Chapter 11

* Coralee *

The bars busy but I can’t say I wasn’t warned. Ever since Jax left, I’ve worked my ass off, but I love being back in the tavern doing something useful. Plus, it keeps my mind off of the knowledge I have a father and older brother I’ve never met. Wylan was right, they aren’t good people, but it doesn’t mean I’m not curious to know why they abandoned me.

Tom’s niece, Mary, is the same age as me, well, twenty-one and on the ditsy side. She’s pretty in a fresh-faced way that the male patrons like and don’t appear to care if she only brings half their orders or even forgets about them altogether.

That leaves me to work twice as hard.

“Can you believe Jax has a girlfriend?” Mary gushes to another girl I presume is her friend on the other side of the counter, “That man is seriously hot, and it only took her weeks to nail him. I mean, she seems nice, but I found out she’s living with him.”

I cringe, listening to Mary talk about me only a few feet away. The beer I’m opening shakes in my hand and I tell myself I shouldn’t care what people think. The loud noises of others don’t drown out her friends’ crude remarks.

“Fuck that bitch,” her tone’s petulant although she’s never met me or realizes I’m standing so close I could kick her skinny ass off of the bar stool before she had time to react, “She’s probably a whore. Jax will kick her to the curb and then he’ll be back sampling the local talent. He almost asked me out a few months ago.”

“Really?” Mary doesn’t sound so sure, “When did you talk to him?”

“Where? The post office. He gave me a look. He has the most gorgeous eyes I’ve ever seen. If my aunt hadn’t called me into the back, I’m sure he would have asked me out.”

“Right,” Mary scoffs, “Bria said he’s ignoring her calls and we all know she’s the one-”

Tom yelled above the din, “Mary, get to work or I’m giving Cora your tips!”

Mary’s head swivels then her round face flushes when our eyes meet, “Okay…?”

I flash her a tight-lipped smile, making it evident I overheard everything. What a nasty, gossiping little girl she is. I hope they prepare the man who’s sidled with Mary for the world of drama she brings.

Working my way around the bar top slinging beer and whiskey I wish I’d asked Jax to come back sooner. People are giving me either polite nods or ignoring me except to toss money my way. Was this the type of town I want to live in? Jax had said he rarely ventured into town and it was becoming clear as day why.

“Cora,” Tom waves me over, “Can you take the trash out back please?”

I smile with a nod then gather the three full garbage bags sitting beside the back entrance. With a grunt, using my hip to release the push bar I stumble out into the back lot. The dumpster lids down which makes me mad. The thing is taller than I am and I have no way of opening it without a step stool.

“I found you… Princess.”

I drop the trash and stand still. Hearing Braden’s voice after all this time is a shock to my nervous system and my body refuses to unlock with that fight-or-flight thing everyone always talks about.

“Spin around for me Cora.”

I can’t turn around. It’s as if I’m having a heart attack and an out-of-body experience at the same time. How did he find me? How long has he waited? He can’t be here! My body is so locked up my teeth hurt.

When he grabs me from behind it kicks-starts my defenses in high gear.

I open my mouth to scream but his large, gloved hand clamps down with a pure deftness that’s all Braden. I can’t count the number of times he’s held me in this position, his arms wrapped around my middle, locking mine at my sides with a hand over my mouth.

“It’s okay baby,” he coos in my ear, “You will get in the trunk of the car and be a good girl. If not, I brought my special cocktail. We both know I’m the only one who enjoys it when you’re on it.”

I try to tell him I’ll be good but my body knows I’m not ready to go anywhere with this psycho and my right leg kicks back, nailing him on the shin. He curses and the hand on my face slips to my throat. Issuing a single yelp, I thrash my head backward hoping to break his nose. He pulls the necklace Jax gave me off with a loud SNAP then latches onto my throat, silencing me once more.

“I love that you always want it rough, baby,” he says, lifting me off of the ground by my neck.

I struggle for breath as he injects my arm with the vile drug that always made me compliant. It’s fast acting. My mind becomes sluggish before my body but the adrenaline quickly fades as he carries me to a dark Sedan with the trunk already open.

“Poor Cora,” he tuts, “Did you expect to make it a whole year? Sometimes I have to wonder if anything I taught you stuck in that pretty head.”

I finally get a good look at Braden after he body slammed me into the deep trunk with a plastic lining. His blonde hair is much longer, slick with hair gel tucked behind his ears. His navy blue eyes are as dark and dead as ever. The only time I’ve ever seen a shred of light in them was when he conned people into believing he isn’t evil incarnate.

“Let me out!” I gasp for breath while pushing the trunk lid up when he starts to close it, “Please, don’t do this!”

“Sleep Cora and before you know it—we’ll be home!” he flashes his pearly whites before encasing me in darkness.

Kicking and screaming I feel the car start. If anyone’s around to hear me it’s not for long. Tossed one way then another as Braden races to the interstate it makes my stomach roll but then we even out.

The drug takes full effect a minute later.

I lay still, tears drying because suddenly I’m so horny I want to touch myself. Braden knows how much I hate experiencing the salaciousness the drugs bring. Clamping my hands together I close my eyes against the dark, telling myself to be calm. To not think of Jax and Wylan. What will they surmise when told I left on trash duty and never returned?

Thankfully I fall asleep before more thoughts of Jax and his amazing gray eyes can make me believe a woman like me deserves a man like him.

Chapter 12

* Jaxxen *

The taverns near capacity when Wylan and I run inside. He took off to the left in search of Coralee. It takes a few seconds for my eyes to adjust but I don’t wait, pushing people aside to get to the bar. Mary, Toms niece, looks put out but smiles when she sees me.

“Where the fuck is Coralee?” I bark.

Mary frowns, saying in a nasty tone, “Taking a break and letting me do all the work. How long does it take to throw away trash?”

What a bitch. I walk away from the bar, elbowing my way to the back exit. Wylan meets me outside just as I reach the closed dumpster. There are garbage bags on the ground.

“She’s not inside,” he states the obvious.

Something shiny catches in the sunlight. I bend down, anger and helplessness settling in my bones as I pick up Coralee’s necklace. I palm it and Wylan lets out a string of curses.

“Do you think Braden knew what it is?” he asks as I study the ground.

“There are signs of a struggle,” I point to marks in the dirt, “I think she fought, and the necklace came off. We need to get back to my cabin.”

“What are you going to do? What can you do?” Wylan demands, following me around the building, “Enzo hasn’t communicated with Braden in months. Cora never talked about other people.”

“Braden’s taking her back to Tucker City,” I try to keep my breathing steady as we near the Jeep, “You don’t have to come but I will not let Coralee suffer anymore. I’ve been feeling like something’s off and I don’t have to wait anymore to catch that asshole.”

“No shit, something has been off,” he agrees, jumping in the jeep, “We can take my rental to Tucker City.”

I shoot him a concerned glance, “You don’t know how to fight Wylan.”

He snorts, “I have more skills than brute strength. For example, who’s gonna take care of Ren and Stimpy while you’re gone and who are you going to contact once you get to Tucker?”

I curse and pull out my phone. “Yeah, you’re a smart fucker.”

I call Nason, and he agrees to take in my dogs. I lie and say I’m going on vacation with Coralee. Once we reach the cabin, I quickly pack a bag before rounding up the dogs with the essentials Nason will need to care for them. They’re good dogs and will get on fine at his Ranch.

Nason gave Wylan an odd look as I hurriedly explained I’ll be back hopefully within a week and gave him money in case its longer and the dogs need something. He tried to ask questions, but I said Coralee was waiting and thankfully Nason bought my story.

“We need a plan,” Wylan opens his laptop from the passenger seat once we hit the interstate, “How did you know Braden was in Perla anyhow?”

“Bria,” I grumble, “She said he was asking around for his ‘sister’, and telling people she’s sick in the head. I think he knew Coralee would be at the tavern today.”

“Did Bria say if Braden was alone?”

I shake my head, “Didn’t wait around for the whole story. Coralee kept saying he’d come for her. Pull up a map and tell me how many miles to Tucker City. I don’t expect he’ll stop too many places before getting there.”

He nods, eyes on the screen, “We’re two states away. We need to find where he’s staying.”

I exhale forcefully, the tension between my shoulders becoming a dull ache. “Can you contact Cavan?”

“Cavan? I don’t see how he can help. What if he figures out who you are and brings you back in? It took you a long time to leave all that behind Jax. Cora’s a sweet girl, but you don’t owe her anything. She talked of running more than once.”

I snort at his lack of compassion on Coralee’s behalf. Wylan’s more concerned about my welfare than hers and it irks me. “She doesn’t have to owe me to do the right thing. Maybe all those years of helping the wrong people have led me to the one worthy of it. Coralee told me something.”

Wylan lifts his head, “What?”

“She said the next time Braden found her it would be the last time. I have a feeling Coralee would rather kill herself than go through his shit again. I fucking love her and can’t fail.”

Wylan groans and softly says, “Cora is easy to love and she might be a brat but doesn’t deserve what’s happening. Okay, I’ll set up a meeting with Cavan but I’ll make him assume you’re alone. No one needs to know about me.”

I smirk, “I don’t need you but thanks for coming.”

A few hours later Wylan and I had driven by half of the gas stations along the interstate without spotting Braden and he took over driving after sunset so I can rest. I try to get comfortable in the seat, but my legs cramp and thoughts of how Braden’s treating my sweet Sunflower makes it impossible to sleep.

I ended up dozing for two hours before Wylan stopped for coffee and food. We asked the sleepy attendant if he’d seen Braden using a picture and got nothing. Braden planned well, having done this before with Coralee.

The days go frustratingly slow, but Wylan received confirmation from an anonymous email confirming Cavan will meet me at a diner, on Wednesday. He said it was most likely a trap since I’d made him keep Coralee out of why I want to see Cavan.

The sign signaling Tucker City’s limits does nothing to relax my growing apprehension. I won’t be able to relax until Coralee’s in my arms. I ask Wylan to distract me to keep thoughts of Braden touching her out of my head or else I’m bound to break the dashboard in a fit. Sitting in a car for such a long period has thinned both of our patience’s.

Wylan reiterates information about the Conry family. Cavan’s thirty-five and somewhat in charge of the crumbling racketeering and flesh trade Paddy runs on the south side. His father, having no other children, tried to groom Cavan, but the man doesn’t have a way with people like his old man does. Wylan said Cavan’s smart, just lazy. I can use lazy.

We check into a motel late Tuesday night then drive around the neighborhoods the Conry family controls to get the lay of the land. After checking out the diner Cavan wants to meet at tomorrow, tell Wylan to return to the motel so we can rest.

I need a plan that doesn’t involve getting Coralee, or myself killed and a way for her to be free. After I do, if she still wants to come back to Montana, I’ll spend the rest of my life making sure she only smiles and never knows misery again.

There’s darkness ahead, but I will gladly go in without a light to find the other half of my soul.

---

Cavan Conry’s a straight up and down man, with his father’s red hair and dark blue eyes. Walking into Chiara’s Diner, I notice how rundown and empty of patrons the place is. Besides Cavan and three burly looking thugs by the front and back kitchen entrance, we’re alone.

Cavan has on a black dress shirt with the collar open, showing a gold cross around his neck. His eyes are red and sunken in as if he’s on a bender. He smirks when I take a few steps to the booth he occupies. The guy looks like a total douche.

He cocks his head, mouth pursing as I glance at the opposite seat and back at his sour expression. There’s no way I’ll fit into the tiny booth. He sniffs, running the back of his shaking hand over his pointed nose.

“Do you need a job, Mr…?” his voice is calm and strangely firm.

I considered what I’d say when asked for my name so exhale and get to the point, “White. Jax White. I don’t need a job but information about your sister.”

His eyes widen and he lets out a soft chuckle, “Jax White? My sister? Sit down.”

I jerk my head towards the front, “Why don’t we sit at the counter instead?”

He shrugs, and I sit on one of the old stools that groan under my weight at the front of the diner. I’m surprised when a young woman with greasy black hair and a dull smile comes through the swinging doors on the left. She asks if I want anything to drink while Cavan takes his sweet time joining me. I cringe and shake my head. No telling how clean this place is. Looking around there seems to be a layer of dust on everything.

Cavan perches beside me asking, “Are you who I think you are?”

I can smell the musty odor of booze he’s sweating out through greasy pores and frown in disgust, “This isn’t about me. Do you know your father has a daughter named Coralee?”

Cavan eyes me and I stare right back. Little punks like him don’t intimidate me.

His body tenses as he answers, “Yeah, I do. He took me for a drive when I was twenty-three, showed me this reddish blonde-haired girl on the sidewalk playing with her friends and said, ‘That’s your sister Coralee and one day you’ll meet her, but not today,’” Cavan sighs and leans his elbows on the counter as if he’s exhausted, “I was curious after that, checking up on her from time to time. How do you know Cora?”

My fist clench, “So, you know she’s alive? You didn’t think she died with the Winters?”

He raises his eyebrows, “The Winters aren’t dead. Not yet. They set fire to their building, costing us a lot of fucking money before disappearing. We’ve been looking for them for years.”

I absorb the information before demanding, “Tell me about Braden Leone.”

He sniffs and rolls his shoulders, “Suzie! Get me a fucking Bloody Mary!”

The dark-haired girl nods and disappears through the swinging doors. The meathead in the doorway sneers when he catches me watching him. He’s dressed in a suit with a flashy purple tie and I smirk, then focused on Cavan who looks as though he’s been up for days. I don’t miss that part of my past in the slightest. He snaps his fingers at the man by the kitchen, receiving a pack of smokes and a lighter.

After Cavan inhales a long drag of a cigarette he continues, “Braden used to be my best friend when we were running the streets for my dad. He found out I was checking in on Coralee and figured out who she was. He wasn’t supposed to know. No one was. Especially my mom.”

I tap my fingers against the Formica counter. Cavan’s giving up information to quickly, and it makes me nervous. I check over my shoulder, to the two thugs by the front entrance, and their expressions are bored as they talk to each other.

There’s sadness in Cavan’s voice as he speaks about his half-sister, “Cora was really pretty, and sweet too. Never gave her adopted parents any shit, and I believed she was better off there. Braden pestered me about her until I hit him one day, told him to stay away from Cora,” Cavan coughs, puffing on his smoke, “She was a fucking kid for Christ’s sake! My mom, she overheard the whole thing because this is where I meet and she used to run the kitchen.”

“Your mom’s name is Chiara?” I’m confused because it’s an Italian name.

He gives me an odd look, “Of course. This place was a wedding gift from my father. They married to keep the peace between us and the Romano familial. Ah, forgot you aren’t from around here… Killer White.”

I harden my features, “Don’t play fucking games with me, Cavan. I can put all of you into the ground in two minutes flat. Whatever you’ve heard about me, it’s probably true, so tell me where Braden is and I’ll be on my way.”

He doesn’t flinch, just sighs and grumbles about his drink, “I ain’t telling you shit, Jax. I understand you left years ago so why the sudden interest in a fuck like Braden?”

Suzie meekly exits the kitchen and places the Bloody Mary in front of Cavan. He glares at her until she scurries away. I don’t like this asshole, but I have to admit he doesn’t scare easily. He didn’t even care I threatened to kill him and his men. I lick my lips and wait him out in silence. Unperturbed, Cavan smokes and drinks as the diners eerie silence grates my nerves.

“Coralee’s living with me in Montana.” I spit out, “Braden showed up and took her a few days ago. Again. Did you know he’s been abusing her since she was seventeen? Is there a reason a piece of shit like Braden parades your sister naked in front of men and you’ve done nothing about it?”

Cavan snubs out his cigarette before turning towards me with a glower, “I want five favors and I’ll tell you everything.”

“Fuck off!” I growl, my hands itching to strangle his scrawny neck, “I want Coralee then I’m going home.”

The fucker smirks and shakes his head, “You know that’s not how it works Jax. I will tell you this though, I had no idea he didn’t have her anymore. He’s a good bullshitter. Always has been. Probably why he’s still alive.”

I slam my fist on the counter, causing everything to bounce and fall over. He’s lucky he finished his drink or he’d be wearing it. The guy by the kitchen pulls out his piece and aims it at me. Cavan lifts a hand, and the goon holsters it. I place my palm flat on the counter and try to rein my temper back into a glassy facade but he now knows how attached to Coralee I am. I can’t afford to lose my shit before finding out where Coralee is being held.

