The Crime: Billionaire Love At First Sight (All In Series Book 3)

by Maggie Cole

  I soared, I’m sure to the stars, as Jack’s arm around my waist stopped me from crashing into the floor. “Easy, baby.” He rolled me over and onto his chest, then ferociously kissed me like we hadn’t yet climaxed.

  As he cradled me into his chest, I grabbed a blanket and pulled it over our sweaty bodies. His head rested on a pillow, and his fingers grazed my back. He grabbed the cock ring with his other hand and brought the bullet out from under the blankets. “How do I turn this off?”

  I laughed, grabbed it, then expertly flipped it off.

  Jack laughed, “That was a nice surprise.”

  “I’m glad it fit around your gigantic dick.”

  Jack's face gushed with pride. “Maddie Burns, you’re always full of surprises.”

  “Someone has to keep your scheduled self in suspense.”

  Jack pulled me closer to him. “I really did miss you this week. I hated being away.”

  I turned over to face him better. “I really missed you, Jack. Are you in New York for a while now?” I made a wish he was here to stay for a bit.

  “I’m here till Tuesday. I’ll cram all my meetings back to back so that I can return by Wednesday night.”

  I clapped my hands together.

  Jack looked at me slyly. “You’re excited I’m leaving?”

  I laughed. “No, but I’m glad it’s not longer!”

  Jack kissed me and then his stomach growled.

  “Hey, I forgot we have sushi!”

  He laughed. We sat up and grabbed the bag of food. Jack put the blanket around his shoulders and told me to sit between his legs. My back rested against his chest, and he put another blanket over my lap.

  We fed each other sushi rolls. Jack’s eyes scanned my apartment. “This is a nice place, Maddie.”

  I glowed. “Thanks! It’s my first place on my own. I was always too afraid to live on my own.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes.”

  “How much longer do I get to keep you at my place?” Jack’s eyes registered a hint of sadness, but he put on a good face.

  “Depends on when I can schedule your movers? I want to pay them though.”

  “Absolutely not.”

  “Jack—”

  “Don’t fight me on this, Maddie. Just say thank you and let me make you cum again later tonight.”

  I laughed, shook my head, and rolled my eyes. Oh, what was the point of arguing? I knew he would only get his way. I turned to face him. “Thank you." I popped a piece of sushi in his mouth.

  “You know what the great part about your new place is?”

  “No, what?”

  “Breaking in all your furniture.” He grinned at me.

  I stuffed another piece of sushi in his mouth. “Hey, that reminds me. I need to buy a bed. Want to go shopping with me this weekend?”

  Jack gave me a sly grin. “That depends. Do we get to try them all out?”

  I swatted his arm. “Ha ha.”

  “Yes, count me in. I’m especially pleased you didn’t take your old bed. I would have thrown it out the window.”

  The thought of Mike entered my mind. “Hey, Jack, I need to ask you something about Mike. I want you to be honest.”

  “Why do I get the feeling I'm not going to like this question?”

  “You probably aren't, but I need to know.”

  Jack took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. "Go on.”

  I licked my lips and thought about how to word my question. “What did Mike do the night you discovered they were trafficking women and children?”

  Jack turned a bit white. “Maddie, you don’t want to know that.”

  “I need to know.”

  “No, you don’t.”

  “Jack, I have to know.”

  “Why? What exactly will you accomplish if you make me relive all that?”

  I sat for a minute and thought about what Jack was asking me. While I didn't want him to have to relive things, I needed to know. "I don't know, Jack, but I feel like I need to know. Why won't you tell me?"

  “So you can have a permanent image of what he did in your mind, like I do? Sorry, but I won’t do that to you. You can be mad at me all you want, but I will never put those images in your head. It’s probably best if you remember any good parts you can of your relationship with him because if I tell you what he did, you aren’t going to be able to come back from it. It will always haunt you.”

  I turned away from Jack for a bit, then gazed back at him and met his eyes. “Answer this then. I know Mike was selling the women and children. Did he partake in raping them too?”

