwouldgiveherallthetendernesssheneeded,allthegentleaffectionhecouldn’t?
Herlittlepinktonguepeekedout,wettingherlowerlip.Hiscockjerked.Withachallengingstarefrombeneathherdarklashes,stillcoatedwithwaytoomuchmascara,sheturnedtostarttheshower.Soon,steamfilledthelittlebathroom.
Withherbacktohim,Calliereachedbehindhertounclaspherlacy,ridiculouslysexybra.Itdroppedtothefloor,andshewriggledoutofthethongwithanextraswaytoherhips.Thorpe’sstarecaressedthedarkhairthatfellinasleekveiloverherfairshoulders,thenendedtorevealtheexaggeratednipofherwaistandflaredtothelushcurveofherhip.Hebegantosweat.Hersmooth,firmass—stillwithahintofpinkfromhishandlastnight—madehiscockunbearablyhard.Hesuckedinaharshbreath.
Callieturnedherhead,lashesflutteringup.Shesenthimahurtstare.Sosexy.Sotemptinghim.SofuckingwrongbecauseunlessSeanwasbesidehim,takingCalliewithhim,hecouldn’ttouchher.
“Goon.There’sonlysomuchwateronthisboat.Iwantsome,too.”Andhethankedfuckthatthestallwasbarelybigenoughforone.Ifithadbeenroomierandsheinvitedhimin…Yeah,thatwouldonlyendwithhiscockburiedinsomeorificethathehadnorighttoevenbecontemplatingwithoutSean’spresence.
CalliesteppedinbehindtheclearPlexiglasandgroanedasthehotwatercascadedoverhersoftskin.Hewatchedasshetippedherheadback,sluicedwaterdownherthroat,herbreasts,overherflatabdomen,herthighs.Damn,heneededadistraction.
“Soap?”shemurmured.
Right.ThetoiletriesSeanhadboughtearlier.He’dsetthebagsomewhere…Inthebedroom,onthefloor,hefoundtheplasticsackandcarteditintoher.Hefishedoutascentedbar,alongwithacitrus-scentedshampooandconditioner.Seanhadevenboughtacoupleofpacksofdisposablerazorsandafewcansofshavingcream.
HestartedhandingitemstoCallie.Sheopenedthedoorandtooktheminsilence,thenbathedwithoutaword,quicklyscrubbingallthemakeupfromherfaceandtheGlitterGirlsgrimefromherbody.Shewashedherhair,shaved,thenbaskedinthehotwaterforaminutemore.AndThorpecouldn’ttakehiseyesoffher.Somethingaboutthegirl—no,everythingabouther—wassexyashell,andfantasiesofspreadingheracrosshisbed,restrainingher,thenindulgingineverylastpleasurehecouldthinkoffriedhisbrain.
Theflavorofherslickfoldsstilllingeredinhismemory,hauntinghim.ThorpehaddiscoveredinVegasthatwhenhewantedtomakehimselfunbearablyhardandsohornythatjackingoffeasednoneofhisrestlessedge,hethoughtofthat.Andhethoughtofhowshe’dlookedasshecameforhim.
Suddenly,shegroaned,andheyankedhisthoughtsfromhisdaydream.Thorpepeeredcloser,visuallypenetratingthesteamtofindthatshehadherhandbetweenherlegs,slowlyrubbingherclit.Eventhroughthefogged-upshowerdoor,hecouldseeherskinflushing,hernipplespeaking.Herbreastsrose,thenhershouldersfell.Sheleanedagainstthewhitefiberglassofthestallandspreadherlegswiderwithanotherlittlemoan.
Henearlyfuckinglostit.
“Callie,youdon’thavepermissionforthat.”
Hersultryeyesflutteredopenagain,notquitefocused.“Whydoyoucare?”
Goddamnit,shewasgoadinghim.Hecouldn’tfuckordisciplineCalliewhenhewasalonewithher.Yes,hehadoncebeenwillingtocrossSeanwhenhe’dthoughtthefedwasadangerousplayer.Now?Hescrubbedahanddownhisface,sweating.Buthecouldn’tstabSeanintheback.Theyhadanagreement,andhe’dliveuptohispart.
“Neitherofussaidyoucouldself-pleasure.”
“Seandidn’ttellmeIcouldn’t.Andaccordingtoyou,we’rebacktobeingjustfriends.Idon’taskmypalsforpermissiontomasturbate.”Shesenthimaslysmile.“Oh,Ialsodon’tshowerinfrontofmybuddies,buthereyouare.”
Fuckingsonofabitch.Shewasright—notaboutmasturbating.Thatwassomethingeverysubunderstoodwasano-nowithouttheirDom’spermission.Buthecouldn’tclaimtobejustherfriend,thenoverseehershowerwithsick,voyeuristicglee.Ormakelovetoherlater,evenwithSean,andclaimthatitdidn’tmeanathing.
Hersoftmoanslengthened,deepened.Thorpecouldn’ttakehiseyesoffherasshedraggedherfingersoverherclitinslow,sensualcircles.Waterpoureddownherskin.Herbreathingroughened.Hernipplesbeadedevenharder.Hell,hewasgoingtolosehisever-lovingmind.Ifhehadtheright,he’dgiveCalliethepaddlingofherlife.Thenthefuckingtomatch.
Sincehecouldn’t,Thorpeabsolutelyrefusedtoendurethistormentaminutemore.
Heyankedopentheclear,rigiddoorbetweenthem,grabbedherwrist,andhauledherout.Herdrenchedformbrushedhischest,instantlysoakinghisclothesandskin.Ashedraggedhernear,hecouldn’tmissherdilatedblueeyesflaring.Orherrosycheeks.Herlipsweresofuckingtempting,partedandredandtoodamnclosetohisown.
Swallowingdownhislust,hegrabbedhershouldersandshovedheragainstthewall.“You’redoneteasingmelikethis.”
“What?I’mjustrelievingtension.It’sbeenacrappycoupleofdays.”Shearchedherhipstowardhisachingcock.“Don’tmindme,friend.”
Herswollen,saturatedcuntbrushedagainsthisdick.Ahalf-groan,half-growltorefromhisthroat.
Whenthehellhadheeverwantedawomanevenhalfthismuch?
Thorpeknewtheanswer.Itwasn’tcomforting.
“You’vebeenincrediblynaughty.Toppingfromthebottom.Self-pleasuringwithoutpermission.Lyingtome.”
“Likeyouliedtomeaboutmerelybeingfriends?”shechallenged,browraised.“Whatareyougoingtodoaboutit?”
Damnit,Calliewasaskingforit.Begging.Heslammedthebathroomdoor,enclosingthemtogetherinthetinyspace.Themovewasrisky,buttheonlywayhecouldopenthecabinetdoors.Finally,hereachedinsideandfishedoutabathtowel,thenwrappeditaroundher,coveringsomeofherdelectablenakedness.Notenough,obviously,becausehestillwantedtofuckherintonextweek,butthiswasthebesthecoulddonow.
Focusingonherfreshlyscrubbedface,heknottedthewhiteterryclothjustaboveherbreasts,thenyankedonit.“Let’sgo.”
Sheduginherheels.“Whatareyoudoing?”
“Makingsureyougetdiscipline.”
Thorpeliftedheranddraggedheragainsthischest.BecauseCalliewasCallie,sheresistedhimwitheverythingshehad,fightinglikeahellcat.Againsthim,shesmelledcleanandwomanly,andashepassedbythebed,hegnashedhisteethtokeepfromthrowingheronthesoftlyrumpledsheetsandtakingherineverywayheknewhow.
Instead,hedraggedhertowardthegalley,fightingoffherclawsandkickstotheshin.
Hesqueezedhertightagainsthisbody.“YouhaveaDomwholovesyouandyou’retauntingmetotakesomethingIshouldn’t.”
“It’snotlikethat.Stopmanhandlingme.”Shegrittedherteethandsquirmedforfreedom,succeedingmostlyinmashingherbreaststohischest.
Thorpedughisfingersintoherhairandtugged,stillingher.Shewasgoingtogetthespankingshedeserved.Maybe,ifthegodslookeddownonhim,Seanwouldlethimdishitout.Andifhewasmoresexuallyfrustratedthanindignantontheotherman’sbehalf,well…Calliedidn’tneedtoknowthat.
Oncetheyreachedthegalley,Thorpetossedherintotheroom,trappingherbetweenhisbodyandthesmallfauxwoodtableattachedtothewall.Infrontoftheutilitarianstove,Seanlookedupwithaspatulainhishand,nowwearingtrousers,andstaringatthemwithaquestioningexpression.
“Callieneedsdiscipline,”Thorpespitout.
“Doesshe?”
Heshoveddownhisfrustrationthathehadtoexplainhimself.Couldn’ttheyjustgettothepartwhereSeantuggedthetoweloffofCallie’snakedbodyandsmackedherlush,dampasswithhishandsohecouldseeherbreastsswayandherfaceflush,watchtheshockofthestingbecomeunbearablearousaland..
Thorpeswallowedhard.“Shetriedtogiveherselfanorgasmintheshower.”
SeanslantedhisgazetoCallie,thenbackagain.“Oh?”
“Yes,knowingfullwellthatIwatchedher.”Heclosedinonher,tryingnottonoticehowsoftherdampbodywasorhowwellshefitagainsthim.
HehopedtohellthatheandSeanwouldfuckCalliesoon.Maybeoncewouldbeenoughtosatisfythisclawinghungerbleedinghisself-controldry.Maybe…buthighlydoubtful.
Tohissurprise,Seanmerelylookeddownatwhateverwasinthepaninfrontofhimandbeganworkingwithhisspatula.
“Don’tyougetit?”Thorpequestionedindignantly.“Subsarenotsupposedtotouchthemselveswithoutexplicitpermission.”
“I’maware,”Seansaidcalmly,flippingoversomeeggconcoction,notseemingatallruffled.
“Calliewastoppingfromthebottom,doingherdamnbesttoenticemewhenshewassupposedtobegettingclean.”
“Hmm…”Seanmused,saltingtheomelet.
Howcouldthefednotbepissedoffatthat?He’dneverstruckThorpeasstupid,butsuddenlyhewasrethinkingSean’sIQ.
Thorpetossedhishandsintheair.“ShekeptstrokingherselfevenafterItoldhertostop.Shecompletelydisregardedme.”
Seansmiledfaintly.“Minx.”
“And?We’vegottobefirmwithher.Sheneedsitorshe’llrunalloverus.”Thorpefeltreadytoburstabloodvessel.
Seanreachedforthepepperandshooksomeontopoftheeggs.Thorpehadtorestraintheurgetothrowthepanagainstthefuckingwall.HowcouldSeanbesodamncalm?Ifhewasn’tgoingtoact,thisco-toppingcrapwasnevergoingtowork.
“Lovely?”Seanturnedherway.
“Yes?”Shesoundedoddlyquiet.Infact,itstruckThorpeasunusualthatshehadn’tsaidawordsincehe’ddraggedherintothegalley.
“AccordingtoThorpe,youneeddisciplinequitebadly.”
Shebitintoherplumplowerlip,andThorpehadtolookaway.Waterdrippedfromherhair,downherpale,gracefulshoulders,disappearingintothecleavagevisibleabovehertowel,nowslowlyunknottingandinchingdownherbreasts.
“Yes,Sir,”shemurmured.
Seanturnedtolookathim.“Ican’tleavetheseeggsorthey’llburn.Thorpe,we’vehadthisdiscussion.You’remorethanequippedtogiveherwhateversheneedswhileIfinishuphere.Thenwe’lleat.”
Seanturnedaway,staringbackintothepan.Callieblinked,thenturnedtolookathim.
AthousandvoltsofelectricityshotstraighttoThorpe’scock.Heclenchedhisfists.“Youwantmetospankheragain?”
“Whateveryouthinkisproperpunishmentforherbehavior.Onceyou’redone,Ithinkyoushouldgiveherthatorgasmshesought.Sheprobablyneedstherelease,andIalwaysliketoseeCallieinpleasure.”
Thorpenearlychokedonathicklumpoflust.Hadn’tthesonofabitchseenhiserectionthroughhistrousers?Hemusthave;itfeltthesizeofTexas.Damnit,ifherippedthattoweloffCallieandputhishandsanywhereonher,muchlessmadehercome,Thorpewasn’tsurehecouldstop.
Wherethehellwashisself-control?HisstarerovedalloverCallie,herdampskin,herdarktressesclinging,breastshalfvisible,andthoseblueeyesofherswideandcrushinghisabilitytothinkofanythingexcepthavinghernakedunderhim,clawingathisback,andbeggingformore.
“Icandefinitelydothat,butletmebeplain,”Thorpesaidbetweengrittedteeth,feelingwaynorthofinsane.“Iwanttofuckher.”
Hedidn’tdaremeetCallie’sstareorhewouldn’tberesponsibleforwhathappenednext.
“Youmadethatclearlastnight.”Seanreachedtoopenthemicrowaveandinsertapaperplatefilledwithbacon.“Ifyoupunishhernow,we’lldealwiththerestlater.”
ThenSeanwinkedatthegirl.
WhatthehellkindofTwilightZoneshithadthismorningbecome?Whatever.Itdidn’tmatter.Seanhadagreedthatherbehaviorneededcorrecting,sohe’dfuckingtakecareofit.
ThorpesentCallieahardgrinthatshewouldfindimpossibletointerpretascomforting.“Fine.I’malloverthis.”
“Gladtohearit.Breakfastshouldbereadyinfive.”Seansetafewpiecesofbreadintothetoaster.
ButThorpewasn’tlisteninganymore.HehadafewpreciousminutestoputhishandsalloverCallie.Hedidn’tintendtowasteevenasecond.
“Dropthetowel.Everyhesitation,brattyremark,orlapseinyourmannersisonlygoingtomakemydisciplinemoreunpleasant.Areweclear?”
“Yes,Sir.”Hereyeswentsoftandwideasherfingersloosenedthetowel.
Theterryclothunraveledfromherbody,slitheringtotheground.AndthereCalliestoodbeforehim,herpetiteformshakingandblessedlybare.Needseizedhisinsides.Shebelongedunderhishands,hisbody,hiscommand.He’dfoughtitforyears.Butashergazeclungtohimnow,silentlypleadingforbothhishardboundariesandhismercy,hecouldn’tdenyhowbadlyhewantedtherighttotouchthegirl.
“Onyourknees,pet.”He’ddreamedofsayingthosewordstoherforever.
Slowly,gracefully,shekneltbeforehim,herstareunwavering.Withoutaword,shepleaded.Herdesireandanticipationwereapunchtohisgut.
Thorpenevertookhiseyesoffherasheyankedasmallchairfromthelittletableandsatinit,leaningforwardwithelbowsonhiskneestodrillherwithahardstare.Hesteadiedhimselfwithadeepbreath,findinghisbalanceandcenter.KnowinghehadsofewboundariesrightnowwithCalliewasimmersinghiminthemostheadyDomspace.Onewickedideaafteranotherracedthroughhishead.
“Good.WhatIsaywillbeabsolute,Callie.Noarguments.Noquestions.Nocomebacks.Thisisn’tademo,andI’mnolongerplaying.Doyouunderstand?”
“Yes,Sir.”Hervoicesoundedsobreathyandacquiescent.Needseareditselfonherface.ThispassionateCalliewastheoneheknew—andloved.Theoneheburnedfor.
Hesatbackinhischairandpattedhisthigh.“Sitonmylap.”
Sherose.Itwasn’tquick.Norwasitsoslowthathecouldcallitahesitation,butclose.Herlipspartedandquestionsnearlytumbledforth.Calliestifledthem.Insteadofaskingwhatevershewantedtoknow,shemerelyperchedherprettybareassonhisthighgingerly,thenlookedtohimforreassurance.
“Yes,likethat.”Heswallowedbackthecommandtokisshim,totugdownhiszipper,tostrokehisstrainingerectionbeforesheeasedhimintotheblisteringsilkofherpussy.Butallofthatwouldbewhathewanted—notwhathe’dbeengranted.Notwhatsheneeded.“NowturntofaceSeanandputyourlegsoneithersideofmyknees.”
Callierespondedmorequicklythistime,rotatingonhislap,thensettlingherbackagainsthischest.Thorpehissedinherearassherestedherbareskinagainsthisthin,dampshirt.Hegrippedherhips,barelyrestrainingtheurgetoshovehiscockagainsttheripecurvesofherass.
Hewidenedthestanceofhisthighs,partingherlegsatthesametime.Seanlookedupfromtheeggs,watchingraptly.HisfacetoldThorpethathedidn’treallygiveashitiftheeggsburned.
Settlinghislipsagainstherear,hewhispered,“Tiltyourheadbackonmyshoulder.”
Callieshivered,butsheobeyedwithoutpause.Hershakylittleexhalationlefthimnodoubtthathisdominationarousedher.Unabletoresistanymore,hegroundhisdickintoherpertbackside,thencaressedhiswayupherwaist,herribs,untilhepalmedherbreastsandtrappedhernipplesbetweenhisthumbandforefinger,turningandtugging.
“Youtouchedyourselftotormentme.Didn’tyou,Callie?”
“Yes,Sir.”Herbreathyreplymadehisgutandhisneedtighten.
“Why,totauntmewithwhatIshouldn’ttakeortoseduceme?”
Hefeltherdrawinadeepbreath,thenundulateonhislap,sendinghotsensationskitteringthroughhimagain.Hetightenedhisgriponhernipples,andshegasped.
“Lovely?”Seanprodded.
“Both,”sheadmittedwithalittlecry.“Ihatedthethoughtthatyouwouldn’tshowmewhetheryouwantmeornot.”
“Soyoutriedtocornerme.Verynaughty.”Onehandleftthesoftcurveofherbreast.
“But—”
“Notaword.”Hisvoicereverberatedthroughthelittleroom.“Runningaway,strippinginpublic,stayinginhellholes,fightingme,frustratingme…You’vedonenothingtoearnanorgasm.”
“Goodpoint,”Seanconceded.“Scratchthatoffthelist.”
Shemoanedinprotest.
“You’veearnedthis,pet.”Thorpespankedthepadofherpussywithhisfingersinastingingblowthatawakenedandinflamed.
Calliegasped,arched,thrustingonebreastdeeperintohisgrasp.Hegrittedhisteeth.Sherespondedtohimevenmorebeautifullythanheremembered,waybeyondhiswildestdreams.Despitehercravingfortenderness,sheseemedcompletelycapableoftakingtheedgysideofhisnature—andstillaskingformore.Atthethought,whatlittlebloodremainedinhisbodyrushedtohiscockuntilhefeltstaggeredanddizzy.
Again,helightlysmackedherpussyenoughtostingsweetly.Andagain.Eachtime,herfoldsplumpedandslickenedabitmore.Hecouldn’tmissthewayherclitswelledandhardened.Sohekepton.
“Please,Thorpe…”shepanted.
“That’sSirtoyourightnow.AndIpromise,you’regoingtobeg,littlegirl.FormymercyandforthepleasureIcangrantyou…ifIchoose.Eventually.”
Sheshuddered,andThorpetriedtoholdittogether,fightingtheurgetobendheroverthelittletableandworkhiswayintohertightcuntuntilshe’dtakeneverythrobbinginchhehad.
“Yes,Sir,”shemoaned.
“Better.”Hesettledhispalmoverherswollenfolds,gratifiedtofeelherslicknesscoatingtheslideofhisfingersontoherclit.Gently,hecircledhersensitivenub.Ithardenedtostone.Thenheslowedhiscaress,plyingwithaswirling,stroking,downrightleisurelybrushofhisfingers.Herbreathinggrewmorelabored.
“You’veplayedwithmeforthelasttime,pet.First,youleftmewithoutsomuchassayinggood-bye,despitetheyearsIspentshelteringyou.ThenIfoundyoustripping,ofallthings,inaplacenotevencleanenoughtohouserats.Ichasedyoudownafuckingalleyandtoldyounevertorunfrommeagain.Whatdidyoudotheminuteyouwokeupthismorning?”Whenshehesitated,hebarked,“Answerme,Callie.”
“Iran,Sir.”
“Yes.You’reinashitloadoftrouble,littlegirl.”
Calliegrabbedhisthigh,whimperingashecurledapairoffingersintothesnugdepthsofhercunt.“I’msorry.”
“Ididn’tgiveyoupermissiontospeak.I’mnotdonelistingallthereasonsI’mdispleasedwithyourbehaviorsoyou’llunderstandexactlywhyI’mgoingtomakethispunishmentdifficult.Don’tinterruptmeagain.”
Shewrithedandtrembledinhisarms.“Iwon’t,Sir.”
“Thenyouteasedmewhileyoushowered,drivingmetothebrinkofsanity.Ifyou’dhadanyideajusthowexasperatedI’vebeen—worriedoutofmymindandchasingyoualloverthedamnplace,wantingyousofuckingmuchandknowingyouwerejustoutofmygrasp…I’vereachedmylimit,Callie.Nomore.”
Heplungedhisfingersdeepinsideher,rootingarounduntilhefoundthebitofsmooth,sensitivetissuehighonthefrontwallofherpassage.Herubbedinmercilesslyunhurriedcircles.
Toastpoppedup.Seanplatedfood.Thorpegrittedhisteeth.Hewasn’treadytoletCalliego.Shehadn’tbeenpunishedenoughforallhertransgressions…andhecouldn’tbringhimselftostoptouchingher.
“Breakfast,”Seansaidashesetherplateonthetable.
“Didyouhappentobuyclothespinsorchipclipswhenyouwentshopping?”Thorpesnapped.
“No,butIfoundsomewhileprowlingaroundinthedrawershere,”Seansaid.
“Perfect.Ineedtwo.”
SeanturnedandrummagedinadrawerasThorpeshovedCallie’shairfromherneck.Ashecontinuedtodraghisfingersruthlesslyoverhermostsensitivespots,heswepthislipsupherneck,thennippedatherlobe.Onhislap,shegyratedrestlessly.Moisturegushedalloverhisfingers.Herbreathingrampedup.Shehadtobegettingclose.Nowitwouldgetfun…
Afteraslamofthedrawer,Seanturnedback.Hisstarefellonthem,hisblueeyesturningdarkwitharousal.“Shelooksbeautiful.”
“Shefeelslikethemostexquisitehell,”Thorpegroaned.
“Calliealwaysdoes.”Withalittlesmile,Seanhelduptheclothespins.“Wheredoyouwantthese?”ChapterFourteen
“ONhernipples,”ThorpeinstructedSean.“Suckthebudsfirst.Getthemgoodandhard.Makeherfeeleverypullofyourmouthallthewaydowntoherclit.”
Calliethoughtshemightexplode.Thorpewasdoingeverythinginhispowertodriveherbeyondherabilitytoendurehissensualtorture,andnowSeanwaspitchingintohelpout.Havingbothoftheirhandsonher,theirbodiescrushedtohers,hadbeenafantasynearlybeyondherwildestimaginingforweeks.
AbigsmilestretchedacrossSean’sface.“Ilikethewayyouthink…”
“I’vegotatonmoreideas,”Thorpeassured.
She’djustbet.
Calliepantednow,everybreathalaboredcryasheworkedherpussy,fondledherclit,andbreathedacrossherneck.Hemadehersuffer,ache.Shewantedtocryout,butheldintheneed.Ineverywaypossible,ThorpewasremindingherthathewasnotonlyaDominant,butaMaster—thesortofmanwhowouldcrawlintoherhead,readhereveryneed,dangleitinfrontofheruntilshekneltandpleadedandsubmitted,thenhe’dturnherinsideoutashefulfilledeverydarkfantasy.
Drawinguptheotherkitchenchairanddroppingintoit,Seanlookedcompletelyonboardwiththatplan.
“Excellent,”hemurmuredasheleanedforward,closer.“Givemeyourbreasts,lovely.Archtome.”
Withawhimper,shedid.Shecouldn’thelpit.Seangrabbedhersides,pullinghercloser.Hedidn’tpounceonherachingnipplesrightaway,thoughshewishedhehad.Instead,hehoveredoverher,palmedbackthedamphairthathadworkedontoherfaceandplasteredtoherbreasts,thenfastenedhishandaroundhernape.Heplowedhiswaypastherlips,seizing,taking,wildlydevouringhermouth.Shemelted,gaspingintohiskissasThorpe’sfingerspliedherclitwithruthlessefficiency.Hebackedoffagainwhensheheldherbreath.Perspirationsheenedherskin,andshekeenedoutwithunfulfilledneed.
Seanliftedhishead,andhegaveheralopsidedsmileoftriumph.Forgoodmeasure,hefondledherbreasts,pinchinghernipples.“Notsoeagertorunnow,areyou,lovely?”
Wasn’titobvious?Shecouldn’tmovenowifshewantedto,notwhensatisfactionwassocloseandtheyheldthekeytoherpleasure.Toherheart.
“Answerhim,”Thorpebarkedinherear,thengrazedhisteethoverhersensitiveshoulder.
Callieshuddered.Shethoughtshe’dexperiencedpleasurebefore,butthis…Poemsandsongswerewrittenaboutthesortofecstasytheysuspendedjustoutofhergrasp.Warswerefought.Kingdomsfell.Shehadnoideahowtodoanythingbutpleadandbegforthemtoputheroutofhermisery.
“No,Sir.Please.Please…”
Seanchuckledbutdidn’tanswerherdirectly.Insteadhebenttooneofherbreastsandtookhernippleinhismouth.Hissuctionpulledonthesensitivecrest,thenzippedalineoffireallthewaydowntoherpussy.Oh,gawd.Sheonlythoughtshe’dbeenontheknife’sedgeofneedbefore.Now?
Unabletohelpherself,shefilteredherhandsthroughhishairandtuggedhimcloser,wishingdesperatelythatshecouldmakehimsuckmore.Orless.Orwhateverwouldeasethisrelentlessneeddrivinghertomadness.
Instead,Seanbackedawayandinspectedhiswork.Hissmiletightened,andheliftedoneoftheclothespinstoher.Callie’seyeswidened,andaprotestsatontheedgeofhertongue.Thelittlewoodenimplementwouldactlikeanippleclamp.Shehadsolittleexperience,despitelivingandworkingatDominion.She’dneverbeenclampedinanyway.Nodoubt,itwouldstingatleastalittleortheywouldn’tbother.
“Please…”shebegged.
Thorpestiffened,hisvoiceadarkgrowlinherear.“Takeyourpunishment,Callie.You’vegivenusnochoicefordays.Nowit’syourturn.”
“Exactly,”Seanagreedashecuppedherbreastandappliedthefirstclothespin.
Itpresseddownonhernipple.Notpainexactly,butaconstant,somehowtuggingpressurethatjoltedstraighttoherclit.Calliegasped.
Withroughfingers,Thorpepinchedherothernipple.Thesecondhereleasedit,Seansuckeditintotheburningovenofhismouthandpulled.ShedugherfingersintoThorpe’sthighs,tryingtotakeinallthesensationsatonce.Thearousalclimbedyetagaintosomethingdizzyingshe’dneverimaginedpossible.Calliegroaned,mewled.Neithermanheededthesounds.Theyseemedintentandeagertokeeppushingher.Thorpesethisgreedyfingersbackoverherclit,hiscirclesonherfleshevenmoretorturouslyslow.Gawd,shecouldn’ttakemuchmore.
“Sean…Thorpe,”shepanted.“I—”
“Burnandache?”Thorpebreathedintoherear.“Oh,Iknow.ThewayI’veburnedandachedforyouforfuckingyears.IwantyoutoknowwhatitwaslikeeveryhourofeverydayIhadtobenearyou,tryingtofigureouthownottogoinsanebecauseIcouldn’thavemore.”
Seancutoffanypossibilityofherreplybyapplyingthesecondclothespintoherothernipple.
Thepressuretimestwodidmorethanmultiplythepleasure.Somehow,itturnedexponential.Herbloodflowedlikelava.Herpussythrobbedwiththepent-upneedforrelease.HeralreadysensitivenipplesachedevenmoreasSeantoyedwiththeclothespins,makingthemgentlytugonthehardtipsofherbreasts,twistandtighten,beforeherubbedhisfingertipoverthetopofeach.
CalliedughernailsevendeeperintoThorpe’sthighs,writhingandarching
“Breakfasttime,pet.Seanisgoingtofeedyou.You’regoingtoeateverybite…nomatterwhatwedotoyou.Andnocoming,”Thorpesaidsternly.“Isthatunderstood?”
Washeoutofhismind?HergazebounceduptoSean,pleadingforrespite,mercy—anything.Gently,heshookhishead.
“You’lldoashesays,lovely.”Seanpickeduptheplateofstillsteamingeggs.“Openwide.”
Automatically,Calliepartedherlips.Heslidinastripofbacon.Shebit,chewed,swallowed—butdidn’ttasteanything.Herbodyfeltlikeavolcano.Herclitburnedwiththemosttowering,deliciousache,exacerbatedbythepressureonhernipplesandThorpe’sunrelentingfingersdrivingherupintoaskywithnoceiling.Whenshefell,thecrashwouldbemonumental,lifealtering.Shefeltonthevergeofbeggingthemtoallowhertogivethemanything—oreverything—justforease.Instead,shewriggledonThorpe’slapasSeanfollowedthebaconwithanintimatebrushofhislipsandastarethatmadehershiver.
“You’resobeautiful,Callie.Ilikeyouallflushedandsubdued.AndIcan’tsaythatIdislikeyoubeinghelplessandatourmercy.”Seanchuckled,thenfedherabiteofbutterytoast.
Shesmelledmorethantasteditandchokeditdown,onlytoencounterabiteofhoteggsontheforkheshovedpastherlipsmomentslater.
“Openwide,”Thorpeinsisted.
Calliewouldhavecalledhimabastardsonofabitchassholeifshecouldhavefoundthewordsandwasn’tconvincedthatthey’donlyheaponmorepunishment.ButThorpedeservedthatandmore.Oncethey’dlethercome,shewouldhavetothinkofsomethingreallycreativelysuitabletorepayhimforthisloathsometorture.Ifhedidn’tstopsoon…Calliereallyhadnoideawhatshewoulddoorhowshewouldmakeitthroughthenextfiveminuteswithherbodyonfireandreadytoexplode.
“Aftersheeats,doyouwantmetocookussomething?”SeanaskedThorpeasifhedidn’thaveacareintheworld,fondlingherbreastswhilehespoke.
Thorpeshookhishead.“I’llfindsomethingquick.”
“Goodthinking.I’mnotconvincedthatwe’llhavefinishedtorturingCalliebythetimeshe’sdoneeating.IthinkI’vegotjustthething.”
Barelymissingabeat,hereachedontothecounterandyankedaboxintohislap.Secondslater,theywerebothmunchingonproteinbarswithonehand…andstrokinghertoinsanitywiththeother.
Inthemiddleofallthat,Seanstillfedher.Biteafterbitepassedherlips.Shechewedfastandswallowedevenfaster,hopingthatwhenshefinishedthismealthatmaybetherewouldbeanalmightyorgasminherfuture.
Liftingherwithhim,Thorperosebehindher,withdrawinghishandsfromherpussyandhislipsfromherneckbeforehesetherbackinhischair.Whimpering,Callieprotested.Seanfilledhermouthwithanotherbiteofegg,thentoast.Hewasheditdownwithcoffeefromhiscup.Thenhetookherlipsagaininamind-numbingkiss,fingerstumblingintoherhair,tongueplungingdeep.
Shethrewherselfagainsthim,andtheirchestsmet.Herclampednipplesmethishardflesh,andafreshriotofsensationrippedthroughher.Shegaspedintohiskiss.
Suddenly,Thorpereturnedandresumedhispositionbehindheronthechair,hismuscledslabofachest—nowbare—pressingintoherback.Herskinsizzledatthecontact.Shehissed.Athousandfeelingspeltedher—thepressureonhertightnipples,theslightbitternessofSean’sinsistentcoffee-flavoredkiss,thepressofThorpe’shair-roughenedchestagainstherback,andtheslideofhisfingersonherpussyoncemore.
Theburnofdesiredecimatedher.Shecouldn’thavefoughtorrefusedthemanything.Allshecoulddowassurrender,hopetheywouldtakeher,andfinallyrelent—giveherthepleasuretheireverytouchpromised.
“Youneedus,don’tyou,pet?You’recomingapart.Ifeelyourheat.Ihearyourbreathing.Icantasteyourexcitement.”
“We’regoingtomakeyouscreamforus,lovely,”Seanadded.
“Please…”Callieheardthepleadingnoteinhervoiceanddidn’tcare.Whateverbroughtherreliefandsanity,whateverurgedthemtofillandfulfillher,that’swhatsheneedednow.
“Butnotjustyet.”Seanswalloweddownthelastofhisproteinbarandtossedthewrapperonthetable,thenlookedThorpe’sway.“Youfinishedeating?”
“Yes.”Thorpe’swrapperjoinedhisaminutelater,andsheheardhimswallowinherear.
“Let’sgo.Weneedabed.”
Callie’spulsejumped.AdozenimagesallleapttothefrontofherfantasiesassheinterpretedwhatSean’swordsmightmean,buttheoneaboveallothers,dazzlingherwithwant,shimmeringhopeandpromisewasthethoughtofthembothgivingheralloftheirdesireandmakinglovetoher.
“Please…”shewailedagain.
“Fuck,”Thorpeswore.
Gawd,shehopedso.
Hispalmsheatedtheinsidesofherthighswithapossessivecaressbeforehisfingersslidbackintoherdrenchedfoldsandhemanipulatedherclituntilshewasabreathshyofanorgasmsheknewwouldrobherofallsanity.
Buckingformore,keeningwiththeneedsoacuteshesawblackspotsdancingattheedgeofhervision,shereachedblindlyforSeanandfusedtheirlipstogetherinasearingkissthathadherswallowinghislust,feelinghisheartbeatagainstherown,hearingthebloodroarinherears.
“Fuckisright,”Seanmutteredashetorehislipsfreeandliftedhertoherfeet.
Thesecondshestoodupright,Thorpegrabbedhershouldersandspunhertofacehim.Heclaspedherfaceinhishandsandstareddownintohereyes.“Unlessyoustopme,I’mgoingtofuckyouuntilyoucan’tstopscreaming.Lastchancetosayno,pet.”
“WhywouldIstopyou?Ineedyou.”
Thorpeshookhishead.“I’mtoooldforyou.”
“Youknowwhatthehellyou’redoing,”sheargued.“Itrustyou.”
Hescowled.“I’mnotatenderlover.”
“Ifyoumakemecome,I’llrelisheverysecond.”
“Onlyifyou’regood,lovely,”Seantauntedinherear.
Thenhisfingersfoundtheirwaytohernipples,toyingwiththeclothespinsclampingthem.Thepressuretherefedtheachebelow,whichhefoundwithhisnexttouch.Thecaressteasedherwithjustenoughsensationtomakeherkneesweakandherbloodsurge…butnotenoughtosendherovertheedge.
“You’resofuckingbeautiful.”Thorpeleanedcloser,hislipshoveringjustoverhers.“I’vewantedyousobadly…”
CalliemeltedagainsthimashisgazeandSean’shandsbothcaressedher.Shefeltbeautiful.Theygavethatgifttoherjustbybeingherewithher.Shebelievedtheyadoredandtreasuredher.Nowsheknewthey’ddoanythingtokeephersafe.Didtheyhaveanyideahowdesperatelyandforhowlongshe’dwishedtofeellikethat?Inallthetimescircumstancehadforcedhertofleewhateverrattrapshe’dtemporarilycalledhomeandthestrangerswhomighthavebecomefriendsindifferentsituations,she’dneverreallyimaginedshe’dfeellikethemostpreciouspersonintheworldtoanyone.
“I’vewantedyou,too.Whydidyounever—”
“Eventuallyyou’llleaveme,”Thorpechokedout.
“I’veneverwantedto.That’sonereasonIstayedatDominionmuchlongerthanIshouldhave.”Calliestoodonhertiptoes,inchingcloser,theirstaresallbutweldedtogether.“AndI’llneverwanttoagain.Ifsomethinghappensandwe’reseparated,pleasebelievethatIdidn’teverwanttobeapartfromyou.”
ShebrushedherlipsoverThorpe’s.Hedidn’tneedanymoreencouragement.Hemetherhalfwayandclaimedhermouthwithapossessivesweepofhistongue,drinkingherinasifhe’dbeenparchedforher.Asifshewastheelixirthatwouldkeephimalive.
Calliesoakedhimin,drownedintheheadyswampoftheneedtuggingherunder.Asshedid,Seancaressedhiswayuphertorsotopluckatthemakeshiftclampsagainashisteethnippedherneck.Ashivershuddereditswaythroughherbody.Adizzyfeverovercameher.Yetnothinghadeverfeltsoperfect.Thiswasmorethanafantasycomingtrue.Shelovedthemboth,andhavingthemwithher,wantingher,workingtogethertogiveherpleasure…therightnessclickedintoplace.Shebelongedbetweenthem.
IfonlylifeorfateorGodabovewouldgrantherthiscompletenessfortherestofherlife,she’dtakeeveryopportunitytomakethemfeelthiswonderfulinreturn.
Thethoughtwasalmostabsurd.Shehadnow,thismoment.Tomorrowwasacrapshootatbest,andtheoddswerestackedagainstthem.She’dbetterseizethisglorioussliveroftimewhileshecould.
Thorpeliftedhishead,breathinghard,hischestsawingupanddown.Herippedhisstarefromher,thenglancedoverhershouldertoSean.“What’snext?”
Herbreathcaught.Hopesuspendedherfromatightrope.Shedidn’tdaresayawordorevenwhimperforfearshewouldwakeupfromthislovelydream.
“YouwantCallie,asIdo,”Seanpointedout.
“MorethanIwantallmytomorrows,”Thorpevowed,thosegrayeyesburningdownintoher.
Sheclutchedhisshouldersabitharderandfeltherselfswaytowardhim.Hisfingersbitintoherhips.
“Lovely?”Seanturnedherbacktofacehim.
Worrylayinhisblueeyes.Uncertainty.Thatexpressionsaidhefearedthatnomatterwhathedid,hewouldloseher.
Hemightnothavealwaysbeenhonestwithher,butshe’dseenthemanunderthebadgewhenhe’dfirstcometoDominion.Ithadbeenevidentinthegentlewayhe’dencouragedhertoopenup,inthepatientwayhe’dcoaxedheruntilheunderstood.She’dfearedhisquestionsandwheretheymightlead,yes.Butshe’dfearedlosingherheartmore.Inthepastfewdays,he’driskedsomuchtohelpher.Maybesheshouldbemorewary,butovertheyearsshe’ddevelopedadecentdangermeter.Nowthatshewasn’tfreakingoutandhadstartedusinghers…sheknewhemightbethebestmantoeverhappentoher.
Calliecuppedhisjaw.“I’myours,too,Sean.Always.”Atleastinmyheart.
Reliefspreadacrosshisface,andhetookhermouthinaslow,searingmeetingoflipsthatmadethelastfewminutesofhesitationevaporate.Awellofyearninganddesireflowedfromhertobothofthemandback.Calliecouldn’tfailtofeelit.Thiswasright.Itwastime.