“Three favors?” Cavan quirks a brow, “Three, whenever I call on you, and I want my sister to stay at my house when you find her.”

“You’re a sorry piece of shit,” I grind out between my teeth, “What if Coralee wants nothing to do with you when she hears you let that fuck abuse her all these years?”

“You’re welcome to come live with my family as well,” he waves a lax hand as if it’s a silly question not worthy of his time, “Suzie goddammit! Get me another fucking drink!”

“I will not agree to anything she can’t consent to,” I shake my head at my foolishness, “but I’ll concede to three favors IF you help me recover your sister.”

“I don’t go around making deals like this for shits and giggles Jax,” Cavan frowns, picking up a fresh smoke, “I’m a businessman who can use someone like you in my corner right now because what I have to say will change the dynamics between the Romano and Conry alliance forever. Tell me, is Coralee still a virgin?”

I lean back, his cigarette smoke stinging my eyes. Ignoring his question about Coralee’s virginity snap, “No, you’re a man who uses the phrase ’shits and giggles’. I already agreed, so start from the fucking beginning. Begin when a seventeen-year-old girl’s dragged from her house one day and told her parents sold her for protection then told they’re dead.” Poor Coralee never heard the truth from those around her growing up. Lies on top of lies by her own family. For what purpose?

Suzie scampers out once again and this time she gives me a bottle of water with a small smile. I thank her as Cavan downs half his drink. The mans obviously an addict and a drunk as well. I shake my head, checking to ensure the seal on the water bottle isn’t broken before taking a pull off of it.

“Braden became obsessed with Cora,” Cavan mutters, reaching into his pant pocket and extracting a vial of Coke, “When mom discovered my dad had an illegitimate daughter stashed away she became so mad that, well, Italian women aren’t known for keeping calm in the best of situations.” I watch him tap coke out between his thumb and forefinger then inhale, “Fuck! Whoa… Good shit. Want some?” I scowl, and he shrugs, doing more before placing it back in his pants, “Anyway, mom and Braden came up with a plan.”

“So he could have her?”

He sniffs hard, shaking his head, “Not that simple, but it never is, right? To train Cora into being the perfect wife while remaining virginal. Giovanni Romano has a young son, Luca. He’s a real piece of shit. No one messes with him and lives to make the same mistake twice. Mom convinced dad to let Braden keep Cora until twenty-one, then gift her to Luca for a better truce.”

My stomach sours at word ‘gift’ and I lean further away so I don’t rip his tongue out. “That still doesn’t explain what happened to the Winters.”

“Braden gave them a shit ton a money to disappear and they burned down the building as a big fuck you. They could be dead now for all I know, but I have feelers out. Old fucks. I didn’t like the arrangement one bit, broke off with Braden so he went over to Enzo Romano for protection. Enzo is my mom’s cousin.”

“How is your mom related to Giovanni?” I’m making a family tree in my head.

“He’s her uncle. Gio had one other brother and my mom was his only daughter. He’s dead now, but the arrangement worked well at the time. My mom actually loves my dad that’s why she went fucking psycho when she found out about Cora. And the fact Cora is Dads only daughter is the right trade-off to keep the next generation peaceful.”

I blow out a long breath, “Enzo and Braden have fucked with Coralee because your mom’s jealous? Why didn’t you send someone to make sure she was okay?”

Cavan gives me a wide-eyed gaze, his pupils dilated, “I did, man. I had a guy, but she killed him.”

I jerk, “Coralee killed someone?”

“Word came back he was stabbed to death and Cora the one who did the deed. After that, I played it cool, assuming Braden realized he worked for me.”

I hide my surprise. Coralee killed the man she said tried to stop her from leaving. That’s where the scar on her ankle came from. If he was supposed to help Coralee why didn’t he let her go? There’s so much I don’t know.

I peer out the dingy windows beyond the cracked booths and spot Wylan’s rental car. He’s supposed to wait until eight then leave. It’s twenty till. “What will happen once I take Coralee from Braden?”

He sniffs and shrugs again, “I don’t know where he’s holed up at the moment. No one’s seen his face in months but if he has Cora back, he’ll make a production of it.”

“A party?” I’m becoming impatient but this guy rubs me the wrong way.

He laughs, eyes roaming over to his men by the door, “I can’t believe she’s been gone this whole time. My mom would have sent twenty men to find her. She doesn’t like complications. I think Braden’s trying to make his own deal and it won’t end well.”

“Fuck Braden,” After standing I toss a piece of paper down on the dingy counter, “This is my number. Text the address the minute you locate Coralee and Braden.”

His eyes are glazed as he stumbles off of the tool, “Are you going to kill Braden? Wait, you can’t kill him.”

“I don’t take orders anymore,” I smugly taunt, “Unless it’s one of your favors I leave him alive?”

Cavan huffs and waves his hand, “He’s nothing. Nobody. I’ll find out where they are and when you have Cora, come to my house. It’ll be the safest place until I can talk to my family.”

I want to smash my fist into his face but nod instead, ignoring the men who try to intimidate me on the way out. Stalking to the car, Wylan’s ready to pull away the second I slam the door.

“Well,” he drawls, tossing a ball cap into the back seat, “You’re in one piece and I didn’t hear any gunshots.”

I grimly smile, “Man, I’m suddenly glad I’m an orphan. Family can be twisted and fucked up more so than anything I’ve witnessed.”

He nods in agreement, heading to the motel, “Since you didn’t start off with directions I’m foretelling we’re on hold?”

“The fucker better track down Braden by morning or I’m tearing this city apart,” I clench my hands together.

When we settle in the motel room, and I recount everything Cavan said. Wylan’s not surprised by the lies the Cory’s cultivated and shares my anger over the complicated situation. Coralee’s a pawn and doesn’t even know. Chiara Conry’s another person I need to handle if Coralee is to live a life free from harm. Making a deal with Cavan was stupid on my part, but he’ll find out I’m not to be trifled with. He recognized me the second he heard my name, and the fucker better respect my reputation.

It’s midnight when two addresses come through the phone I’ve stared at for hours. Wylan pinpoints the first place to an abandoned subdivision in a town called West Wind, the other a mansion on Rolling Rock Hills on the other side of the city which must be where Cavan lives.

I carry a bag of weapons to the car while Wylan taps directions into the GPS. We agreed earlier he’d stay at the motel and I’ll return with Coralee. Fuck Cavan. He can wait until Coralee decides what she wants to do.

“It’s an hour to West Wind,” Wylan informs me as I stow the bag in the trunk, “Are you sure you don’t need me?”

I smirk, “Coralee will need you when I bring her back. Get medical supplies and clothes for the both of us.”

He rolls his eyes, “Yes dad, I know.”

I pause before closing the door, “Thanks, Wylan.”

“What is it they say in the movies? Go get your girl… ass-wipe?” He cackles, grinning inappropriately as usual.

I flip him off with a grin of my own then listen to the woman on the machine telling me where to find Braden and my beautiful Sunflower.

Chapter 13

* Coralee *

Braden didn’t care I urinated in the trunk after I bit his hand on the side of the road. He made me use a female urinal and force-fed me stale sandwiches until I snapped and attacked like a rabid dog. That was the last time he opened the trunk.

The car stops, and he grabs me by my hair, yanking me out of the trunk. “You fucking asshole!” I flail at his face and get lucky.

He grunts when my fist connects to his eye socket, “What the hell? Fucking relax!”

I hear myself growl like an animal as I continue to attack him. He tackles me to the cold cement, and it’s then I realize we are inside a closed garage. He sits on my lower body, trapping my legs while wrenching my arms up over my head.

“Someone has been working out,” he has the audacity to laugh, “My little hellcat looks good with a little meat on her bones.”

“I HATE YOU!” I scream as loud as I can.

“I know baby,” he smirks, “Are you going to play nice so we can have a hot shower and get down to business?” Breathing hard, I try to buck him off without success. He laughs again before standing, yanking me up off the ground and shoving me toward a door. “Knock it off Cora! Do you want me to give you another shot?”

That makes me pause. I take a deep breath and stagger on my own to the door. He shoves it open. We’re in a house. I blink at the bright sunlight streaming through curtainless windows. There’s random furniture everywhere I look.

“This way,” Braden’s gentle, holding my right elbow leading me through a hallway into a large bedroom. There’s a queen-size mattress with clothes scattered in disorganized piles on the floor.

“Where are we?” I ask, jerking out of his hold.

He frowns, going over to the wall where several clothes bags rest, “West Wind. I had to move out of the city when you ran off. Bought you some clothes but they may be tight since you let yourself go.”

I can’t help the blush that creeps across my cheeks, “More like I ate whenever and whatever I wanted you asshole.” sneering at what he holds I hiss, “And those aren’t clothes. I’m not going back to being your personal lingerie model Braden.”

His navy eyes bore into me, “Have you forgotten I own you? You will do what I say. Get undressed and into the shower. I don’t want to hurt you more than I will later.”

I gulp, “Please Braden, I can’t do this anymore!”

He steps close and lifts his hand. My first reaction is to flinch, but I make myself hold still and meet his dead eyes. I refuse to cower after everything I’ve been through.

“I missed you so much Coralee. Every night I wondered where you were or if you’d given yourself to another,” his forefinger brushes my chin, “So beautiful and so stubborn. Eight long months of playing cat and mouse but I showed you my claws. Didn’t I?”

“Yes,” I whisper.

He pecks the tip of my nose with his wet lips, “Couldn’t even make it a year, poor sweet Coralee.”

A tear escapes, “You could have let me go. You still can.”

He sighs and tugs at my filthy black shirt, “It’s too late for that baby. I’ll always look after you because I love you.”

I want to throw up, “This is not love, Braden. It’s manipulation and I understand none of it!”

He tuts, stepping away, “You don’t need to understand anything other than getting your ass in the shower before I lose my patience.”

With eyes full of unshed tears I walk into the large bathroom and undressed with the door open. I remember the rules as if no time elapsed. I turn on the water and flipped the nozzle over for the shower. I wait for it to warm up but cold water blasted on and on.

Braden shoves me into the glass stall and I shriek as the icy water cascades over my body, “You said a hot shower!” My teeth chatter as I try to shield my breasts.

His eyes rake over my form, “We’re lucky to have water. They abandoned this whole neighborhood. Don’t just stand there, wash up.”

I step out of the freezing water as much as I can, washing my body and hair. His dead eyes follow every movement until he hands me a towel growling, “You really fucked up your flawless skin, didn’t you Cora? The tracker was no bigger than a grain of rice yet you hacked up your skin like a damn cutter.”

I glare in defiance, wrapping the towel around my middle, “I’d do it again if it meant I never see you again.”

He backhands me and I fall against the wall. I rush forward in a rage, latching onto his long blonde hair, bringing his face down on my raised knee. I didn’t think it would work. Wylan said this was a good defensive move, and it stayed in my mind. I caught Braden by surprise and his nose made a crunch sound and my knee bone throbs from the impact. He lets out a low howl before shoving me hard across the bathroom. I catch myself against the sink and turned to fight.

His face contorts in rage as blood runs down his face, “That’s ENOUGH! Fuck!” he opens a cabinet and yanks out a white towel to press against his nose, “Stay here.”

Before I can take a step, he closes the bathroom door. I pull on the handle and find he locked it from the outside. Braden always found ways to lock me up. I once spent two days in a broom closet as he had used rubber wedges to secure the door.

I hit the door with the palm of my hand and search for a weapon. He had placed a skimpy red bra and panty set on the counter. I put them on so I’m not so vulnerable. I open the medicine cabinet and don’t see anything of use. I’m on my knees looking through the other cabinets when he comes back in with a gun. His nose is slightly swollen but no longer bleeding.

He waves the weapon at me, “Stand up Cora.”

The sad thing is I’m not afraid. There’s nothing he can do at this point I won’t do to him. I eye the gun getting to my feet. We silently stare at one another until he motions for me to exit the bathroom.

“Do you even know how to use that?” I sneer.

Braden pushes me towards the mattress, “Take off your panties and lay down. I have to check you weren’t a little slut.”

Heat flames across my pale skin, “I wanted to be. I met this man who was so-”

“Shut up!” he screams, a vein in his neck bulging, “Lay down Cora and spread your pussy open.”

I slide my panties off and lay on the mattress that smells of stale sex and his cologne. He kneels beside me, the gun tucked into the back of his pants as if he’s some bad-ass when in reality Braden’s just a good-looking hustler who had no one when while I was gone. Wylan and Jax figured I was his only bargaining chip, and that was why Enzo hadn’t stayed in contact. Now that he’s living in an abandoned house it confirms Braden’s desperate.

“I’m pleased you kept yourself trimmed,” he hums, placing a heavy hand on my inside thigh, “I’ve missed you so much, baby.”

I turn my head away in shame. He chuckles, leaning over me. His familiar spicy scent and cool breath assault my senses as he places a kiss between my neck and collarbone. I tense when his other hand caresses my folds.

“Relax Cora,” he breathes into my ear, “I know you’re nervous since it’s been such a long time but I’ll make you soar,” he kisses the side of my mouth so I twist my face further away, “Stop! Be good, Cora.”

I swallow hard, freezing when the tip of his fingers penetrate my entrance, “Please, don’t Braden. I didn’t let anyone touch me, I swear.” No one except a man that wants to find you and kill you, I almost smile at the thought.

He trails kisses across my torso until situated between my legs. I peer down and study his expression. He always had the most revered look on his face when inspecting me, and this time’s no different. It used to make me feel as if I were the most beautiful girl in the world, now I feel filthy and disgusted. He licks his lips, wetting them, trying to entice me into emotions that were never honest. He meets my stare, and I give him a hateful eyeful.

His handsome face falls, “I’m trying to welcome you home. Do you want me to check and not make it pleasurable for you Cora? Do you not care for me anymore? We made a deal.”

Swallowing my tears I respond in the flattest tone possible, “Just get it over with. I can’t pretend anymore Braden. I hate you.”

He growls low in his throat then glares as he spreads me open and thrust inside. I let out a whimper as he scraps along my walls until satisfied. He tosses my legs aside as he stands up saying, “Good job keeping your pussy pure. Get dressed.” Then he storms out, locking me inside the bedroom.

I lay there, not bothering to put on clothes. I gaze around the room and can’t believe how filthy everything is. Has he been squatting here the whole time? We lived in a nice four-bedroom house on an eight-acre lot last year. I had loved the freedom of going outside back then even if I was constantly watched. Where were the guys that ran around with him?

To hell with this! Getting up, I rummage through the bags and find a pair of shorts and a shirt to wear. In the bathroom use a brush to untangle my wet hair noting dark strands lodged in the bristles. I don’t bother searching for a weapon again, squatting on the floor under the dirty window.

Another ten minutes go by before Braden throws open the door. He scans the room until seeing me sitting with my knees pulled to my chest. He sighs as if put out, then undresses down to his silk boxers. My heart rate skyrockets when he winks at my discomfort.

Braden goes over to a pile of clothes, seeking through the mess until coming up with a decent button-up shirt and pants, “Mindy’s in the kitchen if you’re hungry. Actually, you should eat now because you’ll be up all night.”

Once more tears form, and I make myself smaller, “Who’s Mindy?”

“My bitch,” he smirks at my confusion, “Let’s go. Mindy needs to iron these. People will be here in a few hours and I still need to get you ready.”

I walk out of the room, smelling food and my belly rumbles. A tall, dark-haired woman stands at the kitchen counter unloading burgers from greasy takeout bags. She turns, and we size each other up. She’s a beautiful woman with lovely cheekbones with bright blue eyes and full red lips.

“I’m Mindy,” her husky voice is sharp, “Don’t fuck with me and I won’t fuck with you.”

I nearly roll my eyes. “Braden needs you in the bedroom.”

I receive a sharp slap on my butt by Braden who snuck up behind me, “Nice try Cora. Hmm… maybe it’s not too early for the handcuffs. Be a dear and fetch them, Mindy?”

The woman glares at me as she leaves the room. I scurry around the counter and tear open a burger as Braden pulls out a small table-top ironing board. I watch in fascination as he readies the iron. I’ve never seen Braden do any type of housework besides teaching me to cook.

He sees me staring, “What?”

I shake my head and say around a mouthful of beef, “You made me learn how to iron from YouTube and suddenly you know how?”

