by Jennifer Ann
“That’s what we’d like to find out,” the man answers.
“There’s no way in hell she could’ve done this.” I tuck Zoe against my side, ready to knock the fucker out if he tries to take her away from me. “She’s been with me the last forty-eight hours straight. There are at least half a dozen witnesses that could tell you she’s been at my repair shop since eight o’clock this morning.”
The man holds the palms of his hands out. “I’m not saying she’s a suspect, son. But we do have to rule out the possibility that it was done in order to collect on insurance. We simply want to know if there’s anyone who may have motive to do such a thing.”
The way Zoe’s wide-eyed expression swings over to me, I know she’s thinking the same thing that’s rattling through my head.
Insurance money.
Freddie.
12
Zoe
In the days that follow the fire, I’m on a mission to find Freddie. The fire marshal’s convinced someone purposely torched our house. Although Ryker already hired an attorney who tells me I have nothing to worry about, I refuse to take the fall if something were to go wrong in the investigation.
Can’t say I was too upset to see our home set ablaze, mostly because I see myself having a legitimate future with Ryker. Call me crazy, but I can actually see me and Char living happily ever after in his massive house. Maybe I’m hoping for too much. I’d like to think the way he feels about me means something, but I don’t know him well enough to say for sure. I’m afraid of letting myself fall for someone who comes from a powerful family with a sketchy background, even if he’s made it clear he doesn’t want anything to do with his uncle. Blood runs thick—what if he were to change his mind about taking over for King Marty?
Either way, if Freddie’s behind the fire, he deserves to spend the rest of his miserable existence behind bars. At least he’d be sober, and wouldn’t have to worry about where he’ll get his next meal.
Ryker insists on coming along as I hit every shelter, liquor store, pawn shop, and bar on the South Side. By now I’m assuming he’s sold anything of value that Charlize and I left behind to score his next fix of booze. I visit the same places repeatedly, hoping to catch Freddie red-handed. A few times it seems we’re a mere step behind him when we’re told he was by earlier. It weirds me out when I’m hit with a wave of relief simply confirming he’s alive. Like I should really give a shit?
Over the weekend, the investigator from Guam calls Ryker, saying he’s spotted Bender. It’s a huge weight off our shoulders, just knowing he’s alive. But as soon as Ryker announces they’re going down there to find his brother, my gut roils non-stop. I can’t shake the feeling that their trip could be more dangerous than Ryker makes it sound.
Before I know it, I’m hugging him goodbye on a curb outside the airport. I cling to him, memorizing his rich scent the same way I did the night he strutted into Pinky’s. The selfish side of me wants to beg him to stay, even though I know his brother needs him more.
“I’ll be back in no time,” Ryker reminds me, nuzzling his face against my neck. His fingers sooth little patterns on my warm skin beneath my shirt, turning me on in more ways than appropriate for the situation. “Morrison will keep a close eye on you and Charlize until then. Your search for Freddie will have to wait until I get back. I don’t want you running around the South Side alone.”
I click my tongue as my fingers run up and down the back of his soft shirt. The South Side has never scared me before. But in typical Ryker fashion, he’s more worried about me than whatever nightmare brought Bender down to an island none of us know anything about.
“Be careful,” I plead, digging my fingernails into his back.
“Nothing will happen on my watch,” Stone says behind us. The dark roll of his voice sends chills down my spine. It’s like he’s expecting trouble, and welcomes it.
I lean back to kiss Ryker one final time. The firm strokes of his tongue fill me with more than confidence that he’ll be okay. They fill me with a wordless melody as soothing as one of his songs, projecting hope and love. It’s a warm, tingling feeling that starts at the base of my throat and slowly spreads down to my toes. I should’ve told him as he was packing for the airport how I feel, but nerves got the best of me. And with Stone and Morrison listening in, it would cheapen what would be a special moment.
Besides, what if he doesn’t feel the same? It’s still early in our relationship, even if we do seem perfect together.
Reluctantly, I pull my mouth away from his. “You’re getting that dance when you return,” I whisper against his ear before stepping back.
