Magnetic Love: A Protector Romance (A Surviving Love Novel Book 3)

by Brinda Berry

  There’s a second when my mind flits to the one thought I rarely have: people get crazy under pressure. Is this the kind of feeling my mother had before she drove Gabby and herself into the lake?

  Unraveled.

  Hopeless.

  Alone.

  I grind my teeth together to avoid actually rolling around on the floor like a total lunatic. No. I am not my mother. I am a strong and confident woman. A woman who thought this misfortune currently entitled ‘life’ could only allow so much suckage.

  Toby: I’m at the door. Open it.

  Me: You won’t hurt the baby. Right?

  Toby: Are you nuts? Open the damn door. I’m not hurting anyone. But someone out here might take a shot at me if you don’t hurry.

  I frown at the display, my mind attempting to work through this last statement. A swift knock at the door forces me to jump to my feet. When I open the door, Toby slips inside. We stare at each other for several seconds, both of us breathing hard.

  Reed’s cry grabs my heart and I instinctively turn and go pick him up from the sofa. “Talk. Now,” I say with my anger bubbling at the surface. Reed mouths my shoulder as I pat his bottom.

  “It’s okay, baby. I’m here. It’s okay.” My panting slows during my coos to Reed. “Sweet boy. I’m here. Don’t cry.”

  I bounce him while I pace back and forth the ten steps each direction. He continues to wail.

  “I’m waiting,” I say, my fear coming out as anger even though I’m a terrified mess.

  “I’m not who you think I am.”

  “No shit. Is that the best you’ve got?”

  He backs up a step. “I’m not one of the bad guys. I would never hurt you. Or the kid.”

  I huff a cynical laugh. “Are you kidding? Have you been watching me?”

  “Well, yes—”

  “And is your name really Toby?”

  “No, but—”

  “Let me guess. You’re not an engineering student.” I kiss Reed’s head. “Baby, it’s okay. I’ve got you.” Reed begins screaming in earnest, sucking in gulps of air.

  “I’m trying to make sure you don’t get yourself killed.” He’s quiet for a beat and points at Reed. “Why’s he crying? Does he need a bottle or something?”

  “Probably needs a new diaper.” I stare hard at him. My anger and fear begins to fade to the point where rational thought seems possible. “Follow me.”

  I lead the way to the nursery. “I’ll change the diaper. You explain in microscopic detail what the hell you’re doing stalking me.”

  “I’m not stalking.” He hesitates a step and leans in the doorway of the nursery. The room is tiny and we’re only a couple of feet apart. I place Reed on the changing table cushion of the dresser and remove his diaper.

  “Oh, stinky,” I say and glare at Toby as if he’s the one who’s filled a diaper.

  “I’m with a branch of the FBI that deals with cybercrime.”

  “No way.” My mouth drops.

  “I have a badge. I guess if you need to see it…”

  “And that’s supposed to make spying on me all right. Lying to me. I have rights as a citizen. I think I could report you for something. I don’t know. I mean...” I take out a wet wipe and clean Reed’s bottom. Why does every man in my life think it’s okay to lie to me?

  I toss the wipe to the trash, missing by an inch. “I have done nothing illegal. Nothing more than stealing cable once and Gabby’s boyfriend did that without my permission.”

  I glance over at Toby in time to see the grin he quickly hides.

  “Right,” he says, nodding quickly. “You’re in the middle of an investigation that’s been going on for years.”

  “And you don’t work at Folks’.”

  “Um...no. But I did major in engineering before I went to work for the FBI.”

  “Holy hell. You could be an actor. I have to say you had me fooled.”

  “I hope so since this is my job. You’ve been a real tough assignment. I was supposed to infiltrate my way into your life as your boyfriend. I’ve done everything short of kidnapping you to stay close. What’s a guy gotta do to date you?”

  I toss a look at him. “You have got to be kidding me.” Reed grabs for my hair. I finish sticking the diaper closures and lift him to my chest.

  “Nope. I’m not.” He grins—that damned dimple, which is possibly the only real thing about him—sparks out at me. “I thought my charm would work, but you seem to be immune to me. Now, I have no choice but to force you to cooperate with the FBI.”