He cracks that adorable smile I used to wait all day to see, “Knowing how to set things up and applying it is two different things, baby. Want to do it for old times sake?”

I throw my half-eaten burger, hitting him square in the chest. Mustard and ketchup go everywhere and his face is priceless as I sneer, “I’ll never be your house bitch again asshole.”

He storms over as Mindy arrives with metal cuffs. He roughly turns me around, slamming my stomach down onto the countertop then snaps the cuffs onto each of my wrists. He doesn’t say one word. There’s no need. We’re at war and he knows it.

I zone out the abusive words Mindy feels she has to sling my way as she irons and cleans the house. She takes orders from Braden like I used to do. I’m moved from room to room for supervision before brought back in the bedroom where she dresses me in a white bustier with matching panties. Mindy seemed to enjoy doing my makeup before pinning my hair up with hurtful strokes that leave my skull aching.

“Is this the same one from the house?” I’m surprised by my dull tone of voice as Braden cuffs me to the portable Saint Andrews Cross in the middle of the empty living room.

He nods, “I placed everything in storage but once I knew where you were, moved some things here. We had good times with this, didn’t we gorgeous?”

I snort out a laugh, “You’re so delusional. No, you let men humiliate while I begged you to stop.”

His dark blue eyes become even darker, “Will you beg for me again? It gets my dick so fucking hard and this time I can take it out on Mindy.”

“You’re despicable!” I spit in his face.

Braden slaps me, but not as hard as he could have. He needs me pretty for the perverts arriving later. The left side stings as he cups my face and tries to kiss me but I wiggle my head back and forth, refusing. He doesn’t mind, running one hand over my exposed stomach and lightly nipping at my earlobe. Deciding to be passive, I quit moving and let him do whatever he wants which has the desired effect and he backs away.

“I fucking love you so much Cora,” he pants across my flushed skin, “We really needed that break, didn’t we? You’re so much more self-assured and damn if it doesn’t make me want to fuck you until you see stars. Remember when you used to say you saw stars when I got you off?”

“I lied,” I can’t help goading.

“What are you doing?” Mindy in her hooker heels and skimpy mini skirt with flowing top stomps in the room, “I told you, Bray, I’m not doing everything around here. Leave the bitch and make sure they’re coming.”

Braden turns on his shiny shoes and smiles his false smile, “Of course they’re coming honey. They haven’t seen Coralee in months and she puts on quite a show.”

Mindy rolls her eyes, “Whatever, I don’t want to die because you have a death wish.”

He walks over and kisses her on the mouth. It’s odd seeing him with another woman. I had taken so much degradation from him over the years thinking I was the only one to satisfy his needs. He had made so many promises and taught me so many things I thought his love for me was all-consuming. Now here he is, kissing and reassuring another woman.

“We should gag her,” Mindy loud-whispers with a hateful gleam in her eyes.

Braden cocks his head, “Oh honey, that’s the last thing I’m going to do. When it comes to Cora, I have everything under control.”

“You make a good couple,” I chirp, “You guys should get married and have psychotic children that stab you to death in your sleep.”

Mindy’s face contorts in a rage, “Is that what you call control Bray? What the fuck?”

Braden chuckles turning around, “Oh Cora, you’re the only one for me.”

Her face turns a deeper shade of a red shrieking, “You told me she’s promised! What are you going to do when I leave, huh?”

Braden huffs, walking out of the room with Mindy hot on his heels. I don’t understand what she means by ‘promised’, but it doesn’t sound good. Was that why he kept me a virgin? I close my eyes and try to relax my body on the Saltire. I’m concentrating on my breathing when there’s a pinch. My eyes pop open to see Braden extracting a small needle from my restrained arm.

“By the time this takes effect you’ll be ready to do anything I want,” he murmurs, “Do you want to wear my favorite plug tonight baby?”

I close my eyes again, hating everything about my life. Am I going to stay high and live my life for a man who believes love is control? At that moment, I want to die. I know what I need to do. I have to pretend the drug’s not working and ask for more and more. If I overdose, I’ll die and never go through Braden’s demented diversions again.

Tears slide down my face at the thought of Jax never knowing what happened to me. Is he still in Montana with Wylan and his faithful dogs? Does he think I ran away because I didn’t trust him enough to tell him the truth? I hang my head and hear Braden sigh while wiping my tears away. I miss Jax so much. Why didn’t I tell him how I felt? I fell in love with Jax the moment he said he wanted me to trust in the world again. My world is nothing but a sad play where Braden writes demented scripts and moves me along like a sad little marionette.

Hot tingles creep through my body. I wiggle my fingers, eyes sealed shut. My body temperature rises, and a zing across my abdomen makes me purr when Braden runs his fingers across exposed flesh. How am I supposed to fake not being high when my entire body vibrates?

“That’s better, isn’t it?” Braden growls in my ear, “You look so fucking beautiful. I know you better than you know yourself Cora, and I’ll take care of you tonight. All you’ll experience is pleasure.”

I lowly moan when his hands roam across my body. Keeping my eyes tightly closed, refuse to give him more than my natural body’s response to the drug working its way through my system. I snap my head back hard, trying to control myself. No moaning, I chide myself.

No moaning and no more tears.

---

* * * * * *

“Fuck! She sucks dick like she’s made for it!”

Dully, I lift my head watching Mindy being fucked by three men. Her breasts bounce as two men take turns thrusting in and out of her holes. A large, burly man face fucks her so hard I cringe. I’ve witnessed this sort of thing before but knowing Mindy also fucks Braden, makes me wonder if he’s slept with every girl in the past.

Braden had taken me down from the cross an hour ago and situated me in a chair with my bare body on display. I lick my dry lips as Braden circles the room with a smug look on his face.

“Drink?” I whisper.

A man in designer jeans and a gaudy shirt presses a bottle of vodka to my mouth. I don’t care if it will continue to dehydrate me, I consume it greedily, hoping to either blackout or overdose. The man’s sweaty hand skirts up the inside of my thigh and the ropes Braden used to tie my legs apart chaff my flesh when I shiver under his caress.

“No touching!” Braden shoves the man away and glares at me as if it’s my fault, “Do you want water?”

I shake my head, “Give me more of your cocktail.”

He cocks his head and surveys the room, “Later. Your pussy is leaking all over the chair from watching Mindy, isn’t it?”

Mindy’s cries of ecstasy echo around the room and the man whose dick had been in her mouth grunts and comes on her face. The other two men followed suit, pulling out and covering her tan skin with their sticky fluid. I close my eyes as the room explodes in excited chatter and Mindy’s husky laughter. I feel sick and try to breathe in, but the stench of sex and alcohol makes my stomach lurch even more.

“What about the princess?” a man shouts.

I inhale through my mouth and hear Mindy give an unladylike snort. Doesn’t she care I would rather be anywhere but here? How can she let herself be treated like this? I saw her do drugs before the men arrived and it made her more compliant to the demands of Braden’s friends.

Opening my eyes, see the men who fucked Mindy redressing. Braden stands off to my left with the man in the gaudy shirt. He still holds the bottle of vodka and I ask for more. The man smiles, yellow teeth on display as he tilts the bottle once more. I lock eyes with Braden gulping the revolting liquor until the bottle is half empty. My belly wants to revolt, but I refuse to let it.

“Mindy,” Braden uses his seductive voice to call her over, “I want you to lick Cora’s pretty little pussy for us.”

Mindy wiped off the semen on her skin and now shoots me a sly glance, “It is awfully pretty.”

“She’s never been with another woman before,” he loudly boast to the room which comes to attention to watch my degradation, “Some of you have seen me use toys on Cora, but I think tonight she deserves a good tongue lashing from beautiful Mindy.”

The men murmured their agreement and Mindy beams broadly, kneeling between my spread legs. She makes a show of licking her lips before darting her tongue out playfully. I struggle against the bindings so she slaps her hands on my thighs to keep me still. I swing my head to beg Braden to stop this, but he’s gone. Frantically I search the room and don’t see him anywhere. The men form a circle to watch, encouraging Mindy.

“Stop!” I cry out when her hot mouth skims my outer lips, “Please don’t do this, please stop!”

“She begs so fucking good,” one man groans.

“I wish I could fuck that virgin puss,” another asshole moans, “She’s so wet.”

“She tastes so sweet,” Mindy purrs, wiggling her bare ass in the air.

“Get off of me!” I pant in humiliation, hating how good it feels. So good. I bite the inside of my cheek, drawing blood as I hold back my whimpers, “Get away from me!”

Mindy presses her mouth against my clit, flicking her tongue, sucking, licking, moaning against my flesh. I screw my eyes shut, knowing she will make me come. I don’t care anymore. I can’t fight anymore. Not like this. My body’s on fire from her sensual manipulations. My head swims from the mix of drugs and alcohol and I welcome it.

I let go.

No longer fighting against the fire stroking my molten core I gyrate my hips seeking release. The men croon with me as Mindy’s hands reach up and tug on my nipples, pressing down on my clit with her tongue at the same time. I come hard, screaming and throw my head back. I shiver from the ongoing aftershocks but slowly realize there’s a different type of hollering echoing in my eardrums.

Looking around, it’s chaos. My eyes are unfocused, but I see a mountain of a man standing in the room firing a gun at anyone who moves. Why is the gun silent? He’s fast, pointing and firing with a quiet whomp each time.

There were at least ten men in the room and only a couple make it out. Blood splatters everything. I throw up suddenly, and violently. Mindy, who’s cowering between my legs screeches in disgust and horror as I drench her in my bile.

“Get the fuck away from her!” The man grabs Mindy by her hair, tossing her aside.

“Jax?” I can barely speak, vomit drool hanging from my parched lips.

“It’s all right Sunflower,” his gray eyes examine me, “Shit, what did they give you?”

I hurl again as he pulls a large knife from his belt. He cuts the rope from the back of the chair and I topple forward onto the carpet, spitting the foul taste in my mouth. Mindy’s screaming and a man with a gun in the kitchen doorway orders Jax to drop his weapon. I watch in horror as Jax shoots him in the face without looking. The man’s head explodes, the body falling to the left as I gape in complete shock.

How did he shot the man without even looking at him?

Jax grabs my upper arms hauling me up off the floor, “Can you walk? Get up Coralee! NOW! We need to get the hell out of here!”

Mindy runs out of the room and Jax doesn’t wait, chasing after her. I crash to my knees and try to stand again. I can do this. Jax came for me and I have to leave. Holding onto the walls I stagger from room to room until reaching the back door. There are men shouting at Jax and I watch as he holds onto Mindy’s wrist while punching one in the face, knocking the man out cold.

I’m naked, covered in vomit, but I need to help him. Where’s Braden? I wipe my mouth with the back of my hand, noticing a long serrated knife on the ground. I pick it up then search for an exit. There’s a rickety wooden fence dividing the property from the street. Jax must have entered through there.

A man holding a large gun shoves me to the right and without thinking, sink the blade into his chest. His eyes open wide, and I realize it’s the man who had given me the vodka. I yank the knife free and stab him again. He falls to the ground and doesn’t get back up.

Did I kill him? I killed someone!

“Coralee!” Jax’s deep timber snaps me out of my stupor, “Let’s go!”

I follow his march toward the fence. He drags a screaming, kicking Mindy along until he turned and hit her in the temple. She collapses like a rag doll. I say nothing when he hauls her up over his shoulder and turns to make sure I’m still following. Looking over my own shoulder, I see a yard filled with dying and dead men.

Who is Jax?

I let out a breath of relief catching sight Wylan’s car. Jax sprints towards it once we hit the street. He pops the trunk, laying Mindy inside. When he slams it close, I have a flashback of being inside Braden’s trunk and whimper.

Jax pulls his shirt over his head and deftly places it over my body then shoves me inside the car through the drivers’ side. I scramble over the console to the passenger seat so he can get in. Feeling weak and scared I huddle against the door.

“I hope I killed them all,” Jax growls starting the car, “Are you hurt? Talk to me Coralee!”

“I don’t know,” I whisper, welcoming the crash of unconsciousness.

I shut my eyes and fall into a land of nightmares.

A land where Braden and Jax stand over my bed telling me they want to show me something, but first I’m instructed to cut off my hands. How can I cut off both hands after I do the one? Is it possible if I use my teeth? Can’t they help me? Why is there so much blood?

“Coralee!”

I scream and lash out, hitting my head on a hard surface.

“She needs fluids.”

“We’ll give them water. Fuck! Do you see the needle marks in her arm?”

“Can you open your eyes, Cora?”

Everything hurts. A hand touches my arm and I screech, my eyes flying open. I see Jax’s kind gray ones and relax instantly.

Oh no, what has he done?

“You’re safe,” he lets me go, “How do you feel?”

“Like I threw up a gut,” I rasped, trying to swallow through the pain.

“I think you did,” Wylan mutters from the left.

It hurts to turn my head, but I do to look at him. He gives me a sad smile. We’re at a motel I figure out peering around the room. I shiver and Jax pulls the covers further up my body with an angry countenance.

“Thank you,” I mutter, gazing at the face that killed people without flinching, “How did you find me? Where are we?”

He holds up a hand, “First things first, drink this water and try to sleep. It’s already late in the day and we can’t move until tonight.”

I take the water bottle and drink half before he rips it out of my hands. “Go slow or you’ll be sick again.” Jax is so angry and stoic I’m a little afraid of him. It must show on my face because he lets out a long breath and sits beside me on the bed.

“What I saw… has Braden done that before?” Jax’s deep voice shakes.

I bury my face in the comforter, “Doesn’t matter. You took Mindy.”

“She will tell me where to find that fuck Braden then she can go,” he growls, “I cuffed her to the towel bar in the bathroom.”

I sit up too quickly and my head spins, “You can’t keep her! What are you doing Jax?”

“Whatever is necessary to get you out of this!” he shouts and stalks around the room.

“Calm down, Jax!” Wylan implores from his seat at the little table next to the air conditioning unit, “Cora, go to sleep. Everything is under control, honey.”

“What’s going on? Tell me!” I demand.

Jax takes a deep breath, his shirt expanding showcasing his muscles, “I asked Cavan for help and he found out where you were.”

I lay back against the headboard, “Really? I need to know everything, Jax. Braden was acting so weird and then there’s Mindy.”

“You need to rest then I’ll tell you everything,” he promises, coming over to caress my cheek, “I will tell you everything but please go to sleep. We need you well before we leave.”

I nod and close my eyes once more. He sits beside me and I bask in the comfort of his presence as I drift off. I shouldn’t love Jax, but I do. He murdered those men to take me away from that house and I’m forever grateful. No one ever cared until Jax.

I love a man who’s dangerous and still, I trust him with my life. I need his protection.

Braden will come for me.

He always comes for me.

Chapter 14

* Jaxxen *

Watching Coralee sleep, I feel the weight of Wylan’s unspoken accusations from across the room. I explained nothing before gagging and cuffing the dark-haired woman in the bathroom.

Gazing at Coralee’s pale face and remembering what happened in that abandoned house has me up and reaching to punch the wall. I want to make it right for her, but I can’t.

“Cool it, man!” Wylan stands, holding up his hands as if he’s protecting the defenseless wall. “Let’s go outside and talk. I need fresh air.”

I shake my head, storming into the bathroom for a talk with our hostage.

The woman sits on the edge of the bathtub, her arms stretched as far as they can go in the restraints. Her blue eyes glare at me while I wash my face.

Wylan opens the door and steps inside. “What’s her name? We should give her water.”

The girl grunts through the used sock that I shoved in her whore mouth.

I smile a little, knowing the sock belongs to Wylan and that his feet stink. “Mindy,” I shut the water off after filling one of those flimsy cups the motel provides, “give this to her.”

Wylan eases the sock out of her mouth. Mindy accepts the water greedily. I watch with a calm outer appearance, but really I want nothing more than to strangle the bitch. Her eyes dart from Wylan to me until settling.

That’s right—I’m in charge.

“Where’s Braden?” I growl.

She blinks rapidly, licking her lips. Before meeting Coralee, I’d have found this woman as sexy as they come. She’s shapely with perky breasts and a figure meant for fucking, but she’s also damaged and abused, my sunflower.

“I’ll get her a shirt,” Wylan says, going to leave.

“She doesn’t deserve that comfort,” I snap. “She’ll tell me where Braden is, and then I’m giving her to Club Onyx.”