“Youare,”Seanconfirmed,thengrinnedatThorpe.“IkeptinmindthispossibilitywhenIboughtprovisions.”
Whattheheckdidthatmean?Calliefrowned,tryingtopuzzleouthiscrypticstatementasSeanreachedontothecounterbehindhimandpluckedupaplasticgrocerybag,tossingit.Thorpecaughtit,partedtheplastichandles,andlookedinside.Risingontiptoe,shepeeked,too.
Boxafterboxofcondomslayinside.
Thorpe’sgazebounceduptoSean.Thenamassivegrinbrokeout.“Itlookslikewe’llbereallybusy.”
Seanansweredwithasmile.“Icertainlyhopeso.”
BloodrushedthroughCallie’sveinsassheblinkedintothebag.Thesightwasboththrillinganddaunting.“Ithinkthat’senoughcondomstogloveupaplatoonforanentireyear.”
“Idoubtit,pet,butwe’llworklikehelltokeepup.Getready.”ThorpetossedthesackbackatSean,thenscoopedherintohisarmsandcarriedhertothebedroom.
Seanfollowedthem,tearingintothefirstboxanddumpingahandfulofthefoilpacketsontothebedbesideherheadasherbackmetthemattress.Shelookedupatthemen.Thorpe’sstarepenetratedherthewayhiscockwouldsoon.
Besideher,Seanhalfcoveredher,hislipsswoopingdownforanotherkiss.Calliemethim,givingherselfoverasshefeltthebedonherothersidedipunderThorpe’sweight.Throughhistrousers,hiserectionpressedagainstherthigh,bigandhardandhot.Shemoaned,grabbingatSean’shairwithonehandandThorpe’sshoulderswiththeother.
Itshouldbeawkward.Sheshouldbenervous.Butno.Theyflowedtogether,seeminglyoflikemindsandwantsfromthesecondtheyhitthesheets.Nobumping,noconflict.
Thearousalfillinghernowwasbothresidualfromtheguys’ardentfondlingandthedeprivationofherorgasm.Butmore,itstemmedfromhavingtheirscentscombininginhernose,herskinheatedbythedualpressoftheirown,thewaytheybegantopassherlipsbackandforthwithdevouringkisses.Everythingfeltright.
Finally,Thorpeliftedhismouthfromhers.HezeroedinonherbreastsbeforeslidingaslystaretoSean,whogrinned.Calliestilled.Whenhadtheydevelopedthissilentguy-speakthat—
Themomenttheypluckedtheclothespinsfromhernipplesandbentatthesametimetosuckherfleshdeep,shescreamed.Shearched.Bloodfilledthenubsastheirlipssurroundedthem.Suctiontugged,thesensationreachingdownlikeadirectcaresstoherclit.Oh,hell.
Thentheymadethatareality,SeansurgingapairoffingersintoherpussyandThorpewigglinghiswayoverherclit.Gawd,shewasgoingtocombust.
“Guys…please,”shepanted.“Please.”
“I’mnotconvincedyou’velearnedyourlessonproperly,pet.Areyou,Sean?”Thorpegrowled,makinghershudderwithneed.
“No.”Hetonguedhiswayaroundhernipple.“I’mnotsureyetthatyouunderstandthefullextentofyourinfractions,lovely.Ioweyouaredassfordruggingmeandrunningawaywithouttalkingtome.OrThorpe,forthatmatter.I’malsonotsurewe’verepaidyouproperlyfortakingyourclothesoffinfrontofaroomfullofdregsandlosers.”
“I’msorry.Iswear.But—”
Thorpecapturedherlipsanddevouredhermouthinanintoxicatingkiss.
“Goodthinking,Thorpe.Calliedoesn’tneedtobetalkingjustnow.”Seanpinchedhernipplebeforehelaveditagain,thenhitchedhisfingershighinsideherpussy,findingthespotdesignedtosendherreeling.
Callie’sheadswam.Bloodchargedhersystem,convergingbetweenherlegs.Shetwisted,silentlybegging.
“WhenI’mconvincedyou’retrulysorry,thenwe’llseeaboutyourorgasm.Untilthen…”Henippedthesideofherbreast.“Getonyourhandsandknees.”
Thorpeslidhisfingersoverherclitonelasttime,thensentSeanafrown.Butheplayedalong.“Thatwasadirectorder,pet.Move.”
Herbrainstruggledtoswimthroughthearousaldrowningherbody.Finally,thecommandpenetratedher—becausetheircockssureweren’tyet—andsherolledoverbetweenthem,presentingherassintheair.
“Ah,youlooksodamnprettylikethis.”Sean’svoicehadthickened,deepened,asheranahandunderherbodyuntilhepalmedherpussyagain.
“Youdo,Callie,”Thorpeagreed.“Youlookreadytoserveandpleaseus.Wouldyoulikethat?”
Asmuchasherbodycriedoutfororgasm,theopportunitytogivethemeverythingtheywantedandyearnedformadeeverysubmissivecellinsideherclamor.Shecouldfindherownkindofrewardinsatisfyingthemensheloved.Infact,herwholebodyfeltasifitglowedattheprospect.
“Morethananything,Sir.I’msorryifIworriedorupsetyoubyleaving.Imeanttoprotectyouboth.”
Seanleaneddownintoherface,hismiensurprisinglystern.“Whatyoudidwasutterlyfailtocommunicate.Howcanwehelpyouorkeepyousafeifyoudon’tletus?”
Callieopenedhermouthtoreply,butthesharpcrackofhishandonherbacksidemadeheryelpinstead.HadSeanjustspankedher?Yes,andmuchharderthanshewouldhavethought,thanevenThorpehadinthepast.
“Quietnow,”hedemanded.“You’lltakeyourpunishmentlikeagoodgirl.Spreadyourkneesapart.”Seanwaiteduntilshe’dcomplied,thenwidenedthemabitmoreuntilherstancewastohisliking.“Better.YoucanapologizetoThorpenow.”
Shelookeduptoseethetwomenexchangeaglance.ThenalookofsupremesatisfactionlitupThorpe’sface.“Yes,youcan,pet.”
Hereachedforhiszipper.Itfellinthehush.Callieheldherbreathasheworkedthepantsdownhishipsandrevealedhisthickcock,standinghardashetookitinhisfist.Theswollenpurpleheadmadeherlickherlipsinhunger.
Thorpeshovedhisfingersinhertressesandfistedtheminhisgrasp,drawingherdowntowardtheengorgedstalkoffleshhepalmedslowlyupanddown.Herstomachclenched.Herpussywept.Foryears,she’dhadthisfantasyofbeingatThorpe’sfeet,onherknees,completelyathisservice.Herbreathcaughtashebrushedhiscockoverherlips,atease…thengone.
Withoutthought,shereachedup,tryingtotakehisshaftinhandandthrustitintohermouth.
Thorpepulleduponherhair,denyingher,atthesametimeSeanslappedherassagain.
“Don’tbegreedyandimpatient,pet.Ifyou’reapologizingtome,rushingmebeforeI’mreadyisn’tthewaytoconvincemeyou’resorry.”Hereleasedhistightgriponherhair,thenclampedhisbighandaroundherface,fingerssqueezingthemusclesofherjaw.“Openup.Suckmycock.Makemebelieveyou’rerepentantandeagertoplease.”
“I’llhavetobelieveit,too,lovely,ortherewon’tbeanyfuckinginyourfuture,”Seanadded.“Goon.AndnotasoundwhileItakemypoundofflesh.”
Thistag-teamdisciplineprobablyshouldn’tturnheronsomuch,butwhydenythatitmadeherneedyandturnedherinsideout.Toobadwhimperingandbeggingwouldn’tdoheradamnbitofgood.Onlyobediencewould.
Calliehadn’thadmanyopportunitiestoreallyputherselfinanother’shandsandturnoverherwill.Shewantedtonowso,sobad.Yes,theyweregoingtomakeherwaitandacheandbeg.Butwhatevertheydidwouldalsodrawthemallclosertogether…forhoweverlongitlasted.
ShepouredherheartintothepassofhertongueoverThorpe’scock,lickinghimlovingly,closinghereyesasifshecouldpreservethemomentforever.Behindher,Seansmoothedhispalmoverherheatedflesh,spreadingthewarmth.Sheheldinawhimperandrestrainedtheurgetoraiseherhipstohimformore.Heslidhisfingersdownherass,toherpussy,skimmingoverherswollenlabia,herengorgedclit.
Themomentwasmagical.Calliefelttouchedallover.Shefeltadored.Andshesurrenderedcompletelytothemoment.Tothem.
Stretchingherlipswide,shetookThorpedeep,relishinghishardlengthfillinghermouth.Everycornerburstwithhisscentandtaste,somasculine,abitsalty,soverybigandmuskyandperfect.Holdingbackhermoanbecameimpossibleassheeasedherheadback,suckinguntilhertonguetingled,thendraggingherteethoverthesensitivehead.Thorpecursedonagroan.
CalliesensedmorethansawSeanleanaroundherbodytowatch.Knowingthathisstarefixedonherignitedsomethinginherbelly.Itwasimpossiblenottowanttoputonashowandmakehimrememberthemomentsshe’dhadhermoutharoundhim,too.
Soon,Thorpeshuttledhiscockfrombetweenherlipsinarush,asifhecouldn’tfeelenoughofher.Hecursed,hisfisttighteninginherhair.Hisexcitementratchetedupherthrill.
ThenSeankissedhiswaydownhersidebeforeresuminghispositionbehindherandsettlingintoarhythm.Methodically,heswattedherbacksideuntilitburnedandtingledandlitafireinherblood.
Fightingtheurgetosquirmandpleadformercywasbecomingnearlyimpossible.Withtheireverytouch,Calliesubmergedherselfinthemostdeliciouseuphoria.Shewasn’tsureshecouldtakeadeepbreatharoundthebliss.Dizzinessswampedherhead.Thrillfeveredherblood.
Andshelovedeveryminuteofit,justlikeshelovedthem.
“Pet…”Thorpe’svoicedeepened,roughened,tosomethingsointimate.She’dlistenedtotheman’severyintonationforfouryears,butneverheardthatparticularnote.Shelovedtheideathatitwassomethinghe’dreservedjustforher.“Callie,baby.You’rekillingme.”
Shesmiledaroundhisthickfleshsohardonhertongueandlavedhimagainwithallthefeelingswirlingandpoolinginsideher.Hegroanedandtuggedonherhairagain,vacatinghermouthwithapop.
Calliemoanedinprotestwithoutthought,blinkingupathisbig,heavingchestasheworkedhardtobreathepastthearousal.Hisjawwasclenched,hisnostrilsflared.Hisgrayeyeslookedstormyandhaddarkenedtosomethingonthevergeofatempest.
Nowayshecouldstopherselffromfallinghelplesslyintohisgaze.“Pleasedon’tstopme.”
“Idamnnearcamedownyourthroat.”Hebrushedhisthumboverherlowerlip.“Someday,Iwouldlovetoshudderandclimaxrightinsidethatprettymouth.Nottoday.”
Shebitherlipandtriedtoswallowdownherdisappointment.TheideaofThorpegrantingherhispleasure—ofpushinghimpasthisrestraint—arousedthehelloutofher.Butshehadn’tearnedtherighttoaskforanythingshewanted.Thiswaspunishment.Verysexy,amazingpunishment,butalmostmoredifficulttobearthananythingelseshecouldimagine.Theydangledadearfantasyinherface,thenyankeditaway.Thismorningwouldbefulloforgasmdeprivation.Theywouldstopheranytimesheachedforsomethingtoomuch.Shewouldendureitbecausesheregrettedworryingandhurtingthem,evenifithadbeenforagoodcause.
“Iunderstand,Sir.”
Hecaressedthecrownofherhead,thensettledathernapeandurgedherupforakiss.
“Areyousatisfiedshe’ssorry?”Seanasked,stillpalmingherheatedbacksideandaddingaswateverynowandthen.
Nowthatshewasn’tfocusedonheapingsensationalloverThorpe,thebloodanddesirethrobbedinthecheeksofherass.Aneonbillboardwouldhavebeenmoresubtle.Shegasped,wishingshehadthedistractiontofocusonagain.ButSeanonlyranhishandbetweenherlegsoncemore,settlinghisfingersoverthejewelofherclit.
“IthinkImightseealittleremorse,”Thorpedrawled.“ButI’mnotconvincedthatshe’ssorryenough.Iwanttobesurethatsheneverintendstorunagain.”
Callieswallowedacry.Shedidn’twanttofleefromthem.Butifshebroughtdangerortroubletothemandcouldfixitbyleaving…shewouldhavenochoice.
“Absolutely.”Seantwirledlazycirclesatthetopofhermound,rightwheresheneededitmost,butneverwithenoughspeedorpressuretosendherflying.“We’lljusthavetoworkherharderuntilwe’reconvincedthatshetrulyunderstandswhereshebelongs.”Agroantorefromhischest.“Yourpussyissoslick,lovely.Perfect.”
Seanliftedherup,restingherbacktohischest.Hefondledheralreadysensitivenipples,pluckingandpinching.Herheadlolledbackagainsthisshoulder,andshearchedintohistouch.She’dbarelyfiguredouthowtoabsorballthehotsensationheforcedonherwhenCalliefeltthickfingersnudgingherfoldsinadeceptivelyinsistenttouch.Thorpe’sdeft,softstrokeagainstherclitincineratedherabilitytoholdhertongue.
“Please…”shepanted,thenlookedathimwithdazed,beseechingeyes.
“You’reprettywhenyoubeg,pet.”Alittlesmileplayedathislips.“I’lllookforwardtohearingmoreofit.”
“Me,too,”Seanvowed.“Onyourback.”
Together,theyhelpedherlaysupineacrossthemattress.Thorpetookoverthegentletortureofhernipples,flickingthecrests,thenbendingtonuzzletheswellsbeforesuckingthemintohismouthoneatatime.Atherfeet,Seangrippedheranklesandspreadherlegs.Andshewassuffocatinginherownneed,unabletomakeherthoughtschurnbeyondallthewaysshecravedthem.
Whentheyhadherpositionedtotheirliking,shemoaned,incoherentsoundsofpleadingshehopedtheyunderstood.Finally,sheheardthesofttearofacondomwrapper.Thenanother.Thorpeclimbedoffthebed,andshemanagedtoliftherheadenoughtoseehimstandatherfeetnearSean,whoshuckedhisclothesinrecordtime.Bothofthemarrangedtheprophylacticoverthestrongsurgingstalksbetweentheirlegs.
Thankgoodnessthere’ssexinmyfuture.Withoutit,Calliewasreadytoscreamorcryorlosehermind.Sheabsolutelyknewbetterthantotouchherself.Thorpehadmadeitentirelyclearintheshowerthatwasabigno-no.
Seaneasedontothebedbesideherandproppedhisheadonhishand,hisblueeyesglitteringwithmischiefandhotwithdesire.“Spreadwider,lovely.Makemebelievethatyouwantustofuckyou.”
Hehadn’tevenfinishedthesentencebeforeshebentherkneesandpartedthemaswideasshecould.
Thorpecaressedhiswayupherthighsandsettledbetweenthem,theheadofhiscocknudgingherweepingentrance.
“Takeme,pet.Takeeveryinch.Pleaseme.”
Sheblinkedupathim.“There’snothingIwantmorethantopleaseyouboth.”
“Callie…”hemoanedasheimpaledherandclosedhiseyes,grinding.“Fuck.”
Finally,afterfouragonizingyearsofwaiting,Thorpewasinsideher.
Shegaspedinahugebreath,tryingtoaccommodatehimallatonce.Butwiththebloodengorgingherfoldsandswells,Thorpehadtofighthiswayin.Ahardthrust,aslowwithdrawal.Hegnashedhisteethtogether.Hisfacepulledtightwithconcentration.Heopenedhiseyes,hisstarelockinginonhers,penetratinghersoulashiscockdidthesamebelow.
“Canyoufeelhim,lovely?”Seanmurmuredinherear,atantalizingsuggestion.“Canyoufeelhowmuchhewantsyou?”
“Yes.”ShemeltedunderThorpe,desperatetotakeeveryinchofhim.
“That’showmuchIwantyou,too.Ican’twaittosinkintoyourtightlittlecuntandfeelyoucloseallaroundme.YouknowhowI’mgoingtofuckyou?I’mgoingtohammermywayinwithahardstrokethatwillmakeyoucatchyourbreath.ThenI’mgoingtoeaseoutsoslowly,theheadrubbingagainsteverysensitivepatch.Iknowwhatsendsyouoff.”
Hedid.Godhelpher,hedid.AndThorpewascatchingonveryquickly,workingeachinchinwithanagonizingplungeandalip-bitingpulluntil,witheverythrust,hemanagedtosettlerightagainsttheonespotdesignedtosendhersoaring.Thenhefinallywithdrewtothetipandplungeddeepinonegrowlingshoveandclaimedhercompletely.
Hesettledrightagainsthercervixandawakenedanotherbarrageofnervescenteredthere.Togethertheyfiredandtingled.CallierockedwithThorpe,tiltinguptourgehimdeeper.
“You’vealreadydiscoveredthatshelikesitdeep,”Seansaid.
“Fuck,Iloveitthatway.Holyhell…”Thorpethrewhisheadbackasheinchedbackandpushedinagain.“Callie,pet,Ifuckingimaginedthissomanytimes,youhavenoidea.”
“Ithoughtofyou,too,”shecriedout.
Hefittedhishandsbeneathherhips,grabbedherass,andshovedinsideher,strokeaftergrindingstroke.
“Youlookbeautiful,Callie,”SeanwhisperedinherearbetweenThorpe’sjuggernautthrusts,thenplunderedherlips.“Yes,that’sit.Yourcheeksaresoflushed.Yourlipsaresosweet.”
“Sean…”Shedidn’tknowhowtosayallthewordsofneedandlovebubblingupinherthroat.
Somehow,heknew.Hedippedhisheadagain.Hereyesflutteredclosed,andhekissedbothofherlids.“I’veonlyeverwantedyouhappy.Whateveryouneed,it’smypleasuretoprovide.Iwillalwaystakecareofyou.”
Howcouldshebeonthevergeoftearsandorgasmatthesametime?Everytingleandburn,eachsensationandachebuiltinherclenchingpussy,herswirlinghead,andheroverflowingheart.
“Iwill,too,pet.Anyonewhowantstowrestyoufrommewillbeinforthefightoftheirlife,”Thorpevowedasherodeherfromonedazzlingstroketothenext.Assheflutteredaroundhim,herbodypreparingtosoarintheheaventhey’dcreated,hepulledfree.“She’sawfullyclose.”
“Notyet,”Seanchidedher.
Panting,Thorperolledtoherright,occupyingthespacebesideher,shovingpillowsoutofhiswayandspillingthemtothefloor.
Beforeshecouldwonderwhathewasdoing,Seanclimbedbetweenherlegsandsurgedballsdeepinonebreath-robbingthrust,crashingagainstthespotheknewwouldmakehertrembleinwant.Shecouldn’tstophercryofneed.
“Yourorgasmsareours,pet,”Thorpereminded.“Hehasn’tgivenyoupermission.He’sinchargeofyourpussynow.Patience.”
“But—”
“No.”Thorpenippedatherlobe,andhisheavybreathcascadeddownherneck,makinghershiverandsquirm.“Doyouthinkprotestsaregoingtoinduceustoletyoucome?Whoareyouheretoplease?”
“Bothofyou,Sir.”
“Exactly.Itpleasesustoseeyouwritheandflushandneed.”
Andgoodnessknewshewasdoingexactlythat,readytodoanythingforreliefasthefeelingssurgedthroughherbodyandtheneedtocomethreatenedtoovertakeher.SheclampeddownonSean,risingtomeeteachthrust.Shedughernailsintohisback,pepperedkissesoverhischeeks,downhisneck.Theorgasmwasrightthere,evencloserthanbefore.Shegaveahigh-pitchedcry.
“Now,lovely,didn’tThorpejustexplain?Youdon’twanttodisappointus,doyou?”Seanwithdrewandrolledtoherleft.
“No,”shesobbed.“Butit’ssobig.Overpowering.”
Calliecouldn’tcatchabreath,couldn’tthink.ShewriggledovertoThorpe,rubbingagainsthim.Hepushedhertoherbackagain,thenloomedoverher,supportinghimselfonhisbulgingarmsashiskneespartedherthighsandhedroveinwithonesavageshovethathadherclawinghisshoulders.
“Lookatme,”hedemanded.
Shedid,anchoringherselftohimlikealifelineandtryingtoholdbackthetremendouspressuredammedjustunderherclit.Frantically,shesearchedhisfaceformercy.
None.Hewasgoingtopushherupharderandhigher.Evenasshemourned,shedelightedinhiscontrol.
NordidCalliedaredisobey.Shereallydidn’twantto.She’dwaitedforevertofeelThorpedeepinsideher,lookingatherlikesheheldhisheart.Hereacheddowntocupherhip,theonewiththenickinherfleshfromthatterriblenight.Hefingeredit,soothingitbackandforthforamoment.
“That’sit,pet.Staywithme.”Hepistonedinsideherwithruthless,thoroughstrokesthathadherclawingformore.
Besideher,Seantippedherchininhisdirectionandcoveredherlipswithhis.Sheclosedhereyesforamomentandbaskedintheirattention,intheadorationthatpouredfromthemboth,andletitsoakintoher.
Asheliftedhislips,hesmoothedakisstoherchin,thenpresseditup,givinghimselfaccesstoherthroat.Heskatedhislipsacrossthesensitiveskinthere,thenworkedbacktothetightbeadsofhernipplessilentlybeggingforrelief…forsomething.
Thorperearedbackonhisknees,neverbreakingstride,andthumbedherclit.“Sohard.Soneedy,aren’tyou,mysweetpet?”
Calliehonestlycouldn’tspeak.Howdidheexpecthertoholdittogetherandanswersuchanobviousquestion?
“Thelastthingwewantnow,lovely,isdefiance.AnswerThorpe,”Seanbreathedagainsthernipple,thennippedatitwithhisteethbeforesoothingthetipwiththerubofhistongue.
Thejoltofsensationwentstraighttoherclit,whereThorpepolishedittoalightningthrillwithaslowrubthatmadeherinsane.
“Yes,”shemanagedtogaspout.“Yes,Sir.”
Thebloodandneedbeganconvergingagain,building,building,gatheringlikeastorm.Everywhereshetightened,prepared,breathheld.Justonemorestroke
“Sonofabitch,”Thorpeheavedashewithdrewfromherswelteringfleshandploppeddownbesideher,pantingasifittookeverythinghehadtobringhimselfundercontrol.
“No!”Shecouldn’thelptheprotestthatslippedfree.
Seangrabbedherchinasherolledbackontopofherandslidhomeinonedevastatingstroke.“Yes,Callie.Rememberyourpenance?Yourpunishment?”
Hethrustinsideherwithstrong,deepplungesofhiscockthatdidabsolutelynothingbutpushherardorhigher.Vaguelysherememberedwhysheowedthem.Buttheinfernoraginginsidehermadeheryearnformore—foreverything.
Callieforcedherselftodrawinabreathandcenter.Aboveitall,shesoftenedatthenotionofbeingalltheyneeded.Ofcoursesheknewthatsheofferedthemwhattheymighthavegottenelsewhere,butnosurrenderwouldeverbegivenwithmoreheartorlovethanwhatsheoffered.
“Yes,Sir.”
“Good,lovely.Holdstill.”
Seangrippedherhipsandbeganaunrelentingpacethatmadeherspinetwistandherinsidesmelt.Shewrappedherhandsaroundhisshoulders,thencaresseddowntohismuscledbacksidetopullhiminevendeeper,despitethefactthathe’dhavenowheretogo.Theneedtofeelhimdeepwaspathological,biological
Thorpetunneledhishandintoherhairandtuggedherfacehiswayuntilheseizedherlipsandtookcontrolofhermouth,forcinghertoopentohiskiss,feelthecrushofhislips,taketheplungeofhistongue,andgivehimallhersoftacceptanceandfeverishpassioninreturn.Hegrowledintohermouth.
“Don’tcome,Callie,”Seaninsisted.
Thatdemandwasgettingharderandhardertomeet.PullingfromThorpe’slips,shetightened,focused,squeezinghereyesshutandprayingshecouldobey.Itwouldn’tbeforlackoftrying…
Insideher,Seanthickened.Hepumpedharder.Asecondlater,hecriedoutinadeepsoundofagonyashestiffenedandpressedhimselfasfarinsideherashecould,rootingaroundasifhe’dfoundhome.Hiscryofecstasyechoedinthebedroom.Calliewhimperedlikeawoundedthingtoholdbackherneedtojoinhim,tocelebratethismomentthatmightnotevercomeagain.
Withagroanfromthebottomofhischest,heexhaledagainstthesideofherneck,andmanagedtopushhimselfupenoughtopressthelightestbrushofkissonherlips.Heworshippedherwithastarklybluestare.
“Iloveyou,Callie,”hemurmuredinherear.
Thenherolledaway.
Callielaystill,hertoescurledandherfistsclenchedtowardoffthehorrificneedroilinginsideher.Mindoverbody.Youcandoit.Shedraggedinmorebreaths,fightingtocontrolthearousalandthethrobbingfleshbetweenherlegs,insistingonmore.
Shehadn’tcomeclosetorecoveringbeforeThorpemadehiswayintothecrookofherspreadthighsagainandhoveredaboveher.Withtotalabandon,heplowedintoher.Inalightning-fastbarrageofthrusts,hetookeverythingheneededfromher,includinghersanity.
Calliecurledherarmsaroundhim.Hisbackwasslickwithsweatandeffort.Heheavedinabreathwitheveryshoveinsideher.Anddamnit,heswelledinsideherashisstrokesbecameevenmoreinsistent.
LikeSean,hemeanttofindhisorgasmandleaveherbodyneedingandhersoulbleedingasalesson.She’dearnedit,butgawdithurt—inastrangelygloriousway.Givingthemcontrolofherclimaxwashergivingherself.Iftheyneededthatpower,iftheyhadtohaveashowofherpenitence,shevowedtosuffer.
SuckinginabreathasThorpe’sstrokesshortened,deepened,pounding,pounding,shewaited,eyesclenchedshutandstruggledtogiveherselfoverandholdherpleasureback.
Seantangledhislipswithherssoverygently.“Come,Callie.Forus.”
Hadsheheardthatright?Sheopenedhereyeswidetoseethesoftsmileonhisface.Yes.He’dgivenheragiftbecausehelovedher,notnecessarilybecauseshe’dearnedit.She’dtornoffhiscollarbecausehe’dliedtoher—inthenameofduty.Buthehadn’tliedaboutwhatreallymattered.Hehadbeentruetohisheart.Whileshehadrun,hidden,andtriedtocuthimoutofherfutureandherfeelings.
Andstillhemanagedtoforgiveher.Nowondershelovedthisman.
“Now,pet!”Thorpethunderedintoherpussy.“Damnit,Callie.Yes.Oh,fuck.That’sit.Perfect.Now,”hegroanedlongandlow.“Come!”
Thepressuregrew,pleasuresurged.Itwasasifaweighthadbeenliftedfromherbody.Fromhersoul.Shewasfreetofly,tosoarandbaskintheiradoration.Thesubmissionshe’dalwayscravedgivingbutneverhadthefreedomtogrant,madeherspillintoblisswithmoreabandonthanshe’deverexperiencedorimagined.
Shepeaked,thenscreamedasshehurtledendlesslythroughthepleasure.Sheroaredoutinbody-twistingecstasy.Thorpewastheretocatchher,groundingherwithasureembraceandplungingstrokes.Heprolongedtheexquisitesensationsbydiggingagainsthermostsensitivespot.Shecriedout,shuddered,dizzy,floating,flyingagain…
Seankissedherjaw,squeezedherhand,praisingherwithwhispersshebarelyheardasshetriedtocatchherbreathandfindawaytobringhersoulbackintoherbody.
Finally,Thorpegrunted,thencollapsedoverherandrolledtoherside.Togethertheysurroundedher,cuddlingher,bothtrailingtheirlipsacrossherskin.Sheturnedtoeach,backandforth,asthefloodgatesofherheartopenedwideforthefirsttimeinherlife.Tearsspilled,joyous,hersmilewobbling.Sheclutchedthemomenttight,wishingshecouldbaskhereforever.ChapterFifteen
LATEthatafternoon,SeanwanderedintothegalleyinsearchofCallie.Hisworldrightedonitsaxiswhenhespottedhernearthesink,gulpingdownwater.Asmileslidacrosshisfacethatwasprobablysappierthanhell,buthedidn’tevenknowtherightwordstodescribehowbeautifulshewastohimwiththetangledglossofherhairspillingdownherbackandherlitheformsilhouettedunderhisonce-pristinedressshirt.
Heslippedhisarmsaroundherwaistandkissedherneck.“Ican’tgetenoughofyou,lovely.”
Buthewascertainlytrying.Aftertheirfirstgo-roundinthebed,heandThorpehadrestedwithherbetweenthem.They’dalldriftedoff,andSeanhadawakenedtoanosefullofCallieandacockharderthanstone.She’dwelcomedhimwithopenarms,herkissessoclingingandpoignant.Ithadn’ttakenThorpeverylongtojoinin,availinghimselfofhermouthwhileSeandrownedinherpussyandtookforhimselfanorgasmliketheonehe’dallowedThorpetogiveher.He’dgivenherseveralmoreforthesheerpleasureofit.
Everytouchshe’dbestowedonhimfeltinfusedwithherlove.He’dneverwantedthatdevotionfromanotherwoman.ButlikeeverythingelsewithCallie,shewassimplydifferent.Shefilledsomevoidinhimhehadn’tknownwasmissing
Shesetdownthebottleofwater,thenturnedinhisarmswithalittlesmile.“Well,youboughtayear’sworthofcondomsandyoudidwarnme…Notthatyou’llhearmecomplain.”
“Ihopenot.”Hegrippedherhipandsettledakissonherswollenlips.“Areyouallright?”
Shesenthimasaucygrinwithblueeyesdancingmischievously.“Thesexisn’texactlyscarringmeforlife,ifthat’swhatyou’reworriedabout.”
“Goodtoknow,butno.Let’sstartatthebeginning.WhydidyourunfromDominionwithouttalkingtome?OrtoThorpe?Ihatethatyoufeltthatyoucouldn’ttrustme.”
“Youlied,Sean.”Whenheopenedhismouthtoargue,shecuthimoff.“Iknowwhatyou’regoingtosay.Itwasyourjob.Youweren’tuntruthfulaboutyourfeelings.Igetallthat.JustunderstandthatIthoughtyoumightbeanassassinorsomething.Andifthatwasthecase,Icertainlywasn’tgoingtogiveyoutheopportunitytoshootmewhileIwasbusyaskingwhyyouknewmytrueidentityandhadagun.AndIrefusedtoputThorpeatriskbyrunningtohimforhelp.”
Arguingwiththatlogicwouldgethimnowhere.She’dkeptherselfalivebybeingcautious.Andwalkingawayfromeveryonewho’devermattered.Hewasgoingtohavetobreakthatlasthabit.Maybewhenhe’dbegunhavingfeelingsforher,heshouldhavecomeclean.Ormaybeshewouldhavejustrunsooner.Itwasallmootnow.Theywerefinallygettingeverythingoutonthetable.Hewantedtoclearitsotheycouldstopthedangertoherandhaveafuture.
“Iknow.ButIcan’thaveyourunningoffagain.Idon’tthinkmyheartcantakeit,lovely.”
Shecuppedhischeekandfrowned.“Sean,thinkaboutwhatyou’resaying.Hell,whatyou’redoing.Byyourownadmission,you’vebeenmarriedtoyourjobforthelastdecade.Ican’tletyougivethatupforme.It’syourcareer.Yourfuture.”
“No,youare.Makenomistake.Iwon’tgiveyouup.Ifyoudon’tlovemeandwanttoleave,Ican’tstopyou.ButIrefusetowalkawayfromyoubecausemybossmightbepissedoff.Iwon’tabandonyouwhenyou’vegotdangerbreathingdownyourneck.Someonewantsyoudead.”
“Yeah,andIdon’tknowwhoorhowtostopit.ThebestthingIcandoforyouisgiveyouallthetimeandlovepossible,thenquietlyleave.Ifyou’llsayIgaveyoutheslipandletmehaveaheadstart—”
“Doyounotloveme?”hecutin.
“Ido,Sean.MorethanIcaneventellyou.”Shegrippedhisfaceinherhands,hereyestearingup.“ButthedaymyfamilywasmurderedandIran,Igaveupmyfuture.Ididn’treallyunderstandatthetime,butIcan’targuewiththefacts.”
Shepressedthesoftest,saddestkissonhislips—meaningitasthebeginningofhergood-bye.
Seanrefusedtoletthatstand.
Hejerkedback.“I’mnotgoingtostopfightingforyou.”
Tearsswaminhereyes.“Ithinkyoushould.You’vealreadygivenmeanincrediblegiftwithyourlove.Idon’tgetinvolvedwithpeople.Itmaynotseemlikemuch,butit’sveryscaryformetotellyouthatIloveyou.I’msayingitbecauseit’strueandimportanttomethatyouknow.Idon’tevenhavethewordstotellyouhowtouchedIamthatyou’veriskedsomuchtohelpme.OrthatyouletThorpesharethistimewithus.Why?YouhatedhimbackinDallas.”
Thelastfewdayshadbeenablur,andhe’dbeensotiredsometimesandstressedthathedidn’talwaysknowhisname.Buthewastotallyclearonthisanswer.“Becauseyoulovehim.Hisexperienceandcontrolletsyoufeelsafe.You’veknownhimforsolongthattrustiseasy.”Heshrugged.“Besides,havingsomeonehelpmewatchyourbackhasbeenbeneficial.Andhavinganotherpairofhandstospankyourasswhenyougetoutoflinehascomeinhandy,too.”
Seantriedtopassthelastlineoffasajoke,butCalliewasn’tsmiling.“I’velovedhimforalongtime.Pleasedon’tthinkthatmeansIloveyouanyless.AndIwantyoutoknowthatnomatterwhathappenswithThorpeorthefuture,itwon’tchangehowIfeelaboutyou.”
Seansmoothedbackherhairandmetherwithasmile.“Thankyou,lovely.Ineededtohearthat.Iwishitsoundedlesslikeyouintendtoleaveme.Youhavesuchabighearttogive.Thankyouforsharingitwithme.”
“Youmadeitimpossiblenottofallinlovewithyou.I’veneverfeltthisway,asifyoucameintomylife…andsupportedmesoperfectly.Suddenly,thegroundundermefeltsolid.Iwasn’tlonelyorlostanymore.Iwasafraidtotrustyou.I’vewantedtogiveyoueverythingIcouldinreturn,butIdidn’tknowhowtogetpastmyfear.Andnow,Idon’teverwanttoletgo.”
“Thendon’t.Shareyourmindandheartwithme.Givemeyourtrustandhonesty.You’vebeenalive,butyouhaven’treallylived,Callie.Iwanttohelpyoudothatandbewithyoueverystepoftheway.”
Calliehesitatedforalongmoment,lookingupathimlikehewashereverything.“Ifyou’rereallynotgoingtosaveyourselfandletmego—”
“I’vemademyselfclear.”Heshookhishead.
“ThenI’myours.”Calliethrewherselfintohisarms,buryingherfaceinhisneck.“I’llstayaslongasyou’llhaveme.”
Sean’sheartswelled.Hecouldhaveneverguessedthatthiscasewouldchangenotjusthisworkaholicways,butshowhimallhe’dbeenmissing.Calliehadawakenedhimtolove.
“Bepreparedtogrowoldwithme,”hemurmuredinherear.“IswearI’llkeepyousafesowecanhavethatfuturetogether.”
“I’dlovethatmorethananything.AndI’lltryeverydaytomakeyouhappy.”
Seancaressedhersilkyhairandhervelvetcheek.“AswillI.ButIdon’twantyoutobecrushedifThorpedoesn’tstaywithus.Helovesyou,too,buthe’squiteresistanttothe‘picketfence.’”
“Iknow.”Callietriedtoshrugasifitdidn’tmatter,butSeanknewbetter.“Ineverexpectedhimtowantme,muchlessstay.Imean,heprobablyopenedaBDSMclubbecauseitwasagreatwaytomeetlike-mindedwomenandplaywithadifferentoneeverynight.”
“Idon’tknowwhyheopenedDominion.Hedefinitelywantsyou,buthe’skepthisdistancebecausehe’sjustamanwithhisowninsecurities.Andyouhavethepowertohurthim.”
“Me?He’signoredmeforthelasttwoyears.Whenhefirstcutmeoff,Imissedhimsomuch,itwaslikephysicalpain.ThenIwonderedifsubconsciouslyIwantedhislovesobadlybecausemyrelationshipwithmyfatherhadbeensofuckedupandnowhewasdeadorsomethingelsestupidandFreudianlikethat.Butthenitdidn’ttakelongtorealizethefeelingsweretotallydifferent.ThatIjust…wantedThorpe.You’rerightthathe’salwaysmademefeelsafe.”Tearsspilleddownhercheeks,andsheswipedthemaway.“Sorry.CryingtoyouaboutThorpeseemsinsensitive.Trustme,I’mmorethrilledtohaveyourlovethanIcaneverexpress.”
Seankissedherforehead.Hecouldfeelherpainanduncertaintyjuststandingclosetoher.Exhaustionplayedarole,sure.Buttherewasmore.“Idon’twantyourgratitude.I’llloveyou,regardless.Iwantyoutoknowthat,ifThorpedoesn’tstay,I’mgoingtousethistimetolearnwhathegivesyouandtrytoprovideit.We’llmanage,allright?”
Evenmoretearsfell.“You’rethebestmanI’veevermet.Idon’tknowwhatIdidtodeserveyou,butI’mtheluckiestwomanintheworld.”
Seankissedherreverently.Shepressedherlipstohisinagesturethatworshippedandcommuned.Sheclungtohim.Inthatmoment,hehadnodoubtwhatsoeverthathehadherheartandthathe’dmadetherightchoices,difficultthoughthey’dbeen.
“Thatquestionintimatesthatyouthinkyoudeservedthelastnineyears.Youdidn’t.You’vehadabadlot,butyou’vestillkeptakindheart.Watchingyousmile,workingtoearnyourtremblingtrust,alwaystryingtoguesswhatunpredictablemessyou’llgetuptonext…itmademeappreciateyou.Besides,you’redamnsexy.”
“Dittoindoubleforyou.”Shewinkedhisway,thenleanedin,restingherheadonhischest.
Seanwrappedhisarmsaroundherandjustfeltherheartbeatagainsthisforalong,silentsecond.Hedidn’texpecttheirnearfuturetobefullofpeace,buthedrankinthismomentwhenmostwasrightwithhisworld.
“Youknow,Ishouldbemoreputoutwithyou.”Shesighed.“Ahouseboat?Really?”
