The house seemed bigger with Matteo gone.
He left in the middle of the night, his kiss hard and pressing on my mouth.
"Be safe," he ordered against my lips. "Do not leave this house unless you have to, and only with a guard. Promise me."
"I promise."
"I will be home as soon as I can."
"I'll be here."
He wrapped me in his arms, holding me close. "That is what I need to get through this."
Then he was gone.
I'd tried to fall asleep after he left, but the bed felt wrong without him, the house too silent. I got up and switched on a light. On my bedside table was a small box, and inside, a bracelet, beautiful and shimmering under the light. Our initials entwined M & E inlaid with tiny diamonds. A card inside the box simply read:
I want to see this on your wrist when I return.
We are linked no matter the distance.
Yours, always
M
There were tears in my eyes as I examined the delicate piece. I slipped it on, fumbling with the clasp, but finally got it locked. I crossed the room to place the box on the dresser, stopping as I saw Matteo's cell phone, wallet, and wedding ring on the wooden surface. I picked up the wide platinum band, sliding it on my finger. Matteo had long, elegant hands and fingers, but it was still loose on me. He had explained he took nothing personal with him, nothing that could tie him back to his world. He had assured me in dire circumstances, should anything happen to him, I would be informed and taken care of. I understood his reasons and the need for the action.
Still, it shook me to see his personal things left behind. With a sigh, I placed his ring on top of his wallet, and got dressed. I knew I wouldn't be sleeping anymore tonight.
Hours later, Lila, Sonya, and Lara arrived together with Geo. He smiled and accepted a cup of coffee and muffin.
"There are guards on the grounds, and two inside. They will be discreet, but if you need them, you only have to call. I'll be back around six."
"You'll be here until Matteo returns?" I asked, nervous for some reason.
He smiled kindly. "Yes, we all will be." He covered my hand with a gentle squeeze. "Be at ease, Evie. Matteo and his team are professionals. They are cautious, have back-up plans, and will be covered. He will be home safe to you."
"Thank you, Geo."
"I'm only working today, then I'm off until they are back. Perhaps we can find something to entertain us this evening. Matteo has a large movie collection. Maybe a comedy?"
"That sounds good."
We stayed busy all day, all of us on edge. Sonya looked especially stressed, so I sat beside her, asking her to explain how they used the monies to help women and children. She was glad for the distraction, and she explained how they managed the large portfolio. I was shocked when I saw the vast amount of money they handled.
"Lara is a savvy investor. Lila heads up the charity aspect, and I look after the individual requests." She offered me a shy smile. "Maybe you would like to work with me?"
"Yes, definitely," I said. "What do you do exactly?"
She pulled a file close. "Some of the people Matteo and his team rescue have no place to go, or family. We help set them up. A new identity, a home, anything they need." She sighed. "Some, like me, can never get over what happened to them, so we make sure they are set for life."
"How?" I asked. "That would be enormous to track."
"We own a dozen large properties all over the world. We let people live there, have a new life. Sort of like small communities, really. We have staff that runs them. There are gardens they work in, farms, vineyards—a variety of places. They are safe, happy, and looked after. That's what we strive to do."
"You use bad money to do something worthwhile."
"Yes."
I nodded. "I’m in."
Four days passed. I missed Matteo terribly. The sound of his voice. His touch. The way it felt to wake beside him. He was always so warm, and I felt safe with him close. I knew Sonya and Lara missed Vince and Alex as well. We kept each other's spirits up in the daytime, but once I headed to bed, I felt the sadness creep in.
I was also worried. Matteo thought he would be gone two days, maybe three. Although Geo assured me this happened on occasion, I noticed even he seemed tense.
I couldn't sleep. I paced our room, wearing one of Matteo's shirts at night. I jumped at every noise. I couldn't concentrate during the day. I gave up this afternoon and spent hours baking Matteo's favorite cookies, wanting to spoil him when he got home.
But he had to get here first.