With wide eyes, she gasps, “You’re selling me? I thought only willing women went there!”

I kneel and still look down on her. “There are rooms in that place where no one cares if you’re willing or not. They prefer it. Now, what do you have to say?”

“Can I at least take a shower first?” She whines, “Cora threw up on me!”

“Good for her,” I smirk, standing up to lean against the wall. “Talk.”

She grimaces before coyly throwing Wylan a pout as if she can convince him to let her go. Wylan smiles his charming smile, then leaves the room. Mindy hangs her head in defeat.

“Did you enjoy being gang-banged last night?” I cross my arms. “If you did, that’s fine; people have all sorts of kinks. Coralee didn’t want you to touch her or be subjected to the things Braden did.”

“She’s fine,” Mindy argues. “Braden made me do it. I’m just like Cora.”

“No, you’re not, and I will hurt you if you keep lying!” I get in her face.

“I’m an entertainer! I give men a little fun and go home. Braden never said how dangerous Coralee’s pussy was.”

“Admit you knew she didn’t want to be there.” I snap, although Waylan snickered at her comment.

Her eyes grow wet, her mouth opening and closing before she whimpers, “Didn’t you kill him? One minute he was there, and the next minute he was gone. I was on the floor; I didn’t see what else went on. You came in shooting, so why didn’t you notice?”

“Braden looked at his phone and left the room. Do you know where he could be in West Wind or the city?”

Mindy shakes her head, and I catch a whiff of stale vomit. She really needs a shower. I contemplate giving her something to wear but decide to let Coralee make that call since she’d been the one subjected to this bitch’s torment.

“I have his number,” she brightens. “If I give it to you, will you let me go? My younger sister lives with me, and I support her.”

Tonguing the inside of my cheek, I consider the fate this damaged woman deserves. I don’t hurt women, and I especially dislike turning them over to perverts who will suck the humanity from their soul, but something tells me this bitch will turn on us the second she has a chance.

She can stew until Coralee wakes up.

“I’d get some rest if I were you,” I tell her.

She lets out a frustrated plea before I exit the bathroom. She should consider herself lucky I don’t gag her again. Wylan’s lying on the other twin bed with his laptop. I check the time, figuring it’s five hours until sunset.

After settling beside Coralee, I whisper to Wylan, “Mindy said she knows Braden’s number and claims she has a younger sister she needs to get home to.”

He frowns, “Did she do something so awful you’d hand her over to a sex ring?”

I shrug. “It’s not run as such, but she’s filthy, man. I’ll let Coralee fill us in on what she wants to do once she hears about Cavan. Get some sleep.”

He nods, refocusing on the computer. I turn and press against Coralee. She smells a little stale, but I don’t care. The poor girl has been through so much. When she begged those sick fuckers to leave her alone, it sent me into a near blackout rage.

I haven’t killed anyone in years, but it was reflex handling my Springfield XD. Those men got off on Coralee’s tears, and if any of them are alive, they’re lucky.

Shifting through my memory, I’m positive someone tipped off Braden. He left the house too quickly not to have been.

I close my eyes after a few minutes, knowing I won’t be any good without rest. I’m so proud of Coralee. She walked out of that house by herself, just like I knew she could, and soon she will be free once we take care of her family.

---

“Are you serious?” Coralee paces the room. “Cavan and my father agreed to let Braden hold me captive? Does Cavan think I’ll just be like, “Oh hey, no hard feelings; you intended to sell me like a perfect fucking Stepford wife?” I’m not a piece of meat to be bought and fucking sold, especially by those fuckheads.”

I nod as Coralee continues to rant. She listened with a shocked expression as I explained what had happened with the Winters and her stepmother, right before she exploded.

I glance over at Wylan, who’s suppressing a smile. Coralee has every right to be pissed off, and hearing her curse is adorable and turns me on to no end.

I love her fire.

“Enzo knew!” She makes a sour face. “That man probably told Chiara every dirty thing he saw Braden do! What is wrong with these people?”

I shrug. “Where to start? They’re in a class of their own. Mindy said she’ll help find Braden, but can we trust her? What happened last night?”

Coralee exhales, wringing her hands. “Ugh, more than you realize. Mindy knows something. I don’t trust her, but Braden seems to have a relationship with her.”

“Well, I haven’t given Mindy a chance to clean up or wear clothes. I figure after what she did to you, turnabout’s fair play.”

She gazes at the closed bathroom door. “Why?”

Wylan clears his throat. “What do you want to do, Cora? I’m sure Cavan will be furious if you don’t show up at his home. Mindy can go free, or we can make sure she never hurts someone else again.”

She licks her lips and resumes pacing. “I never asked for any of this! I can’t go on living my life this way!”

I stand and pull her into my arms. She’s shaking, and it makes my blood boil. Coralee’s stronger than she knows, and it’s my duty to tell her. No one has faith in this beautiful girl beside Wylan and me. I won’t let her give up before the real fight. There’s still so much to do.

“Coralee,” I say as I cup her face to make her look into my eyes, “I could have gone into that house, picked you up, and carried you out, but you did it yourself. You don’t think so right now, but what you did was incredibly brave and fucking badass! Awe-inspiring. You fought back with intelligence, heart, and steadfastness. I don’t give a damn about Braden or Cavan. If you want to go home right fucking now, we can. But, if you want to fight and end this once and for all, we need to do it together, and I’ll tell you this much: you will walk away feeling as if there isn’t anything you can’t do.”

A tear slides down her flushed cheek, and I stroke it away with the pad of my thumb. “What can we do to end this?”

“Face your family. I’ll see if I can meet with the man they want you to marry.” I smile at her with confidence. “I’ll be by your side the entire time.”

She gives me a watery smile in return. “My whole life has been a lie. Why did my parents treat me so well only to betray me?”

There are no words for the lack of empathy her adoptive parents showed for such a wonderful woman like Coralee, so I hug her tightly. She wraps her arms around my waist, and we simply hold one another. Wylan’s silent, knowing how hard Coralee’s taking everything.

“I wanted to die,” she admits in a broken voice. “I kept asking for more drugs, more booze. I thought I’d never see you again, Jax.”

“Oh sweetheart,” I kiss the top of her head, “I’ll always find you. Speaking of, I have your necklace.”

She lifts her head, explaining, “Braden broke it when he choked me.”

With a growl, I let her go, rummaging through my bag until I find the necklace. Wylan shoots me a knowing look, and I cringe as I hand it to Coralee, saying, “The clasp’s broken, but we can fix it later. Please carry it on your body. The pendant is a tracker.”

Her eyes widen and then narrow. “Seriously? Why didn’t you tell me, Jax? What the hell?”

“You were so certain Braden would find you, which he did, so I felt it necessary to keep you safe. If it hadn’t broken, I wouldn’t have needed Cavan.”

I would have found you sooner.

She nods and places the necklace next to the TV on the dresser. “Whatever. I need a shower.”

Shit, that went better than expected. I was sure Coralee would have thrown a fit, but maybe she realizes I’m only trying to keep her safe.

Wylan points to a shopping bag. “I bought clothes but didn’t expect another woman. It’s up to you if you want to share. She said you vomited on her.”

Coralee’s lips quirk. “I did. Fine, she can shower first, but—”

There’s a loud knock on the door, and Wylan and I reach for our guns.

I hadn’t taken off my holster since leaving West Wind, fearing people would find me after the bloodbath I left behind. I motion for silence and creep sideways towards the door.

The peephole reveals a large smiling man under the dim light bulb in the outdoor corridor.

“What?” I bark.

“My name is Rich, and I’m here to collect Coralee Winters.” The man’s voice is pleasant and non-threatening. “Open the door, please.”

Wylan tugs Coralee’s arm, pulling her into the bathroom. I debate if I should haul the man into the room and break his neck, but I usher him inside after putting my gun away.

“You were at the diner.” I recognize him. “Are you following me?”

The man smirks, “Cavan’s worried you’ll skip town before he can speak to his sister. Word is spreading concerning your activities, and he insists you both come to his house.”

I blatantly size up Rich.

He’s five foot eight, with a set of deep blue eyes that never waver from my own, wearing black dress pants and a silk shirt along with an equally black waist-length coat with a bright yellow tie.

His smile is becoming a little unnerving.

Who dresses like this anymore? It’s as if he’s ready for a night out or an old gangster shootout, and if he draws on me, there’s no way he’ll continue looking dapper with a bullet through his smiling fucking mug.

“Are you going to make us?” I cross my arms, hand near my gun.

He shrugs, and when he does, his coat moves to reveal a pair of loaded pistols holstered. “Can I speak with Coralee?”

Walking towards the bathroom, I say, “Stay right fucking there.”

It’s crowded in the small bathroom when I open the door. Wylan gagged Mindy again, much to my relief. We don’t need her making more problems. Coralee nervously bites her lip, and I wish she’d showered before Rich came knocking on the door.

“One of your brother’s minions wants to speak to you,” I gently explain. “Stay behind me and go nowhere near him.”

She nods and silently follows me back into the room.

Rich stands where I left him, and his creepy fucking smile and choice of clothing disarm Coralee as she awkwardly greets him, “Hi. Um, what do you want?”

“My name is Rich. Don’t be afraid, Coralee.” The man looks contrite, tugging on his flashy tie. “Cavan sent me to ask if you will meet with him. I don’t know if you’re aware, but he has a wife and a little boy. He’d like to introduce you to his family.”

I want to call bullshit, but Coralee lights up, or at least I assume so until she spits, “Does his wife know what Cavan and my father did? You go wait outside until I’m ready, and then you can take me to my shitty half-brother, who has a lot of explaining to do.”

Rich’s eyes enlarge before he nods once and exits. I turn to Coralee with a sly grin. She smirks back and then yells at Wylan to let Mindy shower because we have shit to do. I’m in awe of this brave girl, pulling her towards me for an overdue kiss.

“No!” she squeaks, turning her head. “My breath stinks!”

I kiss her on the cheek and chuckle, “You never cease to impress me, Sunflower. Cavan will more than likely send his wife and child away. We’re too much of a liability. Stay near me and never let your guard down.”

She sobers, “I killed someone last night. I think I did at least. I don’t even feel guilty. Shouldn’t I at least feel bad? What if someone tries to hurt me again?”

“Don’t beat yourself up about it, Coralee.” I stroke her soft cheek. “I’m sorry you were in that position, but from now on, you need to be extra vigilant. Family or not, they have an agenda that isn’t in your best interest. I’ll be here and won’t let anyone hurt you.”

She swallows. “Once this is over, can you guess where I’d like to go?”

I can’t stop touching Coralee, running both of my hands up and down her arms. She turns her neck, and I trail my fingertips across her silky skin.

I ask, “Hmm… where would my bright Sunflower like to go when you’re free to live a life you should have always had?”

She smiles so beautifully my heart skips a beat. “To the waterfall where we had our first kiss. To that place where I laid out my worries, and you told me you would carry them for me and I could trust you.”

I grin at the memory. “I meant every word, and that’s the first place I’ll take you when we return.”

She grips my shirt. “We have to find Braden. He has been living in that abandoned subdivision since I left, and from what you said about Enzo and Chiara, he’s lying to them.”

“Don’t worry about that jackass.” I let her go, stomping over to the bag of clothing Wylan bought. “I’m sending Wylan to look for him while we see what Cavan wants. Take these clothes and sort out Mindy. We need to leave.”

“What are you going to do with her?”

I listen to Mindy and Wylan talking through the closed door. “Wylan makes a good babysitter, and she may know where Braden is.”

Half an hour later we’re ready to go. Mindy scowls and shoots Coralee dirty looks as I instruct Wylan to take the car and detain Mindy until she isn’t of any use. He winks at Mindy, and I bite my tongue from suggesting he keep his hands off the woman.

He’s a player, and it’s in his nature to flirt with disaster.

Wylan hugs Coralee. “Be safe, honey, and stick with Jax.”

“Keep in touch,” I remind Wylan. “Let’s go, Coralee.”

She takes my hand, and we exit the room. The night air is brisk, so I wrap my arm around her shoulders, leading her to where Rich stands next to a shiny old 1959 Continental Mark IV Town Car with whitewall tires. He smiles as we near, flattening his tie.

“This fucking guy,” I grumble.

Coralee quietly giggles, “I think he has style.”

Rich opens the back door. “Cavan’s happy to hear you’re coming. He said dinner will be ready by the time you arrive.”

She clings to my hand, sliding into the backseat. I’m surprised at the immaculate condition of the black vinyl and chrome interior, and I have to admit that Rich dresses and drives the part better than most can pull off.

When we’re on the road, I see Coralee biting her lip as she looks out the window. Gently, I tug her chin my way to kiss her soft lips.

“Do you understand how much you mean to me?” I blurt like an idiot, “Because if you don’t, I’ll say it.”

She presses her mouth against mine, whispering, “Save it for when I can say it back without feeling it may be the last time.”

I cup her face, growling, “Cut that shit out. Stay resilient and keep your head up high. Show these assholes you won’t be bullied any longer. You know the truth now, and we can use it.”

She exhales and I smell spearmint. “Right. You’re right. I have so many questions for them… and you.”

Inwardly cringing, I rush to explain, “Coralee, I’m sorry I wasn’t forthcoming about my past. I was a well-respected hired gun, but that’s all behind me. It’s not good I’m on the radar again, and others will try to reel me back in the lifestyle, but I’m only here for you.”

Her eyes pop, and her skin turns beet red. “You were like… a hitman? People paid you to kill other people?”

I catch Rich watching us from the rearview mirror. “Yes. I can’t change history, but my future is in Montana. If this makes your feelings for me different from a minute ago, so be it, but I will still help you. You’re stuck with me, sweetheart.”

Coralee’s face drains of color, and then she stiffly turns towards the window without another word. I slump in the seat, wanting to hold her for as long as the ride lasts, but she needs this time to process and prepare for what comes next.

Fuck, I have terrible timing.

I should have told her sooner, but it’s this exact reaction that prevented me from telling her the whole truth before now. Coralee needs my expertise, and when this is over, I hope she’ll come back to Montana with me.

If not, I can’t see myself staying away.

She owns my heart, and I don’t want it back.

Chapter 15

* Coralee *

Jax has a kind soul for someone who kills without remorse. How does he do it? Hell, how do I cope? I stabbed a man to death less than a day ago.

I should say something, anything, after his blunt admission of being a retired hitman, but can’t find the words. What can I say after witnessing Jax take out a room full of men, then turn around treating me as if I’m special? His belief I can face these horrible people makes me fantasize that I’m capable of stooping to their level with wit and strength I don’t possess.

I’m weak.

If he knew how I allowed Braden to touch me up on the cross or how I gave in to my baser urges before he appeared, I’m sure he’d be disgusted. Jax likes to sweep things under the rug once we’ve hashed it out, but I can’t help contemplating Mindy’s role and how Braden disappeared right before the shit hit the fan.

My eyes lose focus, the city passing by in a blur as I wonder if my heart could withstand losing Jax if I let his past dictate our future. Warmth floods my soul every time I peer into his granite eyes, but has he really left behind the violence of his former occupation? My problems have caused him to relapse and although I’m grateful, can’t decide if we should go any further with our whirlwind relationship. Now Jax’s cabin with its steel shutters and panic room make perfect sense.

“He lives behind a fucking gate,” Jax growls, pulling me from heavy thoughts.

I sit up, watching Rich drive toward a large gated mansion. Holy crap the estate is huge, spanning several acres. Rich hit a button on a device and a black gate swings inward. I nervously bite my lip and edge closer to Jax. He places a reassuring hand on my knee and I give him a small smile. Whatever else is going on between us, he’ll keep me safe.

“This used to be your father’s house,” Rich tells me, his tone light and cheerful, “He’s since moved out but Chiara lives here part-time with Cavan’s family.”

Jax tenses and it’s my turn to calm him down, wrapping my arm around his large forearm. From what Jax told me, Chiara was the one to order Braden to train me for a man named Luca. I vaguely recall the name Romano spoken in my old neighborhood but never paid much attention.

Just thinking of being ‘trained’ further darkens my mood. When Rich stops the car in the wide circular drive, there’s a tall skinny man standing there to greet us. Cavan has the nerve to smile at me when I climb out. I want to walk right up to him and punch him in his smug face.