Hechuckled.“Ihadtobesureyouweren’tgoingtogetawayfromme,andIcan’twatchyoutwenty-fourseven.Sinceyoudon’tswim,bringingyououtonthelakewasthenextbestthing.Inthemiddleoftheweekwithwinterclosingin,Ithinkwemaybetheonlyboatersouthere.”
“Sneaky.”Shesaiditalmostlikeacompliment.“ButIguessedthatafterthecomputerinthepizzabox.”
“Ilikedthatmyself.”Hegrinned.“Butifyouwanttotalkaboutsneaky…whatwasinmywine?”
“Ambien.”
Calliewastheonlywomanheknewwhocouldwinceandflashasmileatthesametimeandsomehowmakeitlookadorable.
“Minx.”Heshookhishead.“Don’tdoitagainorI’llhavetopaddleyourassbutgood.”
Themischiefonherfacewaslikeaflirtationallitsown.Byallrights,heshouldatleastneedagoodshowerandadecentmealbeforehewantedtofuckheragain.Butno.Hewasalreadycontemplatingwhetherthekitchencountersweretherightheighttospreadherlegsandplowbetweenthem.
“Ifthat’ssupposedtobeadeterrent,it’snotworking,”shewhispered.
Seanlaughedoutloud.ThiswassomethingelsehelovedaboutCallie—herplayfulside.He’dbeensodamnseriousforsodamnlong.Notmuchtojokeaboutfightingcrimeonafederallevel,butsomewherealongtheway,he’dforgottentostopandsmelltheroses.Callie’slifehadbeenfarmoredangerousandstressfulthanhisown,butshestillfoundwaystosmile.Headmiredhergritandintelligence.Ifhisgrandparentswerestillwithhim,theywouldhavelovedher.
“Youknowwe’regoingtohavetotalkabouteverything,don’tyou?Thenightyourfamilywaskilled,anythingyoucanrememberthatmightberelevant?Whocameafteryouasyoumovedaround—anythingthatmighthelpuspinpointwhowantsyoudead.”
“Yes,”Thorpesaid,enteringthekitchenwearingonlyapairoftrousersandlookingfreshlyshowered.“AsmuchasI’veenjoyedbeingdistractedbyyourbeautifulbodyandtheincrediblesex,nowwehavetotiptoethroughyourpast.”
***
THORPEsidledcloserandpressedakisstothetopofherhead.Thenhetippedherchinuptohimsohecouldlookintohereyes.“IalwayshopedI’dgettoaskyouquestionssoIcouldtrulyunderstandyou,pet.Butnotincircumstanceslikethis.”
Callieachedtoaskwhyhe’dnevertoldherthatheknewhertrueidentity.Butshecouldn’t,notanymorethanshecouldbegreedyanddemandmorefromhimifhewasn’tpreparedtogiveit.Besides,itwasmoreimportanttofocusonwhoeverwaschasingher.Shemightnotbeabletostopthem,butfindingoutwhoitwaswoulddefinitelyhelpherevadetroubleinthefuture.Thorpewasn’tgoingtosuddenlyandmagicallyfallinforeverlovewithher.ContrarytowhatSeanthought,Thorpewantedher;heworriedabouther.Hecared.Andthatwasit.
“I’vethoughtaboutthatnightoverandover.EverythingseemednormaluntilIheardthegunshotsdownstairs.Ithoughtmydadwasinbed,soIwasjustabouttosneakoutthewindowandmeetHolden.”
Thorpeactuallygrowled.“I’mgoingtofindoutwherethatprickisnowandrepayhimforwhathedidtoyou.”
Hewassuchaprotector,anditwasoneofthethingsthatdrewher.He’dalwaysbeenreadytoteartheheadoffanyonewhohurther.Whenhewasaround,itwassoeasytotrustthathehadeverythingabsolutelyundercontrol.Seanremindedherthattherewastendernessintheworld.He’dmadeherbelievethatshematteredtosomeone.Hewasherpillarofstrength.Andhertomorrow.
“Actually,Ithinkjusticeisbeingserved.”Seangrinned.
Shesentbackawobblysmile.“Iagree.”
“Youknow?”Hisblueeyesglintedwithsurprise.
“I’vetriedtolookhimupeverynowandthen,whenIcouldmakemywaytoapubliccomputeratalibrarysothatnothingcouldbetracedbacktome.Ireallydothinkhegothisjustrewards.”ShefacedThorpe.“HisparentsmovedtoKentuckyaboutsixmonthsafterhebailedonme.Withinafewmonths,he’dgottensomegirlpregnant.Shehadnomoneyandareallymeanfather.Theygotmarriednottoolongafterthat,andI’mprettysureitwasatthebusinessendofherdaddy’srifle.Afterthreekidsandsevenyears,shelefthimandtookeverythingtheyhad.Hewastoostupidtoholddownajob,soherobbedaconveniencestorewithahandgun.He’salllockedup.Hewasalwayspretty,soI’mbettinghe’sreallypopularinprison.”
Thorpeseemedtoturnthatstoryoverinhismind.“IwishIcouldhaveguttedhimmyself,butwehavebiggerfishtofrynow.Let’sgobacktothenightyourfatherandsisterwerekilled.IsthereanywayHoldencouldhavebeeninvolved?”
CallieshookherheadbeforeThorpehadevenfinishedthesentence.“He’sfartoodumbtobethatstealthy.Hewasn’tviolent,justgreedy.Iknownowthathewasmoreinterestedinmyfamily’smoneythaninme.Healwayswantedwhateverhedidn’thavetoworkfor.Ifhehadbrokenintoourhousewithagun,hewouldn’thaveshotmyfamily,takenaswipeatme,thenfled.Hewouldhavestayedtoripoffwhateverhecould.Hegotcaughtattherobberybecausethecashier,wholookedlikeafemalesumowrestler,decidedthatshewasn’tgoingtotakehisshitandtackledhim.Shepinnedhimdownandcalledthecops.Besides,thatnight…witnessesplacedhimafewstreetsover,andthere’snowayhecouldhavedonealltheshooting,thenbeatmebacktohiscarwithoutbeingwindedorhavingbloodsplatters.”
“Whatabouthisfriends?Wouldanyofthemhavehelped?”Seanasked.
Sheshookherhead.“Hedidn’thaveanyguyfriendsanymore.He’dsleptwithalloftheirgirlfriendsorsistersatsomepoint.Hewasuniversallyregardedasadouche.”
“Andyoulikedhimwhy?”Thorpelookedlikehewasgrindinghisteeth.
“Hewascuteandhadreallyprettyeyes.Whenyou’resixteen,that’simportant.”Sheshrugged.
“Didhesleepwithyoursister?”Seanasked.
Callielethereyesslideshut.“Idon’tknow.”Shedrewinadeepbreathandforcedherselftofacethemagain.“Rightafterschoolstartedthatyear,IcamehomefromcheerleadingpracticeearlyonedayandfoundHoldentherewithCharlotte,supposedlywaitingforme.Shelookedflushed,andheseemedwinded.Theytoldmethey’djustcomeinfromoutside.Thetemperaturewasstillhot.Iwantedtobelievethem.KnowingwhatIknownowaboutHolden,I’msurehetriedtoseduceher.”
Theguysexchangedaglance,andagongofforebodingranginherstomach.
“What?Spititout.Whatdoyouknow?”
Seansighed.“AccordingtoCharlotte’sautopsyrecord,shewasnineweekspregnantwhenshedied.”
AwaveofincredulityovercameCallie.Tearsstunghereyes.Shehadahardtimebreathing.Insomeways,shewastooshockedtobeanythingbutnumb.Butasifshecouldn’tstopthemarchoftimeandemotions,abladeofbetrayalstabbedherrightintheheart.
“ThenithadtobeHolden.Iknewshehadacrushonhim.Iwon’taskwhathewasthinking;Iknow.Hemusthavelaughedattakingthevirginityoftwosisters.ButwhatthehellwasCharlottethinking?”
Thorpeshrugged.“Thatshewouldbeimportanttohim,perhaps.Comehere,pet.”
Whenhetriedtopullherintohisarms,Callieresistedandtwistedaway.“Don’t.Notnow.”
“We’renotHolden.”Thorpe’sgrayeyeslookedlikethundercloudsunderthescowlofhisdarkbrows.
“Shejustneedstime,”Seanargued.“It’salotforhertotakein.”
Callieshothimagratefullookasshewrappedherarmsaroundherwaistandtriedtoabsorbthefactthatshe’dbeendeceivedbythesistershe’dloved.ButCharlottehadalwaysbeenadifficultchild,alwayslashingoutasifpunishingtheworldfortakinghermother.She’dalwaysrequiredmorelovethananyonepersoncouldgive.
“Inretrospect,Ishouldhaverealizedthatshe’dbevulnerabletosomeonewithasmoothtonguelikeHolden.ButIdidn’twanttoimaginethateitherofthemwoulddothattome.”Shesighedraggedly,tryingtocyclepasttheblowthatprobablyshouldn’thavebeenablowatall.Buttherevelation,evenalltheseyearslater,wasstilllikeabombgoingoffinsideher.“IthinkIknewabouttwohoursafterweranawayfrommyhousethatI’dmadeahugemistakewithhim,butIwasinshockandterrified.”
“Ofcourse,”Seansoothed,buthedidn’ttrytotouchher.Heonlymadehimselfavailableincaseshewantedthesupport.Blesshim.
Butshewasn’tready.
“IsthereanychancethatHoldenandyourfatherarguedaboutCharlotte’spregnancy?”Thorpeasked.“ThatHoldenshothim,thenmaybeheandyoursisterwrestledoverthegun?”
“No.Therewerenovoicesinthehouse,justgunshots.Myfatherwasaquietman,andhemightnothaveraisedhisvoicewithHoldenifhe’dknownaboutCharlotte’spregnancy,butHoldenwouldhaveyelled.Hewasrebelliousandwantedtobeheard.AndheavenknowsthatCharlottewouldhaveputinmorethanhertwocents.Neitheroneofthemcouldshutup.Besides,hewouldn’thavebeensmartenoughtowipetheguncleanandplantitinmyroomtoframeme.”
“Thecrimescenereportsmakethewholeeventsoundmethodical.Professional,”Seansaidinagreement.“Whoeverdidthisknewexactlywhattheywereabout.”
“Theycametokill.Therewerenostrugglesorscenes.AsfarasIknow,theydidn’ttrytoextortmoneyfrommydadorrobtheplace.Hehadmillionsworthofartinthehouseandanundergroundsafewithalotofcashinhisoffice.”
“Whoeverkilledhimblastedtheirwayintothesafe,”Seanconfirmed.“Butthecashwasstillthere,aswellastheart.”
“Whoeverdidthiswantedsomethingspecific.”Thorpecrossedhisarmsoverhischest,visiblyrestrainingtheurgetohitsomethingsincehecouldn’tfindthesomeonewhodeservedit.
“Ican’timaginewhat.”Callieshrugged.
“Andnooneelsehadanaxtogrindwithyourfather?”
She’dreallytriedtofigureitout,andofcourseshedidn’tknoweverythingaboutherfather,but…“TheonlypossibilityIcanthinkofisawoman.Aftermymother’sdeath,Daddidn’tdateorreallygetinvolved.Hekeptamistressinaloftbyhisofficedowntown.Abouttwiceaweek,he’ddisappearforafewhours.He’dgetcrankywhenhemovedoneoutandhadtofindanother.Thathappenedabouteverysixmonths,assoonasonegotcomfortableenoughtowantmoreoutoftherelationshipthanbaublesandsex.Ioverheardhimonceonthephone.Hetoldwhoevershewasthatshewasn’thisfirstmistressandwouldn’tbethelast.Thewomanmovedoutthenextday.Butthatwasatleastthreeorfourmonthsbeforehismurder.Hehadanewmistressbythen,I’msure.”
“Thiswasn’tacrimeofpassion,”Seanpointedout.“Itwasasurgicalstrike.”
“Anygreedyfamilymembersyou’reawareof?”Thorpeasked.
“Dadwasanonlychild.Momwasanorphan.Sono.I’mnotsupposedtoknowthatIhaveanillegitimateolderhalfbrother.He’sdefinitelybitter,butlastIheard,hehadtwokidsandsoldcarsforaliving.Whywouldhewaitintohistwenties,thendecidetocomeafterhisfather?Ifhe’spissedaboutmissingoutonthemoney,whyresorttomurderratherthanblackmail?Hewasn’tmentionedinmydad’swill.”
Pacing,ThorpespearedSeanwithaglance.“Andthebureauhasnoothersuspects?”
“We’vecombedphonerecordsandfinancialtransactions.Nothingsuspicious.Yourfatherdidn’tkeeptightsecurity,muchlessvideosurveillance,sothat’sadeadend.Thestaffweinterviewedwereeithergoneorasleepwhenithappened.Theirhandswerealltestedforgunpowderresidueandcameupclean.Theywereopenlyweepingwhentheyrealizedyourfatherwasdead.It’snotimpossibleoneofthemwasguilty,butagain,wouldn’ttheyhavestolensomethingifthey’dgonetothetroubleofkillinghim?”
“Theylovedhim.”Callieshookherhead.“Theyhadbeenwithhimfordecades,inmostcases.Hedidn’tpartwithournannyuntilCharlotteturnedthirteen.Mostofourclassmatesdidn’thaveanannymuchpastten.AndtheonlyreasonDadletFrancesgowasbecauseshehadtotakecareofherelderlymother.Onethingaboutmyfather,whenhelovedsomeone,hewasasloyalasthedaywaslong.”
SeanscrubbedahanddownhisfaceandjoinedThorpe,pacinginthesmallgalley.Theybumpedshouldersandgruntedanonverbalapologyatoneanother.“We’vegottobemissingsomething.Let’strylookingatthisfromadifferentangle.TelluswhatmadeyoubypassLogan’scontactattheVegasairport.”
“Thatwasreallyweird.Ihadmydisguise,justincase.Iknowsecurityinairportscanberidiculouslyhigh-tech,soIwasallready.Ichangedontheplane.SinceIwaslastoff,noonenoticed.Istoppedinthebathroomtocheckmyselfandfoundaredpull-alongsomeonehadshovedinthetrashcanbecauseoneofthewheelswasstuck.Butitdisguisedmyduffel,soIswipedit.IwasreadytomeetElijah.Loganhadshownmeapictureofhimbeforeputtingmeontheplane.Ihadhisnumber,too.”Sheshrugged,rememberingthatday.“WhenIhitbaggageclaim,thefirstthingInoticedwassomebigguyinauniform.Idriftedtowardthesmokingareaandwatchedhimthroughawindow.ImaginemyshockwhenIrealizedthathewasflashingapictureofme—takenintheNewOrleansairportjustafewhoursearlier.”
“Andyoupanicked,”Thorpeguessed.
“Hellyeah!Insteadofwaitingaround,Ileft.Iwasworriedthisguywouldfigureouttheconnectionbetweenme,Logan,andElijah,andhuntusdown.Ididn’twanttomaketheguy’slifehardersinceIknewhehadawifeandkids.”
“Soyouwentintothecitywiththeideaofgettingajobasastripper?”Thorperaisedabrowather.
Boy,foramanwho’dseenalotofnudityatDominion,hewasactinglikeitwasabigfreakingdealthatshe’dtakenhalfherclothesoffforafewdollars.
“MitchellThorpe…”Sheputherfistsonherhips.
Hegrabbedherarm.“Watchyourtone,pet.Ihavenoproblemputtingyouovermykneeagain.Ifyourassisn’tsoreenoughyetforyoutomindyourmanners,Icanfixthat.”
Afactshewasbeginningtoknowwell.“I’mjustsayingthatI’vewornbikiniswithlessmaterialtoDominionpoolparties,andyoudidn’thaveaspazthen.”
“No,Ijustwatchedyoulikeahungrydogallafternoon,thenwentbacktomyroomandjackedoff.ButIdigress.”
Seriously?Callieblinkedathim.Shehadn’tguessedthathehadmorethanafleetingthoughtabouthersexuallyinthelasttwoyears.
“Theamountofclothingisn’ttheissue,”hecontinued.“It’stheintent.YoumeanttoarouseothermenwithwhatIconsideredmine.IknowSeanfeltthesame.”
“Exactly,lovely.Youcouldwearaskimpybathingsuitatsuchaparty,andifyoumeantitforus,Iwouldprobablysmile.Andgetintoafightwithanyassholewhothinkshe’sgoingtolureyouaway.Butastripteaseformoneyforallthosestrangers…”Seangnashedhisteeth.
Hadtheygonetothesamecavemanschool?Apparentlyso.They’dbothgraduatedwithhonors,too.“Look,Ididn’thavealotofmoney,soIhadtogettothecityandfindworkfast.Ihadtosecureaplacetolive,buyfood,andmakeenoughmoneyforabusticketoutoftown.Itwasn’tlikeIhoppedonthatstageasabig‘fuckoff’toeitherofyou.”
Theyexchangedaglance.Itwasclearthatneitherofthemlikedthedirectionofthisconversation.Thorpebristled,crossinghisarmsoverhischesttoglaredownatherwithagazethatpromisedhelllater.
Calliemeltedbackinoneofthegalley’schairs,bitingherlip.She’dpushedtheDominhimtoofar.Bestifsheshutupandpickedherbattles.Ifshewassmart,she’dchangethesubjectnowanddistracthim.“Don’tyouwanttotalkaboutthemaninuniformattheairport?”
Seanrolledhisshoulders,asiftryingtoshrugofftension.“Hedidn’tlookfamiliar?”
“No.”Sheshookherhead,gratefultohimforthereturntobusiness.“Justtheuniform.Itlookedmilitary…butitdidn’texactlyseemstandardissue.”Shetriedtopicturewhatwasdifferentinherhead,butdrewablank.“Somethingwasoff.Thecolor,maybe?”
“WeretheyBDUs?”Seanasked.
Calliefrowned.“What?”
“Camo,”Thorpesupplied.
“No.Theywereapaleblue.”
Seanscowled.“LiketheCoastGuard?Paleblueshirtswithnavypants?”
“No.Boththecoatandpantswerethesamecolor.Moreofapalegrayishblue.Andtheyweredressier,forsure.Almostformal.Thecoathadpatchesandmedalsandstuff.”
“Youmeaninsignia?”Helookedamused.
“Yes.Lotsofchevronstripesandbraidedropeandcrap.”
“Didyourecognizeanyofit?”
Callieheldupherhands.“WhenwouldIhavehadtimetostudymilitaryuniforms?”
“Pointtaken.”Seanscowled.“Didhewearahat?”
“Yeah.Oneofthoseberetthings.Itlooksfunnyonaguybuiltlikethesideofamountain.Hethoughthewasarealbadass,too.Icouldtell.”
“Didyouoverhearhimgivehisnameorrankorbranchofservice?”
“No,hedidn’tsayanyofthat.Hetoldpeoplethathewasmeetinghisgirlfriend,butthatshehadn’tcomeofftheflight.Afewpeoplerememberedseeingmegeton,soheknewI’dbeenontheplane.Hehadoldladiessearchingthebathroom.Whensomedudeheadedforthesmokinglounge,Islippedoutwithmybagandcaughtacab.Youknowtherest.”
“Andyou’veneverseenthatuniformbefore?”Thorpeasked.
Calliepaused,scanninghermemory.“No,IthinkIhave.Butitseemslikeit’sbeenforeverago.Ijustcan’tplaceit.”
Nowthatsherememberedit,sheflippedbackthroughmemories,years,locations.Notsinceshe’darrivedatDominion.Notwhileshe’dbeenrunningbeforethen.Athome.Withherfather.
“Wait!Amancame.”Herheartpounded.“Toourhouse.Notlongbeforethemurders.”Thememorysharpened,comingintoclearfocus.“Anolderman—notliketheyoungguyfromtheairport.ButIthinktheyworethesameuniform.Myfathertookhimintohisoffice.Theyargued.IrememberitbecauseDadalmostneverraisedhisvoice.Hedidthatday.WhenIaskedhimaboutitlater,hejustsaidthemanwaspressingforapoliticaldonationanddidn’twanttotakenoforananswer.Iletitgo.”
Seanfrowned.“Didyoueverseetheoldermanintheuniformagain?”
“No.Myfatherwaslargelyarecluse.Hemetwithveryfewpeople,especiallyatthehouse.WhenIwasakid,theonlypersonwhocameoverwithanyregularitywassomesortofmedicalresearcher,Doctor…Aslanov,Ithink.”Calliefrowned.“ButhestoppedcomingaroundwhenIwastenorso.”
Seansearchedaroundforapieceofpaperandjottedsomenotes.“Yes,Iknowwhoheis.DoctorAslanovresearchedcancer.Iknowyourfatherfundedquiteabitofhisworkforaboutfiveyears.”
“Yeah.Likehethoughtitwouldbringmymotherback.”
Thorpecamecloserthenandwrappedhisarmsaroundher.“I’msorry,pet.”
Abouthermother?Yes,shewas,too.HeseemedverysorryaboutHoldenandCharlotte,aswell.Theybothdid.Shedrewintheirsweetempathy.
Calliesoftenedinhisarms,andSeanjoinedthem.Theycocoonedherinwarmthandacceptance.Love.Shekissedthemeachbriefly,thenbackedaway.Theystillhadworktodo.
“Ithinkit’sfairtosaythatthemanwhocametoyourhouseinuniformdidn’tdropinonyourdadforapoliticaldonation,”Seansaid.“Anyguessesaboutwhyhewasreallythere?”
“None.Ididn’tgetinvolvedinDad’sstuff.Iwasatypicalteenager,toowrappedupinmyown.”
“So…ifwedon’tknowwhovisitedyourhouseinuniformandwedon’tknowwhathewanted,let’stalkaboutwhatthepolicefoundatthecrimesceneafterthemurders.”
“Yousaidmyhomewasransacked?”Calliefrownedandwrappedherarmsaroundherself.“Irememberthatbig,gorgeoushouselikeitwasyesterday.Doublegrandstaircaseswithwhitemarble,wroughtironrailings,andsomuchnaturallight.Thehousealwaysseemedso…pristine.Itwasareflectionofmymother,andDadneverchangedit.Ican’timagineittornapart.”
“Isawthepictures,”Seansaidsoftly.“Theydidn’thavealotoftimeinthehousebeforethepolicearrived,buttheysearchedineverynookandcranny,everydrawer,closet,andniche.”
ThatshockedCallie.“Theyhadtohaveworkedfastinoversixteenthousandsquarefeet.”
“Soundsliketheyknewthelayoutofthehouse,”Thorpesurmised.
Sheshrugged.“Itwaspublicrecord.ArchitecturalDigesthaddoneaspreadonthehouseaboutayearprior.Itshowedthefloorplan.”
Seansighed.“I’mlookingforlogic.Whywouldanyonecomein,killtheoccupantsofthehouse,thentearitaparttotakeoneitem?”
“Idon’tthinkanythinghadbeenstolen.Whatdidtheyactuallytake?”Shesearchedhermemoryforallthetreasuresherfatherhadinhispossession.Asamanwho’dcomefromenormouswealthandhadatalentforgrowingit,he’dhadsomepricelesstreasures.Butifthekillershadn’ttakenanyoftheartorthecash,whathadtheysought?
“AnImperialFabergéegg.It’sworthabout…eighteenmilliondollars,giveortakeafewpennies.Ican’timaginesomeonestealingitforprofit,butwe’veneverseentheeggforsale,eveninthemostillegalchannels.Itdoesn’tseemlikelythathardenedcriminalswouldbreakinandkillsimplytodecoratetheirmantel.”
Callieflushed.“Theydidn’ttakeit.Idid.It’sinmybackpack.Mybackpack!Whereisit?IleftitinmyhotelroominVegasand—”
“Webroughtitwithus,lovely.Takeabreath.Relax,”Seanadvised.“Whydidyoutaketheegg?”
“Itwasmymother’s.ItwasallIhadofher.”
“It’srareandincrediblyexpensive.You’vebeencartingitaroundfornineyearswhilelivinginslums?”
Shesighed.“Iknow.Butit’snotlikeIcouldhaverentedasafe-depositboxoranything.Myconsolationwasthatifanyoneeverthoughtaboutswipingit,inthoseneighborhoods,theyprobablywouldn’thavehadacluewhatitwas.Afterall,it’soneofonlyaboutsixdozentosurvivetheBolshevikRevolution.”
Thorpe’seyeswidened.“Youhadthategginmyclubforfouryears?”
Callienodded.“Itwaskindofarelief.Noonewasgoingtostealitfromthere.Theydidn’tdarecomeinmyroomoryouwouldremovetheirheadsfromtheirbodiesinthemostunpleasantwaypossible.”
“That’strue,”Thorpeconcurred,smilingasifpleasedwithhimself.
Itwas…cute.
“Ineverimaginedyoutookthategg,”Seanadmitted.“Onewaythebureautrackedyouwasyourpatternofleavingeverythingbehind.Youwerereportedasamissingpersonaboutahalfadozentimes,sowegottoknowyourMO.Younevertookpersonalmementoswhenyoumovedfromonelocationtoanother.”
“Well,myfatherhadsomanyofmymother’sphotoslockedaway,asifhecouldn’tlookatthemwithoutgrievingalloveragain.ButMomtoldmejustbeforeshediedthattheeggwasmine.Iprobablyshouldhaveleftitbehind,butIcouldn’t.”
“Isthereanychancethatwhoeverkilledyourfamilywantedthategg?”Seanwonderedaloud.
“Idon’tknowwhytheywould.It’svaluable,butiftheydidn’twantartormoney,whygoafterarelic?Forme,itwasjustsentimental.Thateggwasherprideandjoy.”
“Theyopenup.Couldtherebesomethinginsideit?”Seanasked.
“Idon’tknow.”Sheshrugged.“I’vetriedtopryitopenrepeatedly.Ieventookascrewdrivertoitonceandgottwostitchesandatetanusshotformytrouble.It’sstuck.”
Seangrippedhischinandletoutabreath.“Therearealotofpiecestothispuzzle.We’reontosomething.It’srighthere.Ican’tquitefigureitoutyet.Whydon’twehavesomebrunch?I’llgrabashower.Afterthat,we’llhunkerdownandthinksomemore.”
“Goodcall.”Thorpeglancedaroundthegalley.“Ihopecerealisokay.YouknowCallieandIdon’tcook.”
“Forshit’ssake,I’msendingyoutwotocookingschoolwhenwegetoutofthismess.”
“Soundsfun.I’vealwayswantedtolearn.”Calliesmiled,thenturnedtoThorpe.
“Don’tcountmein,”hesnapped.“I’mfinejustthewayIam.”
Meaninghedidn’twanttoseeherafterthedangerhadpassed?Shelookedaway,bitingherlip.
Anawkwardsilenceprevailed,andSeansentherasympatheticglance.MaybesheshouldjusttrytoputthebrakesonfeelinganythingforThorpe,acceptthathemostlywantedsexfromher,andstophopingformore.IfThorpedidn’tneedher,thenshe’ddoherbestnottoneedhim.
Callieopenedhermouthtosayshe’dtrytocookbreakfastandinviteThorpetojumpintothelake,butaphonerang.Theguysbothlookedatoneanother.Itcouldonlymeantrouble.Theirexpressionssaidthat.
ThenThorpetookoffrunningforthebedroom,followingthesoundofthering.Seanfollowedlikeitwasafootrace.Callietrailedafterthem,hatingtheicyslideofdreadinherveins.
“Axel?”Thorpeshoutedintothecheapplasticphone.
Apause,followedbyagruntedacknowledgment.Thenamuchlongerpause.ThenshocktransformedThorpe’sface.
“Areyoufuckingkiddingme?”hebarkedintothephone.
AxelansweredinawaythatonlymadeThorpemoreangry.Hischeeksflamedred.Heclenchedhisfistsandlookedlikehemightgrindhisteethintodust.Holyhell,she’dneverseenThorpethatpissedoff.
“Keepmeposted.”Hestabbedafingeratthekeypadtoendthecall,thenlookedupatSeanwithableakstare.
“What?”Seanbarkedashewrappedanarmaroundher,alreadytryingtobraceherforthenewsheexpectedwouldupsether.
“Inthemiddleofthenight,someonebrokeintoDominion.TheytrashedCallie’sroomandmyoffice.Axelhadahunch,sohedrovebyyourapartment.Searchedanddestroyed,too.Whoeverhasbeenafteryou,Callie,knowswe’reallgone.They’relookingforsomething,probablywhatevertheydidn’tfindwhentheykilledyourfamily.Nowthey’recomingforus.”ChapterSixteen
ANhourlater,Seanretrievedherbackpackfromthestashinthebedroom.Gently,heshovedtheremnantsofcerealandtoasttooneside,thensetherraggedbagonthelittletableandtookadeepbreath.Besidehim,Callielookedtenseandscared.
“Whatisit,lovely?”
“Aren’twesittingduckshereonthelake?Weshouldabandonthehouseboatandgetfarawayfromhere.”
“Medievallordsbuiltcastlesusingbodiesofwateraspartoftheirdefense.Itwouldbedifficulttomountanattackonthewaterandevenhardertosneakuponus.We’rehiddenbybouldersandmountains.Nooneislikelytofinduswithoutahelicopter,andeventhen,we’lljustlooklikeaboatonthelake.”
“Buttheystillmightinvestigateit.Inthepast,whenI’vehadsomeonebreathingdownmyneck,IwouldchangelocationseverydayortwountilIfeltsurethatI’dlostwhoeverwaschasingme.”
“Youhaven’tdoneanythingcriminal,andIdon’twantyourunninglikeyouareoneanymore.”
“Guiltorlackthereofhasnothingtodowithit,”sheinsistedwithawaveofherhand.“Whoeverisafteruswillhuntusdown.Ithinkweshouldgetofftheboatandleaveeveryoneguessingbygoinginthreeseparatedirections—”
“No!”heandThorpebothbarkedtogether.
Seanturnedhisgazetotheotherman.Thorpe’sjawclenchedfirmandresolute.HemightnotthinkhewantedtocommittoCallieyet,buthe’dfighttokeephersafe.He’devendieforthatcause.Becausehelovedher.Thebiglugwasjusttoostubborntodoanythingaboutit.Atleastrightnow.Timewouldtell
Seanpushedthethoughtaside.Notthemostimportantproblematthemoment.
ExceptthatifThorpebrokeCallie’sheart,Seanknewhe’dhavetoworkevenhardertohealher.Shewouldcryandbelievethatshewasn’t…somethingenough.Good,smart,pretty—whateveradjectivefilledintheblankandmadenosense.CallietickedallofthoseboxesforSean,andifThorpe’spig-headedavoidancemadeherfeellikeshelackedanyofthosequalities,Seanwouldtakepleasureinbeatingthehelloutofhim.Kindofadowner,really.He’dstartedtoactuallyliketheguy.
“Maybethisegghassomethingtodowithyourfamily’smurder.”Seanchangedthesubject.“Let’sfocusonthatandnotmakeanyotherdecisionsuntilweinspectit.Maybethere’ssomethingspecialaboutitbesidestheobvious.”
“Agreed.”Thorpenodded.
Calliepursedherlips,thenlookedawaywithasigh.“Wehavetopullourheadsoutofourasses.Let’sexaminetheeggoncewegetoffthisfloatingdeadend.We’rewastingtime,guys.”
HeandThorpeexchangedaglance,thentheothermanreachedacrossthetabletotanglehishandinherdarkhair.“Ifwedidn’thavemoreimportanttasksathand,I’ddeviseafittingpunishmentforyou,pet.”
Shepursedherlips.“Forexpressinganopinion?”
“Forexpressingitsodisrespectfully.”
Exasperationcrossedherfacebeforeshestuckouthertongueathim.Thegesturewassomewherebetweenplayfulandimpertinent,andSeanbitbackachuckle.NoonecouldeveraccuseCallieofbeingboringorpredictable.
Thorpetuggedharderonherhair.“Soyouwanttodothisrightnow?Icanoccupyyourtongueifyoucan’tkeepitinyourmouth.”
“Oh,I’llbetyoucan.”Shelickedherlips.“Readywhenyouare.”
“WhywouldIrewardyou?”Heraisedabrowather,thenprowledthroughthelittlegalley.Afewmomentslater,hepulledopenadrawerandpulledoutmoreclothespins.Thenwithayankonthelittlerefrigeratordoor,heproducedabottleofTabasco.“Stickyourtongueoutatmeagain,pet,andI’llputthesetogooduse.”
Calliegapedathim,indignant.Shelookedlikeshehadafewchoicewords,butfinallyclappedhermouthshutwithanangrylittlehuff.Seanbitbackanotherlaugh.Evenwhenshewasabrat,shewasadorable.Butifhe’dbeenalonewithher,hewouldhavehadtonipherdefianceinthebud.Thorpe’stacticswereinteresting,andSeanmadenoteofthemincaseheneededthemforfuturereference.IncaseThorpewasn’theretoadministertheattitudeadjustmentsheneeded.
Withasigh,shecurbedherannoyanceandfocusedonthesituationagain.
“Iunderstand.”ShestaredatThorpe,whomerelyraisedanexpectantbrowather.“Sir.”
“Better.”HesmiledandturnedSean’sway.“Proceed.”
Itwasimpossiblenottosmileback.“Onit.Whatdoyouknowaboutthisegg?”
“Notalot.Mymomtalkedaboutit,ofcourse.ButIwassoyoung.ShestartedgettingsickwhenIturnedfive.Astimewenton,shebecamequieter.Mostly,Irememberherholdingmeandtellingmehowmuchshelovedmeandtoneverforgetthat.”Callietearedup,thensniffled.“Sorry.Ihaven’tletmyselfthinkaboutthosetimesinforever.”
Thorpestrokedahanddownherspineinreassurance,thenkissedthetopofherhead.Therewasnowayhedidn’tloveher.Dumbassprick.Evenwhenheheldhimselfback,Thorpe’sdevotionshowed.
“Soyoudon’trememberanythingabouttheeggspecifically?”Seanaskedsoftly.
“IthinkshesaidthisonewasfromEaster1912or1913—somewherearoundthattimeframe.DadboughtitforherfromacollectorinEuropeshortlyaftertheyweremarried.Iguessshe’dseenoneontheirhoneymoonandfalleninlove.Thisonecameupforsale,andDadgaveittoherasananniversarygiftorsomething.WhenIwasreallylittle,shehaditonadisplaystandthatlituponthemantelintheirbedroom.Sheredecoratedtheirwholebedroomaroundit.Theroomlookedverystately.Butwhenshegotreallysick,Dadhadeverythingredone.Hecouldn’tstandtoseeherlyinginabedsurroundedbyblack.”
Seanunderstoodthat.IffacedwiththeprospectoflosingCallie,he’dwanttothrowawayeverythingdarkandseeherinnothingbutsunlightandsmilesforaslongashecould.
“Aftershedied,Dadmovedittohishomeoffice,”shecontinued.“Itsatonthecornerofhisdeskforyears.CharlotteandIweren’tallowedtotouchit.Thenoneday,hebroughtittomeandsaidthatsinceMomhadwantedmetohaveit,IcouldkeepitinmyroomaslongasIwasresponsible.I’vebeentryingtopryitopensince.”
“Andyouneversucceeded?”Seanasked.
“Nope.IliedabouthowIgougedmyfingerbloody.Ididn’tdareadmitI’dtakenascrewdrivertotheegg.ButI’ddreamedupthisfantasythatmymotherhadwrittenmealongletterorpoem—somethingsheintendedmetohavethatshetuckedinsideherfavoriteobject.Itsoundssilly,butwhenyou’redoingthingslikegettingyourfirstperiodandsurvivingyourfirstcrushwithoutamother’sguidance,it’srough.”
“I’msureshewaswithyouinspirit,lovely.”Seanwantedtoholdher,wraphisarmsaroundher.Hell,hewantedtocarryhertobedandlovehertenderlyuntilhesomehowconvincedherthathemeanttofilleveryvoidinherheart.
“Andyou’renotawareofanythingelseunusualabouttheegg?”
“Otherthanitbeingararityingeneral,no.”
“Tellmehowelseyou’vetriedtoopenit.”Seanfelthereyesonhimasheunzippedherbackpackandpeekedinside.
“Besidesthescrewdriver,I’vetriedsoakingitinwaterandbruteforce.It’s,like,gluedtogetherorstuck.Something.”
“Hmm.Theeggsweremadetoopen.Theyoftencontainedsomejeweledsurprise,”Thorpepointedout.
“Right.IremembersomethinginsidetheeggwhenIwasakid,butIcan’trecalldetails.Itwasshinyandpretty.AfterMomwasgone,Iknowmydadstashedpicturesofheraroundsomeofherfavoriteobjects.Oncehegaveittome,Iwonderedifhe’dleftapictureofherinhere,butInevercouldgetthedamnthingopentosee.Thatjustmadeherfeelmoregonetome.”Shesniffledagain.
“We’llseeifwecandobetter.”SeanreachedintoCallie’sbackpackandpulledoutsomeclothes,awig,makeup,hertoiletries,aboxofcoloredcontacts.Thenheencounteredawadded-uptowel.
“It’sinthere,”shesaidasshestoodonhertiptoesandpeekedin.
Withanod,Seanreacheddowntothebottomandbracedhishandsunderthetowel,thenbeganliftingitup.Itwasbulkymorethanheavy,andhefelthimselfsweatabit,knowingthatheheldmillionsofdollarsandsomethinginfinitelyprecioustoCallieinhishands.
Restingthetowelonthetable,theyallpeeredoveritasSeanunwrappedthebundle.Anintricateblackandgolddesignindiamond-shapedsectionsdecoratedthetophalfoftheegg.Thelowerhalfwasasmoothblacklacquerwithsolidgoldbraidingedgingthebottom.Asheturneditinhishands,Seanheldhistory.ThesehadbeenmadefortheRussiantsarsforfiftyyears.They’dbeenvaluableevenacenturyago.NowthatsofewhadsurvivedthebloodyOctoberrevolutionthathadchangedRussia,aswellastheupheavalandwarssince,theobjectvergedonpriceless.
Maybeherfamily’skillershadsoughtthisallalong?
Thorpedroppedacomfortinghandonherthigh,thenlookedhisway.“Haveanyotherideasabouthowwemightgetthisopen?”
Seanwinced.“AsmuchasIhatetousemoremuscleonanobjectlikethis,Idon’tknowwhatelsetodo.”Iftherewasnothingimportantabouttheeggitselforwhatmightbeinside,theywereatadeadend.Andhewouldn’tknowhowelsetogiveCalliehope.“I’vegotamulti-toolwithme.Wecanstartthere.”
Thorpenodded.“Let’sdoit.I’llseeifWernerkeepsanytoolslyingaroundthatmighthelp,too.Callie,clearthetableandputthedishesinthesink.”
Shenodded.SeanwatchedThorpesqueezeherhandbeforehedisappearedfromtheroom,presumablytosearchforWerner’sCraftsmancollectionontheboat,likelyneartheengine.Hewatchedherforlornfaceasshestaredattheeggandtoucheditwistfully.Hecouldplainlyseehowmuchitremindedheroftheparentshe’dlovedandlostsoyoung.