There was a knock at my door, and Geo entered after I called out. My heartrate sped up.
"Geo, what is it?"
He held up his hand. "All is well. Sonya had a message from Vince. They are all fine, simply delayed."
I sat down; my legs too shaky to hold me up any longer. "Okay. Th-That's good."
He crouched in front of me. "He will be home soon, Evie."
A tear ran down my cheek, but I nodded, trying to smile.
He squeezed my hands. "I'm so pleased he has found you."
"I love him."
He stood and pressed a kiss to my forehead. "I know, Evie. I know."
14
Evie
Geo left, and I went to bed, still restless, but not as worried. I was awake early, and in the kitchen, making coffee, when I heard the front door open, and slam into the wall. There was the sound of running feet and Matteo's voice rang out in the quiet house.
"Evie!"
Footsteps pounded on the steps, and I hurried into the hall. "Matteo?"
He stopped, spinning on the staircase. He stared at me, then took the steps back down two at a time, and yanked me into his arms. He was shaking and tense. He crushed me tight to his chest, lifting me off the floor.
"Oh, Evie, Evie," he whispered. "Evie."
He was terrifying me. "Matteo," I pleaded. "I'm here. What is it?"
He said nothing, but turned and hurried up the steps, keeping me clutched in his arms. Alex and Vince stood in the doorway watching us, not stopping him. They both looked serious, which only scared me more.
In our room, Matteo sat on the bed, holding me close. His grip was so tight I knew he would leave marks. I managed to lean back, cupping his face.
"Matteo, tell me."
He crushed me close again. "I need you."
"I'm here."
He stood, carrying me to the bathroom. He reached in, turning on the shower, not even removing our clothes. It was only after we were inside the glass enclosure, he set me down, and allowed me to tug away his shirt and pants. He dropped his head to my shoulder, his lips ghosting my ear. "Your bracelet suits you."
"It's beautiful. I love it so much."
"I love you're wearing my shirt."
"It made me feel closer to you."
"I need to be close." He yanked on the cloth, tearing the material, and dropped it to the floor. He fisted my underwear, tearing away the small scraps of lace. He lifted me, covered my mouth, and kissed me. His actions were forceful, almost desperate. His lips bruised mine, his touch too firm and unyielding. I felt his erection hard against my skin.
"Please, Matteo," I begged. "Tell me what is wrong."
"I need you. I need to be inside you."
My voice faltered as he shoved his leg roughly between mine. "You're h-hurting me," I whispered.
He froze. Then slowly, he stepped back, letting my feet touch the floor. His grip loosened. He didn't look at me.
"I'm sorry, Evie."
I cupped his face, forcing his gaze to meet mine. "I'm not asking you to stop, but you need to let me in." I stroked his face. "Was it terrible?"
"Yes."
"Worse than you feared?"
He swallowed, then nodded. "Yes."
"You need to lose yourself with me?"
"Please."
"Then have me. But be my Matteo."
With a groan, I was wrapped in his arms again, his mouth on
mine. But this time, I felt his tenderness, his yearning. As he stroked my tongue with his, my passion built. His hands soothed over my body, coaxing and gentle. I strained to get closer, my own need building. I caressed his back, gripped his ass, and ran my hands over his taut neck muscles until I felt him give in to the moment.
Finally, he lifted me, and I wrapped my legs around his waist.
"Yes," I murmured.
He slipped inside, burying his face into my neck as he began to move. He didn't thrust and fuck me against the wall the way I expected. His hips circled, keeping us pressed together. He rocked and moved in an easy rhythm until we were both gasping. I cried out his name, and he gripped me close, my name falling from his lips as he climaxed. I shuddered around him, feeling his body jerk with spasms. Then he stilled, holding me tight, not moving.
I kissed his head. "Let me take care of you."
He set me on my feet and allowed me to push him under the hot water. He hunched over so I could wash his hair, allowing me to soap his body and cleanse him. Then he did the same for me. No words were spoken, but we shared gentle kisses, and I felt his love in his caresses.