Morrison slings an arm around my neck as we watch Ryker pass through the automatic doors behind Stone. My heart has never felt so heavy.
Hours after we’ve dropped the guys at the airport, Raven brings a couple pizzas I ordered online. We sit by the pool with Morrison, watching Charlize and her friends horsing around in the water. While I’m annoyed Ryker thought it was necessary to have his band’s drummer watch over us like a couple of kids, it’s kind of nice having him close in case Freddie decides to make an appearance. Who knows how I’ll react when he finally shows his pathetic face.
Several times I’ve caught Raven’s eyes locked on Morrison’s sculpted abs, and the impressive bulge in his low-slung swim trunks. Without a doubt, he’s easy on the eyes. Tall and lean with long dark hair that would make any woman jealous, mesmerizing eyes a wild mix of blue, green, and gold, he’s every bit as hot as his bandmates. If I weren’t with Ryker, I’d be tempted to run my fingers through his thick locks.
Since Morrison has been eyeing Raven with the same level of appreciation, I’m expecting them to hook up after they leave. I’m almost glad Ryker isn’t home to see her in the skimpiest bikini in existence. At the same time, I’m excited by the idea of Raven sleeping with someone closer to her age who has a fun personality, even though it wouldn’t last. He’s not rich enough for her taste.
“I’m gonna grab another beer,” Morrison announces, rising from a lounger. His eyes pass from me to Raven. “You ladies ready for one?”
“Yes please,” Raven answers with a cheshire cat smirk. She uncrosses her luscious legs, bending forward to hand Morrison her empty bottle and giving him a healthy eyeful of ample cleavage. “Thanks, babe.”
“Sure,” I say with far less enthusiasm, drawing my eyes back to my cell phone. I’ve been tracking Ryker’s twenty-one hour flight, and my stomach has been in knots ever since they reached the ocean. Doubt I’ll sleep a wink tonight, knowing he’ll be soaring over water for hours.
“Mmmm, that man has one fine ass,” Raven whispers under her breath.
I look up as he slips into the house. “Any ass would be better than your usual geriatric type.”
In a blur she’s swinging her legs over her chair, and grabbing my wrist. “We need to have ourselves a talk. Girl, I don’t know how to tell you this, but I have a sneaking suspicion your man had something to do with that fire.”
“Are you insane?” I snap, pulling my arm away from her. “He would never.”
Her emerald eyes widen, shining with suspicion. “You said it yourself, he really wants you living here with him.”
“Rae.” I shake my head several times, blown away that she would even entertain such an idea. “You don’t know Ryker the way I do. I had already agreed to stay here days before the fire. Besides, arson has Freddie’s stench all over it. Remember that time he set fire to Mrs. Becker’s gardenias?”
She huffs, her smile unamused. “Yeah, but that was a potted plant. You really think he has the brains to do something of this caliber without getting caught?”
“It seem obvious to me. He was staying there before it happened, and he hasn’t been back since.”
When Morrison returns, she leans back on the lounger, arching her face back to meet the sun and sticking her barely-covered tits out. “Maybe. But maybe he hasn’t been back because he knows who set it, and he’s afraid.”
My thoughts immediately turn to Terrance. How did I not consider his involvement before? I was so sure that Freddie was the culprit, but she’s right. Knowing Freddie, he would’ve left a canister of gas with his fingerprints everywhere. If the police are struggling to pin this on someone, it would make more sense it was done by an expert.
Morrison returns with beers in hand, eyes locked on Raven. “You’re looking pretty hot. Wanna take a dip with me?”
I snort with the undertone of his offer. I should just let them use the guest house so they can get it over with, and bone each other’s brains out. As Raven jumps into the water after him, squealing when he splashes her, I let out a frustrated sigh. They’re practically oozing sexual energy. It’s going to be a long-ass week without my man.
My phone rings, jarring me from a light sleep. Just as I expected, I was up all night after Raven and Morrison left, tracking Ryker’s flight as my mind came up with every bad scenario possible. I finally passed out a couple hours after the sun came up.