Joggingtothebedroomtopullthemulti-toolfromhisbag,hegrabbedafewotherthingsandreturnedtofindCallierootedtothesamespot.
Heeaseddownintothechairbesideher.“Lovely?”
“Whatifthisdoesn’twork?Whatifit’snothingmorethanapriceyegg?Ifit’semptyandofnovaluetowhoeverisafterme—”
“Thenweexaminealltheevidenceagain.Wekeeptrying.Irefusetofail.Iwillnotgiveupuntilyou’resafe.Doyouhearme,Callie?”
Sherespondedimmediatelytothesternernoteinhisvoicewithavaliantlittlenod.“Thankyou,Sean.”
“IsthatwhoIamtoyounow?”Hepulledhercollarfromhispocketanddangledtheglitteringwhitegoldwithitspetitelockfromhisfinger,directlyinherface.Somethinglessdelicatewasmorecustomaryperhaps,butitdidn’tsuither.“Isit?”
Hopelithereyes.“No,Sir.”
“Imeantofastenthisaroundyourneckagain.Youshouldneverhaveremoveditinthefirstplace.Believeme,Ineverrelinquishedyoufromourbondinmymindorheart.Soyoubestnotbedoingthateither,lovely.”
“Itriedto,”sheadmittedinasoft,brokenvoice.“ButIcouldn’t.You’reimpossibletostoploving.”
Thewordsweredifficultforhertospeak,andhelovedherallthemoreforfindingthecouragetosaythem.“Ifyouwantitback,askme.”
Calliescootedcloserandlookedathimwithearnestblueeyesinhernakedface.Evenwithoutalltheblackeyelinerandglitteringshadow,shewasstunning.HisowneyeswereadarkershadethanthecrystalCaribbeanwatershersresembled.Hewantedtodrownthere.
“Please,Sir,willyoureturnmycollartome?”Sheendedherpleawithasubmissivebowofherhead.
Seandrewinahugegulpofair.AsmuchasCalliehadbeenforcedtofendforherselfmostofherlife,sheworeherarmorofindependencewithpride.Shefoughtmakingherselfvulnerable—despitehowbadlyshewantedandneededto.Hesensedthesoftsideofherthatcravednotjustalover,butsomeoneshecouldrelyondayinanddayoutfortherestofherlife.
Hewouldstandinfrontofher,neverwavering,untilsheknewhemeanttobethatman.Thenhewouldmarryherandneverleaveherside.
ButonethingSeanknewforcertain:whethershewasthefiercelyindependentCallieWardorthemorevulnerableCallindraHowe,shewouldneverasktobelongtoamanunlessshenotonlycared,buttrustedhim.
Elationswirledthroughhimashetippedherchinuptohim.“Willyouremovethecollaragainwithoutfirsttalkingtome?”
“No,Sir.”
“WillyoufinallyputyourselfinmycareandbelievethatIwillalwaysseetoyourneeds?”
Sheblinkedupathimsolemnly.“Yes,Sir.”
Seancuppedherfaceinhishands.Theroomwasheavywiththeirconnection.Gravityweightedeachwordshespoke.Inretrospect,thefirsttimehe’dofferedCallieacollar,she’dgivenhimasaucywinkandaswayofherhipswithher“yes.”Nowhesawthatithadn’tbeenaninvitationtotouchher,butawaytokeepemotionaldistancebetweenthem.Shehadn’ttakenhimseriouslythen.
Herreactionnowcouldn’tbemoredifferent.Andhewassoproudtohaveearnedherheart.
“Onyourknees,lovely.”Heglancedatthefloor.“Bowyourhead.”
Shesenthimonelastclingingstarewiththosebigeyes,asilentpleathathetreatherfragileheartwell.Thensheslidtothevinylfloorgracefullyanddippedherheadlow.
Seanunclaspedthecollarandfixeditaroundherneck,settlingthebitofblinginplace.Theactionwassilent,buttheimportanceofthemomentshoutedthroughhissystem.Calliewashisagain.Andshewouldstaythatway.
Ashebenttokissthecrownofherhead,Thorpeclamberedtothedoorandstoppedshort,clutchingalittlebagoftools.HefixedhisstareonCallie,hisfacestricken.Themanswallowed.Paingatheredinthefurrowofhisdown-slashedbrows,hiseyesdarkeningwithsomethingthatlookedalotlikeanguish.
Seanfrowned.Thegirlhadalwaysbeenhissubmissive.Seeinghiscollararoundherneckshouldn’tbenewforThorpe.Sincethemanhadcompletelyrefusedtoclaimherinanywayforyears,whyshouldhebegrudgeanyonewhodid?OrexpectCallienottoseekhappiness?ButheunderstoodThorpe’sfearthatthewomanhelovedwasslippingthroughhisfingers.Seanknewhecouldn’tchangeThorpe’smindforhim,buthecouldleavethedooropenaslongasCallieneededhim
“Ifoundahammerandachisel.”Thorpesaidfinally,hisvoicesoundingscratchy,strained.Hesetthebagonthetable.“We’llusethemasalastresort.I’msureCalliewouldrathernotbreaktheegg.”
Shewhippedherheadaroundandscrambledtoherfeet.ShelookedbracedforThorpe’sangerorafight.Themandidhisbesttogiveheragentlesmile.Theexpressionwasabitrustyfromdisuse,butCallierelaxed.
Seanpulledherbesidehim.“Let’sstartwiththislittleblade.”Hehelduponeoftheendsofhismulti-tool.“I’lltrytowedgeitintothespacewherethetwohalvesoftheeggmeet.Thepieceisobviouslywellcrafted,soI’mnotsurewe’llactuallybeabletoworkanythinginthere.Butit’sworthatry.”
Hefocusedcompletely,tuningtheothertwoouttotrytoshovethethinbladeintothenearlynonexistentgap.Heonlysucceededinbendingthelittleknife.Theytriedtakingsomehouseholdchemicalstotheridgewherethetwohalvesmetuntilthegalleysmelledlikethey’dbeenspringcleaning.Theypaused,theninspecteditagain.Nothing.
Withasigh,Seanacceptedthenotionthattheymightactuallyhavetodamagethemultimilliondollaregg.Itwasanexpensivegamble.“Ifthisissimplywedgedshut,ratherthanholdingsomethingimportant,yourealizethatwe’llhaveruinedahistoricallysignificantobjectthatcouldkeepyoulivingplushlyfortherestofyourlifefornoreason?”
Sheblinkedathim.“UnlessIcanfigureoutwhysomeonewantsmedead,Ican’tcomeoutofhidingtoselltheobjectandliveofftheproceeds.AndifIdostopthispersonorpeople,thenIstandtoinheritmyfather’sestate.Andevenindependentofthat,heleftmoneyintrustforme.”
Seansteppedback,abitstunned.Callie’swordsmadeperfectsense,buthehadn’treallyputtwoandtwotogethertoconsiderhernetworthoncethesmokecleared.Herfatherhadbeenamulti-billionaire,allhismoneycarefullyandsuccessfullyinvestedatthetimeofhisdeath.Thefundshadbeenfrozensince,presumablypendingCalliebeingclearedofwrongdoing…orfoundguiltyofmurder.Someofherfather’sfavoritecharitiesandsupposedfriendshadbegunlegalplaystopetitionthecourtsfortheHowefunds,butthelocalpolicehadrefusedtodeclareCalliedeadwithsomuchevidencetothecontrary.Theyseemedconvincedshewasthemostlikelysuspect,despiteshakyevidence.ButSeanalsoknewtheyweregraspingatstrawsbecausetheyhadnothingelse.
Givenallthat,ifthemoneyremainedinvestedasithadbeenthatOctober,itshouldstillbeaverysizeablefortune—somewherenorthoffivebilliondollarsayearago.Themarkethadbeenfairlystablesincethen.Holyshit.
“Sean?”
He’dhadabillionaire’sdaughterkneelingonthefloorathisfeet—thesonofanunwedteenagemotherandaphilanderingsoldierwithagirlineverymilitarytown.Instantly,Seanhadaknee-jerkreactiontoapologizetoCallie,buthecheckedit.Theyweren’tdefinedbytheirpastsortheirbankaccounts.They’dchosenoneanotherbecausetheyclicked.Theystayedtogetherbecausetheywereinlove.Hedidn’tgiveashitifherbankbalancehadtenzeroesornone
“Youdidn’tknowthat?”ThorpelookedathimasifCallie’sinheritancewasobvious.Becauseitwas.Foramoment,hefeltlikeanidiot.
“Yeah,Idid.It’snotrelevant.Iguessthatmeanswe’llbedoingwhateverwehavetoinordertoprytheblastedthingopen.”
“Hammerandchiselitis,”Thorpequippedandprowledthroughthebagonthetableuntilhecameupwiththerighttools.
“Trynottobreakit.Itreallyissentimentalforme.”
“I’lldomybest,”Thorpesaidgrimly.
Withthat,hesetthechiselagainstthefaintlinethatbisectedtheeggandtappedonitasgentlyashecould.Thesoundfilledthelittleroomtooverflowing.Seanwinced,notwantingtothinkaboutwhatsortofdamagetheyweredoingtotheartifact.Metalscrapedmetalinahigh-pitchedsqueakthatmadehimwince.
Afterthenexttapofthehammer,Calliehissed.Thorpesworesoftly.Seanpeeredbetweenthemandsawalittledentinthegoldoftherim—alongwithasmallgap.Withanothertap,thisonegentler,thetwohalveseasedapartabit.
Hisheartjumped,andCalliegrippedhishandwithsuchsweethope.Withherfreehand,shebrushedThorpe’sshoulderwithagentletouchthatwasequalpartsadorationandthanks.
BothheandThorpehadfingerstoothicktoworkintothelittlewedge.Besides,itwasheregg,herlifeontheline.Seanproddedherforward.“Goon.Seeifthere’sanythinginside.”
Amoretentativegirlwouldhaveperhapsshakenthedelicatepiecetoseeifsomethingspilledoutortriedtotakeacloserpeekattheinnardstoseeifanythinglurkedwithin.NotCallie.Sheplungedherthumbandfingerrightintothelittleopenspace.Therewasnowayhervisioncouldhelpwiththistask,sosheclosedhereyesassherootedaround.
Tensiongrippedtheroom,sopervasiveitwasamenacingpresenceallitsown.Whatevertheyfoundherecouldmake,break,orcrushher.Thenagain,findingnothingwasn’tapalatableoptioneither.
Amomentlater,shegasped.
“What?”Thorpebarked.
“There’ssomethingstuckhereanditwouldn’thavebeenmadewiththeegg.It’sthinandplastic.I’mtryingtogetmyfingersonit.”Shefumbledamomentmore,twistingandturningherwristforabettergrip.
“Doesitfeellikeanythingfamiliar?”Seanaskedher.
Sheshookherhead,gettingmorefrustratedbythemoment.“Ican’tquitegetit.”
“Doweneedtojustbreakthedamnthingopen?”Thorpescowled.“BecauseIwillifithelpsyou.”
Callieglancedathimwithafacefullofconfidence.“No.I’llmanage.YouknowhowdeterminedIcanbe.”
Thorpesnorted.“DoIever…”
Seangrittedhisteeth.Damnit,theyneededtostopbanteringandhurrythisalong.WhatshefoundinsidetheeggcoulddeterminethesortoffuturehehadwithCallie.Wouldtheyberidingoffintothesunsetorlivingundergroundandontherunfortherestoftheirlives?
“Gotit!”sheshoutedtriumphantly,twistingandturningherhandafewmoretimes.
Finally,sheemergedwithaflatlittleplasticsquare.Itwasblueandthin,andhehopedlikehellthey’dhitthejackpot.
“It’sanSDcard.”Seanstatedwhatwasprobablytheobvious,thenheblewoutabreath.“Couldyourfatherhavesaveddataonthis,thenhiddenitintheegg?
“Maybe.”Sheshrugged.“Noclue.”
“Thenagain,wedidn’thaveacomputeramongtheinventoryofhispossessionsatyourhouse.Howwouldhehavesavedthedata?”
“Hehadalaptop.Hekeptitmostlyathisoffice,butbroughtithomeoccasionally.Whywouldheputdataonthiscardinsteadofjustkeepingitonthecomputer?”
“Maybethiswasabackup?”Thorpesurmised.“Weneedtoreadwhat’sonthiscardASAP.”
“WherethehellarewegoingtofindacomputerthatreadsSDcards?”Seantriednottolosehiscool.
“LastnightwhenIthoughtI’dbecrashinginthespareroom,Ipeekedinthere.Isawanolddesktopmachine.Wernersaidheandhisfamilyoccasionallytaketheboatoutthemselves,right?Maybethisishisfloatingofficewhenhedoes.”
“Let’sgo.”SeantookCalliebythehand,makingsureshestillheldthelittlebluecard,andhustledheroutofthegalleybehindThorpe,fallinginafterherasthehallnarrowed.
Theycaravannedtogetherpastthebedroomtheyhadallsharedlastnight.Seanwasn’tsurehowhewassupposedtofeelaboutthesex.He’dneverimaginedsharingthewomanhelovedwithanotherman.Buthehadtoadmittheirromponthatlumpybedhadbeenoneofthemostpleasurableofhislife.SeeingCallie’sfulfillmentonlyaddedtotheenjoyment.Heitchedtogivethattoheragain.
Afewstepslater,theyenteredthesecondbedroom.Itwassmalleranddarker.Theheadofadoublebed,withafadedwhitecomfortercoveredinlittleflowers,butteduptothepaneledwall.ItlookedsoftandwornandreadyforaDumpster.Awindowtotheleftwithadeskinthecornermadeuptherestoftheroom.AnoldCRTmonitorcrowdedmostofthedesk.Thetowersatonthefaintlymustycarpet.
Thorpeyankedoutthespindle-backchairandhunkeredoverthekeyboardinfrontofthemonitorthat,fromatechnologicalprospective,hadcomefromtheJurassicperiod.Hebentandexaminedthecomputer,lookingallalongthesidesandfrontforanSDcardslot.
“Foundit!Ifeverythingstillworks,we’llknowwhateverinformationwashiddeninthateggsoon.Givemethecard,pet.”Thorpepressedthepowerbuttononthecomputertower,anditflickeredtolife.
AnxietyskitteredthroughSean’ssystem.
Astheywaitedfortheoldmachinetocroakitswaythroughtheboot-upprocess,Callienibbledonherlipandfidgeted.“WhywouldmyfatherhaveputanythingonanSDcardandhiddenitintheegg,thengivenittome?”
“Wemayneverknow,lovely.”Seansqueezedherhandinreassurance.
Shesqueezedback.“Didanyonebreakintohisofficeandtakehiscomputerthere?”
“Offtherecord?Yes.Theauthoritieshavekeptthatoutofthepress.Buttheyransackedhisoffice—andnothingelseinthebuilding.AsfarasIknow,everythingelseinthesuitewasdestroyed,butnothingmorewastaken.”
“Howisthatpossible?Thesecuritywasprettytight.AndifIwereguiltyofmurderingmyfather,whywouldIkillhim,thenruntohisofficetoteartheplaceapart?”
“Actually,wethinktheofficewashitfirst,abouteightp.m.thatnight.Whenwhoeverbrokeindidn’tfindwhattheywantedthereoronthelaptop,theycametoyourhouseacoupleofhourslaterand…youknowtherest.”
“Iwashavingdinnerwithmyfamilybeforethemurders,soIcouldn’thavebeenbreakingintohisoffice.”
Buttheonlypeoplewhocouldhavecorroboratedthatstoryweredead.She’darrivedatthetableafterthemealhadbeenservedandleftbeforeTeresitahadcometoclearthedishes.
“Let’sseewhattheSDcardholds,”Seansaid.Becauseifitheldnothingofvalue,thenthiswholediscussionwaspointless.
Afewtenseminuteslater,thecomputerfinallyfinisheditssequenceandthedesktopappeared.Thankfully,theoperatingsystemhadn’tbeensetuptorequireapassword.SoassoonasThorpeshovedthecardintheslotandnavigatedtothedrive,onlyonefolderappeared,namedAslanov.InsidethatwerefileswithpurelynumericnamesthatSeanguessedweredates.Afterfairlyconsistententriesformonths,theystoppedabruptlyfifteenyearsago,thenresumedagainaboutsixweeksbeforeDanielHowe’smurder.
“Aslanov.Iguessthat’sasinDr.Aslanov.”Calliefrowned.
Deepinhisgut,Seanknewwherethiswasgoingandhedidn’tlikeit.“Isuspectso.”
“Myfathergavehimahugegrant,anewlab…theworks.”Shefrowned.“Butsomethinghappened.Idon’tknowiftheyhadafallingoutorwhat.Suddenly,hejustdisappeared.”
NowSeanreallydidn’tlikewherethiswasgoing.“What’sinthatfolder,Thorpe?”
Heclickedonthelittleicon,andinsideweredozensofdocumentswiththesamenamingconvention,lookingasiftheywerebasedondates.
“Nowwhat?”Callieaskedbesidehim.“Withonecomputer,howdowetacklethis?IhavetoknowwhatthissaysorI’llgoinsane.”
SeancaughttheconcernonThorpe’sfaceandnoddedalmostimperceptibly.Whateverwasheremightupsetthehelloutofher.Itwouldlikelybedangerous,too.Yes,Calliewasanadultandhadeveryrighttoknowwhattheyfound.Hehadnointentionofkeepingfactsfromher,andherlifereallycouldn’tgetmuchmoreperilous.Hesimplywantedachancetoprepareherintheeventthecardheldsomethingshocking.
“Lovely,there’sonlyonescreenandthreeofus.HowaboutyouthrowtogetheralittlesnackforuswhileThorpeandIwadethroughtheinformation.Thenwe’llshareit.”
“Youtwocan’tprotectmefromwhatIneedtoknow,”sheprotested.
“Wewon’thideanythingfromyouordeleteinformation,”Thorpevowed.“Justletusgetanideaforwhat’shere.”
“YouthinkIcan’thandlewhateverthissays.”Ifhertonehadn’tbeenanaccusation,herpursedbowofamouthdefinitelywas.
“I’lladmittowantingtoknowwhat’sherebeforeIspringitonyou.”Thorpeturnedinhischairtoregardherdirectly.“Isthatsoterrible?”
Calliecrossedherarmsoverherchest.“Itisifyoukeepmeinthedark.”
“Iwon’t.”
“AndIwon’tlethim,”Seanpromised.“Letusjustreaditfirst,allright?”
Shesighed.“Fine,butIwanttoknoweverywordonthatdiscbeforeIgotobedtonight.Ineedtoknow.”
“We’llmakesureyoudoassoonasweknowsomething.”
“You’restilltryingtoshieldme,”shesaidglumly.
“Yes,Iam,pet.”Hegaveherawrysmile.
“Andyou’rehelpinghim.”CalliepointedatSean.
“Yes,becauseIagree,andnoamountofyourpoutingisgoingtochangemymind.You’remorelikelytoearnyourselfapunishmentifyoudon’tletup.”Hesentherahardstare.
Callielookedlikeshebitbackathousandsarcasticreplies.Instead,shemanagedalong-sufferingsigh.“Yes,Sir.”
Nottheattitudehewanted,butheunderstoodherstrain.Thebalanceofherlifemighthangonthatcardand,afternearlyadecadeofmystery,shewantedthechancetosolveherfamily’smurders.Ifclosurewasathand,shehadarighttoit.Itwouldhelphermoveforward.Itmightgiveher—them—afuture.
Seanwatchedherleavethebedroomandmarchstiff-backeddownthehall.
“Idon’tlikeanyofthis,”Thorpesaidtohiminhushedtones.
“Idon’t,either.Butwe’llhavetotellherassoonaswe’vefiguredoutwhatthatsays.”
Thorpenoddedreluctantly.“Doyouthinkherfatherputthecardintheegg?”
“Andglueditshut,yes.Whoelsewouldhavedonethat?”
“Thenhewantedthisinformationhiddenforsomereason.”
“Orkeptsafe.ButI’mtryingtodecidewhyhewouldgiveittoher.”Seanrubbedanabsentthumboverhischin.“Tobelessconspicuous,maybe,incasesomeonewantedtheinformationbadlyenoughtobreakin?Butwhynotputitinhissafeorkeepitsecurelyatthebank.”
“DanielHowewasn’tastupidman.MaybehehadsomeinklingthatCallieplannedtorunoff.”
“Andplannedtotaketheeggwithher?”Seanshookhishead.“DanielHowewasregardedasabiteccentric,butwhatmanstandsbyidlyandletshissixteen-year-olddaughterrunoffwithaplayer?Thatdoesn’taddup.ButIcanimaginehimwantingtohidetheinformationinplainsight.Hecouldstillaccessitifhewanted.Butsincehewenttothetroubletoconcealthecardintheegg,Ihavetobelievethatwhateveritsays,hewantedthatinformationburied.”
“There’snootherwaytoseeit.”Thorpesighed.“I’malmostafraidoftellingCalliewhatwefind.Itprobablygotherfamilykilled.”
“Ican’targue,butthere’snowaywecankeepthisfromher.Ifwefindsomething,itwillbeabombshell,Ihavelittledoubt.Itmightcompletelyturnherworldupsidedown.Wehavetobeprepared.”She’llneedusboth.Seanbitthewordsback.Thorpewasn’treadytohearthem.
Cursingsoftly,ThorpeopenedthefirstfileontheSDcard.Seanlookedoverhisshoulder.Together,theybegantoread.ChapterSeventeen
AFTERNOONhadcomeandgonewhenSeanandThorpefinallysteppedintothelittlegalley.Calliehadlongagostoppedpacing,stoppedtryingtorecalltheterriblenightofthemurders…stoppedhopingthathermenhadn’tfoundanything.
Astheysteppedintothesmallspace,filinginthroughthedoorwayandlookingatherwithagravitythatscaredthehelloutofher,shestoodandfeltherstomachdroptohertoes.“Youknowwhysomeoneisafterme?Whytheykilledmyfamily?”
“Wethinkso,yes,”Seansaidheavily.
“Howbadisit?”NosenseindancingaroundthetruthorlettingthemBSher.Someonewasafterher,andshewasdamntiredofrunning,ofnotknowingwhyherlifewasinshambles,ornotunderstandinghowallhertomorrowshadfallenapartatonce.
Ifshewasreadingtheirfacesright,anythingthatmightresembleahappyfuturewasnothingbutapipedream.
“Sitdown,lovely,”Seansaidsoftly.
Sowhateverthey’ddiscoveredwasnotjustbad,butawful.
“Idon’twanttositdown.I’vebeendoingthatforhours.Damnit,justtellme.”
SeanglancedatThorpe.ThoughCalliewouldn’thavethoughtitpossible,helookedevenmoregrim.Hercaretakerforthelastfouryearsfirmedhisjawasifsteelinghimself.
Panicslippedanicychillthroughherbloodstream.“I’malreadyexpectingbad,butyoutwoarescaringthehelloutofme.Whatisgoingon?”
“YourMastergaveyouanorder,Callie.”Thorpepointedtothechair.
Didtheythinkshewasgoingtofaint?Sheploppeddownintothelittlealuminumchairwiththebrightbluevinylseatandglared.
Beforeshecoulddemandthattheyspititout,Seandroppedtothefloorinfrontofherandtookherhandsinhis.Heswallowed.“Howmuchdoyouknowabouttheresearchyourfatherpaidforwhenyouwereachild?WhatwasDr.Aslanovsupposedtodoexactly?”
“Findacureforcancer.That’sallDadeversaid.Isthis…abouttheresearch?”
Seanhesitated,soshelookedupatThorpe.Henodded.“Yourfatherdidn’tjustwanttofindapillortreatmentthatwouldmakecancerdisappear.HetoldAslanovtofindawaytocureitgeneticallytoensurethatnooneeverhadtohearagainthattheyoralovedonehadadiseasethatwouldeatawayatthemfromtheinside.Aslanovwasn’tjustaresearcher;hewasacontroversialyoungRussiangeneticist.Hehadtheoriesmanyofhiscolleagueseschewed.Turnsouthewasright.Andwrong.”
“Aslanovfiguredouthowtogeneticallypreventcancerfromeverhappening?”Calliehadtopickupherjaw.Wasthatevenpossible?
“Notexactly,”Seanhedged.“Ifwe’rereadingyourfather’snotesright,Aslanovtooktheprinciplesofgeneticengineeringusedinfieldslikeagricultureandmedicineandexpandedthemwithmixedresults.Yourfatherlaterdescribedthissortofgeneticresearchasthe‘lawlessfrontier’ofscience.Buthedidn’tknowthat’swhathismoneywasbuyinguntilitwastoolate.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”CalliegrippedSean’shands,herstomachtighteninginknots.“Aslanovkilledhim?”
Theguysexchangedanothercautiouslookthatmadeherheartstutter.
“No,”Thorpefinallysupplied,lookingasifhehadmoretoadd.Butheclammedup.
“Whenyourmotherfirstgotthediagnosis,sheapparentlywasn’tgivenmorethaneighteenmonthstolive.Yourfathersearchedforsomeonewhobelievedtheywereclosetoacureorsomethingatleasttoputherinremission.Buthecouldn’tfindanyonewillingtobypassallthesafetyprecautionsandgovernmentregulationstotesttheirsolutiononyourmother.Knowingthatshewasgoingtodieifhedidnothing,heveeredinanotherdirectionandfoundAslanov.Inthepreviousfiveyears,theRussianhadbeentosomethird-worldcountriesthatwouldn’tbindhiminalotofredtape.AccordingtoAslanov,heperformedhisresearchonotherswithgreatsuccess.Hetoldyourfatherthatwithalittleresearchandfunding,hemightbeabletosaveyourmother.Ofcourse,thatdidn’thappen.”
“Hercancerprogressedfasterthanexpected.”
“ButAslanovinsistedhewasclose,soyourfathercontinuedfundinghimforanotherfouryears.”Seanpaused,thenglancedatThorpeagain,whosemouthtookagrimturn.
“Ifyou’reeditingthisspeechinyourhead,don’t,”shedemanded.
“We’renot,pet,”Thorpepromised.“It’sjustcomplicated.”
“Allright,then.Howdidthisresearchleadtothekillingofmyfamily?”
Seanstood,paced,obviouslyagitated.Thorpetookoverthestorytelling.“Inresearchingtocurecaseslikeyourmother’s,hestumbledontoadditionalgeneticchangesthatyourfatherwouldn’tbeinterestedin…butotherswould.”
Calliefrowned.“Whatothers?Spititout.I’vewaitednineyearstofindoutwhatthehellhappenedtothefamilyIlovedandtostoplookingovermyshouldereveryfiveminutesbecausesomeonewantedtokill—”
“Aslanovhadawifeandthreechildren—andfinancialproblems.Whileresearchingforyourmother,heclaimedtohavefoundwaystomutatethegeneticstructureofapersontoimprovetheirimmunity,stamina,strength,andeventheirintelligence.Noideaifthatwastrue,buthesoldthatbillofgoodstosomeoneelse,wethinkinthemilitarybecausetherewerenotesaboutaninvestigationonacampsomewhereinLatinAmerica,experimentsbeingdonetosoldiersusingsomeoftheinitialresearch.Butexactlywhowasbehindthatisn’tsomethingyourfatheroutlined.”
NoneofwhatThorpesaidcomputed.“Wait.You’retellingme…what?ThatAslanovsoldhisresearchtosomeoneinthemilitary,wholaterkilledmyfamily?”
“I’vealwayssaidthatyou’requick.”Thorpenodded.“Eventually,yes.”
“Butwhy?”
“YourfatherfoundoutwhatAslanovhaddoneandorderedhimtostop,”Seancontinued.“Hepulledtheplugontheresearchandthreatenedtoblowthewhistle.Aslanovbowedtothepressureandgavetheremainingresearchhismoneyhadpaidforbacktoyourfather,whoburnedit,accordingtohisnotes.ButAslanovhadapparentlyalreadysoldtheinformationtohismilitarycontact,whowasexpectingdelivery.Here’swherewehavetoguessabitwhathappened,butitmakessense.ThismilitarycontactwenttoAslanovforthemostrecentdatahe’dpurchased.Whenthescientistnolongerhadittogive,theykilledthemanandhiswholefamily.”
“Eventhechildren?”
SeanandThorpeworeidenticalexpressionsthatdidn’tgiveherahappyfeeling,beforeSeanfinallyspoke.“That’stheassumption.Thebodiesoftwoofthethreechildrenwererecoveredatthecrimescene.Thethirdwasafive-year-oldgirl,butshe’sneverbeenfound.TheAslanovcaseissomethingI’vebeenlookingintoasapossibletie-intothemurderofyourfamilybecausetheysharedaprofessionalconnectionandtheexecutionofthecrimeswassosimilar.Icouldneverprovetheywerelinked,however.WhatwefoundontheSDcardisn’tasmokinggun,butwe’regettingcloser.”
Calliecouldn’tsitstill.Theinformationpingedaroundinherheadlikeapairofdice,rollingandtumbling.Shepaced,clenchedherfists…feltSean’sandThorpe’sgazeswatchinghereverymove.
“Talktous,pet.”
“Myfathertriedtodoagoodthing.Hetriedtosavemymotherandendcancer.ItwasprobablyPollyannaandtooambitious,butsomeonekilledhimforit?Idon’tunderstand.Andwhywouldtheykillmysister,too?Shedidn’tknowanythingmorethanIdid.”Calliescoffed.“Sheprobablyknewless,even.DadpayingAslanovforallthatresearchhappenedwhenshewasjustatykeand—”
“Collateraldamage,”Seansaidsoftly,risingtoembraceher.“That’swhytheykilledyoursisterandAslanov’sfamily.Theywereallwitnessesthesescumbagsdidn’tneed.WhoeverpaidforthatresearchhadnoideawhatCharlottemighthaveknownandifthey’dasked…well,thenshecouldhaveidentifiedthem.I’msuretheysawherdeathasaprecaution.”
Calliesawthewholethingassenseless—herfather’smurder,Charlotte’sslaughter.ForDNAresearch?Logically,shecouldconnectthedots.Emotionally,shejustcouldn’tunderstandanyonecapableofpullingthetrigger.“WhoeverkilledmyfamilyandtheAslanovs…whatcantheydowiththisresearch?”
“Piecingtogetherthepuzzlefromwhatyourfatherwrote?I’dsaysomeonewantedtobuildafaster,bettersoldier.Maybeevenawholearmy.”
Super-soldiers?Theimplicationsofthatwereastonishing.Possiblyworldaltering.She’dalreadyknowntheyweren’tdealingwithamateursorpeoplelikelytogiveup.Butthisinformationterrifiedherbeyondanythingshe’deverfelt.
Suddenly,Thorpe’sarmswerearoundher,fittingherbackagainsthisbroadchest.Warmth,comfort,protection.
Seancuppedherfaceinhisbighands.“You’retrembling,lovely.Deepbreath.You’llneverbealoneinthis.”
“We’rebyyourside,”Thorpepromised.“Untilyou’resafe,wealwayswillbe.”
Calliewantedtoburrowdeeperbetweenthemandpraythatthedangerwentaway.Orshoveoutoftheirembraceandrailattheworlduntilsomethingchanged.“Safe?Thereisnosafe.Wehavetostartbeingrealistichere.GivenwhoandwhatI’mupagainst,it’samiracleI’veescapedthemforthislong.ButcanIreallydothisfortherestofmylife?Likeyousaidonce,I’malive,butI’mnotliving.I’vealreadydonethisfornearlyadecade.Howmuchlonger—”
“We’regoingtogetthisinformationintotherighthandsattheFBI.”Seanstareddownintohereyes,determinationstampedalloverhisface.“I’llfigureoutwhowecantrust.We’regoingtoworkuntilwemakeyousafe.Iputacollararoundyourneck.Someday,I’mgoingtoputaringonyourfinger.Don’tforoneinstantthinkI’mgoingtoletanyoneharmyou.”
Hisvowswerestaunchandsolovelythattheymadeherheartsing.Theywerealsomostlikelyhopeless.
Behindher,Thorpetensed—andremainedutterlysilent.Hemadenosuchpromiseforthefuture.Hecared,buthedidn’tloveher.Andhe’dprobablynevertellherwhy.
Hell,shemightnotevenbealivelongenoughtomisshim.
“Ifwhoeverthisisfindsoutthatyoutwohavebeensecludedwithme,Iwon’tbetheonlyonetheykill,”shepointedout.
“Stopthatspeechthere,”Thorpegrowled.“We’renotleavingyoutohandlethisaloneandwe’vealreadyamplycoveredthatpoint.Don’tbringitupagain.”
“Precisely,”Seanadded.“Youmaynotseethewaytosafetynow,buttheremustbeone.We’regoingtofindit,anditstartswithgettingthisinformationintotherightperson’shands.I’llfigureoutwhothatis.ButwithoutInternet,we’llhavetodeliveritinperson.”
Thatmadesense,thoughitscaredherhalftodeath.
“Ithinkwestartbyleavinghereatfirstlight.AssoonasIcanseewellenoughtodocktheboat,we’llsneakbackontoland.I’llfindasecurecellsignalthenandI’llstartmakingphonecalls.Atthatpoint,we’llarrangesomething,whethertheysendreinforcementstousordirectustoasafehouse—something.We’llproveyouweren’tinvolvedinthemurders.They’llprotectyouwhilewefigureoutwhokilledyourfamilyandtheAslanovs,then—”
“That’salot‘ifs’and‘thens.’HowdoweknowwecantrusteveryoneattheFBI?Howdoweknowthatwe’lleverhaveenoughinformationtofigureoutwhowaswillingtokillsomanyinnocentpeopleforthatresearch?”
“Leaveallthattome,”Seaninsisted.
Calliestaredoutthegalleywindowtoseethesunsetting.Shehadnoideawhattheactualtimewas,butshewishedshecouldstayhereforeverwiththesetwoamazingmenwhoheldherheart.Shewishedshecouldgivethemalifetimeoflove,kneelandobey…andgetintotroublenowandthenjustforthefunofit.ShewishedshecouldpouroutherhearttoSeaneverydayandbethebestwifeandsubmissivepossible.SheyearnedtohealThorpesothathecouldbewholeagain,sohemightstaywithherandfillthatothermissingpartofher.Noneofthatlookedlikelynow.
Buttheywererightaboutonething;runningwasn’ttheanswer,notanymore.Whethershehadeighthoursoreightdecadesleft,shewantedtospendasmuchofthemwithpeoplesheloved.Thesemurderershadtakenawayherfamilyandherpast.Bydamned,shewasn’tgivingthemherfuture,too.
Shenoddedatthem.“Allright.What’snext?”
***
BYthatevening,they’dpackedupeverythingtheyneededtotakewhentheydebarked,securedtheeggandtheSDcard,andeatenalightdinner.Theysataroundthegalley’slittletableinnearsilence,drinkingabottleofredwine.
Thorpecouldn’thelpbutfearthattonightwouldbetheirlasttogether.
Heswallowed,hisfingerrimmingthetopoftheglass.HearingthatSeanintendedtosaveCallie,nomatterthepersonalrisk,wasn’tablow.Thorpefeltthesame.Buttheotherman’sdeclarationtomarryherhadbeenlikeawreckingballtohissolarplexus.OncetheylefthereandtheFBIgotinvolved,Calliewouldn’tneedhimanymore.Oh,ThorpeknewhemightgivehermoreboundariesthanSean,butthefedwouldcatchon.Hewasasmartguy.Hewasn’tgoingtoletherflounderorneedforlong.SharingaroadtripwithSeanhadconvincedhimofthatmuch.
Downingtherestofhisvino,ThorpethoughtaboutfightingforCallieoratleasttryingtostaywiththemboth.Butheknewhislimitations.Awomanlikeherdeservedtobewithsomeonewhocouldbebyhersidestepforstep.Astheyearswentpast,he’dbecomelessable.Butlongbeforethen,she’dwantsomeonewhocouldshowherineverywayhowmuchheadoredher.Withhisbody,yes.Everyday,everynight,everychanceshegavehim.Withhiswords?Thisfuckinghang-upofhiswassofrustrating.Heneededtogetoverhisshit.Calliewasn’tMelissa;shewouldn’tleavehimoverthreelittlewords.Evenmoreimportant,shewasn’tlike—damnit,heevenhatedtothinkhername.
Suddenly,Calliestood,herchairscrapingthefloor.“Ican’tstandtheelephantintheroom.Whateverhappensnextisgoingtobedangerous.”
ThorpeturnedtoSean,whonodded.“Likely.Wedon’tknowifwewerefollowedtothelake.Idon’tthinksoorthey’dalreadybealloverus.Buttheyaren’tgoingtogiveup.Whenwesteponshoretomorrow…anythingcouldhappen.”
Wishinglikehellhecouldrefutethosewords,Thorpeonlynodded.
Callielookednervous,stricken,scared.Butresolute.“ThenIneedtosayafewthings.”
Hervoiceshook,andshelookedlikeshewastryingtoholdittogether.Thebeliefthatshemightnotlivethroughtheendofthiswaswrittenalloverherface.
Thorpe’sheartlurchedinhischest.“Pet…”
“Pleaseletme.”Sheshookherhead.“Ineedtogetthisout.Iwon’tbreak.”
“Goahead.”Seantookherhand,histhumbmakingsoothingcirclesacrossherknuckles.
“Thetwoofyoustuckwithmewhensanepeoplewouldn’t.Youcameforme,despitethehellIputyouthrough.Youdidn’tsellmeoutwhenyoucouldhave.AfterHolden,Ididn’twanttotrustanyone—ever.Butyoukeptprovingyourselvesoverandover.”Tearsflowedandfelldownhercheeks,anddamnifthatdidn’tbreakhisheart.“I’msorryifIwasdifficultandstubborn.Butyoutworemindedmewhatitwaslikeforsomeonetocare,andIhadn’thadthatinso,solong.Thankyou.Iwillalwaysbeincrediblygrateful.AndIwillalwaysloveyou.”
“Callie.”Seanreachedforher.
Shesteppedaside.“There’snothingmorewecandotonight,right?Nodockinginthedark?”
“No.I’mnotexpertenoughwithaboatthissize.”
“Nomakingphonecallsnow?”
Thefedshookhishead.“NotuntilIcanfigureafewthingsout,likeexactlywhototrust.”
“ThenIwanttonighttobeaboutthethreeofus.IwanttogiveyoubothwhatI’veneverbeenabletogiveanyone.”Shedrewinanothertremblingbreath,hernervousgazebouncingbetweenhimandSean.“Allofmyself.”
Hiscockstoodupandpartied.TheideaofhavingCallieinwayshe’donlyfantasizedaboutmadehisbloodrushsouth,hisheadswimwithdizzyanticipation,andhisveinssizzle.Italsomadehimache.Asshe’ddonebefore,shewasleavingachunkofhersoulwiththemasgood-bye.
Thethoughtthathemightlosehertoabullettiedhisgutsupintoanarmyofpainfulknots.Thethoughtthat,ifthedangerpassed,he’dhavetogiveheroverexclusivelytoSeanmadehimwanttoscreamandspitnailsandbeathimselfupfornotbeingtherightmanforher.