  Jack closed his eyes as if in pain. “Why do you need to know this? Why can’t you let it be?”

  “Six years, Jack. I needed to know. The fact that you won’t say yes or no already gives me my answer.”

  Jack opened up his eyes. They were wet. “Did he ever hurt you, Maddie? Force you to do anything you didn’t want to?”

  “No. Besides berate me, he honestly didn’t pay that much attention to me the last few years. I guess I should be thankful for that right now.”

  Jack shifted, paused, then again, “He never physically hurt you?”

  My head jerked. “No. Honestly, Jack. It was only words, that’s all. No biggie.”

  Jack exhaled, hard. He pulled me closer, “Maddie, don’t say it’s no biggie.”

  “It’s okay. You more than make up for it, Jack.”

  “I can’t make up for someone hurting you. Words or otherwise.”

  “But you do. You make me feel special…like I’m the most important person on earth…like you want me around.” I concentrated on my fidgeting fingers.

  Jack tilted my chin up, his eyes full of emotion. “You are special. You are the most important person on earth to me. I always want you around me.”

  I blinked back a few tears and kissed him.

  “But that doesn’t make up for how he talked to you. And it burns me that he is still walking around the streets.”

  “Are you any closer to trapping him?”

  “Look, I want to tell you everything, I do, but there are things I can’t. It’s not only because of the FBI. It’s for your safety. Please, trust me on this.”

  "Jack, I do trust you. Just tell me when the bastard is locked up.”

  Jack pulled me close to him. “I will. Let’s change the subject, please?”

  I nodded and kissed him. If Jack wanted me to drop it, I was going to have to let it go.

  I gave him a naughty grin. “What room do you want to break in next?”

  17

  Maddie

  It was Saturday night. Jack and I were at Tom and Liv’s, along with Meg and Collin. We ate dinner and were enjoying some drinks when Jack’s phone rang a strange ring. I sat next to him and felt him freeze.

  He glanced over at Tom. “Excuse me.” Jack stood up and left the room.

  “Do you know what’s going on?” I looked at Tom. My guess was that Jack’s call had to do with Mike.

  “You’ll have to ask Jack.”

  Collin cleared his throat and tried to change the subject. “Meg, did you tell everyone our news?”

  Meg’s face lit up. “We finally decided on Bermuda for our wedding. We still have to figure out the date, but probably after season when Collin’s contract negotiations are over.”

  “That’s awesome! I was there years ago, and it’s amazing! Lucky us you picked such an awesome place!” Liv gushed.

  “Maddie, we hope you and Jack can come too,” Collin invited.

  “That sounds amazing! Count us in!”

  “Now that we know where you’re going, let me know when you figure out the date, and we’ll get the flight plan ready for the jet. The new FAA rules are driving my pilot crazy. Anything they can do with notice they are appreciative of,” Tom said.

  Collin nodded. “Will do.”

  Jack walked back into the room. “What did I miss?”

  He acted like nothing happened, but I could tell something was up
. Tom and Jack exchanged another look. I thought I saw Collin exchange one too, but as quickly as it crossed his face, it was gone.

  “Meg and Collin decided on Bermuda for their wedding location,” Liv reported.

  “Congratulations, man,” Jack patted Collin on the back. “I haven’t been there before. Is it true the sand is pink?”

  “I think Liv is the only one who’s been there before,” Meg chimed.

  Liv nodded. “It really is pink!”

  “Can’t wait to see it.” Jack pushed a smile on his face. To everyone else, he seemed fine, but I knew something was up.

  I saw Tom and Jack exchange a glance once more. Jack wanted to talk with Tom in the bar area, so, together, they left the room.

  "What the heck is going on?” Meg wanted to know.

  I shrugged my shoulders. “I honestly have no clue.”

  Collin laughed. “Meg, not our business.”

  “Well, Meg only asked what the rest of us want to know.” Liv wasn’t happy she was left out of the conversation either.

  “Agreed!” I jumped in.