Cavan sways on the smooth stone steps leading towards the double lacquered doors of the house as if sensing my aggression, “Well, look at you Cora! You’ve grown so tall and pretty.”

Jax stands close behind me, like my personal bodyguard and it makes me feel brave, “I’ve grown on lies actually, and my appearance is a non-issue.”

Cavan opens the door on the right, “Oh, don’t start our reunion off angry little Cora, there’s so much we need to discuss. Come on in Jax.”

I glance back at Jax and he carries a dark scathing countenance. Taking hold of my hand, he leads the way inside. The foyers more like a hotel lobby. I heard a word for space such as this once, a vestibule, and always thought it described a fancy hotel, but looking around, it’s definitely a term I would use to describe Cavan’s entrance.

“Rich said this used to be our dad’s house,” I keep my tone flat, staring at an abstract painting a three-year-old could have done but is probably worth thousands, “So nice you grew up here while I’m an orphan.”

Cavan runs a hand across his pinched face with obvious dislike at my attitude. He’s dressed in wrinkled khakis and a blue dress shirt and as I inspect his face, see a lot of our dad in his features. Same hair and eyes. He isn’t ugly, but from the pictures Wylan had shown me, Patrick Conry has a natural magnetism Cavan lacks in his haggard appearance.

“You’re not an orphan, Cora. I’d give you a tour, but it’s late and my chef made dinner,” he turns and motions to follow him down a long hallway with closed doors and fancy objects.

We come to a stop in a dining room with two shimming chandeliers hanging over a large formal gold and metallic table and chair set. I squint at my jeans and t-shirt and hold in a laugh. Cavan sits at the head of the table and waves for us to sit.

Jax pulls out a chair on the left side of Cavan for me and I grin, “Thank you.”

He winks, “My pleasure.”

Once we settle, I take shallow breaths in anticipation for what Cavan has to say but his focus is on a door towards the back of the room as if someone will come through and surprise us. It makes me nervous, and eyeball Jax scowling on the other side.

“Are you expecting someone?” I ask.

Cavan sighs in a tired huff, “My mother.”

“Oh, really? Jax told me everything,” I sit up straight and peer into his red-stained eyes, “You’re terrible people! Do you have any idea what I’ve been through?”

He ignores me completely, turning to Jax, “Remember our deal? Three favors.”

My head whips back and forth, watching Jax’s body flex and stiffen. Cavan’s lips quirk and I wait for them to explain. Why didn’t Jax tell me he made a deal with Cavan? What three favors?

“You didn’t tell Cora?” Cavan chuckles gleefully, placing his elbows on the table, “Not my problem. I want you to kill my mother tonight. In fact, when she enters the room is an excellent opportunity. Her voice is annoying and I’m tired of hearing her spew poison.”

My mouth drops open as Jax hisses, “You can’t be fucking serious? I can’t kill Chiara Conry and not pay with my fucking life! Your father will have me hunted down! Her uncle too!”

Cavan shrugs and returns his attention to the door, “Again, not my problem. A deal’s a deal, Jax.”

“What’s going on? Answer me!” I raise my voice, “What deal did you make Jax?”

“We’re alone,” Cavan continues, “Only Rich is in the loop and he has instructions to watch the gate. This is a clean opportunity. If you don’t act, I still demand payment Killer White.”

“Fuck!” Jax stands up and crosses the room to the large gold leaf china hutch along the wall, “I knew you were playing an angle. I kill your mom then what, I off your dad so you secure complete control?”

I’m in shock and denial as Jax picks out a heavy-looking iron candlestick, closes the cabinet then marches over to the now ominous door with a determined gleam in his eyes.

“What are you doing, Jax! Are you cracked!” I run to him in alarm, “Let’s go. Now! I want to leave!”

Jax grips my shoulder hard and I flinch under the pressure, “I have to do this. Sit down Coralee. Trust me.”

I shake my head shouting, “You can’t!”

He shoves me out of the way as the doorknob turns and a tall willowy dark haired woman steps through. I open my mouth to protest again when he grabs Chiara’s dress, propelling her to the center of the room.

“What’s going on!” Chiara defensively raises her arms.

“Stop Jax!” I lung between them.

“For fuck’s sake Cora!” Cavan explodes and throws his hands up as if I’m stupid, “This woman hates you! What have you ever done to her?”

Chiara’s dark brown eyes meet mine, “CORALEE? What are they doing here? Cavan, why is she here?”

I back away from them, “I’m here because you gave me to a psychopath who’s been lying to you for months. I can’t believe this family let Braden do the things he did! Cavan’s right, what did I do to warrant this?”

Chiara scoffs and turns to Jax, “So, you’re the man who killed my cousins’ men? They’re searching for you.”

She reaches into her dress pocket for something and Jax slaps her hands, taking a cell phone out then stomps on it. I cover my mouth at the raw violence emanating from everyone around me. I’ve never experienced such hatred until Chiara spoke my name.

Jax glares at her, “Enzo Romano’s next. You don’t deserve to breathe the same fucking air as Coralee but before I kill you, tell her why you traded a seventeen-year-old girls life for a fake peace treaty. There’s been no beef between the families since you married Patrick.”

Chiara straightens her spine, scanning my wardrobe with a nasty glower. I hate to admit it but she’s a beautiful woman. Her flawless olive skin and soft features give her a timeless appearance. She’s in her fifty’s and has aged gracefully. I don’t want Jax to murder her on my behalf even though it’s obvious she despises me.

This is absolute madness!

“Patrick lied and cheated on me,” she spits with a withering look, “I’m glad that bitch died because I would have slaughtered her myself. Your mother was a godless whore Coralee, and you’ll be a better one for my young cousin. You’re a slut and Luca will put in your proper place.”

I step back in shock and horror, as if she physically slapped me, “What? You knew my mother?”

She ignores my question swiveling to Cavan with a crimson fingernail pointing like a talon, ready to rip her son a new one, “And you! You’re a spoiled little shithead Cavan! Did you bring these two into my home with the pretense of killing me? Your own MOTHER?”

Cavan hasn’t moved from his spot at the dining table, “Told you, Jax, all she does is spit poison.”

I see movement at the corner of my eye and turn with a scream stuck in my throat as Jax brings the heavy object down on Chiara’s head. She falls with an audible thump to the floor, lips parted as if she’s about to say something.

Jax is suddenly standing in front of me but I can’t tear my eyes away from Chiara’s lifeless body. Jax killed her… with a candlestick.

A fucking candlestick!

I giggle and then I’m full on belly laughing with tears smearing my vision. Jax picks me up, cradling me in his arms and when he speaks to Cavan, I fall to pieces. The world rubs together and I grope for a foothold.

I’ve lost my shit at last.

I can’t breathe.

What’s happening?

Why did Jax murder a defenseless woman with a goddamn candlestick when I asked him to leave? Is this my life? I have no power. No voice.

I have Jax and he’s doing awful things, making everything worst. He killed my fathers’ wife! We’re marked because of Cavan.

There’s no coming back from this.

I’m going to strangle Cavan with my bare hands.

Chapter 16

* Coralee *

“Where are you going Coralee?”

Halting my stomp across Cavan’s massive yard towards the gate, turn to see Rich in his flashy black outfit and wearing a new fat deep purple tie. He smiles as he approaches and I smile back for no reason.

“It’s barely sunrise,” his voice hushed as if we’re disturbing the peace.

I shrug, hugging my torso against the chilly morning air, “I woke up and Jax wasn’t there. What’s going on?”

Jax promised he would be by my side yet left me alone in a strange house after I passed out. What does that mean? I can’t believe he plotted behind my back. I’m furious and unable to do nothing about it.

Rich frowns sympathetically, “Business, as they say. He and Cavan left several hours ago with instructions to watch over you.”

I screw up my face huffing, “Business? Crap, I don’t even have a phone. What twenty-year-old do you know doesn’t own a cell phone? I’m so sick of this!”

Rich motions to the house, “Let’s go inside and I’ll call Cavan. Are you hungry?”

I feel like pouting but head back to the mansion, “I lost my appetite when my stepmother was murdered.”

Rich pierces me with a sharp look, “Be careful what you say Coralee, you never know who’s listening.”

I nod sheepishly and follow him into a kitchen filled with stainless steel appliances I’d love to use on any other occasion. Rich takes out his phone after telling me to help myself to whatever’s in the fridge. I find grapes and fresh pastries, quickly eating while he messages Cavan. It’s possible I passed out the night before due to hunger. I can’t recall the last time I ate.

“They’re on the way back,” Rich reports, “Do you listen to music Cora?”

“Sometimes, but haven’t had the chance lately.”

He waves his hand for me to join him after I toss the trash away, “Cavan has a fantastic music room he lets me enjoy. I know things have been stressful for you, and music can be very therapeutic.”

We go up the stairway off of the foyer and head to the right. Rich opens a door and I’m stunned speechless at how vast the room is. Floor to ceiling windows let in the early morning light as I take in the array of guitars and other stringed instruments displayed artfully around the open space.

“Wow,” I grin, walking up to a grand piano on a raised floor stage, “Do you play?”

“Yes, and I have the perfect song for you,” Rich sits down on the stool, pulling back the key cover and plays a sweet haunting tune.

I circle the room and begin to relax. My thoughts aren’t on Braden or who will come after me next as Rich’s fingers fly over the piano keys effortlessly. I scrutinize pictures on the wall, seeing my father with several known artist. How would I have turned out if I’d grown up with my rightful family?

“Coralee,” Jax appears in the open doorway, “Everything alright?”

Rich abruptly stops playing, and I walk over to him, “Thank you, Rich. What was the name of that song?”

“Anytime. Uh, Anchor of us by ‘Bitter Ruin’.”

“How long have you worked for my family?”

He frowns, “A while. Why?”

I shake my head and join Jax. Someone like Rich is out of place with these men and I hope he doesn’t find himself dead because of my brother.

“Where did you go?” Hurt leaks in my question, “I’m beyond pissed at you.”

“Hold that thought,” Jax snatches my hand, “I didn’t want to leave you here but Cavan had plans. Wylan and Mindy should be outside the gates by now.”

Cavan stops us at the front door, “Where are you going little sister?”

Scowling, I reply, “Wherever I want. We may be related, but you haven’t acted like a brother. What you did to your mother was despicable.”

“Ah, but my hands are clean,” his face smug as he winks in Jax direction, “I had hoped you’d stay here until your birthday.”

“Why would I do that?” I snap, wondering if Cavan’s crazy or has an unfavorable agenda. From the hard glint in his seedy eyes, it’s probably both.

“She doesn’t want to stay in your fucking house so move aside,” Jax barks.

“Why do you think my mother planned it all down to her twenty-first birthday?” Cavan calls as Jax throws open the front door, “Coralee, you should listen to what I have to say.”

I turn, but Jax keeps our momentum forward, “You’re crazy!”

“Come on!” Jax isn’t gentle as he snakes his large arm across my torso forcing me to keep walking.

There’s something about the way Jax can’t wait to leave Cavan that makes me struggle out of his grasp. Jax throws up his hands in exasperation and I pivot to Cavan who’s casually leaning against the massive door.

“I’m listening,” I tilt my head while crossing my arms, “Why did Chiara make a deal that rested on my twenty-first birthday?”

Cavan sniffed, running his hand over his nose, “Not out here. If you want to hear more, come back after you talk to your friends.”

Jax curses, so I turn to him, “What do you think?”

“I think I owe two more favors,” Jax grumbles, “Can we go now?”

“Geez,” I resist rolling my eyes, “This is the grumpiest I’ve ever seen you.”

His face falls, “Sorry. It was a long night.”

I bet.

Placing my hand in his I quietly say, “Okay. Let’s get out of here.”

Wylan and Mindy are waiting down the road for us. We climb into the backseat and I can’t help but feel like Mindy’s intruding. After everything that transpired in West Wind, I want her as far away from me as possible. I keep my opinions to myself because Jax is already on edge and Wylan keeps checking the mirrors as if we’re being followed.

“Where are we going?” I finally asked after a long stretch of silence.

“Hotel,” Wylan answers, “You and Mindy will stay put while we meet someone.”

I cringe, “Why can’t she leave now?”

“Hey,” Mindy’s husky voice pleas for me to look at her when she turns around in the front seat, “I’m sorry Coralee. I need the money and Braden told me he’d share if I helped him.”

“What money?”

Jax sighs heavily, “I believe it has something to do with what Cavan wanted to tell you. Your dad may have set up an inheritance clause.”

I’m confused, “Where is Patrick? Rich said he left the city, and it seems Cavan has taken over. Why would a man who gave me away, leave me money?”

Jax shrugs, “No idea, but we know where Luca Romano will be tonight and I might be able to convince him to deny the proposed marriage. He’s only a few years older than you are, so I don’t see him wanting to get hitched.”

“Luca is so hot,” Mindy chimes in, “I partied with him and his men a few times.”

“Maybe she should come too,” Wylan proposes, “It could go smoother if we bring her.”

“That leaves Coralee alone, so no fucking way,” Jax shakes his head.

“I’ll be fine,” I assure him, “Give me a gun or a knife. No one knows where we’ll be, right?”

This turns into a big debate, even after the four of us check into a large Hotel Suite downtown. I remind Jax I have his necklace and will lock the doors but he worries so much I suggest tagging along. That shuts him up, and we shop before nightfall to buy things we need.

---

“Coralee,” Jax stands in the bathroom doorway wearing nothing but a towel, “Did you charge your new phone yet?”

I’m relaxing on the bed, tearing tags off of the clothes I purchased. When I glance up, freeze, taking in his glorious naked flesh. He has a tattoo on his upper right shoulder that looks like a snake I never noticed before because, in Montana, he wore long shirts. My eyes rove lower to where the V forms on his hipbones and lick my lips.

He smirks at my unabashed staring, “My clothes are in the other room and Mindy and Wylan are showering together.”

I make a face, “Oh, gross.”

Jax laughs, sitting beside me, “We both know Wylan has no shame. He’d probably fuck you too if not for, you know.”

Flushing, I avert my gaze, “Yeah, how awkward is it that everyone knows I’m a virgin? A LOT. Besides, there’s only one man here I want.”

Jax leans in close and I inhale the soap he used and oh boy, my entire body ignites. I shyly peer up, and his mouth latches onto mine. Kissing Jax is like coming home. He lets out a growl, and my core clenches around nothing. I match his heat, becoming so frenzied I gasp in shock when he whips off my shirt. I lean back on the bed as he covers me with his huge frame.

“Touch me,” I shamelessly beg, “Please Jax.”

He’s panting, the towel on his wide hips coming loose and I moan when his engorged rod brushes against my belly. “Fuck, I love hearing you beg. I’d like nothing more than to bury myself in your sweetness but now isn’t the time.” he kisses me hard, rocking his length against my stomach.

“Why not?” I whine in disappointment, rubbing myself on one of his thick thighs.

“I want to make love to you first and then nail you a second time so hard you won’t be able to walk, but we’ve got shit to do and I will not rush this.”

“I’m still mad at you,” I remind him although my hands can’t stop touching his bronze skin, inching lower to where his cock rubs near my soaked pussy. “Maybe I could…?”

Gripping the nape of my neck he dares me, “Don’t leave me hanging in suspense. Fucking say it!”

“Suck your dick?” I breathlessly squeak.

His stormy eyes rake over my bra encased breasts, “Hmm, such a temptress with that dirty mouth. Damn, you’re perfect. Do you realize there’s isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you?”

Braden’s exact promise slithers into my mind and I fight against the memory to stay in the present, nodding and kissing Jax’s clean-shaven jawline, “I feel the same. When Cavan made you… I wanted to murder him for tricking you! Why did you keep silent about the deal?”

He grunts in frustration, sitting up to readjust his towel. I pout because even though I enjoyed his cock rutting against my belly, didn’t get a chance to ogle the monster. “It was the only option I had at finding you without making more waves. I’ll handle it.”

I sit up too, “Jax, I can’t let you do dangerous stuff for Cavan. If I talk to him-”

“No,” he stands and stabs a hand through his wet hair, eyes downcast, “Don’t. I need to dress.”

He leaves me in an agitated state, and I slowly pull my shirt back on. Jax loves me. Why else would he place himself in danger? Guilt eats at me as I pace the floor. I have to do something, but I’m stuck in the Suite until they return from speaking with Luca.