“Areyousure,lovely?”Seancuppedhercheek.
“Yes.Itrustyou.Iwanttodoonethingright.Iwanttotakeonereallygoodmemorywithmetomorrowincaseit’smylast.Please.”
Howthefuckweretheysupposedtosaynotothat?
Seancastaconcernedglancehisway.Thorpesentitback,thenstood.IfthiswasthelasttimehegottotouchCallie,hewantedtoexperienceherineverywayshe’dlethim.
Andtogiveherallthelovehecouldn’twithhiswords.
“Tothebedroom,then.”Thorpeheardtheroughnoteinhisvoice.Hewastryingtoholdittogether.
“Offwithyou,lovely.Onceyougetthere,kneelandwait.We’llbealong.”
ThosebigblueeyesofherslookedSean’sway,herstareacaress,beforesettlingonhim.Herexpressiontoldhimthatunderneathherdeterminationtoexperiencewhatmightbeherfinalnighttothefullest,herheartwasbreaking.
Fuck,sowashis.
Hegrabbedhershouldersandstaredhard.Ifhekissedhernow,he’dtakeherhereinthegalley.He’dravishheroverthelittletableandbangawayatherliketherewasnotomorrow.Becausetherereallywasn’t.
Somehow,Thorpemanagedtorestrainhimselfandmerelypressedhislipstoherforehead.Seangrabbedherhandandnuzzledherneck.Callieheldherbreathandfroze.Eyesclosed,sheappearedtodrinkinthemoment.Heinhaledherscentanddidthesame.
Whydidthishurtsofuckingbad,waybeyondthepainofMelissaleavinghim?Evenmorethanwhattheterriblebitchbeforeherhaddone?Calliehadtoldhimoncethathewouldbeherbiggestregret,butdamnit,shewouldbehis.
Themomentpassed,andshelefttheroom,headheldhigh.Athousandthoughtscrowdedhishead.Evenmoreemotionscrushedhischest.Heclenchedhisfists,wantingtobeatthefuckingwall.Butitwouldn’tdoanygood.Tomorrowwasgoingtocome.
“Wecan’tleaveheraloneforlongorshe’llfallapart,”SeanmurmuredsoftlysoCalliecouldn’toverhearonthesmallboat.
“Agreed.”
Theothermanswallowed.“Let’sgetdowntoit,then.Shestruggledformonthsbeforesheallowedmetofullyrestrainher.Ifshewantstosubmiteverything,we’llhavetopushher.”
“Isaywecutoffmostofhersenses.There’snowayshecanfullyputherselfinourhandsuntilwetakeawayhersightandsound.Forcehertorelyontouch,onwhatshe’sfeeling.”
“She’llsurrendereverypartofherself,Ithink.”
Thorpenodded.“Wehavetogiveherthisonenightoffreedom,reallyletherfly.”
“She’saskedusforalmostnothingelse.Soifwecansaveherfromwhoever’stryingtokillher,I’llprobablyneverrefuseheranythingagain.”Sean’ssmilewasself-deprecating.
“Itwillbetoyourdetriment,Ipromise.She’llfightyou,butshewillwanttoknowthatyouhaveherfirmlyinhand.”
“Whywon’tyoustayandmakesuresheis?”
Thetruthwasonthetipofhistongue,butevenifheblurteditout,itwouldchangenothing.AndSeanwasn’ttheonetowhomheowedthistruth.“Itdoesn’tmatter.”
Thefedlookedreadytoargue,butdidn’t.“Ithinkyou’remakingagravemistakebywalkingawayfromCallie,amistakeyou’llregrettoyourdyingday.”
“I’msureofthat.Whyaren’tyoucallingyourbosstonightandaskingforanarmoredescorttosafetycomefirstlight?”
Seansighed,clearlynothappywiththechangeofsubject.“Mybosshasn’tbeenforthcomingwithinformation.He’sfedmesomelinesthatsetoffmybullshitmeter.I’mreallynotsurewhowecantrust,soIwon’tgiveawayourlocationuntilwehaveaplanBandagoodescaperoute.I’dratherwalkintotheVegasfieldofficewheretherewillbelotsofwitnesses.TryingtooffCalliewillbealotmoredifficultthen.”
“Allgoodpoints.Let’sgofindher.”
Seannodded,butbegandiggingaroundinthegalley.HepickedupafewitemsthatmadeThorpesmilefaintly.“Ineedsomedamnearbuds.”
“I’vegotsomeinmybriefcase,inthebedroom.”
“Perfect.”Theothermanheadedoutofthegalleyandtowardthebedroom.“I’dliketosurroundhertonight.Makeherfeelthesafestandmostlovedshe’severbeen.”
Exactlywhathe’dbeenpicturing.Thorpenodded.
“Weshouldmakelovetohertogether.”Seanstoppedinthelittlehallandturned,hisexpressionsober.“Notlikewedidbefore,nottakingturns.Atthesametime.Iwanttofillhercompletely.”
God,he’dlovethat.Buttherewerecomplications…“Idon’tthinkshe’severtakenamananally.”
“Probablynot.”Seanpressedhislipstogether.“I’vefuckedawomanthatwaybefore,butnotrecently.I’mguessingyou’vehadfarmoreexperiencethanmeinthatdepartment.”
Lotsandlotsandlots.Duringthewildyearsofhisadolescence.Evenmoreduringhisangrypostdivorcephase.Andprobablymorethanhisfairshareinhisearlythirtieswhenhe’ddecidedtocontroleverydamnfacetofhislifeandlosthisabilitytoreallygiveashitaboutanything.
UntilCalliehadwalkedthroughhisdoorandchangedeverything.
“Notsomuchpracticeinthelastfewyears.”
“Thelastfour,maybe?”Seanaskedknowingly.
Hell,hereallywastransparent.
Hejustsmiledtightly.“Shutthefuckupandgettoher.”
Withabrittlelaugh,Seanclosedthedistancetothebedroom.Whentheywalkedin,Calliekneltbythebed,headbowed,eyesdown,darkhaircascadingallaroundherslenderbody.Shelookednervousbutstrangelyatpeace.
Thorperetrievedhisearbudsfromhisbriefcase,alongwithhisiPod.Hekeptitmostlyforhisvisitstothegym,buthe’dequippeditwithsomealternateplaylists,includingonefordungeonplay.Withoutaword,hehandedthemtoSean,who’dalreadysettheitemsfromthegalleyonthenightstand.
ItchafedtoturnovercontrolofCallie’ssubmissiontoanother—notreallybecausehecouldn’tstandSeantouchingher.Becausehewantedtohaveherunderhiscontrolatleastonce.Buthehadn’tearnedit.Nordidhedeservetotakethatmuchfromherifhewasn’tgoingtostay.
“You’restilldressed,”Seanpointedout.
“Idebated,Sir.Butyoudidn’ttellmetostrip.”
“SoIdidn’t.Ithinktonightwe’dprefertodoitourselves.”
“Definitely,”Thorpeadded.
Sometimes,heandSeanweresothoroughlyonthesamepage,itwasscary.
“Standforus,”theothermanorderedsoftly.
Calliedidsoonwobblylegs.NowThorpecouldreallyseehernerves.Itendearedhertohimevenmore,knowingthismeantsomuchtoher.
Seanliftedtheplainwhiteshirtuphertorsoandoverherhead,exposingherbarebreastsandtheirplumpnipples.
Thorpebrushedhisfingersoveronepeak.“Closeyoureyes,pet.”
Shedidsowithouthesitation,andSeansteppedup,pullingahandkerchieffromhispocket.Itwasn’taperfectsolution,butitwascleananduseful.
Asheknotteditatthebackofherhead,hewalkedasemicirclearoundher,thentiltedherchinuptohim.“Yoursafeword?”
“‘Summer,’Sir.”
“Afteryourchildhoodhorse?”
“Youknewthat?”Surpriseranginhervoice.
“Iknowsomuchaboutyouonpaper.Iwanttoknoweverythingabouttherealyouformyself.Thankyouforthebeautifulgiftofyoursubmission.Iknowitisn’teasyforyou.”
“No,butIneedtodothis.”
“Iknow,”Seanassured.“AndIneedtohaveit.”
“SodoI,”Thorpesaidthickly,walkingbehindherandgrabbingherwrists.“Givemeyourhands.”
Callietookadeepbreath,thenassheletitout,shereleasedallthetensionfromherbodyandgaveherselfovercompletely.She’dalwaysbeenbeautifultohim,butwatchingawomanwhohadnevertrulytrustedanyonenowsurrenderherallbothstunnedandhumbledhim.
Thorpetookherwristsinonehand.Withtheother,hereachedaroundandtiltedherheadbacksohecouldplantasoftkissonherforehead.“Youmoveme,pet.Ican’teventellyouhowmuch.Pleasedon’teverthinkotherwise.”
Asoftsmileliftedthecornersofherlips.Thorpebenttopresshischeektohers.Sosilky,sofemale.Calliewasthewomanhe’dneverdaredtodreamabout.
AsSeanpassedhimacoupleofpillowcasesknottedtogether,hetiedoffherwristsatthesmallofherback.Thenhecaressedhershoulders,liftedthehairfromherneck,andkissedhersoftnape.Everytimehetouchedher,somethingswelledinhischest.Fuck,hehatedthattonightwouldbethelasttimehehadher.
InfrontofCallie,SeangrippedtheearbudsandflippedthroughtheiPod’splaylists.“Whichone?”
Thorpechoseaclassicalmix,instrumentalsthatwerebothreflectiveandpassionate,thatthrobbedandswelledbeforefinallycrashingtoadazzlingend.Heuseditasdrinkingmusicwhenregretburiedhim.ThewordstotellCalliehowhefeltwerestuckinhisheart,butsomepartofhimhopedthatshewouldhearhisfeelingsthroughthesesongs.
Seannodded,thendirectedhisattentionbacktoCallie.“Youcan’tsee?”
“No,Sir.”
“Andyoucan’tmoveyourarms?”
Shewriggledhershoulders,attemptingtoworkfree.Thorpesmiled.Hedidn’tknoweverything,buthedamnsureknewhowtosecureasub’swristssothatshe’dbecomfortable,butimmobile,untilhewasreadytolethergo.
“No,Sir.”
“I’mgoingtocutoffyourhearingnow.You’llhearmusic.Butyou’renottouseittotuneusout.It’stoquietyourheadsoyoucanfeelwhatwe’redoingtoyou.Andfeelhowmuchwecare.”
Shetensed.“Sean—”
“No,lovely.Tryagain.”Hisvoice,lowandencouraging,wasmeanttosoothe,butitwasalsofullofbackbone.“WillThorpeandIhurtyouinanyway?”
Calliedidn’thesitate.“No,Sir.”
“Afterallwe’vedonetokeepyoufromharm,doyouthinkwe’llletanythinghappentoyou?”
Palminghershoulders,Thorpegaveheralittlesqueeze.“Pet?”
“Never.Ijustwantedtoaskyounottomakethemusictooloud.Thatusuallygivesmeaheadache.”
Heranswerfilledhimwithrelief,andheglancedoveratSean,whoshookhisheadruefullyandfittedtheearbudsinplaceasthemusicstarted.
Heletitplayforamoment,thenremovedone.“How’sthevolume?”
“Perfect,”sheassured.“Themusicisbeautiful.”
“Verygood.”
Aftergentlyfittingthebudbackinherear,SeanaffixedtheiPod,attachedtothearmbandhealsousedduringhistripstothegym,aroundherdelicatebiceps.Itlookedfartoobigonher,butitheld.
“She’sadamnamazingwoman,”Seanmusedaloud.
ThorpehadknownthatalmosttheinstantshewalkedthroughDominion’sdoor.HewantedtotellSeanhowveryluckyhe’dbetohaveCallieinhislife,iftheycouldjustgetherpastthisdanger.Buthechokedandbarelymanagedanod
ThemomentdissipatedassoonasSeankissedCallie’srosylips—apeck,abrush,thenalingeringpress,beforehedoveintohermouthwithastrokeoftongue.Thorpeleftastringofkissesalongherneckandshoulder,bracinghishandsonherhipsandpressinghiscockagainstherlushass,desperateforthechancetobeinsideheragain,totakesomethingshe’dnevergivenanotherman.Wantingitthismuchwasselfish,buthedidn’tbothertodenyhowdesperatelyshemadehimache.
SeanbrokethekisstocaressCallie’sbreastsandthumbhernipples.HerbreathygaspheightenedThorpe’santicipation.Andwhentheothermanbenttotongueoneoftheberrytips,hetiltedherheadbackandcapturedhernextgaspwithhiskiss.Sweet,sultry,sotempting.Shegavetothem,therawsurrendersoheartfelt,itmadehisdamnkneesweak.Womenhadsubmittedtohimforlongerthanhewantedtoadmit.Butthey’dlargelydoneitfortheirownreasons,mostlyselfish.Nowthathefeltasubmissivetrulygivinghersoulsimplytoplease,Thorpewonderedhowhe’deverbesatisfiedwithanythingless.
Oranyoneelse.ChapterEighteen
WHENThorpepulledaway,hefoundSeanonthegroundbetweenCallie’sfeet,armsthrownaroundherthighs,pressinghischeekintotheflatofherstomach,eyesclosed,expressionreverent.Thorpecouldn’thelpbutseehowmuchSeanlovedher.ItshouldreassurehimtoleaveCallieinsuchgoodhands.Instead,anacidateawayathimthatshecouldn’tbehis.Whycouldn’thebemorerightforher?
AsThorpereachedaroundtobringhercloseragainsthischest,hesmoothedapalmupherribstoherbreast.Calliemeltedintohimalittlebitmore,givinghimasoftsigh.
Fromherwaist,Seandraggeddowntheoverlargesweatpantsshe’dswipedfromhisbag.Heremovedherpantieswiththem,promptingherwithjustatouchtostepfree.Shewasgloriouslybare,nakedtothemnowinallways.AndSeandidn’twasteasecond.Hekissedhiswayupherthighandsettledhislipsoverherpussy,lappingather,kissingherwithnotjusthismouth,buthiswholebody,fullofgustoandneedandpromise.
Calliearched.Herlipspartedwithagasp.Agentlepinkspreadacrosshermilkyskinashernipplesdrewuptighter.
“Layheracrossthebed,”Thorpedemanded.
Seanlookeduplikehewantedtoobject.Thenheglancedatthebed.“Yeah.ItwillbemorecomfortableforwhatIhaveinmind.”
Hestood,liftingCallieagainsthisbody.Instantly,shewrappedherlegsaroundhiswaistandhewalkedwithhertothemattress,stillrumpledfromthelasttimethey’dtakenherbetweenthem.ThorpewastheretountieherwristsandcatchherasSeanspreadhersidewaysacrossthebed.Herhairfannedlikeblacksilkagainstthebleachedwhitesheets,herlipsasucculentred.Hesecuredherwriststogetheroverherheadagain,thentiedthepillowcasesofftothebedframe,chafingwithimpatiencetopossessher.
Assoonasshelayacrossthemattress,needyandwrithing,Seanfelltohiskneesbetweenherlegsandbenttolapatherpussyagain.Nohesitation.Nogames.Theywerebeyondthattonight.
Thorpewatchedforamoment,thebeautyofherskinshimmeringinthelowlight,thepowerofherarousal,thewayshespreadherselfwiderandgave,allrevealingthewomanwithin.
Suddenly,herfingersdugintohisthigh,conveyinghersensualdistresswithoutaword.Calliecouldn’tseehim,butshecouldobviouslyfeelhispresence.Shemustneedhim,andforthathewasdamngrateful.
Thorpebentoverherpleasure-filledfaceandsuckedhernipplesintohismouth,rollingthemonhistongue,alaphere,anibblethere,alternating,lavishingsensationonthemasSeancontinuedtoworshipatthealtarofhercunt.Soon,shebegantensingandcryingout,pleading.
“She’sgoingtocome,”Thorpepointedout.
“Notyet.Distractherforaminute.Iwanthergoodandready.”
Hecouldthinkofseveralwaystodothat,butoneovertookhisthoughtsandfilledhiscockwithevenmoreblood.Fuck,hecouldn’tremembereverbeingnotjusteagerbutfranticforawoman.
Tearingintohistrousers,hereleasedthebuttonandzipper,thenshovedthepantsdown,kickingthemouthiswaywithasnarlasherippedhisshirtfromhistorso,buttonspingingeverywhere.
Fasteninghisgriparoundherarms,hetuggedabitandslidhercloser.Callie’sheadfellovertheedgeofthebedwithacry,andhefistedherhair,tiltingitabitmore.Anticipationwrackedhimashestrokedhiscockandguidedhimselftowardherpartedlips.
Assoonashebrushedtheheadalonghersoftness,sheopenedfullyforhim,greedilyswallowinghimdeepinhermouthandmoaning.
“Shelikesthat,”Seanmurmured.“Shejustgotevenwetter.”
Thorpecouldn’tdomorethannodasheleanedforward,bracedhishandsonthemattress,andslowlybegantofuckhermouth.ThesensationsofCallieallaroundhislength,lavingeverynerve,coatinghimcompletely,andstilleagertotakemore,wasshort-circuitinghisbrain.
Suckinguphisshafttothesensitivehead,shelaveditwithhertongue,moaningandeager,beforeheplungedintohermouthagain.Herlipstight,shetookhimasfarasshecouldandheldhimthereasifshesoughttomemorizehisflavor.Andshediditallsoslowly.Herface,herbodylanguage,herverymovements,theyallshinedwithherlove.Nowayhisheartcouldn’tbeatforhersinreturn.
Thorpewasn’tamanpronetoemotion—orhehadn’tbeeninovertwentyyears.Nowhecouldn’tstopfeeling.Hedidn’tlikeitmuch.Somepartofhimwantedtoresentherfordragginghimfromhisself-imposedgray.Buthe’dneededCallie.He’dbeensuffocatingwithouther.Godaloneknewhowhewasgoingtomakeitwithoutheraftertomorrow.
Andifshekeptsuckinghimlikethat,hewouldn’tmakeittwominutesmorewithoutcoming.
Suddenly,shegaspedaroundhiscock.Herbodytensedagain.Thorpecouldn’tmisstherosyflushspreadingacrossherchestorthewaysheliftedherhipstoSean’smouth.
Withawhimper,shewrithed.Healmostsworehecouldhearhersay“please”withamouthfulofhiscock.
Seanpulledaway,andshegaveanotherlittlegroanofprotestthatmadeThorpesmile,despitehisstingingarousal.She’drarelybeenshyaboutsayinghowshefeltorwhatshewanted—inhercleverway.Lancehadoncereferredtoherasahandful.He’dbeenright.
“I’dlovetolether,”Seansaidsheepishly.“Idon’thaveitinmetodeprivehertonight.”
ThorpebrushedCallie’scheek,encouraginghertoslowlyreleasehim.Withanotherbreathymoan,shedid.
“Shemayneeditnow,”hecountered.“It’spossiblethedoublepenetrationwillbeabittoouncomfortableforherthefirsttimeandshewon’tcome.Besides,ifpleasingherpleasesyou,she’dwantthat.”
“You’reright.”
Allofwhathe’dsaidwastrue,buttherewasabitofselfishnessinthereaswell.HewantedCallietorememberthisnightandtheecstasytheygaveheroverandover.She’dpairoffwithSean,andthey’dsharealifetimeofpassion.ButThorpewantedtonightembeddedinherheartforever.
“Here,”Seancutintohisthoughts,shovingaplasticcupinhishand.“I’msureyou’llfindsomethingfunandcreativetodowiththese.”
Thorpelookeddown.Ice.Alwaysafavorite.“I’msureIcan.”
“Maybeputtheminhermouth?”
Andsinkhiscockbackintothatvelvetheavenafteraddingmorestimulation?“I’vegotabetteridea.”
“Excellent.”Seangrinnedashereturnedtothebed,pettingandlavingCallie’sswollenpussy,drivingherarousaluponcemore.
Thorpestretchedacrossthebed,settlingbesideherandkeepingthecupwithinreach.Assoonassheturnedherfaceinhisdirection,hetookhermouthwithhis,cementinghislipsonhersandnudgingheropenwider.Thenhegrabbedoneofthecubesfromthecupandskimmeditoverhernipple.
Hergaspfilledhismouth.Asunexpectedlyashe’dsetthecoldcubeonherflesh,hetookitaway.Callietriedtoraiseoffthebed,asifsearchingformore.Seanheldherhipsdownfirmlyandaffixedhislipstoherpussyagainuntilshetwisted,herbreathingturneduneven,andshemumbledpleasthatthrilledboththeDomandthemaninhim.
ThenThorpesetthelittleblockoficeonhernippleagain.Thistime,heturneditonend,dragginganunevenedgebackandforthacrossthesensitivebud.Shewhimpered,thenheldherbreath,herentirebodystrainingtowardthepleasure.
“Now?”Thorpeasked.
Seanliftedhisfacefromherslickfoldsandlickedhislipslikeamanhavingareallygoodtime.“Yeah.Fuck,she’ssojuicy.Tellhertocome.”
Thorpenodded,draggingtheicedownherbreast,thencaressinghernipplewiththeedgeagain.Calliewriggledandgasped,bothtenderpeaksashardashe’deverseenthem.
Withonehand,heswitchedtheicetoherotherbreast.Withtheother,hedislodgedoneofherearbuds.“Letgo,pet.Seanwantsyoutocomeonhistongue.”
Hebarelywedgedthelittlepiecebackinherearandsuckedonthechilledtipofherbreastbeforeshetensedfromheadtotoeandshoutedoutalow,agonizingclimaxthatseemedtolastforever.Seandidn’tstop,didn’twaver.Hejustlovedherclitwithanonstopdevotionthatsoonhadherbuckinginaftershocksandtearsstreamingfromhereyes.
EverytimetheygavetheiralltoCallie’spleasure,hesworethatshecouldn’tpossiblyexperiencemoreecstasythanthetimebefore.Again,she’dprovenhimwrong.Hercapacitytoopenherselftothemjustkeptgrowingandastoundinghim.
Lostinhismusings,ThorpealmostmissedthecondomSeanthrewhisway.“Putitonnow.Ineedtobeinsideher.”
Hehedged.“ItwillbeeasieronCallieifIgofirst.”
Seanhesitated,grittinghisteeth,thennodded.“Thenhurryup.”
Thorpescrambledtohisfeetandhadhiscondomonsecondslater,studyingthebedallthewhile.“Howdoyouwanttorestrainhernow?”
Doffinghisshirt,thefedfrownedandtookinthesituationwithaglance.“Untieherhands.I’vegotasolution.”
ThorpereleasedCallie’swristsfromthepillowcasesandunknottedthemfromthebedframe.
“Wanttocluemein?”
“Oh,you’regoingtogetthiswithoutaword.”Seangrinned.“Pickherupforaminute.”
Thorpedid,bringingCallieagainsthischestandnuzzlingherneckasSeanliftedthemattressandsettledalengthofropehe’dbroughtfromthegalleybeneathit,leavingafootorsodanglingoneitherside.
JustlikeSeanhadpromised,heunderstood.Andhegrinnedback.
“IthinkIcanhelpyou.Ibroughtafewthingswithme…justincase.”ThorpepassedCalliebacktoSean,thenrifledinhisbaguntilhecameupwithtwopairsofcuffs.Withaquickcoupleofknots,heaffixedtheropesthroughtheOringsofthecuffs,watchingtheothermankissCalliewithabandon.“Now,she’snotgoinganywhere.”
Seaneasedherontothemattressonherhandsandknees.Hefittedonecuffaroundherwrist.Thorpetookcareoftheother.Calliedidn’tprotest.Instead,shearchedrestlesslyonthebed,asilentinvitationneitherofthemwouldeverrefuse.LikeSean,Thorpecouldn’twaitmuchlonger.
Hesettledontothebedbehindherandgrippedherhips.
“Gently,”Seanwarned.
Grittinghisteeth,Thorpefoughtwithhisconscience…anditwon.“Youwanttodothisyourself?It’syourrightasherMastertofullyclaimher.”
UncertaintyslidacrossSean’sface.“I’dlovetoandIwillsomeday.ButIreallydon’twanttoruntheriskofhurtingher.Youknowwhatyou’redoing.”
“It’snotthatcomplicated,”Thorpepointedout.
“Iknow.Butshe’snotjustfragiletome,she’spriceless.You’lldoabetterjob.”
Nowreallywasn’tthetimeforthisconversation,butThorpehadtoknow.“Howareyouthemostselflessbastardonthisfuckingplanet?”
“Haven’tyoueverlostsomeoneprecioustoyouandrealizedallthethingsyoushouldhavesaidanddonewhentheywerearound?Idon’twanttoendupwithregrets.”
No,hehadn’t,Thorperealized.Sinceadolescence,he’dbeenclosedoff,neverlettinganyonematter.Neverlettinganyonein.Hedidn’tknowwhatitwasliketolosesomeonebecausehewasnotjustwalledoff,butalwaysthefirsttoleave.
NowonderSeanhadearnedCallie’sdevotion.Hewouldtakecareofherforever,puttingheronapedestalandlovingherunconditionally.
Thorpesighed.Hefeltlikeaterribleprick.
“She’swaiting,”Seanpointedout.
LookingdownatCallie’ssweet,roundbackside,Thorpewishedagainhecouldgivehermorethanthis.Suddenly,allhisregretsweighedtwotons.
Tryingtoshoveallthecrapinhisheadasideforher,ThorpecaressedCallie’sass,thenanchoredonehandonherhip.Theotherhedippeddowntoherswelteringcuntandplungedtwofingersinside.Herbackarched.Shecriedout.Herfleshtightenedaroundhisdigits.Hebegantosweat.
Rootinginherpassage,hecoatedhisfingersliberallywithherwetness.Hecouldprobablyfindsomethinginthegalleytouseaslubrication,butnaturehadprovidedwellenough.
Assoonashisfingersdrippedwithheressence,hecircledherclitafewtimes.Hewantedhernotjustarousedagain,butasfeveredashecouldmanage.Itwouldbluntsomeofwhateverpainshemightfeel.
Withasteadyingbreath,Thorpedraggedhisfingersthroughthewellofherwetnessagain,thenskimmeduptoherbackpassage.Withhisfreehand,hespreadonecheekwide.Shetensed.Heropeninglookedsosmall,untouchedinanyway.Wassheevenreadyforthis?Didshewantanymantohavethissortofdominant,primalclaimonher?
“Takethedamnearbudsout.IneedtotalktoCallie.”
“Butshe’ssurrenderingsowell.She’sgivingus—”
“Wedon’tknowifshe’sgoingtoconsenttothis,andIwon’tforceitonher.Trustme,ifsheagreestothis,she’sgoingtosurrendermorethansheeverimagined.Evenmorethanyouhoped.”
Seannodded,thenremovedtheearbudsandcuppedherfaceinhishands.“Allright,lovely?”
Shegavehimashakynod.“CanIseeyou?”
Flickingaglanceinhisdirection,Seanaskedasilentquestion.What’sbestforher?Thorpenodded.Cuttingoffhersenseswasallwellandgood,butthey’dgivenherthattest.She’dabsolutelypassed,givingherselfoverandtrustingthementirely.Nowsheneededreassurance.Andhewantedtobewithher,talktoher,lookather,feelthatinstantconnectiontohersoulashesankdeepintoherbody.
“Ofcourse.”Seanpulledofftheblindfold.
Sheraisedhergazetohim,thenturnedtolookoverhershoulder.Thorpemetherstare,andelectricityzingeddownhisspine.
Heleanedoverherback,thrusthisfingersintoherhairandtuggedslightly.Hesethislipstoherear.“We’regoingtogetinsideyou,Callie.Deep.Sodamndeep.You’regoingtoscreamforus.You’regoingtocomeforus,too.”
Shewhimpered,andtomakehispoint,herubbedatherclitagain,thenplungedhisfingersintohercunt.“Yes.”
“Bothofus,”hesaid.“Together.Atthesametime.Areyoureadyforthat?”
Shefrozeandtriedtolookoverhershoulderathimagain.Hetuggedonherhair.“Yesorno.Wecandiscussitifyouneed.”
“Idon’t.”ShestaredupatSean,andThorpesawtheman’sfacesoftenatherexpression.“Itrustyouboth.”
“I’mgoingtotakeyourass,Callie.I’mgoingtoeasemywayinsideandfillyoulikeyou’veneverfelt.Sean’sgoingtotakeupeveryavailablebitofspaceinyourpussy.We’regoingtofuckyou.”We’regoingtoloveyou.“We’regoingtomakeyoufeelsogood.Youwillcommunicatewithus.Telluswhatfeelsgood,whatdoesn’t.Ifwe’retoofast,tooslow,toohard,orjustright.Isthatunderstood?”
“Yes,Sirs.”
“That’sgood,lovely,”Seanpraisedher,thenhebenttokissher,takinghermouthwithabandon.
Slowly,Callierelaxedunderthelong,devouringmeldingoflips.Thorpetooktheopportunitytoworkherclitwithteasingcircles,arhythmicbrushingofallthosenervesguaranteedtosendhersoaringwhenthetimewasright.Thenhepaused,cuttingoffhersensationforlongmoments.ShegroanedintoSean’smouthasifinagony.Herepeatedtheprocessafewtimes,dragginghercloserandclosertoanotherorgasmwitheverydeliciousmanipulationofherfleshandeverymaddeningdelay.
“Thorpe!”
Shedidn’tneedtofinishthesentenceforhimtoknowwhatshebeggedfor.“Nocoming,pet.Youwaitforus.Understood?”
Calliemoanedinprotest.Thorpeslappedherass.
Seangrabbedherchin.“Youwillbepatientoryou’llgetnothing.NowanswerThorpe.”
Herwholebodytensed,ontheedge,flushedandreadyandabouttoburst.“Yes,Sir.”
God,shereallywasamazing.Heknewtheywerepushingherfarandfast,butshejustdrankineverythingtheygaveherasifsheneededtofeellikeshebelongedwiththem.
Thorpewaspainfullyawarethathecouldn’tgiveheranythingelsetonight.
“Good,”hepraised,removinghisfingersfromherclitonelasttime,dippingthemintoherdrenchedcunt,thendraggingthembacktoheruntriedrosette.
Slowly,gently,heworkedhisfingersinandspreadthemapartlittlebylittle,backandforth,overandover.Theyweren’tgoingtodothejobofagoodsetofanalplugs,andthesensationshewasabouttoheaponherwouldbetotallyforeign.Butshewasasreadyashecouldmakehernow.
Fittinghimselfagainstherslickfemininefolds,heslidinsideherpussy,hissingouthispleasureandgrippingherhipsasshesurroundedhim.Fuck,itwasheaveninhere.Thorpewouldlovetostayanddrownforever.Butheremainedonlylongenoughtostrokeherslowlyandcoathiscockwithherjuices.Thenhewithdrew.
Finally,hepulledapartthefirm,paleglobesofherassandsettledtheheadrightagainstherpuckeredhole.“Archyourback,pet.Pushdownandexhale.Iwantthistogoassmoothlyaspossible.”
Calliegavehimashakynodanddidexactlyashedemanded.Shewelcomedhim.Maybeanalsexdidn’tsaylovetosomepeople,butheknewthetrustandcourageshewasshowing,andhebothadmiredandadoredherforit.Ofcourse,shealsolookedsofuckingsexy,hecouldbarelycontainhisneedtoshoveinsideherandpoundhertothemostdemandingorgasmever.Buthedid.
Backhandingperspirationfromhisbrow,Thorpebegantoslideinsideher,adeliberate,steadypush.Theheadofhiscockeasedin.Shewaseverybitastightasheimagined,andherbodyheatwasalreadyincineratinghim.Thesweathe’dwipedawayjustmomentsagopoppedupoverhisskinagain.Thenhereachedthetightringofmuscleandpaused.
“Callie…”Hepriedhercheeksapartabitmore.“Keeparching.Pushdownasmuchasyoucan.Releaseadeepbreath.SqueezeSean’shand.Tellmeifit’stoomuch.”
Shedrewinashakybreathandnodded.“Iwill.”
Bracingherkneesabitfartherapart,sherebalancedandrepositioned.Herasspointeduptohim,andhecouldseeherreleasingherbreath.
Thorpebenttokissthesmallofherback,thenpressedinsideheragain,gentlytunnelingdown.Theplumheadofhisshaftpoppedpastthetightringand…ah,hewasglidingdeeperanddeeper.Calliegaveasharpgasp.Alittlepain—notunexpected.Buthepettedherhip,croonedpraisestoher,watchedasSeansmoothedthehairfromherfaceandsmiledatherasiftosilentlytellherthathewasbesidehereverystepoftheway.
Itseemedlikeforeverbeforehefoundhimselfburiedtothehilt.Oncehewas,Thorpecouldn’thelpbutgripthelushcurveofherhipsandtosshisheadbackwithagroan.
“Youin?”Seanasked.
Thorpemanagedtouncrosshiseyeslongenoughtonodattheman.“Getready.”
Hedidn’thavetotellSeantwice.Themangrabbedfranticallyforhiscondomandtoreoffhispants.Thorpedidn’tpayattentiontotherest.HeclosedhiseyesandreveledineverysecondofCallie’sburn,ofhersweetsurrender.God,thiswouldbesearedinhismemoryforever.
Grittinghisteeth,hepulledbacktothegripofhermuscle,thenmeltedintoheragain.Thistime,thestrokeflowed.Calliebreathedthroughit.Hermoanofpleasureattheendratcheteduphistighteningarousal.
Hewithdrewandplungedhiswayintoheragain,thistimewithmorespeedandforce.Sherewardedhimwithanotherincoherentsoundofneedassheclawedatthesheet.Fuck,ifthatwasn’tthesexiestthinghe’deverheard.
“Hurry,”hebarkedatSean.“Seriously.”
“Yep.”TheothermanwriggledunderCallie,broughtherheaddowntohis,andkissedherfuriously.
Shedissolvedintoapuddlebetweenthem,moaningfromdeepinherthroat,andundulatingbackintohimstrokeforstroke.ThenSeanwasgrippingherhipsandwhisperingsomethingthickinherearthatThorpecouldn’tquitehearovertheroarofhisheart.
CalliegaveashudderinggaspasSeanprobedheropeningandworkedhiswayintoherpussyoneagonizinginchatatime.Throughthethinmembraneinsideher,Thorpefelttheothermancoastup,slowlyfillingherwitheveryinchofhiscockuntilshebeganpantingandletoutakeeningcry.
“AmIhurtingyou,lovely?”heasked,strainevidentinhisvoice.
“It’stight.Ifeelsostretched.”
Thorpegnashedhisteethandfoughtforpatience.HepeekedaroundCallie’screamyshoulder,kissingit,thenshotSeanalook.
Theothermannodded.“We’lltakeitslow,then.”
“Don’tyoudare!”shescreeched.“Fuckme,damnit.I’mdying…”
Shelikedanalsexanddoublepenetration.Calliehadalreadybeenthewomanofhisdreams,butthismadeherhishottestfantasy,too.
“Demandingminx,”Seangrowled.
“Yes,Sir.Nowhurry!”
Thorpeslappedherassonceasamatterofprinciple.“Youdon’tmakethedemands,pet.Butasithappens,fuckingyousuitsus.”
Seandidn’twaitorreplyorevengiveashitwhathewasdoing.Hesimplybeganthrustingup,shovingintoherpussywithlong,firmstrokesthatshookherbody.Oh,nowaywasthefedgettingallthepleasure.
ThorpefoundtherhythmofSean’sstrokesandbegandivinghiswayintoCallie’sassbetweeneach.Theyquicklyfellintosync,likeacomplicatedtrioofdancers—Seanplunginginsideher,thenThorpegrindingdownintoher,andCallierockingherhipsforthemostimpact.Itbecameasymphonyofbreaths,moans,skingliding,sheetsrustling.Fuck,itwaslikethey’ddonethisahundredtimesandknewthecadenceandflowtheyeachneededformaximumpleasure.Itwasuttermagic.
Sweatnowcoveredhischestandback.ItwasdefinitelyonthecoldsideoutonahouseboatinNovember,butJulyhadnothingonhimnow.Hesweltered,feltdizzy,almostfuckingfaint.Hissystemwasoverloadingwithneedandpleasure.Andalovesostrong,Thorpeknewhe’dneverrecover.
Asone,theypickedupthepace,eachstraininguntiltheymeldedtogetherinperfectsensualharmony.Everysensationseemedtomagnifythecloserhegottotherunawayorgasmhecouldn’tstop.Airwhisperedoverhisskin.Hisheartroared.Hismusclesbunched.Eventhehaironhisarmsstoodupasgoosebumpscoveredhim.Thiswasgoingtocompletelyflattenhim.
Changehim.
SeangrabbedCallieandkissedheragain,apassionateconsumingofherlipscutshortbyherhigh-pitchedwailing.
“Please…”shepleaded.
“Yes,”Seangratedout.“Now.I’mdying.”
“Fuck,yes,”Thorpeechoed,knowingthathewassecondsfromlosingallcontrol.“Comeforus.”
Beforeheevenfinishedthesentence,agutturalcryescapedCallie,somethingdeepandprimalandimmenselysatisfyingasshejoltedandbuckedbetweenthem.Sean’shoarseshoutechoedhisownasecstasyblindsidedhim.Hisentirebodyandsoulpouredintoherashereleased.Shemighthavegivenhimallofherself,buthe’dgivenhereverybitofhimselfinreturn…everythingbutthethreewordsthatstuckinhisthroat.ButThorpehadnodoubtthathelovedhernow,tomorrow,andforever.ChapterNineteen
AFTERashowerandachangeofsheets,SeanemergedtofindThorpewaitingforhim.
“Canwetalk?”thebigDomaskedsolemnly.
Hisheartstuttered.“Sure.”
“NotwhereCalliecanhearus.Outside.”
Wherethey’dfreezetheirassesoff?Ithadtobeserious,andSeanfearedheknewwherethiswasheaded.
Singlefile,theywalkedthroughthegalley,wherehepausedtokissCalliegentlyontheforehead.“We’regoingtostepouthereforaminute,lovely.We’llberightback.”
Shefrowned,herdarkbrowsdippingwithobviousconcern.“Allright.”
“Whydon’tyouwaitinthebedroom?Youlooktired.Getcomfortable.”Hetriedtosmile.“Takehalfthebed.Youalwaysdoanyway.”
“Hey!”sheprotested.
Forcingalaugh,heherdedtheothermanoutside,noticingthatThorpesaidnothingtoCallie.Hebarelylookedather.
Themomentthedoorshutbehindthem,Thorpewalkedtotherailingatthebow,thenturnedbacktohimasifpreparingtolaunchaspeechhe’drehearsedinhishead.
Seanlosthistemper.
“Don’tyoudaresayit,”hesnarled.“OnereasonIbroughtusherewastospendtimetogether,soyoucouldseehowperfectthisis.I’vegivenyouaccesstoeverypartofthewomanIlove,evensomeI’venevertaken.Ifuckingtrustedyounottobreakherheart.”