  The baby kicks his legs, letting me know he’s ready to be picked up. I lift him into my arms and point a finger at Toby. “I am really tired. Tired of the drama and the lies and the threats,” I say through gritted teeth.

  “Hey, calm down. You are holding an innocent child... Sorry. I didn’t mean for it to sound that way.”

  “You are not forgiven. Why am I being investigated?”

  “Rafa Harvey has been watching your every move. One of his men broke into your apartment. Now he’s contacted you.”

  I clutch Reed to my chest and bury my face in the crook of his neck. This has to be a bad dream.

  “We’ve tapped your phone. We know you’ve spoken to him.”

  Reed reaches for Toby, chubby hands stretched toward him, but I take a step back. “The man who’s threatening me?”

  “It’s Rafa.”

  I nod like a mechanical toy. “And he wants something the FBI doesn’t want me to give.”

  “Eavesdropper. It hijacks web-enabled industrial control systems in manufacturing—specifically to take over US military warehouses.”

  “I don’t know if you people have considered that I’m not a superspy or computer hacker or government agent. I’m just a college student trying to make it on low wages and hard work.”

  “We’ve figured that out.”

  “Oh. Good.” I shake my head. “You guys are government intelligence. Bet that was a tough one.” I stand at the doorway until he moves aside. Reed makes a momentary grab for Toby and I walk faster to the living area. A squeaky toy blurbs when I step on it.

  Toby follows me and I hear the toy again. He’s picked up the Martian toy and is examining it. “We’ve had a guy monitoring you and Gabby. How well do you trust Gabby?”

  “I’d trust Gabby with my life.” I give him an irritated look.

  “Yes, we heard that on the call.”

  I sit on the sofa and put Reed on my lap. I bounce him on my knee. “My dad and I aren’t on good terms. I haven’t spoken to him since he went to prison. Even before then. This isn’t going to be some daddy-daughter dance when I show up asking for this favor.”

  “You don’t think he’ll give it to you?” Toby wiggles the purple Martian toy in front of Reed. “Who is this?” he asks Reed. “Your pet?”

  “Stop it,” I say, and grab the toy. The last thing I need is for Toby to be a likable liar.

  “Hey, calm down. You’ll scare the baby.”

  “I need the facts. This Rafa guy is going to hurt the people I love if I don’t figure out what to do.”

  “Like Gabby.”

  My heart pulls to a halt. I close my eyes. “Yes, like Gabby.”

  “And this guy Dylan. Dylan Mercado.”

  My eyes pop open. “Leave him out of this.”

  “He’s in up to his flashy designer ties.” Toby pretends to grab Reed’s toes and is rewarded with a giggle.

  “He has nothing—nothing—at all to do with this.” My palms grow clammy and my lips numb. Now would not be the time to pass out.

  “What do you really know about him?”

  I furrow my brow and slap Toby’s hand away from Reed’s feet. “A hell of a lot more than you people do.”

  “How do you know he’s not in with Rafa?” Toby’s calm voice carries a hint of accusation.

  “Don’t be stupid.”

  “Did you know he’s in debt? That family business has been struggling for the last five years. Rafa’
s been seen at his dealership. Ordered a high-priced car there.”

  “It’s a business. So what if Rafa bought a car? It doesn’t mean anything.” I struggle to keep my voice as calm as Toby’s. I trust Dylan and know he wouldn’t do anything wrong. But he did have his attorney, Yvette, at his house for something. I hate Toby for the niggling seed of doubt he’s planted.

  “The other guy you work for—Jordy. What do you know about him?”

  “Quit. I’m not going to listen to anymore.”

  “He’s a software guru. Like your dad was. A coder.”

  I stand and turn the baby in my arms. “I need to feed Reed and give him a bath. Unless watching that falls under FBI surveillance, I suggest you head out.”

  “Emerson, I need to ask you to cooperate with us.”

  “Do I actually have a choice?”

  He grimaces. “We need that code before he gets it. It was erased from his primary and backup servers. It belongs to the US government. If you’re smart, you understand that Rafa isn’t giving empty threats.”