I walk out into the living area and catch Mindy kissing Wylan. Shaking my head, I plop down on the plush sofa in the sitting room. I’m glad Wylan has no idea what Mindy did or otherwise I’d think he doesn’t care what I’ve been through.

“Call if anyone knocks on the door,” Wylan says, fixing his shirt, “We’ll try to hurry but it’s a club.”

I nod in exasperation, “I’ll be fine. Will Mindy be coming back since she doesn’t even know where Braden is?”

“I’m standing right here,” she huffs, “but I need to go home to my sister.”

“You really have a sister?” Wylan’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise.

Mindy fingers the soft blue dress Jax was kind enough to buy her, “Yes, and she’s all the family I have. I do these things for her.”

Wylan smirks, “I’m sure it was such a chore twenty minutes ago.”

“Gross,” I throw a throw pillow at his head, “Can you not?”

He chuckles and when Jax enters the room, everyone sobers. Jax is ridiculously handsome in black dress pants and a button-up shirt. He’s a tank of a man and the clothes stretch tight across his shoulders and chest like the material might rip apart at the seams if he moves too quickly. I’m close to drooling but prefer his rugged outdoor look much better because that’s where he belongs, outside with Ren and Stimpy working hard on his land.

I try to smile, but he notices something is off, “You guys go ahead and pull up the car. I’ll be down in few minutes.”

Wylan and Mindy leave and he crouches in front of me, “Everything will be okay. I still don’t like leaving you here alone.”

I caress his cheek, “Stop stressing.”

“What is it then?” he holds my hand in both of his, “Spit it out.”

“I feel terrible you’re not at home with your dogs,” I bite my lip, “It’s where you belong, not going to a club to ask a gangster if he wants to marry me. Wow, I can’t believe I just said that!”

He kisses my wrists chuckling, “We’ll be back home soon, Sunflower. I promise. Tomorrow we’ll go see Cavan and hopefully, this will all be over. Don’t worry so fucking much, let me handle this, alright?”

I lean forward and kiss him hard, “Easier said than done, but I trust you. You scared me yesterday, but I do.”

His gray eyes search mine, “I would hope so at this point. Come, lock up after me.”

After one last lingering embrace, I’m all alone in the suite. I bolt the door and retreat to the sofa to watch TV. I have food if I get hungry, but the uncertainty of what Jax and Wylan could encounter sours my appetite.

It’s going to be a long night.

Chapter 17

* Jaxxen *

“You’re a fucking asshole!” I hiss at Cavan over the phone, “What was that stunt you tried to pull to keep Coralee at your house? I told you I’d bring her back after I dealt with Luca.”

Wylan and Mindy stand ten feet away giving each other flirty looks, waiting for me before entering Club Overlook. Wylan found out Luca was a silent partner and that his friends laundered for the Romanos among other illegal dealings.

“Calm the fuck down,” Cavan laughs over the line, “I thought I’d offer to see if she wanted to get to know me, but after what happened, I don’t blame her for the name calling. Don’t forget you still owe me one after this.”

I blow out an irritated breath, “No shit.”

After hanging up, I swiftly make my way to the back entrance of the club with the other two trailing behind. Pounding my fist on the door, look up into a security camera. A large man opens it with a glower, and I hide my smile because I’m taller and broader than this hired goon.

“Yeah?” he snaps, peering over my shoulder at Mindy and Wylan.

“We’re here to see Luca,” I fold my hands in front of me, “It’s Conry business.”

The guard sniffs and steps back, “Follow me.”

We enter a long hallway filled with closed doors. The man leads us into a room with a pair of leather sofas and a gleaming glass desk with nothing on it. He says to wait, so we do.

“I guess I didn’t need to be here,” Mindy giggles nervously, twirling her dark hair.

I stand ridged by the door, not paying attention as Wylan banters with the whore. It’s not long until a guy in his mid-twenties comes in wearing a three-piece suit, looking the part of an Italian mobster. What is it with this city and the men trying to look like throwbacks to an era where most were savage and nearly always caught in their wrongdoing? I prefer to blend in.

Luca Romano has a dark presence. I can tell right away he’s controlled but coiled tight by the way he steps in, closes the door and takes his time gazing at each one of us with sharp amber eyes. He turns to me with a slight nod of his head before sitting behind the desk.

“I don’t know you,” he flatly states, “but I’ll give you ten minutes.”

“I’m here on behalf of Cavan Conry,” I face him while Wylan and Mindy sit back down, “He has a half-sister, Coralee. Chiara was going to offer her to you for marriage once she inherited her mother’s estate.”

Luca leans forward and places his hands together on top of the desk, “Chiara is my cousin. Why would she keep this from me?”

“Because she had Coralee taken by a man named Braden Leone who, along with your cousin Enzo, locked her up and abused her for years,” my pulse races from the memory of finding her tied up, “I’ve come here with a proposition regarding Coralee.”

Luca stares at me a for few tense beats of the clock, “I don’t need a wife, especially one who’s forced. What do you want?”

My shoulders relax, acknowledging Luca’s not a man to beat around the bush, “Cavan offers Coralee’s inheritance for non-retaliation for the death of his mother and I’d like your help.”

His eyes narrow, “Chiara is dead… or will be? What is your name?”

I lick my lips, “Jax White. Chiara’s deceased.”

Luca sits back and shakes his head, “You’re a brave man, coming in here telling me this. I see you’re not strapped. What’s the plan?”

I hold up my hands, “I’m helping Coralee. Long story short, Braden’s obsessed with her and there’s something not right going on between him and your cousin. Take the two million and tell me where to find Enzo.”

Luca looks amazed, “You have got a fucking set of balls Jax… White. Are you the guy that killed ten men a few nights ago?”

I shrug, “Coralee helped.”

I hear Mindy whisper to Wylan about the money. Of course, a girl like her is more interested in that than stopping what’s happening to a human being. I can’t wait to ditch the bitch. Luca takes out his cell and text someone. If he’s requesting reinforcements, I’m confident I can handle the situation. These kids all rely on weapons and I was brought up using my body as one.

“I never liked Enzo,” Luca says in a bored tone, still fiddling with his phone, “He’s a worthless piece of shit who’s been after my father’s position for years. Chiara and I only spoke at family functions. If she expected me to take a woman against her will, she was high. It’s also disrespectful and I abhor insolence. I don’t care she’s dead, but my father might, especially if Paddy Conry thinks we had something to do with it.”

“Do you know where Paddy is?” I can’t resist asking.

He looks up, his amber eyes swirling in undisguised anger, “Why would I? What I want to understand is why you’re prepared to die for a woman who-”

“Careful,” I don’t give a shit who he is, Coralee’s better than everyone in this room, including me, “Fun fact, they kept her a virgin, just that one piece while suffering perversions of men and women,” I shoot a glare in Mindy’s startled direction, “Who took her against her will to be the perfect fucking wife to someone like you. For the money, but Cavan is offering it to you for the release of his sister and the death of his mother.”

Luca taps the phone against his leg, “It’s pitiful how others presume to know my business. Fine. Why do you want Enzo?”

I exhale, Luca’s a smart man. “Braden. I could hurt your cousin, but I’ll leave him alone in exchange for that dickweed. I think Braden and Enzo are cooking something up involving Coralee and I intend to kill Braden then you won’t see me again.”

“You have a reputation,” Luca holds up his phone, “An honorable one. I don’t need a retired hitman running around the city killing my familial. We require Chiara’s body, Paddy’s assurance there’s no ill will, and the money before delivering Braden Leone.”

I grin and Luca frowns, “One more thing. Are you hiring at The Onyx?”

He stands, straightening his fancy jacket, “What do you know about The Onyx?”

I point to a very nervous Mindy who Wylan’s trying to extract himself from, “She needs a job and I don’t want to find her working anywhere but there if I happen to check.”

Luca smirks at her and she pales, “Pretty new playthings are always in demand. See yourself out.”

“Wait!” Mindy runs over, grabbing my upper arms, “Please, I told you I have a sister!”

I shake her off, “It’s a damn paycheck where you won’t have to worry if someone like me will walk in and shoot you in the fucking head for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Goodbye, Mindy.”

I don’t look back or wait for Wylan but I hear him behind me, always a loyal friend even though Mindy screams his name. We book it out the exit and across several streets to the vehicle. When inside we grin at each other.

“Holy shit man,” Wylan thumps me on the shoulder, “Do you think you’ll pull this shit off killing no one else… well, besides Braden?”

I start the car, “I don’t give a damn at this point.”

All I can focus on is Coralee alone, worried about us. I also visualize her lush body laid out, begging for me to touch her. My dick hardens, and I curse, barking at Wylan to call Coralee to tell her we’re on our way. He smirks and does what I ask.

I feel like an asshole, imagining taking her creamy thighs in hand before burying my tongue and fingers in her sweet pussy while she begs me to fuck her virgin hole for the first time. We hit almost every green light back to the hotel, and I practically jog to the elevators.

“What’s got you so anxious? You were calmer when dealing with Luca and Cavan. She’s fine. Unless I’m missing something?” Wylan asks as we enter the empty lift.

I crack my neck before admitting, “I want Coralee. Tonight. So, make yourself scarce.”

He laughs, “Are you sure you should… you know what, never mind. What you want, you always get.”

Frowning, I face him, “What’s that supposed to mean? You’ve said that several times now and I don’t appreciate what you’re implying.”

He holds up his hands with a frown of his own, “It’s cool, man. I just… you shouldn’t have treated Mindy like that because she pissed you off.”

I shake my head as the doors slide open on our floor, “You weren’t there the night I found Coralee, and that girl is bad fucking news. She’s better off there, trust me.”

Wylan follows me down the hallway, “When you go back to Montana, I’m going home.”

I don’t understand what his issue is, and it’s spoiling my good mood. Things had gone smoothly with Luca and soon I’d have Braden’s location but Wylan’s acting as if… I turn to him, before knocking to alert Coralee to open the door, “What the fuck? Do you like Coralee?”

He widens those blue eyes of his, “Nah, man.”

I huff a disbelieving laugh, “Fucking spit it out then.”

Wylan crosses his arms, “Coralee should go her own way. She doesn’t realize how dangerous it is being with you and you can’t protect her if they come after you.”

I swallow hard, “I’ll die trying. I’ve brought the fight here, so we can live free from my past.”

He shakes his head as if I’m an idiot, “Men like us never leave our past, especially you Jax. If you really care about her, you’ll send her as far away as possible.”

“Fuck that!” I don’t know what to say, “You may be right, but there’s no one else I’d rather spend the rest of my life with. I can’t let her go.”

He drops his arms, “I warned you about being possessive. Just talk to her before leaving the city. She deserves a happy ending that doesn’t involve hidden bunkers in case your enemies retaliate.”

I scowl, “It’s not hidden if everyone knows about it, asshole.”

He smirks, knocking on the door, “Coralee let us in, honey.”

I’m conflicted. Unrelenting lust demands I take Coralee to bed, but is Wylan, right? Am I endangering her? She’s young, intelligent, and I’m a man set on living off the land. What if she doesn’t want to live in Perla, but only said so out of fear?

Coralee opens the door with a shy smile, “Hi guys, please tell me you have good news?”

Wylan nods, walking over to the minibar and cracked open a beer before saying, “No worries! Jax’s amazing when it comes to intimidation.”

I try to grin, but it falls flat. Wylan’s admonishing words run rampant inside my head, making it difficult to retain my previous thoughts of fucking her beautiful body raw. I avoid Coralee and sit on the sofa, accepting a beer when Wylan offers one. The room’s silent as Coralee sits beside me with hopeful eyes.

“Well?” she prompts eagerly, “What was Luca like? What did he say, Jax?”

I gulped half of the beer before answering, “Luca doesn’t want you and we made a deal.”

Her hazel eyes lower in confusion, “I’m glad he doesn’t, but what’s that tone?”

I can’t meet her earnest expression, bending to take off my shoes, “Everything’s fine. No tone. You should head to bed.”

“I’m not a child,” she snaps but leaves the room in a huff.

Wylan sighs, “Smooth asshole. I’m sorry I said anything if you’re going to treat her like shit.”

I groan, running a hand over my face, “What do you want? Fuck off already!”

I sit there stewing for a while, itching to go to Coralee, to tell her how Luca didn’t care I killed Chiara and explain the inheritance money Cavan swore me to secrecy about. I don’t think Coralee would care about the money, but what if I’m wrong? Would she want to know who her mother was? She had never once questioned anything about her mother and the thought has me sitting up straight.

Why has Coralee never asked about her mother?

Chapter 18

* Coralee *

Jax has become a different person since leaving Montana. I feel guilty as I toss my clothes on the floor to shower. He told me by coming here; he placed himself in danger from past threats. But he came anyway.

For me.

Am I grateful? Yes! I didn’t know what Jax’s life had been like prior to him welcoming me into his home. How could I? He kept secrets and now I’m experiencing all sorts of mixed emotions.

I’m a magnet for alpha bad boys but damn if I don’t crave Jax.

I use my new phone to play music. Rich made me realize it’s a good way to relax. To get out of my head and focus on something other than Jax’s hot and cold funk. Think Twice by ‘Groove Armada’ came on and the piano intro makes me smile as I recall Rich playing for me. When I fell under the blissful spray of the showerhead, hear Jax calling my name.

I open the glass door shouting, “I’m in the shower! What is it?”

What if someone followed them back to the hotel? It’s just our luck! As I’m reaching for a towel, he appears in the doorway. His steel gaze travels up and down my wet flesh and I don’t even think to cover myself. He crosses the room like he’s under a spell, slamming his lips down on mine.

“I love you,” he groans, gripping my hips with a painful pinch, “I fucking love you, Coralee.”

I close my eyes, my heart beating so fast I can’t catch my breath. His hot mouth latches onto my right nipple, tugging the sensitive flesh until I mewl. He lifts me out of the shower and sits me on the counter between the Jack and Jill sinks.

“Jax!” I shout as he drops to the floor, spreading my shaking knees apart, “Is everything okay?”

His hungry expression is breathtaking, “Everything will always be fine as long as you are with me. Tell me you want this.”

I swallow past the dryness in my mouth, nodding like a maniac, “I love you too, Jax. I want you so much.”

He cups my ass, yanking me to the edge of the counter snarling, “Say you want me to be your first Coralee.”

“I want you to make love to me, Jax,” I moan, staring into those amazing stormy gray eyes that always make me feel safe, “Only you.”

His lips curl into a wicked grin, and I smile in return until he plants his face on my pussy then I’m crying out in pleasure that makes every sexual experience before this disappear. He holds my hips down as I lurch forward, gripping his hair so forcefully he grunts.

Jax encircles my clit with his tongue, moving so sensually I think he’s purposely trying to make me sweat and shake above him by working me up into a frenzy with his mouth alone. His hand reaches upward until finding my pebbled nipples, caressing each in turn. It’s all so slow and erotic as if he’s savoring this as much as me. For a large man, he has a soft touch that’s maddening.

“Don’t stop! Oh… Ahha!” I don’t know why I think he would, but I’m chasing the most perfect orgasm of my life.

He stops and I let out a little growl making him chuckle, “Come here.”

Jax lifts me until I wrap my legs around his wide hips. The fabric of his pants rubs against my aching core with each step he takes to the bedroom. I’m certain he’s the one for me and the caring way he caresses my face while he kisses my cheek makes me shiver with need.

He lays me on the mattress then hurries to undress saying, “I want you here, in a bed where I can touch and kiss every fucking bit of your beautiful body. Do you even realize how much restraint I’ve shown?”

Grinning at the lust in his voice I reach for him, “Come and show me?”

He’s so tall and broad that when he crawls on top of me, thighs on either side of my hips, I can’t see anything but the lusty smirk on his wet lips before they crash down on mine. I smell and taste myself on his skin and I giggle against his assault.

I taste good.

“What are you laughing at?” he teases before biting my nipple so hard I yelp.

“Ouch!”

“I’ve waited a long time to enjoy these tits,” he groans, licking away the pain, “Damn, I’m gonna titty fuck them soon.”

I flush under his intense scrutiny, “Kiss me.”

I sweep my tongue into his mouth as he explores my breasts, teasing down to find my pussy and my own hands roam the expanse of his rigid form. He’s so sexy and solid. Oh, shit, his cocks thick and lengthy. Huge. I become wetter imagining him inside of me. I moan against his chest as he spread my center open, testing how tight I am and he shudders.