  Collin laughed again and shook his head. “I’m outnumbered here, huh?”

  Meg reached over and gave Collin a peck on the lips. “At least you know when to give up.”

  Collin snorted. He was, after all, known all over New York as the negotiator. He leaned over and whispered something in Meg’s ear. Her face blushed, and she giggled. Liv and I exchanged glances. It definitely had to be something dirty.

  "Time to go. Liv, Maddie, give your men our regards.” Meg jumped up and grabbed Collin’s hand.

  Liv rolled her eyes. "All right, love birds.”

  Collin leaned over to give Liv and me pecks on our cheeks. “Ladies, it was great seeing you. Give the guys my regards as well.”

  They left, and it was only Liv and me.

  “Did Tom say anything about Mike?” I tried to figure out if she knew something I didn’t.

  She hesitated.

  “What?’

  “He told me that Mike is involved in human trafficking? Somehow Jack found out, and the FBI is now involved.”

  My face went red with embarrassment. “Yes, that’s right. I can’t believe I was with him for six years.”

  “You couldn’t have known. Try not to beat yourself up.”

  Jack and Tom walked back into the room.

  “Where did Collin and Meg go?” Tom looked around.

  Liv laughed. “Home to play sex games is my guess.”

  Everyone laughed.

  “They sent their regards to you guys.” I smirked.

  “Aw, isn’t that sweet?” Jack teased.

  “Now, are you going to tell us what’s going on?” Liv was ready to get down to business.

  Tom and Jack both hesitated.

  My stomach dropped. “What?”

  Jack grabbed my hand. “Maddie, they’ve signed more papers in your name. This time, the FBI traced it to a shipment of drugs they raided in the harbor.”

  My stomach flipped. I forgot all about the papers Jack told me were signed in my name. “But I haven’t signed anything, I swear!”

  “We know that. So does the FBI,” Tom tried to assure me.

  “Why is he trying to frame me? How long has he been doing this?”

  Jack gazed uneasily at Tom. Tom started to say something and stopped. He looked back at Jack.

  “Tell me!”

  Jack put his arm around me, rubbed my back, and tried to find words. “We don’t know exactly why, other than you’re an innocent person to pin crimes on.”

  I realized Jack was holding back. “How long, Jack?”

  He glanced nervously at Tom.

  I knew this wasn’t going to be good. “Jack, how long?”

  “Four years.”

  I was stunned. Four years. How was that possible? “You guys bought the marina four years ago?”

  Jack shook his head.

  “We believe he’s been working with Jim, trafficking women and children, for at least four years. The FBI also believes he is hiding money in accounts in your name in the Cayman Islands,” Tom informed me.

  “The FBI needs to question you, Maddie,” Jack quietly informed me.

  All the blood must have drained from my face. “They think I knew about this?” I cried out.

  “No!” Jack and Tom said in unison.

  “I don’t understand then.”

  “They want to question you so you can tell them more about Michael. His family life, background, anything he is an expert in, your relationship...” Jack trailed off.

  “It’s only to help them,” Tom jumped in. “They know you aren’t involved in anything criminal.”

  I tried to comprehend all this. “When do they want to see me?”

  “Tomorrow morning. They are coming to my place at ten a.m.” Jack pulled me in a bit closer.

  Tom added, “We are going to have our attorney there, just in case.”

  “In case of what? Am I a suspect?” My stomach started to flip.

  Tom and Jack both shook their heads. Jack hugged me into his chest. “No, you aren’t. But we aren’t going to take any risks. Our attorney will be present...for an extra layer of protection.”

  “I really don’t understand this. If they don’t think I’m guilty of anything, then why the extra layer of protection?”

  Jack grabbed my face, “Because we aren’t going to take any chances. It’s only a precaution.”

  “But I didn’t do anything or know about anything!” I cried out.

  “We all know that. The FBI knows that too, but I wouldn’t send Liv in there without an attorney.”

  “And I’m sure as hell not sending you in there without one,” Jack proclaimed.