  “I never assumed they were empty.” I walk to the door and wait for Toby to join me.

  “The only way you can protect yourself and Gabby is to have me around. I’ve tried to do this the easy way, but you aren’t taking the bait. Now we do this the hard way. I’m taking you to visit your father and you need to give whatever information he shares to the FBI—to me.”

  My head threatens to implode. I close my eyes. “And if I do this it will be over? You guys will put this Rafa dude away?”

  “Exactly.” He reaches out and lets Reed grab his finger. Toby’s gaze lifts to meet mine. “You probably don’t like me by now—”

  “Probably. Definitely. I might even hate you right now.”

  “But you need me. I’m around even if you don’t realize it. I could be closer if you’d let me. Gabby could be protected. From here on out, I’m your boyfriend. You need to ditch Dylan. Play along. If he’s innocent, you’re the only thing that can keep Rafa from putting a bullet in his head. If he’s guilty, more the reason to stay away from him.”

  “He’s innocent. I’m positive.”

  He swipes a finger across Reed’s cheek. “I’m not a bad guy. I like keeping people safe. It’s the best part of my job.”

  “Then go be a school crossing guard or something.” I mash my lips together in a stubborn line. “Okay. What do I have to do with you? If there’s any risk of this blowing up in our faces and this Rafa guy even getting a hint that you’re not for real, I’m out. I’ll find a way to give him what he wants before he hurts my family.”

  “I’ll pretend you didn’t say you’d engage in illegal interactions to help a known criminal.” He pretends to shake Reed’s tiny hand. His gaze lifts to mine. “I’ll call you tomorrow. Gotta get home and let Diesel out.”

  My mouth drops. “The dog? The dog’s for real? Or is he an FBI plant? A phony like you, Toby.” I emphasize his name, drawing out each letter.

  “Diesel’s the real deal. And my name’s Tobias, so Toby is close enough.”

  “Whatever, Tobias. You’re a liar. Maybe you’re working for Rafa.”

  “You don’t believe that.” He pauses. “Emerson, you need to listen carefully. Don’t do anything crazy. We think Rafa will lie low while he waits for you to visit your father. But after that, we don’t know.”

  I step aside. Toby leaves with a grim smile and a wave. A hollow feeling comes over me. I picture my mother’s empty eyes when the guy pulled her from the lake. It was like she’d lost her reason to hang on to sanity.

  Tomorrow my life will change in a way I didn’t ask for. I’ll practice dishonesty as I lie to Gabby about Toby’s identity. I’ll hope Rafa doesn’t suspect anything. I’ll cut my ties with Dylan when I explain we can’t date because I’m not into him.

  I’ll be my father’s daughter in the art of deception—and I’ll be empty.

  The staff at the Four Seasons is efficient and takes only minutes to give me the room key. The lobby is quiet and my boot heels echo against the hard floor. Inside the elevator, I press the button for my floor and fall back against the wall.

  I’m taking what I want tonight, because tomorrow is when hell begins. Dylan will hate me. Gabby will probably want to date my new fake boyfriend. My dad will understand that only threats to my family’s life could bring about my visit.

  The elevator trip isn’t long enough. The doors slide open and I walk down the hallway on unsteady legs. When I get to the room, I lean my forehead against the door.

  It’s not too late to turn around. Sleeping with Dylan will be the cruelest thing I’ve ever done. My belly clenches and I’m breathing too fast.

  The door pulls open and I gasp. Dylan catches me before I can fall. An ice bucket tumbles to my feet.

  His arms wrap around me in a tender hold. “Gorgeous Girl, you’re here. I was going to get some ice.”

  “Hey.” I fist the back of his shirt with both hands and push him inside, leaving the discarded bucket.

  He gives me a sexy grin. “Getting ice can wait. I thought you might want—”

  “Kiss me. Now. Please.” If he doesn’t stop my brain from analyzing all the wrongs I’m about to commit, I won’t be able to stay.

  Dylan closes the door and pushes my back against it. He places a hand against the wall above my head and the other slides to the back of my neck. “I’m sorry you had to ask.”