“You’re mine,” he whispers, inserting a finger slick with my own juices, “I knew it the moment I saw you Coralee. I’ll show you how you deserve to be treated if you just believe in us.”

I throw my head back when he uses two fingers, stretching my entrance, “Yes. I will. I do.”

“Fuck, you’re so wet for me,” he states in approval, lips suckling my breasts, “I love your tits.”

Panting, I watch his fingers disappear in my dripping slit over and over as his teeth rake across my sensitive nipples, “I’m going to come!”

“Are you ready for my cock? I’m gonna fuck the shit out of this tight pussy.” his gaze roams over my face then down to my thrusting hips, “Ride my fingers. Come for me, Coralee.”

I do. Hard. Shaking and cursing as he finger fucks me while biting on my nipples until they feel raw, I experience nirvana. I’ve waited years for this man. This man who asks instead of takes what he wants from me. “Fuck Jax, yes. Fuck me!”

He snaps his head up with a smile, “Oh, she cusses when she’s worked up?”

I laugh then screech when his fat cock slams inside of me without warning. He curses and thrust once more, breaking through my barrier and I whimper when the sting overtakes the pleasure. Jax holds still, kissing my throat, breathing as heavily as I am.

“Okay,” I tell him, “I’m fine.”

“Good,” he gulps, “Let me in Sunflower. Open your petals and shit… I gotta move.”

I’d have laughed if his cock wasn’t tearing me apart so I try to relax, sucking in air as he kisses along my neck and chest and my attention refocuses on the pleasure he’s drawing out. So much pleasure. His eyes are on mine and I smile to let him know this is perfect.

“So perfect,” I whisper.

Jax kisses me gently on the cheek, his body held up by his large forearms as he plunges shallowly into my center, “Yes, you are. I love you, Coralee.”

I blink in surprise, “Oh Jax, I love you too. Don’t hold back. Please, I’ve wanted you for so long.”

He closes his eyes, “You’re so tight. I don’t want to hurt you.”

“I trust you,” I place my arms as much as I can around his wide shoulders, “Fuck me.”

Jax’s throat bobs when he swallows, “Jesus Coralee. Fine,” he suddenly reaches down and lifts my legs over his shoulders. He’s so big my legs are impossibly high and I’m bent in half, “If it hurts too much tell me.”

I don’t have time to respond before he’s thrusting his whole body forward, plunging deep. I thought it hurt earlier, but he hadn’t even truly been inside me. I bite my lip so he won’t stop. Oh crap, it smarts but his strokes hit every nerve inside, igniting pleasure I never knew existed. I reach out for something to hold on to and the covers don’t help as his taunt frame hammers back and forth.

“Shit!” I yell, experiencing so many sensations I can’t do anything but lunge upward, dropping my legs to latch onto him like a monkey.

He grabs my throat, settling my writhing body on his, never stopping his frantic thrusting and I kiss his mouth yelping, “Oh! Fuck! Too much! You’re so fucking big!”

“That’s right,” he grips my jaw, forcing me to meet his sharp eyes, “Come on my cock baby. Let me watch you fall apart for only me. This is my pussy. My beautiful girl. Mine.”

My body obeys.

I think I scream as he holds me in a stable grip, my back bowing. I lose time and feel like I’m racing through outer space with no end in sight, and somewhere Jax’s deep voice orders me to keep still, then there’s a warm sensation.

“Oh shit!” Jax’s mouth snarls near my ear, near my universe, “Fuck me Coralee, I filled you up. Fuck!”

Chapter 19

* Jaxxen *

I lay in bed, watching Coralee while she sleeps like a fucking stalker. What the hell had I been thinking? I went to find her to discuss her mother then bam, seeing my Sunflower completely naked and wet, made me lose my damn mind.

Coralee’s so beautiful.

I rub her cheek gingerly, wishing so many things for her. I’m in over my head with this angel but I’ve finally obtained her love. Greedy. Her lusty little moans she cried out with as she’d ridden me into oblivion, caused me to come inside her perfect warmth.

I fall onto my back, hand over my face. Idiot. Coralee could get pregnant and I hadn’t even considered protecting her. She’s not on anything and I dumped a huge load in her fertile womb. She brings out my inner caveman.

“Jax?”

I lower my arm and see Coralee up on her elbows peering at me through her hair, “Yeah?”

She rolls onto her stomach and sighs, “What’s wrong? Why aren’t you asleep?”

I turn and propped my head up with my hand, “Can I ask you something?”

She smiles coyly, “Yes, you were the best I ever had.”

Funny girl. I think I fell in love her sense of humor foremost, “Jokes? Careful, or I’ll put that sassy mouth to work.”

She giggles although I’m serious, “Okay, sorry grumpy. What’s the question?”

“It’s about your mother.”

She sobers with that cute frown-squint, “What about her?”

“Why haven’t asked about her?”

“Besides knowing she died in a car accident, I barely remember her,” Coralee props herself up, “She was beautiful, with hair like mine. I remember going to kindergarten, and a memory of her walking away has always stayed in my mind. She had long strawberry blonde hair, and it moved when she walked. Later, my mom and dad gave me a picture.”

“You had a picture?” I can’t contain my surprise considering how the Conry’s tried to hide her existence.

“I still have it.”

Coralee rolls out of bed naked and I stifle a groan as she walks over to her purse and pulls out her wallet. She rushes back, bouncing the mattress on her knees, lush tits swaying. Damn those titties and I need to become better acquainted. I can see the pink marks my teeth and scruff left on her fair skin and grin.

I resist temptation and focus on the photo she’s showing me. I take it and there’s a lady that looks eerily similar to Coralee staring back. She has her mom’s exact eye and hair color. I can understand why Patrick Conry would fall for such a stunning woman.

“When did they give that to you?” I return the old snapshot, resting against the headboard.

She tosses her wallet and picture on the bedside table, “On my twelfth birthday. I always knew about my mom, but it’s nice to have a picture. I assumed the adoption agency gave her photo to my parents… now, I see it was probably my Dad.”

It’s late and I don’t want her lost in sad memories so I nod, opening my arms, “Come here Sunflower.”

She gives me a sexy smile, crawling on my lap to straddle me, “I can’t believe how happy I am with you, Jax. I never want to leave this bed.”

I brush her soft flesh along the stubble of my jaw, “I know the feeling. Are you sore?”

Her breathing perks up and so does my dick. I kiss her hard, wanting to possess this woman every minute of every day. She’s panting, grinding herself on my stiff cock and I need to stop her. Coralee’s too young to get knocked up by my selfish ass.

“I don’t have a condom and I already fucked up,” I groan in her ear, “Let me touch you and make you come for me though.”

She blinks, giggling against my lips, “Fuck it, Jax. There’s the pull-out method.”

I chuckle and nip her bottom lip, “Not with you there isn’t. I want to fill you with my cum until it’s running down every hole this gorgeous body has.”

She laughs, nudging my chest, “That paints a picture. One I would like to explore someday.”

“Fuck,” I growl, caught off guard by the shit she’s saying, “Such a dirty mind, Coralee.”

“You’ve no idea,” her voice drops to a sexy rasp, and I hold still as her pussy tries to latch onto my dick, “It’s okay Jax, really.”

Permission? I’m an asshole. I pull her tight, wet little box down onto my prick and don’t stop until she’s fully seated. She whimpers, and it makes me want to fuck her so hard I leave a permanent stain. She’s so tight I struggle to fit. With her arousal coating my thighs, I can’t imagine being with anyone else ever again. Her juicy ass cheeks fill my hands when I lift and drop her on my rigid cock, willing her to move. She slowly gets the hint, and I have to remember she was a virgin until a few hours ago.

“Ride me,” I wrap her long hair in my fist, “Move that ass Coralee. Get yourself off.”

Her eyes sparkle in the dim light and a sly smile pulls her lips upward, “I plan to, Mr. Bossy Pants.”

Then Coralee lets herself go. It’s beautiful, the way her body bends and the sounds of her moaning and groaning leave me hanging on by a thread. I lick and suck on her puckered nipples until her hungry pussy squeezes and flutters around my cock. Grunting, I try not to mark her skin, but I need to sample her sweaty skin. I bite and grip her slender neck. She tastes so good everywhere. Her pussy flavor is strawberries and cream and soon I’ll know what her throat feels like with my dick shoved down it.

“I’m coming,” her head tilts back, so I grip her hips to move our bodies faster and the skin on skin slapping is so fucking hot I clench my jaw to keep from coming before her, “Fuck! Jax, Ahha! Fuck me! FUCK!”

Fuck is right.

I come with her as she screams and milks my dick so tightly I become dizzy and shake with aftershocks. As I squash her against my chest while we catch our breath, wonder if Coralee wants children. She’d make an amazing mother. I nuzzle her neck, and she giggles. It’s a perfect moment, her on my softening cock, cuddled in my embrace.

Shit, I’m actually cuddling. What is she turning me into?

“Wow,” she breaths lifting her head and stares at me for a few seconds, “I love you, Jax.”

I smile at the dreamy look on her face, “I love you too, Coralee. You better go take a shower before I fuck you so hard you won’t be able to move for the next two days.”

Her eyes widen, “We wouldn’t want that.”

I slap her ass then help her off the bed. It’s adorable the way her legs shake, and she lets out an embarrassed giggle before entering the bathroom. I can’t keep the grin off of my face, flopping back on the mattress.

It’s late and checking my watch doesn’t make it any better. We need a few hours of rest before leaving to meet Cavan and I still haven’t told her the truth about her mom. I listen to Coralee in the shower and tell myself I’m doing the right thing, but my heart’s not letting me believe it.

“You wanna go next?” Coralee smelling and looking fresh is leaning over the bed smiling down at me.

Rubbing my tired eyes, I realize I must have dozed off. I haven’t slept in a while and the stress of keeping her safe caught up to me. “Nah, cuddle up. We need to sleep.”

She tosses her wet towel aside and pulls the covers over the both of us after settling in my arms, “This is nice. I know you don’t want to hear it, but Braden and I spooned every night. He liked to hold me when we slept.”

She’s right, I don’t want to even think about that fucking bastard, “If you want me, I’ll be the one holding you. Now, go to sleep.”

Coralee snorts but nuzzles closer, “Yes, Sir.”

I smile and breathe in her sweet scent as I fall asleep.

---

Waking before Coralee, I shower, dress and order room service then knock on Wylan’s door. He’s already on guard and perks up after I say breakfast is on the way.

“Everything okay between you two lovebirds?” Wylan gives me a shit-eating grin.

Instead of feeding his curiosity of how well Coralee fucks, I turn and gaze out of the window at the city streets below changing the subject, “I’m gonna tell Coralee about her mother. It’s not right and I don’t owe it to Cavan to keep it from her. I promised him so we can untangle this mess.”

“What do you think Cavan will make you do next?” Wylan asks, sitting on the couch, “He’s a little weird.”

I snort, shooting him an incredulous smirk, “Seriously? Just a little weird? I’m starting to think he always knew this would happen, and I fell into his trap. You were right. Cavan’s smart, but lazy as fuck. Why get his hands dirty when I can do it for him?”

“Jax, don’t dig too deep into this, Cavan might have insidious ideas, but by trading, he essentially gave Cora an out.”

I shake my head growling, “I need to find Braden.”

The bedroom door opens and Coralee pads out still looking tired. I hold out my hand, which she grins at and comes over, letting me pull her close. My body relaxes the second it’s in contact with hers. She licks her plump lips and kissed me before I make a move.

“So, did you look at yourself in the mirror and feel different?” Wylan teases her, inappropriately raking his eyes over her delicious curves, “I hear virgins do that.”

Coralee gasps and darts across the room incensed. I laugh because he didn’t expect her assault and had no time to protect himself. She delivers a slap to his stunned face, and it claps in the air at the same moment someone knocks.

I yank Coralee off of Wylan with a serious countenance to which she shoots him the finger and retreats. Wylan laughs, rubbing his glowing cheek. He deserved it. I don’t have my gun but one glimpse through the hole in the door shows a bored looking kid with a cart full of food. I pull the cart in myself after throwing him a tip.

We eat around the table pushed up next to the window.

“We need to talk,” I tell Coralee.

She pauses with a strip of bacon halfway to her mouth, “I hate that saying. Nothing good ever starts with those words.”

I nod with a knowing smile, “You’re right this time. It’s about your mom and who she was.”

Coralee puts down her food and wipes her hands on a napkin, “What do you mean?”

I clear my throat, mindful of how she may react, “She was obviously beautiful, you take after her. Cavan told me that your dad met her at an opera. She was a singer. A very wealthy one and when she died, she left you a lot of money but she had a will that stipulated you’d only receive it on your twenty-first birthday. Chiara found this out and made your late mothers attorney sign it over to the Conry family since you were a minor.”

Coralee looks stunned, “Wait, are you telling me I’ll be rich in a few weeks?”

Wylan scoffs, and I shoot him a warning glare, “No. Cavan asked me to keep this from you, but I can’t because I love you, and I want you to trust me. When I met with Luca last night, I offered him your inheritance in return for forgiveness for the death of Chiara and your freedom. Cavan could have demanded much more, but I believe in his own way, he’s trying to get you out of what his mother set up all those years ago.”

She turns pale, “Luca gets my inheritance and I’m free? It’s over?”

I exhale, “Almost. We need to meet with Cavan after breakfast to see what he wants. I also made a deal with Luca for Braden. I can’t let it go Coralee,” her eyes narrow, “I won’t let it go.”

She stands up and the knee-length deep red dress she wears catches on the table and rips. She looks at the dress, then at me before stomping into the bedroom. I know Wylan has some cheap shot to give so just picked up my coffee and drain the cup before staring at him.

“You should talk to her,” he mutters, moving his eggs around with his fork, “She handles things well, but one of these days she’s gonna blow, man.”

I leave the table with an unseen wince, knowing she already broke once, “Are you coming with us? I understand why you want to keep in the shadows but shit got crazy last time and I can’t predict what else he has up his sleeve.”

Wylan nods absently, “I’ll be your fucking chauffeur. You said Rich was strapped, right?”

I head towards the bedroom to deal with my sassy girl, “Yup, so get what we need.”

When I open the door, find Coralee dressing in pants and a shirt. I flail for words of comfort. I’m out of practice dealing with women I care about and her sullen look hurts. Leaning against the wall, I remain silent. It’s better she’s wearing jeans because I have no idea what sort of shit storm we’re walking into.

She turns to face me after dressing, “Can we leave after seeing Cavan? Please?”

I frown, “Why are you so against me taking care of Braden?”

Her eyes blaze, “Is that a legitimate question? You want me to be fine with you killing people?”

“Only Braden.”

“That’s not okay!” she points at me, “It’s not okay to kill people Jax. Jesus, you murdered my stepmother with a candlestick! A candlestick like it was nothing. You can’t go around picking up objects like we’re in a game of Clue offing people Jax!”

“I’m not a fucking idiot,” I suppress a laugh, “I’ve been trying to be honest with you, Sunflower. I made a deal with Cavan, then Luca. We gotta stay watchful. I would send you back to Montana with Wylan, but I think he wants to go home, and I don’t want you out of my sight.”

She worries her lip with her teeth. I walk over and pull her into my arms. This I can do. Coralee stiffens, so I jerk away to see how angry she is.

“Coralee,” I cup her face, “Braden won’t stop looking for you and you damn well know this! It’s not as if I can give him a warning and send him on his way. What’s the real issue?”

She swallows and her pretty eyes become wet, “We made me a deal when I left last time.”

I run my hands down to her stiff shoulders, “What are you talking about?”

She sniffs back tears, “Seems we both make horrible compromises. Braden told me if I escaped and could last a year without catching me, he’d leave me alone. I had no idea about my family. Well, he caught me.”

I struggle with my temper as I step away from her asking, “Okay, so what was the deal if he found you Coralee? Hmm? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Why didn’t you tell me you were a hitman?” she returns, standing defensively with her arms crossed, “Why didn’t you tell me about the secrets with my brother?”

I palm my face.

Damn, she looks sexy as fuck giving me a raised eyebrow and a smirk. I sit on the bed and stretch my legs. I need to calm down so she’ll confess. It’s not good we continue to keep shit from each other, but I will fix this before we leave the hotel.