With the sight of Ryker’s name flashing across my phone, I let out a dreamy sigh.
“Good morning, gorgeous,” he greets me among a steady rumble of voices in the background.
I bring the soft sheet up to my face, inhaling his lingering scent. “It’s so good to hear your voice, babe.”
“You have no fuckin’ idea. I was ready to jump off that damn plane and swim back to you. We just landed…waiting for our luggage. Hold on a minute.” He’s quiet for a spell among the sound of movement, like he’s walking somewhere. Finally, the background noises fall silent. “God, I miss you already. I would’ve given anything to have brought you along. You find the playlist I left on your phone?”
My lips curl in the darkness. The gesture’s both sweet and romantic, sending a burst of warmth spreading across my stomach. “You made me a playlist?”
“It has the band’s newest songs, and some I’ve played for you since we met. Figured I’d leave you with a reminder of how hot you make me.”
“Don’t talk like that. You make it sound like we won’t see each other again.”
“Oh we will,” he says, a dark hitch in his voice. “Make no mistake, gorgeous. I’m counting the hours until I get that dance.”
I hum, my entire body igniting with the idea of straddling him once he returns, knowing how much he wants me. I run a fingertip between my tingling breasts. “You really think you can handle being helpless to touch me when I’m rubbing my naked body against yours? Tits in your face…wet pussy on your bare thigh…hot breath spilling over your lips?”
He grunts into the phone with the same strained sound he makes whenever he slips his fingers inside me, or I take him in my mouth. Can’t say I’ve ever had phone sex with a guy before, but it’s hot as hell with Ryker. It’s a turn on to imagine him thousands of miles away, stroking himself inside a bathroom stall, or maybe even a janitor’s closet. Even better, I imagine him getting caught in the act.
I continue to taunt him in a soft, breathy tone. “I’ll have to stuff my panties in your mouth…can’t have you wrapping your lips around my tight nipples.”
“Ah fuck…Zo…keep talking, baby.”
“Are you touching yourself?” I whisper, slipping my fingers down my belly. “Stroking that beautiful cock? Picturing me on my knees…taking it in my hot, wet mouth?”
He grunts again, his voice sounding more beautiful than when he sings. I slip two fingers beneath my thong, tapping them against my hairless mound. I’m so damn slick and achy with the sound of him getting off that just imagining his swollen cock inside his thick fist may be enough to make me come.
“I wish you were here to feel how wet I am,” I pant. The faint sound of flesh slapping against flesh sends my eyes rolling back into my head. “Ryker…oh god…I can hear you beating your cock, baby…I want you so bad.”
As he mutters something unintelligible, the doorbell chimes from far away. I groan quietly, knowing it’s Morrison. He’s so stubborn that he won’t stop ringing that damn bell until I answer. The sexual buzz between my legs dissipates as I slip from the bed and throw on one of Ryker’s t-shirts. I keep pretending for Ryker’s sake, whispering sexy little words to him until he roars my name from the other side of the ocean.
“Shit, Zo, that was—”
“Babe, I have to go,” I say once I’m near the front door. “Morrison’s here. I’ll call you back in a few minutes.”
I end the call as he’s growling my name again, probably annoyed that I cut him off so soon after he came. Or maybe it’s sinking in that he just masturbated in public. Giggling to myself, I don’t bother looking up as I swing the massive doors open.
“Always thought Ryker Blackwood was a lucky bastard,” a different voice sings out. “But clearly I had no idea.”
A sharp gasp sticks in my throat as my eyes snap up to meet those of Terrance Fisher.
I shuffle back with a whimper. At least he’s alone and unarmed. Based on his thick stomach, he’s no runner. I’d have more than enough time to sprint to our room, lock the door behind me, and retrieve the gun Ryker keeps next to the bed.
Before I can execute my plan, Terrance steps inside, locking a meaty hand around my bicep. The stench of body odor makes my eyes water, and my insides clench. “Not so fast, sweetheart.”
Eyes narrowed, I hold my ground, refusing to let him see the terror clenching my insides. “You set fire to our house.”