  He slants his mouth onto mine in a frantic, hungry kiss.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Boom Boom Boom

  Dylan

  Emerson’s tongue darts into my mouth and I stroke it with my own and taste her sweetness.

  Our kiss is filled with desperation and lust. Her fevered response fills my soul with something I’ve been missing. It’s more than two bodies creating some chemical reaction. I want her so badly, so completely, that I confuse myself when I pull my lips from hers to put a damper on the fire we’re creating.

  The hotel room is quiet except for the sounds of our breathing, which seem overly loud.

  Her head falls back against the foyer wall. “Hi.”

  “Is everything all right?” My words are loaded. I place my hands on both sides of her face and lean my forehead against hers, closing my eyes and inhaling her scent. Something must be bothering her.

  It’s in the way she kisses like she’s grabbing hold of me and is afraid to let go.

  I move back to look at her. She studies me for a moment and then moves away to examine the dimly lit room. She nods but doesn’t speak. I lace my fingers through hers and pull her inside.

  “Nice,” she says, slowing to glance inside the bathroom. “I’ve never been here.”

  The room is okay, but I could be in a pay-by-the-hour dive with her and not notice my surroundings.

  “You’re always my Gorgeous Girl.” If I’d said this to any other girl, I’d feel like it was a line. It’s funny how natural it is to tell her this.

  She gives me a shy smile. “You do have a way with words, Mr. Mercado.”

  “Want something to drink?” I motion to the chilled bottle of wine on the dresser.

  “No. I came here to talk.” She stands awkwardly at the edge of the bed.

  “Oh yeah?” I take a step and close the distance between us. “I’ve wanted to talk to you.”

  “What about?” she asks, eyes wide.

  I sweep hair from her eyes with one hand, and then trace her bottom lip with my thumb. “Not wasting time. That’s one thing I did with Kate. I thought I’d have plenty of moments like this. That’d we’d be together forever. But you never know what will happen and you have to stop assuming that life will give you everything you want.”

  “Dylan.” She presses a hand to my chest. “I came here because I wanted to tell you how much you mean to me. You’re a great guy and Lord knows you’re sexy. And—”

  I undo the top button of my shirt.

  “And...” Her gaze flicks from the movement of my fingers and up
to my eyes.

  The corner of my mouth tips in a slow smile. I undo a second and third button, watching her lips part, sensing her body’s sway toward mine.

  “And?” I ask. I deftly undo the last buttons and shrug out of my shirt. I take a step forward and our bodies touch, a whisper of my skin against her clothing.

  “I can’t think while you’re this close.” She closes her eyes and her eyebrows lower. “You smell so incredible.” Her eyelids flutter open and her heavy-lidded gaze meets mine.

  I caress her shoulders and allow my hands to move over the sleeves of her black top and down to her waist. I’m operating on instinct now. I’d thought we might talk for a while first, but to hell with that. We can talk later.

  Now that the decision is clear in my mind, I pull the bottom of her shirt up and over. She’s wearing a silky tank, the outline of pebbled nipples straining against fabric. Emerson moves one hand to touch the skin in the center of my chest.

  She drags her hand down, down, down my chest to stop at my stomach and I can’t remember the last time I was so turned on by a simple touch.

  “Gorgeous Girl? I need to feel your skin. Okay?”

  Emerson licks her lips.

  “I’ll take that as a yes.” I chuckle, pleased that she may be as speechless as she makes me. It takes only a quick tug to peel the tank from her body and reveal a sheer black bra.

  “Ah hell.” I lower my head to one breast and trace the hard peak of one nipple with my tongue. The material is slick and soft, barely a barrier at all.

  It’s not enough. I place my lips over her nipple in a gentle kiss and then suck it through the cloth.

  She makes that low, guttural sound in the back of her throat that could be the end-all for me. I need to slow the ride. For both our sakes. I restrain myself for the moment by tugging on the button of her jeans.

  Emerson obliges by removing my hands from their unsteady task and unbuttoning them. She pushes the jeans down over her hips and I take the material the rest of the way down.

  I’m kneeling, staring at sheer panties that match the bra. Her thighs are smooth and tan and call for me to worship them, preferably with my tongue.