Thorpe’sfaceclosedupevenmore.“Ididn’tlieaboutthefactthatIwillneverbewhatsheneeds.Thedangerisgoingtocome.Hopefully,shemakesitoutunscathed.Thenyou’lltakecareofher.Youhavethecapacitytoloveherand—”
“You’rebeingatotalchickenshit.Thatwomanlovesyou.Shewouldlaydownherlifeforyou.Tonight,shetrustedyouwitheverythingshe’sgot.Didyounotunderstandthat?”
“No,Igotit.Damnit,whatdoyouwantfromme,toadmitthatI’mfuckingbroken?Fine.Iam.”Thorpegrabbedhisarmandsnarledinhisface.“IwillnotspendmonthsoryearstearingherdownwhileItrytogetmyshittogether.It’snotgoingtohappen.I’mdoingherafavor.”
Seansnorted.“Don’tkidyourself.Ifyouleave,you’regoingtokillher.Andyou’regoingtodestroyyourselfintheprocess.Whenyouwakeupabitter,lonelyman,I’mgoingtoholdhertighterandtellherhowmuchIloveher.You’llonlydeserveeveryounceofyourmisery.”
He’dhadit.NowayhecouldlookatThorpeanymore—someonehe’dconsidered…ifnotafriend,thenapartnerinCallie’scompletion—andnotfeelbetrayed.Yes,thestupidlughadsaidhewasn’tstaying,butSeanhadrefusedtobelievethatsomeonecouldloveCallieasmuchashedidandstillleave.
WithaglareandajerkofhisarmfromThorpe’sgrip,Seanturnedtoheadbacktothegalley.
“Wait.”Thorpe’svoiceshook.
Seandidn’tturnbacktohim.Hedidn’tcareanymore.“We’redone.Assoonasshe’ssafe,Iexpectyoutofuckoff.”
“AndIwill,”heswore.“Just…letmehavetherestoftonightwithher.”
ThatmadeSeanwhirlaround,jawdropped.“Areyououtofyourmind?There’snoway—”
“Iwon’ttouchher.”Thorpeheldupbothhands,fingerssplayed.“Butshedeservesanexplanation.I’venevertoldanyonewhatI’dliketosharewithher.Ican’tgiveherwhatshereallyneeds,butIoweherthismuch.”Heswallowedhard,holdingbackawealthofregret.“Please.”
SeanwantedtopunchThorpe,makehimhurtandbleedandwelcomeapainfuldeath.Hecamesodamnclose.TheonlythingthatstoppedhimwasCallie.She’dbemad,damnherbigheart.Andshe’dneedThorpe’sexplanationforclosure.Shewouldn’tbeabletomoveonwithoutit.
“Ireallyhateyourightnow.”
Thorpelookedupatthesky,whetherfordivineinterventionortowardofftearsSeandidn’tknow.Nordidhegiveashit.
“Itcan’tbemorethanIhatemyself.”
Hesoundedsodefeated.Ifhewasanyoneelseinanyothercircumstance,Seanwouldfeelsorryforhim.But…
“Youknowwhatshe’sbeenthroughinthelastnineyears.”Histonesoundedeverybitliketheaccusationitwas.
“Iwatcheditforthelastfour.IfIweretherightmanforher,IwouldhavescoopedherupbackinDallas,andyouwouldneverhavehadashot.Sodon’ttellmewhatshe’sendured.”Thorpedrewinashudderingbreath.“IamnevergoingtoconvinceyouthatI’mdoingwhat’sbestforherandtonothateme.AndI’mdeeplysorry.She’syoursubmissive.Iwon’ttrespassanymorethanthis.DoIhaveyourpermissiontoexplain?”
Seanhuffedinshort,furiousbreaths.HestruggledtoputCallie’sneedsabovehispride.ItchafedhimineverywaypossibletoletThorpeeventalktohernow.“Youdon’tneedawholenightaloneinthebedroomwithher.”
Thorpeshrugged.“MaybeIdon’tinordertogetthewordsout.That’sjustsoIcanholdherandconveyallIcan’ttellher.”
“You’vegotanhour.Thenshe’sallmine.”Hestormedbackintothegalley,slammingthedoorbehindhim.
Already,Callielookedlikesheknewshewasabouttogetbadnewsthatwouldshatterherheart.Seansworehe’ddowhateverhemusttopickupthepiecesandmakeherwhole.
***
“Ineedtotalktoyou.”Thorpereachedhisbighandouttoher,hisdamphairstillslickedback,hischeeksleanwithafreshshave.Despitehisgrimexpression,hewassoachinglyhandsome.
Callieknewwherethiswasgoing.Shecouldn’thelpbutoverhearhisconversationwithSeanfromtheothersideofthedoor.TheminuteThorpe’sintentionhadbecomeclear,ahollowsorrowhadassailedher.Tearsworkedupfromherchest,crowdingheruntilshecouldn’tkeepablankface.Still,shetriedlikehelltopressthemdown.Allthewhile,shestaredathishand,wondering…ifshedidn’ttakeit,wouldhestillbreakherheart?
Finally,heapproachedhersoftlyandslippedhishandinhers.“Comewithme.”
Sheduginherheels.“You’regoingtoleaveme.”
“I’mgoingtosaveyou,”hesworeashetuggedgentlyonherarm.
“No!”
“WillyoupleasejustlistentowhatIhavetosay?”
Foroncehewasn’torderingher.Hewasn’tusingthatDomvoicetodemandherobedience.Shewishedhewould,butno.Instead,hisvoicecracked.Hesoundedlikehewasfallingapart.
Calliehadnowaytorefusehim.
Stunnedanddisintegratingontheinside,sheallowedhimtoleadhertothesparebedroomwheretheoldcomputerrested.Herheadraced,tryingtothinkofawaytokeephimfromleaving.Thepainofhisdeparturewasalreadypeltingheralloverandspreadingdebilitatingagony.He’dbeenherconstantforfouryears.Losinghimwaslikelosingapieceofherself.
Thorpeclosedthedoorbehindthem,thenledhertothebed,sittingdownanddraggingherintohislap.
“Don’tdothis,”shebegged.“Whycan’tyoulovemeatleastalittle?”
Itsoundedpatheticthemomentthewordslefthermouth,andshehatedherweakness.ThewomanbehindCallieWardandeveryotheraliashadbeentough,neverallowinganyonetopenetrateherarmor,muchlesshurther.Wherewasthatwomannow?
Gone.Deeplyinlove.Miredinloss.
“Iwishitwerethatsimple,”hesaidwithsuchachingregret.“I’msorry.”
Callieleaptfromhislapandtoherfeet.She’dletherselffallinlovetwice,oncewithamanwhocouldn’tloveherback.Somehow,shehadtopullherselftogether,gatherherstrength,andnotbegThorpeagain.
“Sothat’sit.You’releaving?”
“Assoonasyou’resafe,yes.Ifitallworksout,bytomorrowthistime,you’llbefreetobeCallindraHoweagain.”
Andshewantedthatsomuch.Shewantedtheworldtoknowthatshe’dlovedherfamilyandwouldneverhaveharmedthem.Shewantedtohonortheirmemories.Butdamnit,shewasn’tsureitwouldmeananythingwithoutSeanbyherside…andThorpeontheother.
“CanyoudomeonefavorandtellmewhereIfellshort.WhatdoyouneedthatIdon’tgiveyou?”
Thorpecursedunderhisbreath,thenreachedforher,tumblingherbacktothebedandpinningherdownwithhisthigh.Shesquirmed,angerflaringandmakingherfighthimwitheverythingshehad.
“It’snotlikethat,damnit.Wouldyouliestillandletmeexplain?”
“Theold‘it’snotyou,it’sme’speech?Spareme.”Shestruggledagainsthim.“Letmeup.”
“Twominutes,please.”Hisvoiceshook.
“Doesitmatter?Ifyouneedmetotellyouthatyourleavingwon’tbreakmyheart,I’lllietoyou.Iloveyouenoughtosaythat.Just…Idon’twanttoheartheexcuse.”
“You’rethemostamazingwomanI’veevermet.”Hestareddownather,hisgrayeyessointent,almostangrywithconviction.“Don’tyoudarethinkotherwise.Anddon’tyoulietome.Thisisbreakingmyheart,too.IfIwasthekindofmancapableofthedevotionyoudeserve,Iwouldgiveittoyou,Callie.Iwouldgiveyoueverything.Iwouldopenmyheartforyouand…”Hebrokeaway,turninghisbackonherandscrubbingahanddownhisface.“ButI’mnot.Wouldyoupleaseletmetellyouwhy?”
Calliefeltherheartshatterintoathousandpiecesinherchest.Shewantedtobefuriouswithhim,rantandrailandtellhimtogotohell.Butitwasobviousthatwhateverwastormentinghimwaskillinghiminside.He’dalwaysbeenanisland—controlledandclosedoff,apartofeveryonearoundhimyetnot.HisabilitytoremovehimselfwasoneofthethingsthatmadehimagreatDungeonMaster.
“Fine.”Tearsfelllikehotaciddownhercheeks.“Tellme.”
Heturnedbacktoherwithawaterygaze.“IwantyoutoknowwhatI’venevertoldanyone.It’stheonlywayIcanexplainthatthere’sneverbeenamorespecialwomaninmylife,andIwillneverforgetyou.”
“Everywordyousaymakesitsoundlikeyouloveme.Whateveritis,we’llworkitout.We’restrong.Wecan—”
“ThesummerIwasfourteen,IstartedmyfirstD/srelationship.Mydadworked.Mymomwasoutwithfriends,doingcharitywork,lunching…whatevershedid.Iwasstuckaloneinabighousewithourcookandmaid.Toateenageboy,Narawashot.EightyearsolderthanmeandfreshfromBrazil.I’dbeeninlustwithherforoverayear.”
Callieswallowed.Shedidn’twanttohearthis.Shedidn’t.Onsomelevel,sheknewthatheneededtosayit.Andthatshe’dneedtounderstandlaterwhentheshockhadpassedandshebargainedwithherselftofindhimandtryagain—whatevershethoughtwouldendherpain.Soasmuchasshewantedtodashoutoftheroom,shesimplynodded.“Goon.”
“Mydadhadsomemagazines.IknownowtheywereBDSM-themed.I’dbeenhavingfantasiesoftyinggirlsupandspankingthemsincepubertysetin.Myheadtoldmeitwaswrong.Agoodguydidn’thave‘violent’urges.Butthatdidn’tstopthethoughts.AndthesepicturesprovedthatIwasn’ttheonlyonewhofeltthisway.Theyfueledmythoughtslikeneverbefore.”Hetriedtoturnhispainedexpressionintoaruefulsmile.“Asteenageboysdo,whentheydon’thaveanyonetoplaywith,theyplaywiththemselves.Narafoundme.”
AthousandquestionsranthroughCallie’shead.Hadthiswomanchastisedhim?Madehimfeeldirty?Blabbedtohismother?“And?”
“ShewasholdingapairofcuffsinherhandandsaidthatifIwantedtoexperiencemyfantasies,shewouldteachme.”
“Shewassubmissive?”
“Sexually,shecouldbe.Thatsummer,IbeganlearninghowtobeaDom.Itwasateenageboy’sparadise.”
“Yourestrainedher?”
Hegavealow,bitterlaugh.“Inthefirstfiveminutes.Ispankedher,floggedher,paddledher.Shetaughtmetouseawhip,howtotieknots,howtoreadasub’sbodylanguage,howtoanticipateherneeds,howtodiscipline,control,andmanipulate.TherewasnothingIcouldn’tdotoher.Nothing.”
Callieblinkedathim.“Youhadsexwithher?”
“Oh,yeah.Alotofit.Inabouteverywayyoucanthinkof.”
Atfourteen?“Mitchell…Shetookadvantageofyou.”
“Iwasnoone’svictim.Iwasaverywillingparticipant.ShegavemeaneducationIcraved.I’mnotproudofitnow.Atthetime,Iwastheenvyofmyfriends.”Heshookhishead.“Bysixteen,Iwassixfootoneandcouldgrowadecentbeard.Noonequestionedmyage,soshetookmetomyfirstclub.Ilovedit.Shewasanexhibitionist,andIdidn’tmind.IstartedlearningfromtheotherDoms.Needleplay,fireplay,bloodplay,breathplay—shewanteditall.Sheevenletmepierceher.Andménages.Lotsandlotsofthose.ShelikeditwhenIinvitedfriendsoverortookhertosomeone’shousewithme.”
Thewomanhadabusedhim.Ofcourse,ateenageboywouldn’tseeitlikethat,buttherewasnowayhecouldhavebeenreadyforallthat.Sexalonerequiredsomeemotionalmaturity.ABDSMrelationshipevenmore.Inretrospect,CalliehadbeenwaytoounpreparedtosleepwithHoldenatsixteen.She’dfeltabitguiltyanddirtyafterward—andthatwaswithaguyshe’dthoughtsheloved.
Ohgawd.“Didyouloveher?”
Thorpesighedheavily,thesoundsodeepwithremorse.“AfterfouryearstogetherandsexcapadesallacrosstheEastCoast,Ithoughtso.RightafterIturnedeighteen,Isawcollegeonthehorizon.IknewI’dbeleavinghome,andthethoughtofdoingwithoutNarawaskillingme.Itwasallhormonesandteenageangst.
“AbouttwoweeksbeforeIleft,shecalledmelateonenight.AsI’ddonemanytimes,Isnuckoutandwemetatsomeplayparty.”Thorpedrewinashudderingbreath.“Afterthesceneandthesex,IfinallyworkedupthecouragetotellherthatIlovedher.She’dneverbeenonetomakeloveorcuddleorshowaffection.Shedidn’tevenlikekissingmuch.Ijustthoughtthatwasher.”
Thatterriblewomanhadusedhim.Howcouldhehaveimaginedthathelovedher?Becausehe’dbeenyoungandconfusedandhadn’tknownbetter.HerheartwentouttoThorpe.Shewantedtotouchhimsobadlyandtellhimthatitwasn’thisfault,butshesensedthathewasn’tdone.
“Anyway,Iaskedhertocomeawaywithme.Naralaughed.Completelyfellonthefloor,gigglinghysterically.Shecalledmeastupidboy.Shesaidshe’dbasicallybeenchangingmydiapersforthelastfouryearsandshewasdone.Accordingtoher,Iwastoostupidtoknowthatlovedidn’texist;onlysexdid.ThenshetoldmethatI’dbetternotconfusethetwoagainbecauseIstillhadalottolearn.Apparently,myfatherwasabetterfuck.”
Calliegasped.Shockstunnedhersystem,ajolttoherheart,atwisttoherstomach.Shecouldn’tbreathe.“Naraandyourdad?”
“Yep.Apparently,hefoundheronabusinesstripinRioandhiredher.Mymotherwasn’tsubmissiveandtoldhimifhewantedtodo‘that,’heneededtofindsomeoneelse.Sohedid.He’dmovedNaraintobehismistressandpaidherwell.Buthetraveledalot,andshewasangryatbeingleftbehindafterhe’dpromisedtoshowhertheworld.Iwasherrevenge.”
Thatwouldhavebeenaterribleblowtoateenageboy’sspirit.Barelyaman,hemusthavebeencrushedbyhercruelty.Toknowshe’dusedhimoverandoverjusttogetbackatsomeoneelse…
CalliehadfeltstupidtohavebeendeceivedbyHoldenandhadn’ttrustedanyonefornearlyadecadebecauseofit.Andherex-boyfriendhadn’tbeenvicious,justgreedyandhorny.Narahaddoneherbesttodestroyhimfortherestofhislife.
“I’msosorry.”Shefusedhergazewithhis,willinghimtounderstandthatshewouldnevertreathimthatway.“Whatshedidtoyouwasunforgivable.YouhavetoknowIwouldnever—”
“I’mnotdone.”Thorpewasclearlytryingtoholdittogether.
Shewasn’tsureshecouldhearmore.Butforhim,shewould.Insomeways,sheunderstoodhowterribleithadbeentoenduresuchvenom,thentokeepitallinside.Sheknewtheloneliness,theneverfeelingquitewhole.
“I’mlistening.”
“IconfrontedmyfatherthedaybeforeIleftforcollege.HewasfuriousthatI’dtouchedhis‘property’andtoldmethatIdeservedeverybitofmyheartache.HemockedmeforthinkingthatIwasinlove.Inhisview,pervertslikeusaren’tcapableofthat.”
“That’sawful.Andwrong!Youmaynoteversaythewordstome,butIknowyouloveme.Youwatchedoverme,tookcareofme,riskedyourlifeforme—”
“Withaknowinggleaminhiseyes,myfatheraskedmeifIhadknownthatNarawasplayingme,wouldIstillhavefuckedher?Heknewexactlywhatmyanswerwouldbe.Andhewasright.Imighthavebeenmoreguarded,but…”
“Youwereyoung.”
Thorpeshruggedasifherefusedtoexcusehimself.“Afterthat,Iwenttomyroom.HecastNaraoffthenextday,sentherbacktoBrazil.HeandIdidn’tspeakagainuntilmymother’sfuneralfiveyearslater.”
Moretearsspilleddownhercheeks.HowwasThorpeevenremotelywarmorcompassionateafterallthis?Becausehissoulwasbeautiful.Howcouldshemakehimseethat?“Didyoueverrepairyourrelationshipwithhim?”
“No.”Thorpelookeddown,clenchinghisjawandhisfists.“HecametomyweddingandtoldmeatthereceptionthatIwasanidiotformarryinganicegirlbecauseI’dsoonbeboredwithherandeitherstrayordivorceher—orboth.AndifIstayed,I’dbeasmiserableabastardashe’dbeenforthirtyyears.IinvitedhimbecauseMelissabeggedmetoburythehatchetasaweddinggifttoher,butIhatedhimwithapassion.”
“Younevertoldyourex-wifeaboutNara?”
“No.”Heshookhishead.“Shewouldhavebeenhorrified.ShewasfromaloudItalianfamily,sarcasticandpassionate,butveryvanilla.Ihadn’tengagedinanyBDSMactivitiessinceNara.I’dswornoffit,butthefuckingneedwouldn’tgoaway.We’dbeengrowingapartbecauseIcouldn’tsaythosethreewordstoher.Iapproachedhertoseeifshe’dbewillingtotryalightscene.Icraveditsobadly.Shewalkedoutthatnightandservedmewithdivorcepapersaweeklater.”
“Whatabitch,”shemuttered.
Heshrugged.“Iscaredher.Oursexhadbeentepidatbest,andnowsheknewwhy.ShesworethatifIevertriedtospankherortieherdown,she’dpresscharges.Icouldn’tchangethewayshewaswiredanymorethanshecouldchangethewayIwas.Theworstpartformewasknowingmyfatherhadbeenrightaboutourmarriage.Soafterthesplit,Ichangedmywholelifeandgavemyselfovertomyaddiction.
“Iquitmyjobasastockbroker.ImovedoutofManhattan.I’dbeentoDallasonceonabusinesstripandlikedit.ImovedthereandboughtDominionwithmysavings.Mydaddiedsixmonthslater,andIinheritedmoremoneythanIknewwhattodowith.SoIsunkabunchbackintothebusinessandmadeitmylife.IthinkIwascompletelynumbforyears.”Hedrewinaraggedbreath.“Thencameyou…”
Thorpecuppedhercheek,andshegrippedhishand.“Thankyoufortrustingmewithyourstory.Youdidn’thavetotellme,butIknowyoudidtohelpme.”Andwhenshehurtless,maybeshewouldbemoregrateful.“Don’tever,everthinkyou’reunworthy.Yousavedme,MitchellThorpe.Youremindedmewhatitwasliketobelongsomewhereagain.Yougavemestrength.Evenifyoucan’tadmitit,yougavemelove.”
Hetearedupagainandswalloweddownalump.“I’mgoingtomissyoumorethanIcanpossiblyexpress.”
“You’relettingthemwin,yourfatherandNara,”shecouldn’tstopherselffrompointingout.“Theyhurtyoudecadesago,butyou’reallowingthemtokeepyouinmisery.Idon’tneedthewordsifyoucan’tsaythem.Justdon’t—”
“Shh.”Hecoveredherlipswithhisfinger.“Theywonalongtimeago.Leavingismywayofrefusingtoletthemhurtyou.Thisismeprotectingyou.Letme.It’stheonlywayIcanshowyouwhat’shere.”Hepoundedonhischest.“WhenI’mgone,tellSeanmystory,ifyouneed.Aboveall,behappywithhim.”
Thorpeshreddedher,andstillCalliejustwantedtohugandsoothehim.Shewantedtogivehimherlove.Butifheneededtoslipawayquietly,shewouldlethim.Itwastheonlywayhewouldallowhertoshowhimthatshelovedhimenoughtosacrifice.
“I,ofallpeople,understandwhysometimesyoujustcan’tstay.”Shebarelygotthewordsoutpasthertears.“Iwillthinkofyoueveryday.IwillbehappywithSeanbecauseIlovehim.ButIwillalwaysloveyou,too.Andforwhatit’sworth,Ithinkyouhaveabigheartthatanyonewouldbeblessedtoshare.Trytofindsomepeace.”
Thorpefinallybrokedownandgrabbedheragainsthim,sobbingsilentlyintohershoulder.Theystayedthatwayforwhatseemedlikehours,breathingtogether,memorizingoneanother,mourningwhatcouldn’tbe.Hedughisfingersintoherbackandpressedhernosetohisshoulder.Despitethediscomfort,shecouldn’tletgo.
Seanfinallyeasedthedooropen.“Lovely?”
Calliesniffledandnoddedathim.Itwastime.SheandThorpehadnothinglefttosayexcepthegaveheranachinglysoftkissonherforeheadandwhisperedonefinalword.“Good-bye.”ChapterTwenty
DAWNbegantobreakoverthelake,mountainsreachingtowardtheskyandstillhidingthegoldenorbofthesun.Lightleakedoverthepeaks,andeverythinglookedsopeaceful.Callieknewthisdaywouldlikelybehell.
Inaperfectworld,theywouldfindacaranddrivequietlytotheVegasFBIfieldofficeandcallSean’sboss.Theywouldlookatalltheevidence,knowthatshewasn’tguiltyofmurderwhilefiguringoutwhowas.Thenauthoritieswouldarrestthepersonorpeople,andshecouldstartactuallylivingagain.
Butherlifehadneverbeenperfect.WhetherSeansaiditornot,shewasexpectingtheworst.Andevenifthedangernevercame,Thorpewouldstillgo.
Eitherway,shewasgoingtolosetoday.
Seandockedtheboatinfurioussilence,glaringoccasionallyatThorpewhostoodtwofeetbehindher—asilentsentinel.Alltheirbagssatatherfeet.Noonesaidaword.
Thehouseboatdippedtowardtheshore,nudgingtherubberbumperonthedockbeforeslidingintoplace.Seankilledtheengineandleaptouttotietheboatoff.Assoonasitwassecure,heapproachedandslungherbackpackoverhisshoulder.Thenhepickeduphisown,gaveThorpe’sbagsapointedglower,tookherhand,andledherashore.
NothingcouldhavesaidmoreeloquentlythatSeannolongerconsideredThorpeapartner.CalliestaredoverhershoulderatThorpe’sstonyfaceashegrabbedhisbriefcaseandfollowed.
“I’vealreadycalledWerner.Heshouldbeherewithhistruckanyminute.He’sagreedtotakeustotheoutskirtsofthecity.Wecantakeataxifromthere,”Seantoldher.
“LetmecallElijah,”Thorpeargued.“It’spossiblethathisJeepisstillinthatWalmartparkinglot.It’sonlybeenthirty-sixhours.”
“Idon’twantyourhelp,”Seansnarled.
“ButyouneedituntilCallieissafe.It’snotsmarttowaitonthestreetcornerforataxilikeaneasytarget.”
Seanlookedlikehewasweighinghisrageagainsthiscommonsense.“Fine.Callhim.”
Thorpesteppedasideandwithdrewhisburnerphone,turningaway.Withinseconds,hewashavingalow-voicedconversationCalliecouldn’thear.ShecouldfeelSeanseetheashestarteddownthedirtroad,waitingforthehouseboatownertofetchthem.
“Don’tdothis.He’sgotdemonsbiggerthanyoucaneverimagine.”Shesenthimanimploringstare.“Justletitgo.Forme?”
“Hehurtyou.Ithoughthewouldhelphealyou,buthe’sleavingagapingholeinyourheart.”
“I’llbefine,”sheassured.“Itwon’tbreakmeorkillme.Itwillalwayshurtsome;Iwon’tlie.ButyouandI?We’llbehappy.We’llfindaway.”
Tight-lipped,Seanturnedhisattentionbacktothewidecementroadandthepairofheadlightsbobbingupanddownasapickuptrucktraveledovertheslightlyunevensurface.Thorpeendedhiscallandjoinedthem.
Theoldmanstoppedthetrucknearthedockandhoppedoutwithanunexpectedlysprystep.“Throwyourbagsinthebackandtellmewhereyouwanttogo.Weshouldmakeitfast.Somemilitarytypeswereinmyofficeyesterdayaskingaboutyou.ItoldthemIdidn’tknowanything,pushybastards.ButI’mnotsureI’veseenthelastofthem.”
FearstruckdeepandhardinCallie’sheart.SheandSeanexchangedaglance,thenshelookedoveratThorpe,whoworehisresolutionlikearmor.Neitherwouldletanythinghappentoher;they’dgiveuptheirlivesfirst.Andnowaywasshegoingdownwithoutafight.Shewasgoingtofinallystartliving—ordie
“Howmany?Whatdidtheylooklike?”Seanasked.
“Twoguys.Oneolder,oneyounger.Theybothworesomefancy-shmancyuniformwiththestupidlittleFrenchhats.”
Thefearbecameterror.“Youmeanberets?”
“Weretheuniformsagray-blue?”Thorpeasked.
Wernerlookedbetweenthetwoofthem.“Yeah.”
Seanputhisarmaroundheranddidhisbesttocalmher.Herenemieswerecloseandclosingin.Shewantedtobebraveandfacethisdown—andshewould.Butshecouldn’tseemtostoptrembling.
“Let’sgo.”Heshepherdedhertowardthetruck.
Assoonasthey’dtossedtheirluggageintheback,Calliefollowedtheguystothepassengerdoorandtookholdofherbackpack.Shecouldn’triskdamagingtheeggorlosingtheSDcardtuckedinsideagain.Thatdiscwasthekeytoherfuture.They’dlookedforawaytocopythefileorbackuptheinformationsomewhereelse,justincase.ButshortofsavingitonWerner’sharddrive,theyhadn’tfoundthemeans.TherehadbeennoInternetoranyotherstoragedeviceonboard.
Wernerslippedintothedriver’sseat.Thorpefoldedhistallframeinontheotherside,slidingtothemiddleofthebenchseat.Hiskneesdamnnearfoldedagainsthischest.Hehadnowhereelsetoputthem.
Lookinglikehe’drathereatdirt,Seanclimbedinbesidehimuntiltheysatwiththeirbroadshoulderssqueezedtogetherandtheirthighspressedclose.HepretendedlikeThorpedidn’texistandputherbackpackonthefloorboardbetweenhisfeet,thenreacheddownahandtohelpher.“Comeup.Sitonmylap.”
Shebracedherfootontherunningboardandclimbedin,doingherbesttoperchonSean’sthighs.Curlingupagainsthischest,shefoundhersensespeltedbythetwomensheloved.Theirscentsblended,thepressoftheirbodiesquicklywarmingthecabonthischillymorning.She’dmissedthatsomuchasshe’dtriedtosleeplastnight.
Calliewonderedifthiswasthelasttimeshe’dfeelremotelywhole.
AssoonasSeanmanagedtoshutthepassengerdoor,Wernertookoff,drivingintotheglorioussunrisespreadingacrosstheNevadadesert.Itlookedexpansiveandcalm.Bestofall,therewasnowayanyonecouldfollowthemclandestinelyouthere,inthemiddleofnowhere.Therewasnoplacetohide.SoCallietriedtosinkintothemomentandpushalltheangstandworryaside.Noneofitwouldhelphertoday.Butitkeptcrowdingin.Bythetimeshelaidherheaddowntonighttosleep,everythingwouldlikelybedifferent.
Orshe’dbedead.
“ElijahsayshisJeepisstillattheWalmart,”Thorpeoffered.“Hewaswaitingforhiswifetoreturnbeforehewentoutthere,andthatwon’tbeforanotherfewdays.Hesaysitsoursforthedurationifweneedit.”
Seandidn’tsayaword,justnodded.Shereallywishedhewouldn’tbesoangry,andshesuspecteditwasn’ttotallyaboutThorpehurtingher.He’dbeenhurt,too.
“Thankyou,”shesaidsoftly.
“LeastIcoulddo,”Thorpeansweredwithawealthofmeaningbehindhiswords.
Therestofthedrivewassilent.Trafficwasminimalthisearlyinthemorning.Soon,theroadswouldbehoppingwithcommuters,butfornow,theyreachedthebig-boxchainstorewithbarelyastoplighttoobstructthem.
Onceintheparkinglot,theyfishedthekeysfromthemagneticholderbehindthewheelwellandshovedmostoftheirbagsfromthetruckintothebackoftheJeep.Seanjumpedinthedriver’sseat,watchingtheparkinglotallaroundthemforanyactivity.Butitwasdeadempty,saveforafewemployees.CalliegesturedThorpetothefront,thencrawledinthebackwithherpack,wishingshecouldcurlupandsleep.Shehadn’talllastnight,evenwhenSeanhaddriftedoffwithhisarmsaroundherprotectively.She’dmissedhavingtheotherhalfofhersoulbesideher.
Whatshewouldn’tgiveforeverythingtobedifferentwithThorpeandfortodaytoturnoutright…
Seanlookedatherinthebackseat.“I’mhopingwecandrivestraighttothefieldofficehereandwalkyouintoseetheSAC.”
“SAC?”sheasked.
“SpecialAgentinCharge.Oncewedothat,we’llcallbacktotheDallasofficeand—”
Thorpe’sphonerang.Theyallfroze.Noonecallinghimatsix-thirtyinthemorningwasgoingtobetryingtoreachhimforafriendlychat.
“Whoisit?”Seanbarked.
“Logan.”
“Puthimonspeaker.”
Thorpefrowned,thendidwhatSeandemanded.“Hey,man.Whatyougot?”
“Alittlemoreinformation,andnoneofitgivesmeawarmfuzzy.ElijahwasfinallyabletosendmeasecurityimageofthedudetrollingforCallieattheairport…Howisshe,bytheway?”
Shesmiled.CallieknewfirsthandthatLoganpackedahellofawallopwhenhespankedagirl’sass,buthehadalsoproventobeafriendthroughandthrough.“I’mfine.Thanks.YouandTara?”
“Allgood.Don’tworryaboutus.Theguyattheairport,hun?HisnameisJamesWhitney.Doesthatringabell?”
“Notatall.”She’dneverhearditinherlife.“Shouldit?”
“Iwasn’tsure.Taradidsomedigging,butishavingatoughtimefindingmuch.He’stwenty-nineandfromsomelittle-asstowninAlabama.AnIraqWarvet.Hecamehometofindhiswifeandkidhadleft.BetweenhisPTSDandhisantigovernmentravings,mostofhisneighborsthoughthewasaloosecannon.Hewasarrestedfordrunkanddisorderlyandunlawfulpossessionofahandgun,butthechargesdidn’tstick.Aboutthreeyearsago,hedroppedoffthegrid.Therearerumorsthathe’sjoinedsomegroupofmercenaries.That’sallI’vegotnow.Butthere’ssomethinghere.Icanfeelit.”
Calliedrewinadeepbreath.WhywouldthisJamesWhitneywantanythingtodowithher?Hehadbarelybeenmucholderthanherwhenherfamilyhadbeenkilled.“Idon’tunderstand.”
“Idon’t,either.Butthere’sananswerhere.We’llkeeplooking.Doyouneedanythingelse?”
“No,thanks.”TherewasnothingLogancoulddoforherfromLafayette.
“Ido,Edgington,”Seanspokeup.“SeanMackenziehere.”
“Nameit.”
“Ifmysubevercomestoyouagainwantingtodisappear,politelyreferherbacktome.”
Loganclearedhisthroat.“Iwastryingtohelp.Ididn’thavealltheinfo.Sorry,man.”
Withthat,theyendedthecall.SeandrovenortheastasCallietriednottonibbleonaraggednailandimaginetheworst.
“ThereareamillionpiecestothispuzzleandIdon’tgetit,”shesaidfinally,hervoicetightwithencroachingpanic.
“Idon’tknowwhythisWhitneycharacterwouldbehuntingyoudownintheVegasairport.Butifhewaswearingthesameuniformastheoldermanwhocametoyourhousejustbeforeyourfather’smurder,theymightbeinleaguetogether,”Seanmused.“Afterall,Wernerjustsaidthattwouniformsvisitedhim,oneold,oneyoung.”
“That’swhatIwasthinking,”Thorpepoppedin.“Andifthey’rerelatedtosomesortofmercenarygroup,maybetheywantedAslanov’sresearchtomakethemselvesbetterorsomethinglikethat.”
Yeah,thatmadesenseinawarpedway.“Buttokillinnocentmen,women,andchildren?”
“Greeddoesstrangethingstopeople,lovely,”Seanpointedout.“I’vebeenacriminalinvestigatorforadecade.I’veseensometerribleinstancesofthat.”
Howfuckingtragic.Herfatherhadonlytriedtodosomethinggoodfortheworldandinstead,hesetoffachainofmurders,includinghisown,andsetherlifeonitsear.
“HowlongwillittaketheFBItoreadeverythingontheSDcard,investigate,andarrestpeople?Weeks?Months?”
Seandidn’tanswer.
“Years?”
“Wedon’tknowwhereitwilllead,Callie.You’llbefreefromanyimplication.”Hepaused.“It’spossibleyoumaybeputinWitnessProtection.Ifthathappens,I’llgowithyou.”
Callie’sheartstopped.Shehadspentadecadebeingsomeoneelse.Shedidn’twantthatanymore.ThetimehadfinallycometobeCallindraHoweagain,toputherfamily’smemorytorest.Tolivethelifehermotherhadhopedforher.
Andifthefederalgovernmentputherintohiding…Shewatchedmoviesandreadbooks.Calliealreadyknewthatshe’dneverbeallowedtocontactThorpeagain.Thatwouldputthembothindanger.
“No.There’sgottobeanotherway.Iwon’tdoit.I’dratherdie.”
Seangapedatherfromtherearviewmirror.Thorpeturnedaroundandglared.
“Iwon’tletyoudothat,”Seansnapped.
“Ihavetosecondthat,”Thorpeadded.
TheygaveoneanotherawarystarebeforeSeansnappedhisgazebacktotheroad.Trafficwasbeginningtopickupasrushhourbeganandtheydroveclosertotheheartofthecity.
“DoyouknowanyonetrustworthyintheVegasofficeyoucancall?”Thorpeasked.“Letthemknowwe’recomingin.Orbetteryet,maybetheycansendsomeonetoescortus,justincase.”
Sean’sfacetightened.“TheagentsIworkedwithacoupleofyearsagohavebeenreassignedorretired.I’mnotsurewhoIcantrust.”
“You’vehadquestionsaboutthedecisionsintheDallasoffice,”Thorpeconceded.“Butdoesthatnecessarilymeanthatsomeonehereiskeepingsecrets?”
“Maybenot…butIcan’tsayforsure.”
“ButwealreadyknowthatkillersarehotonourtailfromWerner,”Callieargued.“NooneintheFBIwillshootusdead.”
“No,”Seanagreed.“Butthereareworsethingsthanbeingshot.That’swhatworriesme.”
“Youmeanifsomeoneisdirty?”Thorpelookedtenseandpensive.
“Yeah.Butit’spossibleI’mbeingparanoid.”Hesighed.“I’vegotanescaperouteifweneedit,soI’llcall.”
Seanpulledofftheroadintoafast-foodrestaurant’sparkinglot.Ascommutersstartedwrappingaroundthebuildingintheirvehicles,waitingforliquidcaffeineandfortification,hedrovetotheedgeofthelotandkepttheenginerunning.“Waithere.”
Hejumpedoutwithhisphoneinbothhands,staringintentlyatthescreenanddialingsomething.Amomentlater,hepressedthephonetohisear.Theconversationlastedlessthanthirtyseconds.ThenSeanwasrunningbacktothecar.Hetossedhisphoneontotheasphalt,anditsplinteredintoadozenpieces.
Calliegasped.“Whatthe…?”
Hepeeledoutoftheparkinglotandswervedbackontothefreeway,cuttingoffalittlesubcompact.“AssoonasIidentifiedmyself,theSACtookthephone.Thatshouldn’thappen.HedemandedthatIbringyouin,Callie.Iwon’tdoit.”
Herheartcaughtinherthroat.“Likehewantstoarrestme?”
“Hecalledit‘questioning,’butsomethingisoff.Heaskedwhatwe’dbeendoinginVegasforthelastthirty-sixhours.Heknewyouwerewithme.HeknewI’dshoppedatthatWalmartandthatwe’dtakenataxifromthere.Whichmeanshemayevenknowwe’reinthisJeep.”Seanweavedinandoutoftheswellingtraffic.“Itossedmyphonesothathecouldn’ttracethatsignalanymore,justincasethey’relockedontoit.”
“ShouldIdothesame?”Thorpeasked.
“Can’thurt.”Seannoddedtightly.
Thorperolleddownthewindowanddumpeditontothefreewaywithouthesitation.“Nowwhat?”
“Ouronesavinggracewasthattheyhadn’tbeenabletofindoutfromthecabcompanyexactlywherethey’dtakenus.Theywerestilldoingpaperworktoobtaintheinformation.WehavetoditchthisJeepandfindanothercab.”
“ThenweshouldprobablyheadbacktowardtheStrip,”Thorpesuggested.
“Yeah.”
Mouthpressedtogethertensely,SeanswitchedlanesandfollowedthesignstowardthetouristysectionofVegas.“Itwillprobablytaketwentyorthirtyminutesorsofromhere.Dependsonthetraffic.”
“Oncewegetacab,wherearewegoingthen?”Callieasked.“It’sallfineanddandytodisappearintoanonymoustransportation,butwheredowetellhimtodriveusifnotthefieldoffice?Localpolice?”
“No,”Seansaidimmediately.“TheSACwilljustswoopinandclaimjurisdiction,thenwe’llberightbacktowherewestarted.There’sgottobeanotherwaytogetyoufree.Whoelsewantstheinformationonthatdisc?”
Calliesatbackintheseat,tryingnottoletpanicoverwhelmher.IfSeandidn’tknowwheretoturn,shefearedtheyweredoomed.“MaybeLogancouldgetpaperworkforustoleavethecountry.”
“I’mworriedthatifthekillerstrackedustoLakeMead,theycanfollowusanywhere.Thewaythey’reoperating,Idon’tthinktheyhaveboundaries.They’llgowhereveranddowhateverforthatremainingresearch.”
“Butyousaidmyfatherburnedit.”
“Weknowthat,”Thorpereminded.“Theydon’t.”