His scarred face distorts even more when he laughs. “Guess you’re smarter than your old man.” The tips of his fingers dig deeper into my flesh. “I didn’t think he was sober enough to call the fire department, and get out of there alive. I’m afraid his actions have forced me to plan another way to collect his debt.”
I’m unable to swallow the bile burning in my throat.
His eyes drag down to where my nipples press against Ryker’s t-shirt, still erect from our erotic call. He licks his lips. “You’re well-trained on the art of entertaining the opposite sex.” His eyes drag down farther, darkening when they reach my thighs. ”Providing them with the ultimate pleasure.”
“I was a dancer, not a hooker,” I snap.
“Small technicality. I’ve been watching you with Ryker…I know what you’re capable of.” He sets a hand on my face, dragging his coarse thumb along my trembling lips.
Stomach lurching, I unsuccessfully attempt to break from his unyielding hold with goosebumps breaking out against my skin. Just how closely has he been watching? For how long? “What do you want from me?”
“Drop your phone, and come with me quietly. Do everything I ask of you, and I’ll leave your little sister out of it.” In the blink of an eye, his hand on my face shifts to grip the back of my neck. He forces my head closer until his sour breath huffs against my lips. “Put up a fight, and…well…that’s a whole different story. I’m certain you don’t want to find out what I’d be forced to do to your sweet little sister.”
I swear the world stops turning with his threat. My sister’s bright smile from the past couple weeks flashes through my memories. She’s probably blissfully asleep in her new room, surrounded by a cloud of pillows with the TV still on from late-night gaming. I’ll die before I let this bastard lay a finger on her.
“You touch her and I promise I’ll kill you,” I whisper with a rush of tears. “And if for some reason I can’t, Ryker will.”
Terrance’s ugly face contorts with a menacing grin. “That’ll be hard for him to do when he’s halfway around the world, don’t you think?”
Eager to leave before Charlize comes out of her room, I drop my phone on the tiled floor and follow him outside. My legs threaten to give out when I realize both Charlize and I could be dead long before Ryker returns.
I come to, waiting for my eyes to adjust in the darkness. A gag cuts into my mouth, and a hard band of plastic holds my numb hands together behind my back. Violent pain pings through my head, worse than any hangover I’ve ever had. Last thing I remember, Terrance made me
crawl into the trunk of a car before he pressed a cloth over my face that reeked like lighter fluid. But there’s no hum of a car engine, no movement. No air.
By now Charlize will be freaking out, wondering why I left without saying anything. She’ll know something’s wrong when she sees my phone likely cracked from hitting the hard floor. I hope like hell she remembers to check her glucose levels without my constant reminders.
Morrison is likely there by now—Raven too. A part of me hopes they won’t call Ryker. He’d come completely unglued, and abandon his brother.
It’s possible Terrance only kidnapped me as a way to get paid by Ryker. He would’ve shot me on sight if it had been for any other reason.
But what if he abandoned the car in the middle of nowhere until I die a long, drawn-out death from starvation? What if he let the car roll into a lake? My heart hammers excruciatingly hard as I listen for any kind of sound that will give up my location.
Around the time my throat closes with panic, the trunk door lifts above me on squeaky hinges, letting in a burst of blinding light. I squeeze my eyes shut, wincing. A second later, a set of hands dig underneath me and I’m being lifted out. My eyelids lift as a muscled man sets my bare feet on the ground directly in front of Terrance.
I quickly take in my surroundings, wondering how long I’ve been out and where the hell they’ve brought me. The trunk I was taken out of is from an old sedan, not the sleek town car Terrance led me to outside of Ryker’s. I’m alone with the two men in an old, dilapidated building. Broken slabs of wood siding let in streams of light. My toes wiggle against a dirt floor. The scent of dust and something sweet among stifling humidity fills me when I take a deep breath. I’ve never been on a farm, but everything about this place reminds me of the animal barns at the State Fair.
The memory of Ryker’s conversation with his uncle sends bolts of fear to my core. Ryker said Terrance was involved in stealing organs from college kids.