“I never knew my parents and lived in an orphanage until I was nine,” I begin, “I was bigger and taller than all the other kids and a guy named Jim came in one day, saw me, and snatched me out of there. He was a bad man who taught me bad things. When Jim died, I took over the business but a few years ago I wanted out so like I said, I moved to Montana. Taking care of people like Braden or even Luca Romano comes easy, sharing my feelings, not so much.”

Coralee stands nervously between my knees, “I understand. Maybe later, you’ll tell me more?”

I smile, relieved the anger has drained from her posture, “Promise. Now, explain your arrangement with Braden.”

She exhales and takes a step back, avoiding my piercing gaze “That I would stop fighting and marry him. I think he planned on taking me and the money. The last time he caught me when we made the pact, he had a sleazeball at the house watching me and-”

“You killed him,” I watch her mouth drop, “He also worked for your brother. The guy supposedly reported to Cavan. What I don’t understand is why he tried to stop you.”

She tilts her head in recollection, “He was a horrible man. The things they made to do… urinate and stuff in front of him while Braden wasn’t home. I told Braden, but he didn’t care.”

What the fuck is wrong with these people? “The knife you used when you escaped killed him.” I want to add she has a knack for knives, but keep it to myself. We’ll explore her skills later.

“My life hasn’t been my own for years,” she drops her head and paces the floor, “The things I’ve done and witnessed will haunt me if I dwell on it. I’m sorry if I made you feel bad because I’m just as guilty. You should have seen Braden’s face when I busted his nose.” she laughs before faltering, “I never wanted to involve anyone else, believing if I kept moving, he’d never find me. Everything is so much more now, isn’t it?”

I jump off the bed and catch her arm, turning her so we’re eye to eye, “I’d do it again to keep you safe. You need to take a stand Coralee. Do this for yourself.”

She searches my face for strength so I lift my chin, unsurprised when she mimics my action.

“I am. Do you think Braden will force me to marry him? I don’t understand why Enzo would help Braden if me marrying his cousin benefited his own family.”

“There’s no way in hell he’s touching you, but I’ll ask when I catch the fuckhead. The only thing we need to focus on is getting the fuck out of this city alive. Are you ready to go?”

She takes a deep breath, squaring her shoulders, “No, but let’s do this.”

“Fuck, yeah.”

Coralee watches as I strap on my weapons and I give her a small flip knife to put in her pocket. Her hazel eyes slant warily but her smile is sincere. So resilient.

I kiss her forehead whispering, “I’m with you and I know you can get through anything because you’re strong. Bad-ass. Remember that Sunflower.”

She beams, linking our hands together as we leave the bedroom. Wylan’s ready to go so I lead the way out of the hotel, hopeful this will soon be behind us.

Chapter 20

* Coralee *

Jax looks so normal compared to Rich and Cavan, who wear suits as if they’re going somewhere fancy instead of sitting down to discuss my future. Again, it seems we’re the only ones in the house and I can’t help but wonder if Cavan really has a wife and child. There are no photos or toys to indicate he’s a family man.

Today Rich is wearing all-black with a blood red skinny tie but without his jacket, showing off his guns. His warm smile as they usher us to enter a room with exceptional light and beautiful paintings ease my anxiety but Jax is stoic and on high alert.

Cavan points towards a trolley cart next to the deep purple velvet settee Jax and I sit on, “Drinks are over there. I see you’re not alone. Who’s the man in the car?”

“No one,” Jax flatly replies, “Luca took the deal with a few stipulations. He wants Chiara’s body, assurance your dad won’t break the truce and the money.”

Cavan gives me a weird grimace then looks at Jax, “You told her?”

Jax cracks his neck and I bite my lip, “Yup. Don’t you think Coralee has the right to know you gave her inheritance away without consent? Right, baby?”

I stiffen and nod, “Between you and your mother, I’m not sure I even want to acknowledge I’m related to this family.”

Cavan purses his lips, reclining with a cross of his legs, “I don’t give a damn what you acknowledge Coralee. You have absolutely no say in these matters.”

“Watch your fucking tone,” Jax warns, “I won’t allow anyone to treat her like shit, especially you.”

I place my hand on his tense forearm, awkwardly turned on when his muscles flex under my touch, “Cavan, I’m leaving and never coming back. I don’t care about the money. Let me live my life.”

Rich stands, and I blink in confusion because he’s aiming a gun at my head. Gone is his previous friendly smile, now giving off the impression he’s ready to murder me with narrow eyes and a cunning smirk twisting his mouth. Jax moves to stand but he spits, “Move and I’ll shoot her in the foot. She can still look pretty with a limp.”

Jax freezes and my hold on his bicep turns into a death grip.

“Well, well… this is clearly perfect timing.”

I inhale sharply when Braden enters the room. What’s going on? Jax seemed certain Cavan wanted my freedom so why are Braden and Rich pointing guns at us? Cavan, like he acted when Jax handled his crazy mother, remains relaxed, appearing bored by the turn of events.

“I’m gonna kill you all,” Jax states in an assured timber that makes me more afraid than the pieces pointed at our chest.

“Cavan, I need to talk to Cora in private,” Braden says coming forward, waving an impatient hand, and even has the nerve to snap his fingers, “Come with me, princess.”

I grit my teeth and latch onto Jax. There’s no way in hell I’m going anywhere with Braden. They can shoot me because I’m done being messed with. I remember the knife in my back pocket and reach around, fumbling for it.

“Bastard,” Jax turns his large frame to shield me, “So glad you’re here Braden because I’ve been looking for you.”

Braden glances at him with an annoyed sneer, “Get the fuck up Cora or I’ll make it worse for you.”

Things happen quickly, and I tumble to the carpet.

When Braden stepped forward to grab me, Jax yanked him close and punched him in the face before shoving him into Rich. Standing, he takes out his gun and shoots Rich in the shoulder, spinning the man around. I yank the knife out of my pocket, flipping it open as Braden pops off a shot. It goes wide, clipping the wall behind us.

“Get out of here Coralee!” Jax orders before tackling Braden to the ground.

In a half crouch, I run towards the door. Someone catches my arm, and my reflex is to lash out with the blade. Rich dodges my clumsy attack and punches me in the stomach. All my breath flies outward, and I plummet to the floor trying to get it back. So much pain!

“That was easy,” Rich’s voice is eerily calm, reaching down to pick me up by my shirt collar before dragging me out the door.

“Stop!” Wylan stands in the hallway, a large gun held in both hands.

“Who the hell are you?”

“Let her go and step away.” Wylan barks.

Rich kicks me in the spine, causing me to fall to my knees on the unforgiving marble flooring. His left shoulder is dead from the wound Jax inflicted and slow to react with his weapon. Wylan shoots him in the neck and my eardrums ring. I’m still struggling to catch my breath and can only close my mouth as blood rains on me like a defective sprinkler.

“Cora!” Wylan rushes to my side, helping me scramble away from Rich’s dying body.

I let out a sob, hearing Rich’s feet thump on the floor as he bleeds to death. Wylan uses his shirt to wipe the blood from my eyes. I point a shaky finger to the doorway, wheezing, communicating he needs to help Jax. He shakes his head before throwing an arm around my waist, forcing me to move to the front entrance.

“No!” I puff with forced air, “Jax!”

There’s a gunshot from the parlor, and I take a deep enough breath to shove Wylan. I can’t believe he’s leaving Jax. He growls, picking me up in a bear hug, ferrying me from the action.

“We can’t leave!” I shout, “Go back Wylan!”

“Jax will kill me if anything happens to you,” he hisses, not caring I’m scratching his back, “Don’t be an idiot Cora. Jax will find us. Now, stop fighting and get in the damn car before I get shot!”

I stop resisting and he lets me go. I have tears in my eyes as we run to the car and drive through the open gate. I stare at the house through the back window willing Jax to emerge to ask why we didn’t wait. It’s hopeless. No one materializes.

“Where are we going? Are we going to the hotel?” I turn around to see Wylan glaring at the road, “Why was the gate open?”

He clears his throat, flexing his fingers on the wheel, before pulling out a Vape pen, inhaling and exhaling deeply before answering. “I rigged it in case we had to escape. None of this makes sense. Why would Cavan make a deal with Luca and Braden?”

“A—are you getting high?” My voice near soprano.

“I need to relax!” he screams in return, “I just killed a man! Give me a break! Why did this shit happen?”

“Braden was going to take me,” I wipe my face, realizing I’m smearing blood all over, “I can’t go anywhere looking like this Wylan. Hell!”

He cracks a small smile Vaping every three seconds, “Don’t worry, we’ll hit an out of the way gas station where you can wash. I have clothes in the trunk.”

My body’s shaking from adrenaline and I look at my red hands with anger coursing through my veins, “Do you think Jax is okay?”

“Yes,” There’s no hesitation in his answer, “Jax is a fucking killer. You’ve seen him in action. He’ll catch up to us on our way back.”

“Back where?”

“Perla. I’m taking you home.”

Home.

Closing my eyes, I strain to calm down. I swore right then I wouldn’t cry because Jax needs me to be strong and if I’ve learned anything from my time with that frustrating man, it’s how to be stubborn and bossy.

“Not yet,” I sit up straight, “I want to meet Luca Romano.”

Wylan shakes his head with a quick glare my way before weaving through traffic, “Not fucking happening honey. Trust me, that guy doesn’t give two shits about you. We stick to the plan and the plan is to return to Perla and wait.”

“Braden will follow us to Perla. If he shows up, I’ll kill him myself.”

“That’s the spirit Cora,” Wylan slaps the wheel, “Shit, maybe you and Jax are meant to be together after all. Killing anyone who gets in your way and making no apologies for it.”

I let myself smile, forming a plan. “I love him and I’ll kill anyone that comes between us. Even you.”

Wylan gasps placing a hand over his heart, “Now I know you and Jax are soul mates. Don’t worry Cora when Jax comes home you’ll get your happily ever after because if anyone deserves it; it’s you and Jax.”

“I think so too.”

---

* Jaxxen *

I’m a living nightmare for men like Braden and Cavan. They have no idea the things I will gleefully do to protect people I care about. Especially Coralee—the love of my life. When I saw Wylan remove her from the house, I turned my attention to Cavan and Braden, but Braden’s cowardly ass exited the room from a different doorway.

“You sneaky asshole,” I rush Cavan, grabbing him by the neck and body slam him on the polished floor.

He’s blubbering but after cracking my knuckles on his face, he’s out faster than a cranky two-year-old at nap time. I run to the door Braden used, but it’s locked. Cursing, I storm back to the one that led to the hallway and open doors left and right.

The fucker escaped.

Rich’s lifeless form litters the ground, and I’m glad Wylan killed the bitch. Seeing Coralee take a hit distracted my attention, enabling Braden a lucky strike across my jaw and I had to collect myself for a second. I pick up Rich’s Glock and reenter the Parlor.

I grab Cavan’s unconscious body and drag him out of the room not stopping until I find the state-of-the-art kitchen. After propping his dead weight in a chair, search for something to tie him up with. Luckily, I chance upon cooking twine that works perfectly, then filled a cup of ice water to throw on the traitorous asshole.

He sputters the liquid out of his open mouth, glaring at me with his left eye, the other one swollen shut, “Really, Jax? I HANDED OVER BRADEN AND YOU FUCK ME?!” he twists his lanky body in the chair, testing the bindings.

I resist harming him by taking a few steps back, “You’re dead, just FYI. Tell me why Braden was here when Luca Romano’s actively looking for him? Tell me why I made deals when you intended on giving up your sister!”

He spits blood near my boots, “Are you a fucking idiot? I brought Braden here FOR YOU. I sat there expecting you to tear him apart. After setting up my mother, I thought you’d see a pattern! Where’s Cora? Where’s Rich?”

I grin and punch him in the gut, “Should I kill you now?”

Cavan gasps for air before growling in defeat, “Fine! FINE! Shit… Braden was going to sell her. Do you know how much a virgin goes for? You don’t, do you? Yeah, Luca can take the cash that’s tied up but Coralee fresh on the market is worth twice as much.”

I shake my head and retrieve Rich’s pistol from the countertop, “Rich is dead. Did you honestly think Luca will let you screw him? What’s the real end game? Money? Doesn’t your family have enough?”

Cavan blows air between his lips as if exasperated, “No. We haven’t expanded in the last ten years. Not like the Romanos. I was sick and tired of hearing my fucking mom go on and on I wasn’t like my father. Glad the cunt’s dead. You know where we buried her if you want to honor your deal with Luca but Braden won’t stop until he has Cora. He’s obsessed with her. I really expected you to kill the fuck.”

Rubbing my forehead, absorb his words with unchecked fury, “Are you telling me you gave Braden permission to take Coralee, but after I killed him, you were going to SELL your sister?”

“No, I said-”

I pistol whip him across the face.

Cavan issues a gurgling, choking noise before spitting out a few teeth then curses a blue streak, blood oozing from his ruined nose. I smile at the scene, my darkness slithering from banishment, strangling reason. My festering hatred knows no bounds after retirement. A calm buzz settles in my marrow and I raise the weapon without pity.

“I can tell when a man is lying Cavan,” I tsk, “It’s you. You wanted to sell Coralee who, by the way, is no longer a virgin.”

He twists his surprised expression into a pouty glower, “Couldn’t keep your prick out of her for one more fucking day, could you?”

I train the gun on his good eye, “They told me you have a wife and son. Maybe I should lock up your boy and sell him when he becomes of age? He’s what, five?”

Cavan’s face pales so quickly I worry he’ll pass out before I really make him suffer, “No! It’s not the same.”

“That’s a lie and you know it,” I lick my dry lips, growing tired of talking when I should be out looking for Braden, “Don’t piss yourself, I’m not a sick fuck like you. Tell me where Braden was when you contacted him.”

“The same house in West Wind,” Cavan spits blood onto my shirt cackling, “He’s an idiot, and so are you if you think the Romanos’ will let this go if you kill me.”

I place the muzzle to his head, “Where’s your father? Where’s Paddy?”

He shuts his eyes gritting his teeth, “Do it.”

I add more pressure taunting, “You’re shit wrapped around weak bones. Where’s your fucking father Cavan? TALK!”

He keeps his lips firmly sealed and I have a sudden suspicion Patrick Conry’s dead. He hasn’t been spotted in a long time. Has Cavan already dealt with his old man, letting people believe he’s the successor? Is he setting me up for the fall?

My phone rings and I’m so distracted by Cavan I don’t check the caller ID, “What?” I bark.

“Jax?”

Shit, Nason? “How’s it going?”

“Well…”

I walk over to the fridge and pull out a bottle of water, “Kinda busy.”

“It’s Stimpy. He ran off last night and I haven’t seen hide nor hair of him since. Sorry, man.”

I close my eyes and take a deep breath, “He’ll turn up. Probably went after a rabbit.”

“Any idea of when you’ll be home? I mean, your dogs aren’t in the way, but I’m responsible if anything happens. Damn, I left the gate open, and it’s hardly an occurrence because my momma hammered it into my head animals will run off first chance they get. You don’t keep them leashed, so I didn’t notice he was missing. Thankfully Ren didn’t feel the need to stress me out, just laid there while I freaked out.”

Nason’s worried tone for my fur-family extinguishes my buzz like a wet sparkler.

I have a life outside this mess. A house. Friends. People who have no clue their country neighbor knows every little dirty deed they’ve gotten up to because I’m a cautious, nosy, paranoid freak.

My skin twitches and I crack my neck to dispel thoughts of cutting Cavan’s fingers and toes off before making him eat them. One by fucking one like a pack of uncooked hot dogs. I can’t kill Cavan. Not without repercussions and Coralee needs closure. If I follow through with half of the things I want to do to her brother, she’d bolt. I won’t risk her love to satisfy my blood-lust.

“Few days. Look, don’t worry. Check my place or set out a cooked steak. Gotta go.”

When I hang up it chirps again. I glare at Cavan’s smirk, “Mister Popular. My men arrive in five minutes. Ticktock asshole.”

Well, maybe one finger. It is lunchtime.

I ignore him and answer Wylan’s call, “Green?”

“Black. She gave me the slip.”

I squeeze the phone so hard the case creaks, “Where?”

“Gas-N-Go. Necklace left on the front seat. What’s she thinking?” This girl will be the death of me. She’s back to running.