“Soifwefindawaytoconveythattheresearchdoesn’texistanymore,maybetheywillleavemealone?”Thatsoundedawfullyoptimistic,butCalliestillhopeddeepdownthatSeanbelievedit,too.
“No,”hescoffed.“Youstillknowsomethingaboutthesepeopleandwhattheywant.YoustillhaveenoughevidencetosuggesttheykilledyourfamilyandtheAslanovs.Andyou’retheonlyeyewitnesswhocantiebothWhitneyandtheolderbastardhe’sworkingwithtothisconspiracy.Theywillkillyouinaheartbeattoburytheirskeletons.”
Hewasright.Calliefoughttobreathe.Shewouldn’tdieforgreed,forresearchthatdidn’texistanymore,tokeepadirtysecret.
Thenasolutionhither—sosimpleandeffective.Shegrabbedherbackpackandtoreintoit,pullingouthercosmeticscase.“Assoonaswefindataxi,IthinkIknowwheretogo.”
***
SEANbegantowonderifCalliewasoutofhermind.Shewasinthebackseatgettingalldolledup,carefullyapplyingmascarawithahandmirror,thenteasingandsmoothingherhairwithasmallbrush.
“Youlookbeautiful,lovely,butIdon’tthinknowisthetimetoworryaboutallthis.”
AglancetohisrightshowedthatThorpelookedasconfusedashedid.
“It’stheperfecttime.I’mgoingtomakeabigsplash.”ShedugintoherbackpackandpulledoutsomeblackleggingsandasimpleV-neckshirtinred.Sheshimmiedoutofheroldclothesandintothenew,thenexchangedhertennisshoesforsomeblacksandals.
Somehow,shemadeclothesthathadbeenrumpledintoaballfiveminutesagolookperfect.
“Why?”Thorpedemanded.“Whatdoyouhaveplannedinthatmischievousheadofyours?”
Callieshookherhead.“I’mstillworkingoutthedetails.Getmetoataxi.You’llsee.”
“Youshouldcluemein.Afterall,Ihavesomeexperienceateludingbadguys,”Seansaidironically.
“I’veputmytrustinyouforthelastthirty-sixhours.Nowit’stimeforyoutodothesameforme.”
Sighingandgrumbling,Seancontinuedheadingnorthwest,towarddowntown.Trafficwasdefinitelypickingupnowthatitwasaftersevena.m.Theyslowedtothespeedhe’ddriveonaresidentialstreetasheheadednorthonI-515.Fuckingmess.
Tenminutestogo,max.Thentheycoulddisappearintoacab,getlostinaseaofhumanity,andhopefullywhateverthedevilwasinCallie’sheadwouldsavetheday.
Anotherglanceintherearviewmirroralarmedhim.Ablacksedantwocarsbackandtotheright.They’dpickeditupafewminutesago—alongwithalotofothercars.Butthisone…everytimeheswitchedlanes,sodidthesedan.
Withthehairatthebackofhisneckstandingup,Seansloweddown.Itwasn’thardwiththismanycars.Thelaneoftrafficbesidehimwasmovingatadfaster.Buttheblacksedanslowed,too.
Growlingacurse,Seanchangedlanesagain,gettingdirectlyinfrontofthedarkcar.Heglancedintherearviewmirror,hopingtoseesomeoneblabbingonthephone,awomanputtingonhermascara,orsomeonereadingtheirtexts—anythingthatsaidthisdriverwasn’treallypayingattentiontothem.Instead,hesawtwomeninanunfamiliarbluishuniform,onefancierthantheother.Hetensed.
“Whatisit?”Thorpeasked.
Seandidn’treallywanttotalktohim,butThorpewasanothergunandmoremuscle.Heneededthatmorethanresentmentnow.“We’vegotcompany.Callie,haveyouworkedoutyourplan?”
“Ineedtomakeaphonecall.Neitherofyouhasaphoneanymore?”
“They’redestroyed.”Thorpelookedgrim.
“Keepgettingtothetaxi.I’llfigureouthowtomakethiswork.”
Anexitappearedontheright.Hespedupandputonhisblinker,pretendingthatheintendedtochangetothefastlaneontheleft.Atthelastmoment,hejerkedthewheelright,cuttingoffanSUV,thenbumpedontotheoff-ramp,flooringit.
Theothercarhitthebrakes,tiresscreeching,thenfollowedthemofftheramp.
“Fuck,”Thorpesaid,turningtolookoutthebackwindshield.
Thatsummeditup.Seannavigatedthetraffic,dodgingcars,changinglanes,screamingthroughayellowlighttotrytolosetheirtail.
Theblacksedansimplyrantheredandcontinuedon,firingasemiautomaticoutthewindow.
“Jesus,theycouldkillanyone!”Seancursed,thankfulthatthebulletshadmissed.“WeshouldhittheStripsoon.IfIcan’tshakethistail,wewon’thavetimetoretrieveourluggagefromtheback.Callie,handThorpeyourbackpack.AssoonasIstoptheJeep,everyonebailoutandrun.”
Inthebackseat,Calliegavehimanod.Besideslushingupherlasheswithmascara,she’drimmedherbrightblueeyesinhersignatureblackliner.Hereyesstoodoutinherpaleface,brokenonlybytheredglossonherlips.Nowwasn’tthetimetonoticehowdamnbeautifulshewas,buthecouldn’thelpit.Shelookedespeciallylovelywithherdelicatefacefullofdetermination.Hell,hereallywasmadlyinlove.
AsSeanraceddownTropicanaAvenue,healsorealizedthatfindingaquickplacetoditchtheJeepontheStripmightbetough.Timetoimprovise.
SeanhungarightontoLasVegasBoulevardthesecondhecould,gratefulthattrafficwasn’ttooheavy.WhenhesawthestreetsignforLasVegasBoulevard,hehungasharprightontotheedgeoftheStrip.Ascreechoftiresbehindtoldhimthesedanwasdoingitsbesttofollowsuit.
“Wherethehellareyougoing?”Thorpebarked.
“LookingforaplacetolosetheJeepandpickupacab,”hesaidgrimly.
Thankfully,thetrafficinthetouristareaswasn’tasheavyatthishour.Randomcarsandtheoccasionalcabdriftedby.Somehungoverpartiersweredoingthewalkofshamebacktotheirhotels.
ThegrandeuroftheBellagiojumpedoutathim,thefamousfountainshowidlethisearlyinthemorning.Heflooreditdowntherelativelyemptysidestreetleadingtothehotel,pastthestandingstreetlampsmeanttobecharming.Throughthebackpassengerwindow,hecaughtaglimpseofthefakeEiffelTowerthatalwaysmadehimrollhiseyes—andtheblacksedanheadingtowardthecurvetofollowhim,aboutthirtysecondsbehind.Atleasttheyhadstoppedshootingfornow.
Heroaredunderthecanopyandglancedtohisright,pastthetopiaries.Afewidlingtaxies,ashuttlebusfullofspentrevelersleavingfortheairport,andsomemembersofthevaletstaffmillingaround.
Thesecondthecarcametoashudderingstop,theyalljumpedoutandslammedthedoors.
Seanthrewthekeysatavaletattendantandflashedhisbadge.“Emergency.I’llbeback.Parkitnow!”
“Yes,sir,”theyoungmananswered.
HegrippedCallie’shandastheyrantowardthehotel,searchingthelineoftaxisandprayingthathisinstinctswereright.Bingo!Awayfromthelineofvehiclesforhirehespottedataxiwithitslightoffandanoldermannappinginthefrontseat.Hepoundedonthewindow.
Themanstartedandadjustedhisballcapwithaglower.“Can’tyouread?I’moffduty.”
“It’slifeordeath.Please.”Calliepressedherfacetotheglassandshemighthavethrustherbreastsabitclosertothewindow,too.
AsSeanflashedhisbadgehewantedtognashhisteeth,butatleasttheguywasn’tscowlinganymore.
“There’sathousanddollarsincashifyougetusoutofhereinthenexttenseconds.”Thorpereachedintohispocketandpulledoutawadofbills.“Andkeepyourselfoffduty.”
Thedriverstraightenedupandunlockedthedoors.Theyallpiledinasthecabbiepeeledout.
“WhereamIgoing?”heasked.
SeanlookedatCallie,whocrawleddowntothefloorboard.Hedidn’twanttothinkabouthowfilthyitwasdownthere,buttohercredit,shedidn’tblinkonce,justputtheirsafetyabovepossiblegerms.Inordertoconcealhimself,hehadtoslinklowintheseatandbowhishead.Thorpereclined,proppinghimselfuponhiselbowagainstthelumpyupholstery.Hopefully,theywerehiddenenoughsothatanyonedrivingbywouldn’tnoticethem.
“Where’sthenearestTVstation?”sheaskedthedriver.
“What?”Thorpehowledather.“You’regoingtothepress?”
“Oh,lovely,”Seanbeganwithanoteofwarning.“Idon’tthink—”
“Hearmeout.Theeggcanprovemyidentity.Becausesofewstillexist,theownersofalltheremainingpiecescanbeverified.What’sontheSDcardcanprovethatI’mnotguiltyofanything.ItcutsthroughtheredtapeandBS.Nogoingbackintohiding.”
“You’remakingyourselfabiggertarget,”Seanprotested.
“I’mnot.”Sheshookherhead,herdarkhaircoveringhershouldersandbrushingherarms.“Whoever’sbeenlookingformewantsthepartoftheresearchthatnolongerexists.Wegopublicwiththefactthatmyfatherburnedit.Andwhoeveroffedeveryoneelseandisaftermenowwantstokeeptheirdirtydeedsasecret.Byexposingitall,killingmedoesn’tburyanythinganymore.Itonlydrawsattentiontotheirmisdeeds.OncetheworldknowsI’maliveandwhat’shappened…”
“Therewillbeamediafrenzy,”Thorpefinishedforher.“You’llhavesuchaspotlightonyou,theywon’tdare.”
“Exactly.”
“That’sdamnclever.”Seancouldn’thelpbutsmileather.“Lovelyminx.”
“Sowhere’sthatTVstation?”sheaskedthecabbie,wholookedtotallyconfusedbytheirconversation.
“Lessthanamileuptheroad.It’sKSNV,theNBCaffiliate.Willthatdo?”
“Perfect.”Reliefmadeherentirefaceglow.“TheTodayshowshouldbeon.It’sgotagreatviewership.”
“Wordshouldtravelfast,”Thorpeagreed.
Seanwantedtopoundthewistfulexpressionofftheotherman’sfaceandtellhimthatifheadoredCalliesomuch,heshouldfuckingstay.Butnosenseinarguingnow.Seanhadtofocusonshieldingherfromthecomingmediastorm.Buthehadnodoubthe’dwishnowandthenthatThorpehadpulledhisheadoutofhisassbeforeithadcometogood-bye.
“Um…that’sgreatandall,”thedriverinterjected,“butIthinksomeoneisfollowingus.Blacksedan?”
Seanresistedtheurgetopeekthroughthebackwindshieldtoverify.Damnit,howhadthesegoonsfiguredouttheirescaperoutesoquickly?Whycouldn’ttheyshaketheseassholes?
“Actlikethere’snothingwrong.Seeifyoucangethimtopassus.ConfusehimbytakingacircularroutetotheTVstation.Anything.”
Thecarslowedforamoment,andthecabbieseemedtochangelanes.Hepulledoutasmokeandfishedaroundforhislighter.Assoonashefoundit,hedroppeditandstompedonthegaspedal.
“What’sgoingon?”Seandemanded.
“Idon’tthinkthere’sgoingtobeanyfoolingtheguysintheblacksedan.They’vegotguns!”
Andtheyweretenacious.Asecondlater,aloudbangresounded,andthebackwindowonthepassenger’ssideshattered.Thorpereactedquickly,coveringCallie’sbodywithhisown.
SeandrewtheGlockhe’dbeenhidinginthewaistbandholstertuckedinsidehisjeansandpeekedouttheopenwindow.“SlowdownsoIcangetashot.”
“Whatthefuck?”Theman’sgraybrowsslasheddownintherearviewmirror.“I’mnotaidingamurder,pal.”
“I’vegotabadge,remember?I’mFBI,protectingawitness.NowslowdownsoIcangetadamnshot.Ifyoudon’tandwesomehowmanagetolive,I’llarrestyourass.”
“Fuckingdowhathesaid!”Thorpebarked.
Seanwaitedasthedrivereasedoffthegas.Thesedanroareduptotheirsideagain.
“AssoonasIsayso,takethenextrightandfloorit.Gotit?”
Thecabdrivernoddedexcitedly.“Ialwayswantedtodothis.Itlookscoolinthemovies.”
Tryingnottorollhiseyes,Seaninchedupandaimedhisweaponoutthewindow.Hefiredoffacoupleofshots,hittingthesideofthecar,butnotthepassengerordriver.Thatshitonlyhappenedinthemovies.Buteveniftheyturnedrightsuddenly,Seandidn’tthinkitwasgoingtobeenoughtopreventtheattackersfrompursuing.Heneededtotryagain.
“Keepheronthefloorandcovered.”HebarkedatThorpeasheslammedbackagainsttheseat.
“I’vegotyourback,”Thorpevowed.
Notalways,butnowwasn’tthetimetoworryabouttomorrow.
“Justalittlefarther,”hetoldtheoldmanatthesteeringwheel.“Attheparkinglotontheothersideoftheupcomingintersection,turnin.Don’tsignal,justdoit.”
“Gotit.”
“What’syourname?”Seanasked.
“Bob.”Hegrippedthesteeringwheelwithwhiteknuckles.“MaybeI’llgettobeonthenews?”
“Yeah,maybe.”Seannearlyshookhishead.“Ready?”
“Yep.”
Astheysoaredthroughthegreenlightandjustpasttheblackcar,hetookanothershotandhitthewindshield.Itsplintered,cavinginonthepairofmercenaries.
Bobjerkedthecarright,anditbouncedintotheparkinglot.Hedodgedahatchbackswingingintotheparkinglot.
Thesedanlockedupitsbrakesandtriedtoturnrightinfrontofthefarlaneoftraffic.Tiresscreeched.Apickuptruckhitthecar’sbackpanelonthepassengersidewithacringeworthymetalliccrunch.Seantwistedaroundtolookthroughthebackwindshield.Thesedanwasalmostbackwardintheintersection.Thetruckgroundtoahalt,alongwithseveralofthecarsbehindthem,andblockedtheintersection.Thesedanwastrapped.
Abystandergotouttocheckonthepeopleinvolvedintheaccident.Thedriverofthesedan,theolderasswipeinuniform,rolleddownhiswindowandstartedshouting,gesturingwildlyforeveryonetogetoutofhisway.
Thebackwindowonthedriver’ssideofthecareaseddown.Outcamethegunagain.Peoplescreamedanddroppedtotheground.
“Floorit!”SeantoldBob.“GetustothatfuckingTVstationnow.”
Theymadearightandleftthesceneoftheaccident—andtheirpursuers—behind.Seanbreathedasighofrelief.
“Wedidit!”Bobroaredashecruiseddownasidestreet.
“Isitsafenow?”CallieaskedunderThorpe.
“Ithink.”SeantappedThorpeontheshoulder.“You,easeup.Butbeprepared,justincase.”
ThorpenoddedandliftedawayfromCallie,buthelpedherupfromthetightwedgeofthefloorboard,clutchingherhandinhisanddrawingitclosertohischest.Shelookedsopale,itscaredhim.
Seangrabbedherchin.“Breathe,lovely.Don’tpassoutonme.”
Sheshookherheadanddrewinadeepbreath.“I’mgood.Iswear.”
Hewasn’tconvinced,butbeforehecouldquestionherfurther,Bobwaspullingupintoaparkinglot,pastagiantcarport,headingforanondescriptoff-whitebuildingwithabigblueNews3signjuttingfromtheflatroof.Hebroughtthecartoagrindinghaltinareservedspotwithabiggrinonhisface.
Bouncingagainstthebackseat,ThorpethrustintohispocketandextractedBob’smoney.Seangrabbedhiswristandcountedouthalf,thengaveittoBob.“Stayhereandidlingforafewminutes.Onceweknowit’ssafe,oneofuswillgiveyoutherest.”
“Whew!Yougotit.”Bobgrinned.“Thatwasarush!”
SeanjusthopedthestationwouldtalktoCallie,andhewouldn’tbehereforthecabbie’sadrenalinecrash.Heopenedthedoorandleaptout,reachingforCallie.Shepiledout,andThorpefollowed.Alltogether,theyranforthedoors.Asecurityguardstoppedthemimmediatelyinsidethecoolwhitelinoleumlobby.
“Doyouhaveanappointment?”thecop-in-a-boxasked.
“We’dliketoseewhoeverisinchargeofthenews,”Calliesaidwithhersweetestsmile.
Thethirtysomethingguylookedatherlikehe’dratheraskheroutthanturnherdown,buthestillshookhishead.“Thenewsdirectorisabusyman.You’llhavetomakeanappointmentandcomeback.”
“Wewillgivehimthebiggestnewsstoryofhiscareer.”
“He’sheardthatbeforeand—”
“Puthimonthephonewithme,”Calliepleadedearnestly.“I’llconvincehim.”
“I’vegotstrictordersnottodisturbhim.”
Seanhadreachedhislimitandfishedouthisbadge.“FBI.He’llseeus.”
Thesecurityguardsteppedback,lookingfromhim,thentoCallie,beforescopingoutThorpe.Finally,hisgazesettledontheglintingshieldinSean’shand.
“I’llcallhim,”theguardsaid.
“Thankyouforyourcooperation.”Seanwonderedifthemanheardtheironyinhistone.
Lessthanaminutelater,thenewsdirectorappeared.Aportlymanwithashockofgrayhair,hehadaweatheredlookthatsaidhe’dnotonlyseendecades’worthofnews,butlivedit.
“RogerCoachman.”ThemanthrustouthishandatSean.“WhatcanIdoforyou?”
“It’swhatyoucandoforher.”HegesturedtoCallie.
Thenewsdirectorturnedhisattentiontoherwithapracticedsmile,lookingabitimpatient.
“I’msureyou’rebusy,soI’llgettothepoint.Istheresomewherewecantalkprivately?IthinkIhaveastorythatwillinterestyou.”
“Sure.Wecantalkinmyoffice.”
AsCoachmanledthemtowardthesecureareaofthebuilding,Seanturnedbacktothesecurityguard.“Youneversawus.”
Themannodded,hisexpressionabitlikeachilddeniedatreat.Clearly,hewascuriousaboutCallieandherstory.He’dfindoutsoonenoughifthiswentwell.
Themanescortedthemdownsomehalls.Peopleinsuitsbustledabout.Anolderblondewearingaheadsetpaced,brushedpastthemlikeshewasonamission.Inthedistance,aphonepealedwithaloudring.
Assoonasthenewsdirectorledthemintohisoffice,Calliesatinoneofthechairsoppositehisdesk.Seansatbesideher,whileThorpeclosedthedoorandloungedagainstthewallbehindthem.
“So,younglady,youhaveastory?Ican’tpromisethatI’llputitonthenews,butI’lllisten.”
OnlybecauseSeanhadflashedabadge,andthatannoyedhim.Heunderstoodtheguyprobablysawcrackpots,but…
“No,you’llputmeoninthenextfiveminutes,orI’llbeforcedtotakethestoryelsewhere.”
Coachmanlaughed.“Ican’tdothat.We’reonnetworkfeedfromNewYorkforanotherfewhours.Weonlygetshortbreaksforlocaltrafficandweathereverysooften.”
Callieshookherhead.“Callthenetwork.They’llwantthisstory,too.Everyonewill.”
“Doesyourdogtalkorsomething?”heasked,histoneabitpatronizing.“DidthemoldinyourbathroomtubgrowintotheshapeoftheVirginMary,Miss…”
Shestood.“Ifyou’renotevengoingtolistentomeortrytotakemeseriously,Iwon’tbotheryouanymore.RememberthatItriedtogiveyouastorythatwillputyouonthemapinternationallyasahard-hittingjournalist.”
AsCalliestartedforthedoor,Seangrabbedherwrist,wonderingagainifshewasoutofhermind.Thestreetwastoodangerousuntilthisstorybroke.
Shewhirledonhimandflashedhimasharpstare,buthecouldn’tmistakethecalculatinggleaminhereye.Thorpegrinned.
“No.Pleasesit,”Coachmaninvited.“Sorry,butyouhavetounderstandhowoftenIhearthatsomeonehasanimportantstory,andit’susuallynothingnewsworthy.”
Callieplayedreluctantbeforeshesettledbackintoherseat.“Thisshouldbeatopheadlineacrossthecountry,maybeeventheworld.Promisemeyou’llcallthenetworkifI’vesufficientlypiquedyourinterestandgetusonASAP.”
Heshruggedhisbig,softshoulders,rustlinghisnavycoat.“Sure.Ifthey’lltakeit.”
Shesimplysmiled.“Thankyou.Theywill.Nowlet’sgetdowntobusiness,Mr.Coachman.I’mCallindraHoweandIcanproveit.IcanalsoprovethatIdidn’tkillmyfather.”
Thenewsdirector’sbushygraybrowsroseandheleanedforward,elbowbracedagainsthisdesk.Hisjawlookedlikeitmighthitthereaswell.“You…You’re…Wow.Okay,I’mlistening.”
Quiteintently,too.Seanwatchedtheman’sreactionwithsatisfaction.
Flashingtheoldermanawinningsmile,Calliedugintoherbackpackandpulledouthermother’sFabergéegg.
***
LESSthantenminuteslater,Callieshooedawaythehairandmakeupartisthoveringaroundher.Predictably,thenetworkhadgobbledupherstory.Coachmanstaredatherlikeshewasacrossbetweenaghostandamegacelebrity.Thelocalmorningnewsanchortrembledandfumbledwithhispapers.Hisslightlyterrifiedexpressionhintedthathemightpeehispants.
Shesharedhisnerves.Thenexttenminuteswoulddetermineifshecouldbeherselfagainandfinallystartliving.Ifeverythingwentwellduringthisinterview,she’dgettosharehertomorrowswithawonderfulmansheloved.Astheydidalast-minutecameracheck,CalliesmiledatSean.Hegaveheranencouragingnod.ThorpestoodbesideSean,lookingbothstonyandproud.
Damnitall,shewasgoingtomisshim.
“Ms.Howe,canIgetyouanything?”Coachman’sassistantasked,staring.“Coffee?Tea?Water?”
“No,thankyou.”
“Soyou’vebeenontherunforalmosttenyears,”theanchorsaid.“Whatwasthatlike?”
Terrible.Scary.Frustrating.Butinanoddway,ablessing.Shewouldneverhavegrownthismuchspineormetthesetwowonderfulmenotherwise.“Assoonaswegoonair,I’lltellyou.”
Thestationreturnedfromcommercial,andthenetworkanchorinNewYorkhadbeenpatchedthrough,justwaitingforthemtogolivewiththebreakingstory.Calliedrewinadeepbreathastheyfinishedthelastoftheaudiochecks.Finally,thedirectorcuedthemonair.
Andthequestionsbeganfromthenationalanchor.Sherecountedbeingshotat,thenbetrayedbyHolden,skippingtowns,findingasafehaveninDallaswithThorpe,thenrunningfromAgentMackenzie,onlyforthetwoofthemtofindheragainandhelpherdiscovertheevidencesheneededtogopublic.
“Iowethemmylife,”shesaidsoftly.“Ishareaveryspecialbondwiththemboth.”
Leteveryonereadbetweenthelines.They’ddigandfindoutthatshe’dlivedinafetclubandfallenforitsDungeonMaster.They’dprobablyevenuncoverthatsheworeSean’scollar.Hell,shewaswearingitnow.Fingeringitwithafaintsmile,shedidn’tcarewhatanyoneelsethought.They’djudge,regardlessofwhatshesaidordid.Butsheknewwhatwasinherheart.Themostimportantthingwasexposingwhatthemonstershaddonetoherfamilyandclearinghernamefromanythingcriminal.Lasttimeshechecked,beinginlovewithtwomenwasn’tacrime.
“Iwouldn’tbestandingherewithoutthetwoofthem,”sheelaborated.“I’llalwaysbegrateful.”
Finally,theycutaway.Thenewsdirectorwasjumpingupanddownthateverynetworkinthecountryhadjustpickeduptheinterview,alongwithafewoverseas.Themorninganchorsat,blinkinginastonishmentatherstory.Nowthatshe’drecountedeverything,Calliecouldn’tbelievethatshehadactuallylivedthroughitall.
Itwasover.ThesecretJamesWhitneyandhismercenarybrethrenhadfoughttokeepwasout,alongwiththenewsthatherfatherhadburnedalltheresearchthecriminalshadsought.Hopefully,whenthemediacircusdieddown,shecouldfinallybeherselfandlive.
Coachmanapproachedher,stillpracticallydancingajig.“ThenetworkwantstoflyyououttoNewYorktocontinuetheinterviewtherewithMattLauertomorrowand—”
Thorpecutthenewsdirectoroffwithanintimidatingstare.Coachmansteppedback.
Afterworkinghiswaydirectlyinfrontofher,Thorpecuppedhercheek,thosegrayeyesofhisfocusedonherwithsuchapproval.
“You’rearemarkablystrongwoman.Youhandledthatperfectly.I’msoproudofyou,pet.”
Hiswordswarmedher.Buthisvoicerangsuspiciouslywithfarewell.
“Mitchell—”
Seanappearedbesidehernext,thendrewhertightagainsthischest.“Youansweredeveryquestionwithsuchgraceandpoise,lovely.Brilliantplan.You’resafetobeCallindraHoweagain.”Thenhewhisperedinherear.“Butyou’llalwaysbemyCallie.”
Whenshelookeduptosmileathim,shenoticedthatThorpenolongeroccupiedtheroom.Shesearchedeverycornerwithherfranticgaze.Hewasgone.
Beforeshecoulddomorethanopenhermouthindisbeliefandfeelthetearsprickhereyes,Coachmancutinagain.“Ms.Howe,NewYork?Thenetworkneedstomakearrangements.Whattimewouldyouliketoflyouttoday?”
“Um,sir,”Coachman’sassistantpoppedherheadintothestudio,lookingsomewherebetweenapologeticandworried.“TheFBIisheretotakeMs.Howeinforquestioning.”ChapterTwenty-one
THORPEstaredoutthewindowoverlookingDominion’sdungeonattheFridaynightcrowddivingintotheirplaywithgusto.Withacriticaleye,hesurveyedthestations,thedungeonmonitorsmakingtherounds,themoodonthefloor.
Satisfiedeverythingwaswellundercontrol,helockeduphisobservationroomandheadeddownstairsintothesecureareaofthebuilding.Withasilentsigh,hereturnedtohisapartmentinthebackandflippedontheTV,grabbingafreshbottleofwater.Heshouldprobablyremovehissuit,takeashower,andtrytogetsomesleep.
Everytimeheclosedhiseyes,allhesawwasCallie’sface,hersparklingeyes,herlushmouth.Her“Iloveyous”echoedinhishead.
Exhaustionweighedonhim.He’dtriedtoresumeanormallifesincereturningtoDominion.Butthelumpinhisthroatwhenhethoughtofherneverquitewentaway.Hiseyesconstantlystung.Forthelastthreeweeks,he’dbeenwrackedwithavaguebutconstantpainthatdebilitatedhiswholebody.
Notsurprisingwhenhefeltasifhalfofhimselfwasmissing.
Thorpetookasipofwaterandtriedtoforcetheliquiddowntodrowntheache.Thatdidn’twork.Thatpersistenttightnessinhischestconstrictedevenmore.Whythefuckcouldn’thetakeadeepbreath?
Easingdownintoanoverstuffedchair,hecueduphisDVR.Amountainofnewsprogramstookupallthespaceonthedevice.Hechosethemostrecentshow,onehe’dtapedyesterday.Theonethattorquedhispainthemost.Thorpehadneverconsideredhimselfamasochist,butapparentlyhe’dbeenwrong.He’dalreadywatchedthisshowhalfadozentimes.
ThehostintroducedhimselfandvomitedatthemouthaboutabunchofpoliticalshitThorpecouldn’tcarelessabout.Hehadseveralwindbagguestshecalledpundits,eachlesssignificantthanthelast.Theyshoutedatoneanother,fullofself-importance.Thorpestifledhisimpatienceashefast-forwardedpastitallandfinallyarrivedatthesegmenthesought.
“Mynextguestisalloverthenews.Herstoryofsurvivalandvindicationisthetalkofthenetworks,watercoolers,andTwitterverse.She’sgracingthecoverofnextweek’sPeoplewithherincredibletale.AndI’msurethat’sjustthebeginningforthebeautifulCallindraHowe.Welcome.”
Thecamerapannedovertoher.Thorpehadn’tthoughtitpossible,butshelookedevenmorebeautifulthanheremembered.Hereyesweremagneticallyblue.Herhairhungintouchable,inkywaves.Herredlipscurledupinagracioussmile.Shealmostlookedhappy.Someonewhodidn’tknowherwouldbelievethatshewas.ButThorpeunderstoodhertoowellnottoseethesadnessthathauntedhereyes.
Fuck,hischesttightenedagain.Hedrankmorewater,butthefeelingjustwouldn’tgoaway.
“Thankyouforhavingmeontheshow.”Callie’ssmilewidenedasshepoisedherselfforthefirstquestion.
“Thelastfewweekshavebeeninsaneforyou.”
“That’sanunderstatement.”Shelaughedsoftly.“It’sbeenawhirlwind,butI’msatisfiednowthatmostofthesagaisfinallyover.”
“Indeed.”Thegeezer,whowasareputedletch,pattedherhand,andThorpewantedtoreachthroughtheTVandriphisnutsoff.“Let’stakealook.”
Footagerolled,showingamontageoftheevents—themurders,heryearsontherun.Next,thevoiceovermentionedhertimeatDominion.ThiswasexactlywhyeverytimeThorpeleftthebuilding,hehadtowadethroughasmallseaofreporters.He’dcalledthepolicemorethanoncetogetthemoffhispropertybecausetheywereblockingmembersfromenteringtheclub’sdoor.Idiots
ThentheclipwentontodiscusshimandSean,creditingthemwithsavingherfrom“dangerousmercenaries”theFBIwasstilltryingtoidentify.Finally,theyplayedasnippetofherfirstinterviewinLasVegas.Callielookedtiredandpale,butsomehowglorious.No,complete.Shedidn’tlooklikethatnow.
Thathadtobeanillusion.Orwishfulthinkingonhispart.ShestillworeSean’scollarbecauseshelovedhim.Thefedwouldalwaysgivehereverythingsheneededandmore.
Intime,Thorpeknewhe’dbeanafterthought.Ifhewasn’talready.
“Wow,that’sanamazingdecade,”thehostsaid.“You’vesurvivedagreatdeal.TheFBIisstillseekingthepeoplewhowantedyoudead.Anyupdate?”
“No,butI’msurethey’rehardatwork.”
“What’sitliketohavesomanypeoplebelieveforyearsthatyoukilledyourfamily?”
Callieseemedtocollectherwords.“Crushing.Ilovedmyfamily.Iwaspreparedtoleavethematsixteen,butIneveranticipatednotseeingthemagain.Tohavethemgonesosuddenlyandviolently,thenhearthatthepolice—alongwithpublicopinion—consideredmeasuspectwasdevastating.Ihadalotofyearswhenitfeltlikemeagainsttheworld,butI’mhappythatchapterofmylifeisover.”
“Andnowyou’vebeencompletelyexonerated?”
“Thankfully,yes.”
“Iheardthere’sabookdealintheworks.AndaTVmovie.Whatcanyoutellus?”
“Nothingisfinalyet.We’llseeifitworksout.Inthemeantime,I’vebeenbusycleaningoutmychildhoodhome,decidingifIwanttosellit.I’malsogettingmyaffairsinorderandmovingonwithmylife.”
“It’srumoredyou’regivingseveralmilliondollarsofthefortuneyou’veinheritedtocharity,”thehostsaid.
“Iam.I’veactuallystartedtheCeciliaHoweFoundationforCancerResearch.Alltestsandexperimentswillbeconductedaccordingtothehigheststandards.Nogenetictrialswilleverbeperformed.Thefoundationwillbededicatedtocuringcancerthataffectswomen,especiallyovariancancer.”
“Whichyourmotherdiedof?”
“Yes.”
“You’realsocontinuingyourfather’sscholarshipandchangingitsnametotheDanielA.HoweFund?”
Shesmiled.“ThebrightestyoungmindsinAmericanbusinessshouldhavethemeanstoattendcollege.It’ssomethingmyfatherwaspassionateabout.Iwillalwaysmournhisloss,andthatofmysister,butIfeelthisisagoodwaytohonorhimandcontinuehislegacy.”
“You’vealsodonatedyourmother’sImperialFabergéeggtotheSmithsonian.”
“It’sfitting.Shelovedtolookatit.Iknowshe’dbeproudtohaveitseenbymillionsofenthralledpeopleeveryyear.”
“RumorhasyouromanticallylinkedwithAgentMackenzie.Anycomment?”
Sheblushed,unconsciouslyfingeringtheprettybitofblingaroundherneck.“He’sawonderfulman,andI’mverylucky.”
“He’llbejoiningusshortly,andwe’llgethissideofthestory.ButMitchellThorpeisanenigma.He’sdeclinedallinterviewsandseeminglyisn’tinterestedinthespotlight.”
Thefondnessshininginhereyeswasapparent.Thatall-overmysterypainpunchedhimagain.“He’saveryprivatemanwithaverybigheart.”
Thorpe’spectoralsfeltsodamntaut.Hisheartstuttered.Hestruggledtobreathe…buthefearedhowmuchitwouldhurtifhedid.
“HaveyouspokentohimsinceyouleftLasVegas?”thehostasked.
Hersmilefaltered.“No,butheknowshowgratefulIamtohimforalltheyearsofprotectionandcarehegaveme.IlovehimandIalwayswill.”
Hegrippedthearmofhischairuntilhisknucklesturnedwhite.Hischestseizedup,constrictingagain.Thorpewonderedifhewashavingaheartattack.
Motherfuckingsonofabitch.
Hestoppedplayingtheshow,shutofftheTV,andtossedtheremoteontothenearbytable.Heglancedlonginglyatabottleofscotchinthecorner,thenlookedaway.He’dgottencompletelyshitfacedhisfirstnightbackatDominion.Everythinghe’dbeenavoidingbeforethefirstsipwasstilltherethefollowingmorning,alongwithadevilofahangover.
He’dwalkedawayfromCallieandheknewthereasonswhy.Butdamnit,whenshesaidshelovedhimforalltheworldtohear…Howmuchmoreproofdidheneedthatshewasn’tlikeNara?OrMelissa?Andhisfatherhadbeensofuckingwrong.Pervertswerecapableofmorethansex.HeknewitnowbecausehelovedCalliemorethanlife.Howcouldhebeworthyofherifhedidn’ttry?He’dlefthertoavoidthepainoflosingher,butitalreadyhurtsobadhecouldbarelybreathewithoutaching.
Thorpedraggedinalungfulofair,andyes,thereitwas.Theagonyhe’dbeendodging,crushinghimdownliketheweightofasteamroller.Everyjointachedworse.Everymuscletwingedinpain.Hefeltatleastahundredfuckingyearsold.Andhollowontheinside.Hemissedhersomuch.
Gulpingwaternow,tryingtowashawaythethoughts,hewonderedifhe’deverfeellikesmilingagain.Orevenlikesimplybreathing.Hedidn’texpectloveorhappiness.He’dgivenanyhopeofthataway.
Fuck,thatscotchreallylookedgood.
Asharprapsoundedonthedoor,andheclamberedtohisfeet.“Whothehellisit?”
“Axel.”
Whichmeanttherewasaproblemonthefloor.Hecursed.Butwouldn’tsolvingsomeoneelse’sproblemtakehismindoffhisown?He’doperatedthatwayfortwentyyears.Andmaybe,ifhewasreallylucky,he’dgettohelpAxelcracksomeskulls.
Aggressionsoundedniceaboutnow.
Thorpeyankedthedooropen.Axelplowedin—alongwithahostofotherfamiliarfaces.LoganandHunterEdgington,XanderandJavierSantiago,TylerMurphy,DekeTrenton,andhisbusinesspartner,theinfamousJackCole.
Heknewexactlywhythey’dcome.Anditpissedhimoff.
“Istheresomeall-malegangbangIhaven’theardabout?Youboyswillhavetoplaywithoutme.I’mnotinterested.”
Loganlookedinsulted.“Wearenotheretofuckyourass,dude.”
“Justyourmind,”Jackquipped.
Self-controlledsonofabitch.Jackwashappilymarriedwithayoungson.Whatdidheunderstandaboutthissituation?Anyofthem,really?Theywereallsettled.Well,exceptAxel,andthatguyhadlayersofshit,sohisheadofsecuritybetternotbeupinhisgrill.
“Stillnotinterested.”Thorpeopenedthedoorwiderandgesturedthemallbackintothehall.
Tylerscoffed.“Nicetry.Avoidancedidn’thelpmewhenIwantedtowormoutoftheinterventionthewivesallsprungonmebeforeDelaney.Damniftheyweren’tright,too.SoIthinkyoushouldshutthefuckupandlisten.”
“Yeah,”Dekepipedin.“MycousinLuchadtogivemesometoughlovebeforeIwassmartenoughtogetovermyselfandmarryKimber.It’savaluablementalasskickingeveryguyshouldhave.Goodtimes…”Helookeddownthehallandfrowned.“Speakofthedevil.”
DekesteppedasideforLucTraversontoenter,whoheldaplatethatonanyotherdaywouldlookandsmelldivine.SincereturningtoDominion,everythinghadtastedlikedogshit.
“Thankyou,butI’mnothungry,”Thorpesaidpolitely.
Asifhehadn’tspoken,LucshovedtheplateinhishandsandshutthedoortoThorpe’slivingquartersbehindhim.“Ihunteddownwhatpassesforakitchenhereandreheatedaveritablemasterpiecejustforyou.Axelsaidyouhaven’teatenawholemealsinceyoureturned.”
Theplatterunderhisnoseheldsomesortofvealdishwitharedwinesauce,roastedsweetpotatoes,andglazedcarrots.Inarestaurant,thisdishwouldbeatleastfiftybucks,probablymorebecauseTraversonmadeit.
Thorpe’sstomachrevolted.“I’vealreadyeaten.”
“Ihateitwhenpeoplelie.”Huntersteppedupandtooktheplate,carryingittoThorpe’slittlebistrotableinthecorner.“Sitdownandeat.”
TheolderEdgingtonbrothermayhavebeenaSEAL,butThorpedidn’tneedforanyonetoDomtheDom.“IbelieveI’vespoken.Youdon’tcomeintomyhouseandtellmewhattodo.”
Logangavehimashovetowardhisbrotherandtheplate.“Wewillforyourowngoodbecausewe’veallbeenthere.Don’tbeapussy.YousaidalotofthingsIneededtohearbeforeIwonTaraback.Nowyou’regoingtolisten.”