  Liv put her hand on mine. “Trust Tom and Jack. They wouldn’t do anything to harm you, Maddie.”

  Did I even have a choice?

  * * *

  Jack

  The FBI needed more intel. They lost the ability to trap and arrest Michael and Jim, and they needed more ammo. They called to say they wanted to interview Maddie.

  I paced the room, “You know she doesn’t have anything to do with this.”

  “Yes, Jack, but she was with Duponte for six years. She has to know something or someone we don’t,” Agent Piper insisted.

  “She didn’t know anything until I told her," I spat at him.

  Piper sighed. “Jack, this is merely for us to learn more about him. She knows him best.”

  “She doesn’t know him best. She didn’t know anything until I told her,” I repeated, as my stomach curled at the thought of Maddie being with him.

  “She may know someone that is connected and doesn’t even realize it. We need to talk to her. We can either do it in our office or your place, so take your pick. Jack, this is happening.” Piper informed me.

  I closed my eyes and didn’t say anything.

  “Jack, we know she’s innocent. We need more intel on him. We all want the same thing here.”

  I wasn’t going to win. “Fine, you can question her at my place, but I’m bringing my attorney.”

  “Jack, she isn’t a suspect. We only want to know more about Duponte.”

  “I don’t care. If you’re going to question her, I’m bringing my attorney.”

  Piper let out a sigh. “Fine. Have it your way, Jack.”

  * * *

  Maddie

  We returned to Jack’s penthouse. I changed my clothes, brushed my teeth, washed my face, and hopped into bed. Jack watched my every move. He came over and sat next to me on the bed and stroked my cheek.

  “Hey.” He knew I was upset.

  I didn’t respond.

  “Hey,” he repeated. He wiped the tear off my cheek. “It’s all going to be okay, Maddie. I promise.”

  “This is bullshit, Jack.”

  Jack climbed in bed next to me and brought me into his arms. “I know, but honestly, everything is going to be fine, I promise you.”

  “You don’t k
now that.” I turned away from him.

  I heard Jack sigh, then he walked over to my side of the bed and knelt, so he was face to face with me. “I do know that, Maddie. You have to trust me.”

  “This is the FBI. I’m being framed. You’re having a lawyer go with me. There is a lot more you aren’t telling me. I know it. I can feel it. You want me to trust you, but you can’t trust me to tell me what the hell is going on and this is my life.”

  “I would do anything to protect you. I know this is your life. Do you think I would do anything to put that in jeopardy?”

  “Not intentionally, but you aren’t the FBI. You know something, and you’re hiding it from me.”

  “I have to protect you, and I’m going to ask you again to please trust me,” Jack pleaded with me.

  I sat up. “I’m going to stay in the other room tonight. Until you can tell me what you’re keeping from me, I don’t want to see you.”

  “Maddie—”

  “No, Jack! I’m done with the ‘trust me but don’t ever tell me what I need to know.’ It’s late, I’m being questioned tomorrow by the FBI, in case you forgot, and I want you to leave me alone,” I hurled at him.

  “Maddie, please!” Jack tried to grab my hand.

  “No. I’m done with you tonight.” I walked out of the room, as a river of tears fell from my face. I went to the closest bedroom and slammed the door.

  I laid in bed and cried on and off. A few hours later, I heard the door open. I blew my nose from another wave of tears, and Jack was suddenly in bed next to me. His body spooned me, and his fingers wiped my tears away, which made me cry harder.

  “Shhh.” Jack tried to soothe me and moved the hair off my face. I turned to face him and cried into his chest.

  “I’m scared, Jack,” I sobbed.

  “I know, baby, I know.”

  “This is my fault. If I hadn’t stayed with him for six years…”

  “Shh. You didn’t know. And I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise. I won’t do anything to put you at risk, but please trust that whatever I’m not telling you is for your protection. Please believe me. It kills me that you hate me over this.”

  I rolled over. “I don’t hate you, Jack. I could never hate you. Don’t you know that by now?”