After, we dried off, and I led him to bed. He looked exhausted. He didn't protest as I drew the blankets over him. But he reached out, tucking himself to my chest with a long sigh. His head rested under my chin, his arms like vises around me.
"Don't leave. Promise me. I cannot rest if you go."
"I'll be right here."
His warm breath drifted over my skin.
"I love you, Evie."
I kissed his head and ran my fingers up and down his back. I felt him succumb to sleep, his body heavier as he gave in. I closed my eyes in exhaustion, wondering what he would tell me when he woke up.
He jerked awake, instantly tense, calling for me.
"I'm right here, Matteo," I soothed, pulling him back to my chest. "Right here."
He exhaled, his arms a steel cage around me.
"Will you go back to sleep? You've only been resting for a little over an hour."
"No," he replied honestly.
"Will you tell me?"
"Not here. Not in our bed."
"Then let me make you something to eat. We can talk in the kitchen."
"Okay."
I felt his eyes on me the whole time I made him breakfast. He ate in silence and only finished half of his plate before pushing it away with a sigh. He picked up his coffee, sipping.
"Matteo," I prompted.
"It was a sex slave ring." His head fell into his hands. "Children, teenagers. Boys, girls. The most black-hearted of bastards selling children for money. Sending them to a life so depraved many of them would kill themselves rather than bear it." He slammed his hand on the table. "Some already too far gone for us to help."
I covered his hand. "Tell me."
"I can't, Evie. Please don't ask me to share what I saw. I cannot speak of it to you."
"You need to speak of it to someone, Matteo."
"I will. I do. Garrett has a team for us."
"Do you allow them to help?"
He met my eyes. "I will this time. I promise."
"All right." I soothed him by running a hand through his hair. "You saved them, Matteo. So many of them."
He flipped his hand, grasping mine. "There is more, Evie. Something much worse."
I nodded, the naked fear in his eyes terrifying me.
"We got the leaders." He swallowed, struggling with words. "All but one."
"Who?"
"The mastermind. He was prepared. He was cornered, but he got away. He had escape routes plotted out."
"I'm sorry. I know you'll keep looking."
He stood, pacing, pulling on his hair. "You don't understand. I have to do more. I need to send you somewhere. Somewhere secret. Somewhere safe."
"What are you talking about? There can't be any place safer than here with you!"
"Not anymore!" he roared.
"You aren't making any sense." My voice broke. "W-why are you sending me away, Matteo?"
"I have to make sure you’re safe and protected."
I shook my head. "I don't know what’s going on. But there is no place safer than close to you.”
He dropped in front of me, holding my face. "I don't want to let you go, but I have to. I have no choice."
"Why?" I pleaded with him, tears beginning to gather in my eyes. "I don't understand."
His voice was rough. "Evie, he knew me. He said my name. He told me I would regret what I had done. He said I had taken away everything of value to him, and he was going to do the same to me."
Our eyes locked.
"He told me he was going to take you away from me. The last thing he said to me was I would never find you, and he would make sure you paid for my interference."
My breath caught in my throat at the despair and torment in his expression.
"I have no choice, Evie. I have to let you go."
15
Evie
A voice startled us both.
"Matteo. Stop this madness. You're frightening Evie."
Matteo sprang to his feet, pivoting, his arms thrown open in a protective gesture. Geo stood in the doorway, Garrett behind him. Geo lifted his hands in supplication.
"Relax, Matteo. It's only us."
Matteo's arms dropped. "What are you doing here?"
They entered the room without answering. I stood and offered them coffee, which they accepted. They sat, indicating Matteo should as well. Before I could take a seat, Matteo pulled me onto his lap, his grip tight.
Geo sipped his coffee.
Garrett frowned. "I know what's happened is upsetting, but sending your wife away is not the answer, Matteo." He indicated the house with a sweep of his hand. "She couldn't possibly be more protected than she is here."