Xanderstoodbesidehimwithhisarmscrossedoverhischest,hischarcoalsuitperfectlypressed.Javierhadchosensomethingnavy,buttheposewasadeadringerforhisyoungerbrother’s.Theybothlookedgravelyserious.
“I’llhavetoechoLogan,”Xandersaid.“Manup.Listeningwon’thurt.Much.”
“Idon’tneedadvice.Thankyoufortheeffort.”Thorpegrittedhisteeth.“I’mfine.”
“Youcandishoutthegoodadvicebutyoucan’ttakeit?”Javierchallengedwithalookthattriedtoshamehim.
Thorpesnapped.
“Idon’tneedadviceaboutanything.I’mgoddamnfine!I’mbetterthanfuckingfine.Neverbeenhappier.Leavemethehellalone!”
Themomenthelostcontrol,hewantedtokickhisownass.Hehadtogethisshitunderwrapsorhe’dgiveintothatnaggingurgehe’dbeenfightingtocallSeanandaskiftherewasanywayhecouldtakebackeveryfuckingwordofgood-byeandjointhem.Calliedeservedbetterthanhim.
Thorpedrewinashudderingbreath,forcingalidbackontohistemper.
Tylershovedhiminthechair.“WhatabunchofBS.Fuckingeatsomething.”
Hunterheldhimdownandshovedaforkinhishand.“AsIsaid,Idon’tlikeliars.You’reinlovewithCallie.”
“SheisSeanMackenzie’scollaredsubmissive.”Thorpepressedhislipstightlytogether.Andhewasjustwaitingforthedayheheardabouttheirengagement.Itwascoming,heknew.
“Areyoutryingtobullshitmethatyou’renotinlovewithher?”Loganscoffed.
“I’msimplystatingthatshenolongerliveshereandisnolongeravailable.”Hedidn’tadmitthatitwaskillinghim.Theydidn’tneedmoreammunitionwhentheywerealreadysoclosetothebull’s-eye.
“Don’tgivemethatfa?adelikeeverythingisfineexceptforthestickupyourassandtheaxinyourheart,”Axelcomplained.“You’resoheavythesedays,you’relikeablackhole,suckingthelifeoutofyourselfandeveryonearoundyou.I’veseenyouturndownnolessthanadozensubsyou’veplayedwithinthepast.Ifyou’renotgoingtodosomethingaboutthefactthatyouloveCallie,atleastgetlaid.Denahasbeenaskingaboutyou.Icancallhertocomereleasesomeofthepressureinyourvalve,man.”
Thethoughtoftouchinganyofthewomenwhohadcometohimandkneltandofferedthemselves…Thorpehadn’tthoughtitwaspossible,butthefoodsmelledevenworse.Hisstomachturnedover.Hepushedtheplateawayandstood.
“Callielovesyou,”Lucsaid.“She’sstatedthatonTVrepeatedly.Ifthere’sanyonewhoknowswhatit’sliketobeindenialabouthisfeelings,it’sme.I’mluckyAlyssawantedmeenoughtoputupwithmyshit.YouwanttolookuptomorrowandfindthatCalliehasmovedon?”
Shealreadyhad.Howdidthesestupidfuckersnotseeit?“Ifyoulookinherroom,you’llfindshe’snotthere.YouwillfindherwithSeanMackenzie,whereI’msurehe’smakingherveryhappy,whichiswhatshedeserves,sogetoffmyfuckingback!”
Thorpewinced.Therehewent,losingcontrolagain.Sonofabitch,heneededtogethimselfwireduptightenoughtogetthemoutofhere.Thenmaybehecouldgatherthepiecesofhimselfandmoveon.Heheldinasnort.Likethat’sgoingtohappen.
“Here’sthedeal,”Jackbegan,pacinguptohimwithaswaggerthatputThorpeonedge.“Tellmeyoudon’tlovethisgirl.Makemebelieveit,andwe’llgo.”
Fourwords.Allhehadtodowassay“Idon’tloveher,”andthisgoddamntorturewouldbeover.Itshouldbesimple.Openhismouth,letshitcomeout,endthepain.
Thorpequicklyrealizedthatifhecouldn’tadmitoutloudthathelovedCallie,healsocouldn’tsaythathedidn’tloveher.Itwasabetrayalofeverythinghefelt,andherefusedtodoit.
Loganwasright.Whenhadhebecomeapussy?Thesementoldtheirwivesthattheylovedthemeverysingleday.Theywerestillstandingandwhole.Blissfullyfuckinghappyeven.IfallhehadtodotoholdCallieagainwastellherthathelovedher,wouldthatreallybesohard?Iflovebetteredaman,whycouldn’tithealhimenoughtomakehimgoodforher?
Hesatagainandhunghishead,feelingashudderworkupinhischest,thelumptighteninhisthroat.ButnowwasthelightestithadfeltsinceleavingVegas…andCallie.“IloveherandIsentheraway.”
“Doyouregretit?”Dekeasked.
“I’mtoooldforher.I’mtooroughforher.I’mtoo…”Bottledupforher
“Shedoesn’tseeitthatway,I’mguessing,”Logansaid.
“Andthatisn’twhatDekeasked,”Hunterreminded.“Doyouregretit?”
“Yes.”Hescrubbedahandthroughhishair.Itwastoolong,buthejusthadn’tfoundtheenergytohaveitcut.Ortogiveashitaboutit.“Iregretteditinstantly.”
Thedoortohisapartmentopenedagain.“That’sallyouhadtosay.”
Thorpewhippedhisheadaroundatthatfamiliarvoice.SeanMackenziestoodintheentry,thenclosedthedoorbehindhimwithasoftsnick.
Staggeringtohisfeet,Thorpeapproachedthemanonautopilot.HisreliefinseeingSeanwassostrong,itfeltphysical.Suddenly,hedidn’thaveanelephantsittingonhischest.
Instead,hehadsomethingfarmoredangerous:hope.
Itoccurredtohimthatwhenhe’dsaidgood-byetoCallie,hehadn’tjustlostthewomanheloved,he’dalsolostapartner…afriend.He’dcometolikeSean.Relyonhim.
Heswallowed.“Whatbringsyouhere?”
“Callie,ofcourse.”Helookedaroundtheroomattheothermen.“Canyougiveusaminute,guys?”
Mostnodded.Dekelookeddisappointed.
Tylersighednoisily.“IthoughtIwasgoingtogettokicksomeass.”
Buthegrinnedunderthatput-outexpression.
Lucslappedhimontheback.“Youreallyareanasshole.”
“Isthatsupposedtobenews?”Tylersnappedback.
Collectivemalelaughterfilledtheairasmostoftheguysfiledout.
Loganhungback.“Listen,Iowedyouforhelpingmestraightenmyshitout.Thiswasmywayofrepayingyou.Someday,you’llthankme,andwe’llbeeven.NowworkitoutwithSean,tellCalliehowyoufeel,andfuckingbehappy.Iwantaninvitationtothewedding.”
Withawink,Loganshutthedoor.
ThesilencesuffocatedThorpe.Hispalmsbegantosweat.Amillionwordscrowdedhisbrain.Hedidn’tknowwhichoneofthemtospeakfirst.
Swallowing,hesatatthebistrotable,pickingatLuc’splateandtookabite.Hehopedthatlookingbusywouldcutthroughtheawkwardness,butno.Hestillwasn’tsurewhattosay.Anddamn,thatvealwasreallygood.
“Howareyounothorrificallypissedoffatme?”Thorpeblurted.
Seantriednottolaugh,butitstillslippedout.“Who’stosayI’mnot?”Thenhesobered.“ButCallietoldmeaboutyourpast.Ican’timaginehowdevastatingthatwas.Abetrayalateverylevel.Butyouknowitwasalongtimeago,right?”
“Yes,”heagreedquickly.
“AndyouknowCallieisnothinglikethewomanwhotookadvantageofyouasakid.”
“Absolutely.It’sme.Ijustclosedmyselfoffandrefusedtocareaboutanyonemuch.I’vebeenamiserablesonofabitch.”Thorpedrewinashudderingbreath.“Ijustdidn’tknowhowmuchuntilher.Inovertwentyyears,I’venevertoldasinglepersonthatIlovethem.”
Ithadalwaysterrifiedhim,thefearofhavinghisheartcrushedagain.Calliewouldn’thurthimonpurpose;heknewthatinhishead.Buthetrulylovedherinawaytheboyhe’doncebeen,blindwithadolescentlust,couldn’tpossiblycomprehend.Inawayhisownfatherhadneverbeencapableof.Thiswassomuchdeeper.Asvitalasbreathing.
Itgavehersomuchpowertohurthim.
Sonowhe’dcometoaforkintheroad.Heknewthatsafetycamewithloneliness,sharpernowbecauseheknewexactlyhowpreciousthewomanhe’dlostwastohim.Calliehadawakenedsomethingthatjustwouldn’trestagain:hisheart.Butlovingwithoutriskwasimpossible.
Hehadtomakeachoice.
“Ican’tpromiseyouthatlifewillalwaysbesimple,”Seansaid.“We’rethreeverydifferentpeopletryingtomakesomethingunconventionallast.ButIthinkwe’vegotafewthingsinourfavor.Ourdifferencesareourstrengths.IfyouandIwerethesame,shewouldn’tneedusboth.Woulditbeeasieronmyegoifshedidn’tloveyou?Yeah.I’msureyoufeelthesame.”
Seanwasabsolutelyright.ButthishadstoppedbeingaboutThorpe’segoandstartedbeingabouthisheart.AndaboutCallie’s.Clearly,Seanfeltthesameorhewouldn’tbehere.
“You’reright,”Thorpesaid.
“We’vealreadybeenthroughsomereallyhardtimes.Aslongaswestoodtogether,itmadeusstronger.Noreasontothinkwecouldn’tgrowwithtime.”
“Idon’tthinkIknowhowtolove.”ThatrealizationmadeThorpefeelinadequate—somethingbothdeeplyunfamiliaranduncomfortable.
“I’mnotanexpert,either.”Seanshrugged.“I’veneverreallytrieduntilCallie.ButIthinkyou’vebeenlovingherforthelastfouryears.Maybeitdoesn’tlooklikearelationshipinamovie,butIdon’tthinkithasto.Itjusthastobehonestandmakeusallhappy.”
Thorpegrunted,buthecouldn’tlookSeanintheeye.“Youmakelovesoundeasy.”
“Maybeyou’reovercomplicatingit.Putherfirst.Behonest.Don’tletfearstopyoufromgettingwhatyouwant.”
Seanwasright.Sosimplyrightthathejuststared.He’dbeenlettingfearstophimforfartoolong.
“Idon’tdeserveanotherchance,butIwantone,”Thorpemurmured,thenfinallymettheotherman’sgaze.“Ifyou’llgiveittome.”
“Canyoutellherthatyouloveher?Lookherrightintheeyeandswearshe’sthemostimportantwomanintheworldtoyou?”
Thorpeclosedhiseyesandfocusedoneveryemotionhe’dbeentryingtodambehindawallofnumbness.Hepicturedreleasingitandjustfeelingwhatevercame.Anditdid.God,itwasamassivefloodofbiblicalproportions—awavebittersweet,poignant,andpainful.Itrobbedhisbreath.Hegasped.Thenreliefcame.
Andhewasfinallyabletotakeadeepbreathwithoutagonyforthefirsttimeinweeks.
Hewasn’tgoingtobethepussyLoganaccusedhimofbeinganylonger.AndherefusedtoallowNara’sindifferenceorhisfather’scontempttobreakhim.Hewasgoingtoembracelifeandlove.Hewasgoingtosettledown,growoldwithCallie,beagoodfriendandpartnertoSean,andenjoyeverymomenttheyhadtogether.
“Idon’tthinkIcouldstopmyself,”headmitted.
Seansmiled.“Good.Therestisuptoher.”
“Yeah.”Hesuckedinabreath.“Thankyou.You’vealwaysbeenthebiggermanwhenitcametoCallie.Ifshe’llhaveme,I’llatleastmeetyouhalfwayfromnowon.That’sapromise.”
Seanheldouthishand.“I’llholdyoutoit.”
Thorpeshookit,thenbroughtthemaninforabrotherlyhug.Hestillhadsomanythoughtspouringthroughhisheadthathecouldn’tprocessthemall,butasSeanslappedhisback,hefeltcertainthiswasright.
Finally,theybackedaway,andThorpehadtoworktokeepittogether.Anotherstiffbreath,alongpause,thenhewasfinallyabletocarryon.“What’snext?”
“Letmecatchyouuponafewthings.We’veintentionallykeptCallieinthespotlightsothemercenarieswhotriedtokillherwillshyawayfromfinishingthejob.Wecan’tsayitontheair,andit’sclassifiedsodon’tmakemeshootyou,buttheFBIisrunningdowntheidentitiesofthoseassholes.JamesWhitneyispartofahomegrownseparatistgroup,runbyex-militarymalcontents,callingthemselvesLOSS,ortheLeagueofSecessionistSoldiers.We’retryingtofigureoutwho’sfundingthem.TheNSAisgettinginvolved.Itseemsthey’vebeenworkingthiscasefromanotherangle.ButWhitneyandsomeofhiscounterpartshaveslippedintoMexico.They’llbecaught;it’sjustamatteroftime.ThemostimportantthingnowisthatCallienolongerappearstobeatarget.”
“That’sgoodnews.Ithinkwe’dbewisetoremaincautious.”
“Absolutely,”Seanconfirmed.“Thebureauhaskeptmeonthecase,soI’muponthelatest.IalsohavesomeanswerstothequestionsIdidn’thavewhentheyfirstsentmetowatchoverher.Accordingtomyboss,thebureauknewaboutAslanov’sgeneticresearchandknewthelaterfindingshaddisappeared.Eventually,theyfiguredoutthatDanielHoweprobablyhadthem,butbeforetheycouldreachhim,LOSSdid.ThoughtheChicagoPDbotchedthingsbylabelingherasuspectearlyon,everyoneintheloopherehopedCalliehadimportantinformation,evenifitwassomethingsheknewunconsciously.Thesegeneticexperimentsarestillgoingon,andUncleSamisn’texcitedabouttheideaofanarmyofsuperiorsoldiersunderthecontrolofpeoplewhowanttooverthrowourgovernment.Hence,allthesecrecy.SinceCalliehadprovenridiculouslyslipperyovertheyearstobringin,theysentmetoher,hopingIcouldfindoutwhatsheknewbeforesheranagain.Ofcourse,thebureauwishesCalliewouldhavekeptsomeofthedetailsinherfather’snotestoherself,andifmybosshadgivenmemoreinformationaboutmymission,Imighthavebeenabletofacilitatethat,butmissionaccomplished.Everyoneishappy.”
Well,almost.Thorpenodded.“Allthedouchebagswho’vechasedherovertheyears,whosentthem?”
“Thebureauisdisavowingknowledgeofanybountyhunters,butpersonallyIthinkthey’refullofshit.ItmighthavebeentheNSAorsomeotherplayerofUncleSam’swhohasn’tshownhiscardsyet.Whoknows?Eitherway,nowthatthesecretabouttheresearchandDanielHowe’smurderisout,Callieknowsnothingelseofvaluetomakeanyonewanttokillher.I’mguessingtheassassinsweresentbyLOSS.We’restillrunningthatdown.”Seanshrugged.“There’snotmuchelseonthatfront.”
“Well,then,weshouldtalkaboutCallie.I’mmakingahugeassumptionthatshe’llactuallyhavemeback.”Thorpeheldhisbreath.
Ifshewouldn’t,hehadnoonetoblamebuthimself.
“Ican’tspeakforher,butIcansaythatshehasn’tbeenthesamewithoutyou.”
“Duringherlastinterview,shelooked…Idon’tknow,sad.Notquitecomplete.”
Seannodded.“Shewasdeterminednottobotheryouifyoudidn’twanther,nomatterhowmuchitwashurtingher.”
Thorpegruntedhisdisbelief.“Iwishshehad‘bothered’me.ThisisprobablytheonlytimeI’lleverbetemptedtoturnherovermykneeforfollowingmydirections.”
“She’dlikethat.”Seangrinned.
“Iwould,too.”Afterhekissedher,heldhertight,toldherthathelovedherandwouldneverlethergo.“Thisisn’taflingforme.It’stherestofmylife.”
“Itbetterbe.”
“But…youknowI’mgettingold.Callieisstillsoyoung.”
“What,areyouOldYellernow?YouthinkIshouldtakeyououtbackandshootyou?Stop.It’sgoingtoworkoutifyouletit.Don’tthinkaboutanythingexceptthatweloveherandshelovesus.”
“You’redamnsmart,Mackenzie.”Thorpeshookhisheadwryly.
“I’llremindyouofthatnexttimeyouthinkaboutcallingmeadumbass.”
Despitethemomentbeingcloakedwithlaughter,ThorpeknewthatheandSeanhadforgedafriendshipwithrespect.
“Whereisshe?”Thorpeasked.“Iwanttoseeher.”Desperately.Rightnow.
“Athome.Ididn’twanttobringherhereorgetherhopesupunlessIknewthat…”
“I’dpulledmyheadoutofmyass?”
“Somethinglikethat,”Seanadmitted.“Fornow,we’verentedaquietlittlehousenearHighlandPark.She’stherenow,probablyinbedreading.Shelikesthat.”
“Shealwayshas.”Thorpesmiledfondly.Thenworrysetin.“Wheredoesshethinkyouare?”
“Work.IrushedoutthedoorafterIgotafewcalls.”
“FromAxel?”
“ThefirstonecamefromLogantoaskifI’dcome.Axelrangnextwithdetails.Luccalledtoaskwhatyouliketoeat.Jackcalledtoaskmeaseriesofquestionsthattoldmehe’sascary-smartbastard.Youhavesomeinterestingfriends.”
Thorpesmiled.Hedid.He’dhavetothankthem,too.Eatingcrowwouldsuck,butthey’dbeenright.
NowthathewasdeterminedtobewithCallie,avitalquestionstompedacrosshisbrain.“Ihavetoknow,haveyoualreadyputaringonherfinger?”
“No.It’sbeenawhirlwindforweeks,runningfromoneinterviewtothenext,dealingwithherestate,movingintoanewplace.We’refinallyhomeforafewdays,so…”Seanshrugged.
WhichmeantthatSeanintendedtopropose.
“Whatif…Imarriedher?”WhenSeanopenedhismouth,Thorpe’sstomachtightened.“Justhearmeout.”Hepacedforasilentmoment,thenturnedback.“You’vealreadycollaredher.That’ssacred.Iwouldnevertrytoimpedeonthatbond.Butsinceyou’vegotthatclaimonher,Ihavenootherwaytocallhermine.”
Seansaidnothingforaverylongminute.“Areyouthinkingofnotsharinginhersubmission?”
Theideawaslikeastabinthegut.HewouldtakeCalliehoweverhegother,buthewasaDominantthroughandthrough.NeverhavingherkneelorcallhimherSir,notreallyhavingtheauthoritytopunishorpraiseherexceptinthemostvanillaways…“Iwanthersubmissionmorethananything.”
“That’swhatIsuspected.Haveyoueverthoughtaboutclaimingherbefore?”
Seanwassounflinchinglyhonestandunafraid.Thorpeknewhehadtobethesame.“Alittlemorethantwoyearsago,beforeIknewwhoshereallywas,Iwasmadforher.Completelysmitten.Iboughtthis.”
Heturnedawaytohisbedroom,gesturingforSeantofollow.Insidehiscloset,heshovedclothesasidetorevealasafe.Afewturnsofthedialandhewasholdingablackvelvetbox.HehandedittoSean.“Openit.”
Thelidopenedinsoftsilence.Sean’seyesfelltothecontentsandwidened.“It’sbeautiful.Itsuitsher.”
“That’swhyIboughtit.Ihaveajewelerfriend,andwhenItoldherI’dbeenlookingfortherightsomethingforCallie,sheshowedthistome.Icouldn’tnotbuyit.”Hesighed.“IrealizedCallie’sidentitytwoweekslaterandtriedtotellmyselfitwasforthebest.”
“Whydidn’tyoureturnit?”
Thorpehadaskedhimselfthatquestionamilliontimes.“Icouldn’tbringmyselfto.Inmyhead,itwasmadeforher.”
“Ithadtohavecostyouafortune.”
Helaughed.“Itdid.Andatthetime,Ijustdidn’tcare.Shewaswortheverypenny.”
“Iunderstandcompletely.IfyouwanttoseeCallienow,bringthatwithyouandbepreparedtouseit.I’vegotanidea.”
***
CALLIElookedattheclockagain.Aftereleven.Shefrowned.IfSeanwasn’tassignedtoanothercase,whateverhappenedtonighthadtobeabouthers.Gawd,shehopedthatWhitneyandhiscronieshadn’tcutshorttheirMexicanvacationtocomebackandfinishmurderingherforthehellofit.
NotthatSeanhadleftherunprotected.Shemorethansuspectedthathe’dhiredbodyguardstowatchthehousedayandnight.Maybeitshouldbothertheindependentwomaninher,buthecaredabouthersafety.Soeventhoughshe’dlearnedtotakecareofherself,hisprecautionsmadeheralittlewarmandfuzzy.
Shefocusedonhere-readeragain,doingherbesttoloseherselfinacozymystery.ItwaseitherthatorwishSeanwashome.AndmissThorpesomemore.
Sighing,CallielookedoutthemassiveFrenchdoorsinthemasterbedroom,overtheexpansivebackyard.Dominionwasoutthere,onlytwelvepointtwomilesaway—she’dmappeditout—butthedistancemightaswellbeawholeuniverse.Thorpewasgone.Hewasn’toverhispastandhewasn’tcomingback.Calliewantedtobeangry,butshewasmostlysadashell.
HersavinggracehadbeenSean.Hislove,hisreassurance,hislaughterwereallbalmstoherpain.Despitetheirtravelandhecticschedulelately,henevermissedanopportunitytomakelovetoher.Histouch—frequentandadoring—alwaysmadeherfeellikethecenteroftheuniverse.Sometimes,shecouldn’thelpbutwonderifhewastryingtofillthegapleftbyThorpe’sabsence.Howdidshetellhimthathealreadyfilledhalfofhersoperfectlythatjustbeingnexttohimsometimesmadehercrybecauseshewassoblessed?Shedidn’texpecthimtofilltheotherhalfofherleftbleedingandemptywhenThorpehadgone.Herformerbossandprotectorcouldn’tfillSean’shalf,either.Neitherwasasubstitutefortheother.
Shesimplylovedthemboth.
Pointlessthoughts.Callietossedthee-readerdownandrose,hershortblacknightieswishingaroundherthighs.
Acrossthehouse,sheheardthesoundofthegaragedooropening,thechimeofthealarm,thedoorshutting,therattleofkeys,thesoundsoffootsteps.Shesmiled.
Seanappearedafewsecondslater,hisfaceunreadable.Hecrossedthefloordirectlytoher,tookherfaceinhishands,andpressedaraptkissonhermouth.Withamoan,shemeltedintohim.Nowhewouldtakeherinhisarmsandstripoffthescrapofsilkcoveringher.Hewouldshowherhisdevotionandshewouldgiveitback,openingherheartevenwidertohim.
Instead,hesteppedaway.“Kneelforme,lovely.”
Oh,hewasinthatmood.Theyhadn’tengagedinanyBDSMplaysincethehouseboat.Nowthatthepossibilitywasinfrontofher,sherealizedhowbadlyshe’dmissedit.Itchedforit.Neededtofeelasifshecouldputherselfinthehandsofthemansheloved,knowinghewouldpushhertoherlimits,yettrustinghimutterlynottobreakher.
“Yes,Sir.”Shefelltoherkneesathisfeet,bowedherhead,andwaitedbreathlessly.Herbodybegantobloomwithanticipation.
Withoutaword,hebenttoher.Sheheardalittleclick,andthewireofwhitegoldliftedfromaroundherneck.
Hehaduncollaredher?
CalliegaspedandlookedupatSeanwithhorror.“W-whathaveIdone?HowhaveInotmadeyouhappy?”
Seancrouchedinfrontofherandsmoothedahandagainsthercheek.Heheldherheartinhishands.Hewasbreakingherintwo,andyethelookedsoexcited.Ifhelefther…No!Herchestwasalreadysplittingopenatthethought.
“Youmakemeveryhappy.It’sadifferentclaimIwantonyounow.”Hepulledalittlevelvetboxfromhispants,andhercrushingpaintransformedintoastonishedjoy.“CallindraAlexisHowe,willyoumarryme?GodknowsI’velovedyoufromthebeginning,andIcan’timaginespendingmuchlongerwithoutmakingyoumywife.Pleasesayyes.”
Ashestoodandhelpedhertoherfeet,Callietearedup.Shethrewherselfintohisarms,grippinghimsotightly,overwhelmedwhenheheldherwiththesameintensity.Tearsfellsoswiftlyasherheartoverflowed.Shepulledbackand,throughherwaterygaze,staredintohiseyes.Shewantedhimtoknowhowmuchshemeantthis.
“Iloveyou.Idon’tknowifyou’lleverunderstandhowmuch,butI’lldomybesttoshowyoueveryday.Yes!”
Seanpulledherinandgrippedhercloseagain,andsheclungfordearlife,celebratingwhatwouldbenowthatthey’dbehusbandandwife,whatcouldbeoncetheystartedafamily.AndmourningwhatcouldneverbewithoutThorpe.
CalliedugherfingersintoSean.Shehadtostopthat.Thorpecouldnotbethespecterbetweenthem.He’dmadeitclearthathedidn’twanther,andshehadtoexorcisehim.She’dachedforfamily,belonging,andhappinesssinceherfatherandsisterhadbeenmurdered.Eventuallythepeopleresponsiblewouldgettheirjustice.Butshewouldn’tforfeittheloveshesharedwithSeannowandforevertopineforamanwhowouldn’tsharehisheart.
Gently,Seanpulledback,pepperingherfacewithsoft,sweetkisses.Thenheopenedthebox.Callieclappedahandoverherlips,overjoyedatthebeautyofthering—andthemoment.
Alovelyroundcenterstonewinkedupather,surroundedbyacircleofsmallerdiamonds.Thebandwascoveredinthesamedelicatestones.Itwasn’textravagant.Itwasn’tanythinglikethegiantrockherfatherhadgivenhermother—andshewasglad.WhatSeanhadgivenherwasabsolutelyperfectandwhatshewouldhavepickedherself.
Thepoignantbeautyoftheeventonlyfeltmorecompletewhenheslippedtheringonherfinger.
“I’mgoingtomakeyouhappy,”shewhispered,smilingthroughhertears.
“Iknow.I’lldoeverythingIcantomakeyouhappy,too,lovely.”Hestoleanothersoftkiss.“Ialwayswill.”
Sheknewthat.Herneckfeltnakedwithouthismarkofpossessionthere.Thatdidn’tmakeherhappyatall.“Icouldstillwearyourcollartoo,youknow.”
Heshookhishead.“It’snothowIwantedtomakeyoumine.Ifirstputitonyouunderfalsepretenses.Youfirstaccepteditforthewrongreasons.This”—hethumbedherengagementring—“isforus.Fortherightreasons.I’mgoingtocherishyoualways.Besides,somethingelseneedstogoaroundyourneck.”
Seancaressedhercheek,thenwalkedpasther,settlinghimselfinthebigclubchairinthecorner.Whatthehellwashetalkingabout?
“Pet?”
Thedeepvoicethathauntedhernowranginherhead.Shehadtobehallucinating.Butwhenshezippedaround,Callieknewshewasn’thearingthings.
“Thorpe?”Hestoodthere,fatiguedanddistinctlynervous,butascommandingaseverwithhisfeetspread,hishandsbehindhisback.Hisgrayeyespenetratedher,reachingallthewaytoherheartwithoneglance.
Heraisedabrowather.“Thataddresswilldofornow.Kneelforme.”
ShewhippedhergazeovertoSean,whodidn’tsayaword.Hemerelywatchedinsilence.
“Youbroughthimhere?”sheasked.
“We’vetalked.Heaskedtoseeyou,”herfiancésaid.
Toapologize?Tomakesomestupidamends?Forsex?SheturnedbacktoThorpe,blinkinginconfusion.
“You’renotkneelingyet,pet.”Hestaredexpectantlyatthefloor,thenbacktoher.Everythingabouthisdemeanorsaidthatheexpectedtobeobeyed.
“Ithinkyoushoulddoasheasks,lovely.”Seanworeafaintsmile.
TheirbyplayremindedherofLasVegas.Theywereonthesamepageofsomeagendashedidn’tquitegrasp.Butshe’dlovedtheresultsthen.Despitethedangersurroundingheratthetime,Calliehadneverbeenhappier.
Shesanktoherknees,theplushcarpetcushioningher.SheriskedaglanceupatThorpe’sface.Hisexpressionsoftened.
Hecaressedthecrownofherhead,andthetouchelectrifiedher,radiatingdownherspine.She’dneverimaginedthatshewouldeverseehimagain,muchlessbethisclose.ThetearsofjoythathadassailedherduringSean’sproposalreturned.HerfiancéwouldneverhavebroughtThorpehereifheintendedtobreakherheartagain.
Smiling,shebowedherhead.“Sir?”
“That’sclosertotheformofaddressI’dliketohear,Callie.ButIwantyoutocallmesomethingfarmoreimportant.”Hecradledherchininhishandandliftedittohim.“IwanttobeyourMaster.Idesireyoutobemyoneandonlypet.”
Hebroughthisotherhandinfrontofhisbody,grippinganoblongblackbox
Callieblinked.Hisfacewastemperedwithunmistakableaffectionanddevotion.Herheartskittered,thenbegantopound.
Wereallherdreamsreallycomingtrue?
“I’msureyouhavequestionsforme,”hemurmured.“Andyouhaveeveryrighttothem.LetmeseeifIcananswerthemforyou.”
“Please.”Shecouldbarelychokethewordoutpasttheemotionconstrictingherthroat.
“Iwasanassforleavingyou.Stupid.Logancalledmesomethinglesscomplimentary,andhewasright.I’veneverfeltsocompleteaswhenI’mwithyou.YoufulfillallmyDominantneedswhenyousubmit…andyou’rejustbrattyenoughtobeachallenge.Ican’tlivewithoutyouanymore.Pleasedon’tmakemetry.Ifyousayyes,Iwilltreatyoursubmissionwiththeutmostcare.Iwillpushyourlimitsandkeepyousafe,whilegivingyouthedisciplineyouneedandtheaffectionyoudeserve.Therewillneverbeanotherforme,andIwillneverleaveyouagain.Ihopeyou’llconsenttowearmycollarandcallmeMasterwithpride.”
Heopenedthebox,andCalliewasinforthesecondjoltofamazementforthenight.Nestledinvelvetlayaglitteringcollar.Athicklengthofplatinumwouldencircleherneck,unbreakable,symbolizingtheirbond.Theglimmeringmetalmetinthefrontandwouldbeheldtogetherbyonepetitelockoneachsideofamassivedanglingcenterstone.Thestunningaquamarinewasencircledwithpetitediamondsandwouldrestrightinthehollowofherthroat.
Callieraisedastonishedeyestohim.“Areyouserious?”
“Ithinkso.Heboughtitforyoutwoyearsagoandhasheldontoit,”Seansupplied.
“Itwasmadeforyou,pet.I’vealwayswantedyoutowearitforme.Willyouhaveme?”
“Willyoureallybeheretomorrow?”Thequestionsoundedasscaredasshefelt.Calliebitherlip.
“Everydayfortherestofmylife.”
Thorpesaideverythingright…exceptthosethreewordsthathadbeenintheirway.Still,weretheyimportant?Sheknewhelovedher.Wasn’tthecommitmentmoreimportantthantheplatitude?Yes,butshestillyearnedforhimtoholdherclose,lookintohereyes,andtellherwhatwasinhisheart.
“Isn’tthatwhatyouwanttohear,pet?”Thorpeprodded.
Itwasenoughfornow.Butshe’dalsojustcommittedherlifetoSean.He’dbroughtThorpehere,sosheimaginedherfiancéapproved,but…shelookedhiswayinquestion.
“ThorpeandIhavetalked,lovely.We’rereconciled.WebothfeltthisarrangementworksbestbecauseI’vealwayswantedtomarryyou.I’mmoretraditional.”Heshrugged.“Myringonyourfingermeanseverythingtome.Thepressalreadyhasuslinkedromantically.Thiswillsimplyseemlikethenaturalevolutionofourrelationshiptotheoutsideworld.Becauseitis.”
Hisringonherfingermeanttheworldtoher,andshewouldbeproudtobehiswife.
“AndI’vealwayswantedyoutobemysubmissive,”Thorpesaid,hisvoicethick.“I’vehadawife.Themarriagedidn’tgivemethatdeepbondoftrustandunderstandingI’vebeensearchingformywholelife.Ienteredintoitforthewrongreasons.Theunionwaseasilybroken,andIdidn’tmournitsloss.Whatwesharefeelsnothinglikethat.TheminuteIleftyou,thepainnearlycrushedme.I’venevercollaredasubmissiveofmyownto”—heturnedtoSeanwithanod—“‘cherish’istheperfectword.Thanksforthat.”
Seansmiledfaintly.“You’rewelcome.”
“Iwantyoutobethefirstandthelast,Callie,toenterwithmeintothebondIholdmostsacred.”Thorpestoodbeforeher,lookingvulnerablebutproud.Bodytall,shouldersimposing,eyesallbutbegging.
Shemeltedinside.Forfouryears,she’dwatchedhimwithsubaftersub,lookingforsomethinghe’dneverfound.Thediscontentshe’dalwaysseenthenwasgone.Herfondestfantasywhenshe’dlivedatDominionwastobecomehiscollaredoneandonly.She’dalwayssuspectedthatifhelethimselfcareandtookonewomanashis,hewoulddoeverythingtomakethebondasdeepandrealasamarriage.
“Now,that’snottosaythathewon’tregardyoulikeahusband,”Seanadded.
“OrthatSeanwon’tpraiseorpunishyoulikeyourDomwhenyouneedit.”Thorpegaveherafirmnod.
Sheexpectednothingless.
“Soyou’veheardwhatwewant,butthechoiceisyours,”Thorpesaidsoftly.
Thetearsshe’dmanagedtoholdatbayfellinhotrivuletsdownherface.Sheshudderedinabreath,thenlookedupatThorpewithherheartinhereyes.“Iacceptthiscollarasasymbolofyourownership.Toyou,Ipledgemyobedienceandmylove.IhaveeveryfaiththatyouwillgivemeboththeaffectionandthedisciplineIneed.Inreturn,IoffertoyouthegiftofmyselfandamproudtocallyouMaster.”
Withalookofsupremeprideandshakinghands,Thorpefastenedhernewcollararoundherneck.Fleetingly,shenoticedthatitfeltsorightashehauledhertoherfeetandbroughtheragainsthim.“ThankfuckingGod.”
“Amen,”Seansaid,risingfromthechairinthecorner.
AsThorpelayeredhismouthoverhersforasoftlycommandingkiss,Seansidledinbehindherandpressedhislipstoherneck.“NowgetreadytohearthewordsIsuspectyou’llhearoften,lovely.”
Thorpecuppedherfaceinhishandsandfusedtheirstarestogether,seeingrightdownintohersoul.“Iloveyou,Callie.Youwillhearitoften.Ihopeyoucangetusedtoit.”
Thejoyexplodedinsideher,andshewasleftgloriouslybleedingwithemotion,speechless,andsoreadyforthefuture.
“Iloveyou,too,Mitchell.”SheturnedinhisarmstofaceSean.“AndIloveyou,Sean.Myworldisforeverchangedtothemostbeautifulexistencepossiblebecauseofyou.”
Seankissedherforehead,hernose,thenlingeredatherlips.“Iloveyou,andI’msureyou’llhearitfrommeoftenaswell.Butthatwasn’twhatIwasreferringto.”
“Oh?”Shesenthimabeguilingsmile.
“I’msurenot,pet.”
CalliecastThorpeaglanceoverhershoulder.Itwarmedhertoknowthatheracceptanceoftheirbondputthatcontentedlookonhisface.
“Sowhatelsedidyoumeantosay?”Shesmiledcoyly.
Thorpedrewinadeepbreath.Hisshouldersrose,hischestwidened.Heworehisauthoritylikeawell-madesuitashegaveherhisfirstcommandasherMaster.“Strip.”
Sheflushedfromheadtotoe.She’dbeenexpectingit,anditstillmadehertingle,madeherbodyburnwithanticipation.
“Yes,Master.”
Seancaressedhershoulder,andhergazeliftedtohisface,thelonginginhiseyes.Sheansweredbackwithakiss.
“Now,lovely,ifyouplease.”
Asmilebrokeoutacrossherface.Herworldwasperfect.“Mypleasure.”DON’TMISSTHENEXTWICKEDLOVERSNOVELFROMNEWYORKTIMESBESTSELLINGAUTHORSHAYLABLACK
HistoTake
Racingagainsttime,NSAagentJoaquinMu?ozissearchingforalittlegirlwhovanishednearlytwentyyearsagowithadangeroussecret.SinceBaileyBensonfitstheprofile,JoaquinabductsthebeautyandwhiskshertothesafetyofClubDominion—beforeanyonecansilenceherforgood.
Atfirst,Baileyisterrified,butwhenherkidnapperdemandsinformationaboutherpast,she’sstunned.Areherhorrificvisionsactuallydistantmemoriesthatimperilallsheholdsdear?ConfinedwithJoaquininaplacethatechoeswithmoansandbreathespassion,heproveshimselfafierceprotectoraswellasasensualMasterwho’sslowlycrawlingdeeperintoherhead…andherheart.Butgivingintohimmightbethemostdeliciousdangerofall.
BecauseBaileysoonlearnsthatherpastisn’ttheonlymystery.Joaquinhasasecretofhisown—aburningvengeanceinhissoul.Theexposedtruthleaveshervulnerableandwonderinghowmuchaboutthemanshelovesisalie,howmuchmoreisatriskthanherheart.Andifshecantrusthimtoprotectherlongenoughtolearnthetruth.
COMINGIN2015FROMBERKLEYBOOKSAbouttheAuthor
ShaylaBlackistheNewYorkTimesandUSATodaybestsellingauthorofmorethanfortysizzlingcontemporary,erotic,paranormal,andhistoricalromancesproducedviatraditional,smallpress,independent,andaudiopublishing.ShelivesinTexaswithherhusband,munchkin,andoneveryspoiledcat.Inher“free”time,sheenjoyswatchingrealityTV,reading,andlisteningtoaneclecticblendofmusic.
Shayla’sbookshavebeentranslatedinaboutadozenlanguages.ShehasalsoreceivedorbeennominatedforthePassionatePlume,theHoltMedallion,ColoradoRomanceWritersAwardofExcellence,andtheNationalReadersChoiceAward.RTBOOKclubhastwicenominatedherforBestEroticRomanceoftheYear,andalsoawardedherseveralTopPicksandaKISSHeroAward.
Awritingrisk-taker,Shaylaenjoystacklingwritingchallengeswitheverynewbook.FindShaylaatShaylaBlack.comorvisitherShaylaBlackAuthorFacebookpage.
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