"Upsetting?" Matteo hissed. "Upsetting? That fucking lowlife knew my name. He knew about my wife! He told me he is coming after her. I will do everything I can to protect her. I can't even imagine what he'd do if…" His voice trailed off and a shudder went through him, his arms tightening. "I can't risk her."
"It's not going to happen," Garrett assured him. "Until he is caught—and he will be caught, Matteo—you're staying here with Evie. All of your people are on guard—you'll be surrounded. Raoul is alone. We've cut off his finances. His people. His network. He isn't going to get to Evie, or to you."
He took a drink of his coffee. "Not that he won't try. But we'll be waiting. Separating you from Evie would give him the advantage. Make him come to you. To divide is not to conquer here."
Matteo was silent.
I turned to him. "Please listen to Garrett. I can't be away from you, Matteo. I can't."
Geo spoke. "I suggest we all remain here. Safety in numbers. We go about our lives as usual, but we will all be extra cautious." He sighed, meeting my eyes. "I do suggest you stay close to the house and Matteo, though, Evie. I know it's difficult and you hate being locked away, but for the time being, it is the wisest course of action."
"Even if Mark goes with me?"
Matteo sighed, his breath warm on my neck. "Even then.”
"What about groceries and other things?"
"We'll have them picked up by my men."
"What about Mrs. Armstrong?"
Geo smiled. "She is being released. Matteo has arranged a lovely room in a retirement villa. Lila and I will visit until this is done. She'll be fine."
I turned back to Matteo. His brow was furrowed, lines of worry etched around his eyes.
"Please, Matteo," I murmured. "Don’t send me away. I couldn’t bear it."
His expression softened at my words. "I don't want you to go, Evie."
"You won't send me away then?"
He groaned, the sound low and tortured. "No."
"Good. We'll protect each other."
He held me close. "Okay."
I huffed in frustration, shutting the cupboard door. I was out of Matteo's favorite peanut butter, and I knew he'd
frown upon me sending someone to the store for a single item. I had sent them only yesterday for groceries, but forgot to check the jar. Matteo ate a lot of peanut butter.
I headed down the hall to Matteo's office, walking in after rapping on the door, not waiting for Matteo to tell me to enter. Matteo glanced up from his computer, frowning at my annoyed expression.
"Evie, what is it?"
"We're out of peanut butter."
"I'll survive without it."
I squared my shoulders. "I can go to the store with one of your men to get it. There are a few other things I want as well."
He laid down the pen he was holding. "No."
I stepped closer, ignoring the stares of his team.
"Yesterday when Garrett was here, he said he was certain they had tracked Raoul to Brazil. He isn't going to turn up at the grocery store and attack me while I get peanut butter."
Matteo stood, his hands clenched in fists on his desk. "I said no."
I crossed my arms, suddenly angry. "Perhaps I am not asking permission, Matteo."
His eyes narrowed and he raised his hand. "Everyone out."
I heard the door shut behind me and felt a shiver of fear run down my spine, but I refused to let Matteo see my trepidation.
"Garrett himself felt Raoul was too busy trying to stay alive and ahead of them to think about coming here. It's been three weeks of being trapped in this house, unable to do anything." I raised my voice. "I hate it. I need to get out—even if it is a trip to the damn grocery store!"
Matteo's eyebrows shot up, and he studied me while stroking his chin. "Once again, you are surprising me, Evie. I would never have believed you would ever dare to defy me."
I raised my chin. "I promised I would stay close and allow you to ensure my safety. I do not wish to defy you, but you’re driving me crazy." My voice broke. "All I want is-is to buy you some damn peanut butter and get a few personal items. Send four men with me if you want, but please let me out of this damn house."
His face softened. "I wish only for your safety. I keep you here because I love you."
I dared to cross the room and stood before him. I cupped his cheek, and he leaned into my caress, turning his face to kiss my palm.
Take Me to Bed: A Collection of Naughty Bedtime Stories Page 45
