Dangerous Heat (Aegis Group, #8)

by Sidney Bristol

  In love with someone else.

  Paxton’s insides went molten, then frigid.

  Was he falling in love with Coco?

  What he felt was different, all-consuming, powerful. But was it love? Did Paxton even know what love was like?

  “This is the last I’ll bring it up, man. If you like her, if she makes you happy, great. You two are a lot alike. I mean, do you even talk when you’re together? Or is it a bunch of sitting around in silence?”

  Paxton snorted. “Fuck you, asshole.”

  “I’m curious, nerd.” Silas snickered, but the sound died and his face grew serious. “I hope she’s ready for you.”

  Paxton caught movement to their left. A smaller giraffe peaked around a tree.

  Truth was, he hadn’t shared a lot about himself with Coco. He’d stuck to the better stuff, the kind of things that were easy to discuss, but the rest was still locked up inside of him.

  20.

  Friday. Mlilo Animal Reserve, South Africa.

  Coco stared out at the private pool outside Lacey’s honeymoon villa. Guilt ate at Coco for begging off the spa treatment. She couldn’t relax and the thought of someone leaning into her personal space made her want to crawl under a table and never come out.

  “Here.” Lacey pushed a cold bottle of water at her.

  “I’m really sorry,” Coco mumbled.

  “Stop.” Lacey grasped her by both shoulders and turned Coco to face her. “Do not apologize, got it?”

  Coco stared miserably at her best friend.

  “Talk to me. Tell me what’s going on.” Lacey nudged Coco toward the sofa. “Lunch will be here any minute.”

  She retreated, sinking onto the cushions and curling her legs under her.

  Where did she start?

  “How can I be mad at people like Ebrahim for poaching when what happened to them was equally bad?” Coco asked.

  “Two wrongs don’t make a right. Before you say anything else, yes, I realize this is a complicated situation. We’ve been over that. The darts were there. That means Ebrahim is probably also behind that trap you nearly walked into. Are you telling me that is okay because something bad happened before he was born?”

  “No. It’s just—”

  “It’s complicated. I know.” Lacey took Coco’s hand in hers. “I think if we’re going to be mad at anyone, we should be pissed at Luke. I mean, isn’t he the one taking advantage of people like Ebrahim?”

  “Maybe? I don’t know. I still can’t really wrap my head around him being the guy I went to high school with.” Coco’s memory of Luke didn’t match the present.

  “Did you see Paxton’s face? I thought he was going to punch him.”

  “What?” Coco wrinkled her nose.

  “That was man jealousy.”

  “Why would Paxton...?” Coco couldn’t picture Paxton wanting anything Luke had. That wasn’t who Paxton was.

  Lacey waved her hands in Coco’s face. “Hello, I’m pretty sure he knows that you two dated.”

  “Dated is a really generous word. We hung out for a few weeks. He took me to a dance. I think we might have kissed?”

  “I’m going to tell you right now, all these Aegis guys fit a type. They’re alpha guys who think they can do it all themselves, they don’t ask for help when they need it and every one of them gets super possessive about their gun, their job or their girl. You can quote me, I’ve been around them enough to see it happen over and over again.”

  The doorbell rang and Lacey jumped up to let the lunch delivery in with their order.

  Coco used those moments to process Lacey’s words. Paxton was quiet and laid back, but when he wanted his way, there was no arguing with him. Granted, the only times he’d insisted on being in control and telling her what to do was when her life was in danger.

  What about today? That moment with Luke?

  She couldn’t recall anything other than the numb sensation inside of her and the feel of Paxton’s hand in hers. He’d been with her through every step, ever since he’d arrived.

  “No serious talk while we eat.” Lacey lifted the lids off their meal.

  “What constitutes as serious?” Because Coco needed to talk a few things out.

  Lacey arched a brow. “What do you want to talk about?”

  “Paxton.”

  “Oh, God yes, please let’s talk about that.” She twisted to give Coco her full attention, food forgotten. “We can be not serious after this and food.”

  Coco balanced her plate on her thighs and stared at the meal. What was he eating right now? Was he eating?

  “I really like him, Lacey,” she said softly.

  “I gathered as much. You’re letting him stay with you. That’s a pretty big deal. You never even let me stay with you.”

  “You talk too much.”

  “Guilty.” Lacey grinned, not the least bit repentant. “Do you two just sit around not talking? What is it like when it’s just the two of you?”

  “Uh, well...” Coco shifted.

  “Besides sex, because it’s clear you’re getting laid. I approve, by the way.”

  Her cheeks heated, and she lifted a hand to shield her face. “We talk. Sometimes we don’t. I don’t know.”

  “I’m curious what a normal relationship would look like for you two. You know, if all this crazy stuff wasn’t going on. So, what are you thinking about?” Lacey popped a fry in her mouth and tucked into her food.

  Coco’s cheeks cooled. This was serious talk, because she had a lot to consider. Big, life changing things.

  “What is it like with Shane’s schedule?” She asked slowly. “How often do you see each other?”

  Lacey nodded, as though she’d been expecting that question. She took a moment to chew her food and get a drink before settling in to answer. “It’s hard. I’m not going to sugar coat it. He does a rotation, couple weeks on, a week off. Now, just because he’s on call doesn’t mean he’s gone or that he has a job, so he might be around. He might be across the globe. It’s hard to have plans. But I also recognize that what Shane does saves lives, and it’s an important job he is very good at. And he likes it. You can’t argue with passion. I think it also helps that we’ve agreed on a timetable for when it stops.”

  “You have?”

  “Yeah. I mean, not any time soon. Shane likes what he does, but this isn’t the kind of job he can grow old doing. We were thinking, let’s see where things go. AG is expanding. There’re always new opportunities. One of them might end up perfect for him and takes him out of the field. Eventually though, I think we’d like to end up here. Shane’s really gotten into the anti-poaching measures. He’s talking to Zain about the possibility of opening time on his schedule to do contract work like what we’re doing here. I really think that might be our later in life step.”

  Coco nodded along with what Lacey said. It made sense, but it also made Coco realize how little he knew about Paxton’s life. “Does Paxton do what Shane does?”

  “I don’t think so.” Lacey frowned. “See, Shane’s on a specialized team called the Alpha Team. There are four other guys he works with all the time and they do one type of job. I think—and don’t quote me on this—that Paxton works more with general security, doing bodyguard stuff. It’s not as dangerous, if that makes you feel better.”

  “Oh.” Coco liked the sound of that.

  “What are you thinking? Try this with him? See how the long-distance stuff works out?”

  “Actually.” She licked her lips. “I had a long talk with Mrs. P last night and I think... I think I want to take the scholarship.”

  The words made her skin tingle in a good way.

  Lacey’s eyes went round. “Really?”

  “Yeah.” Coco smiled and she couldn’t deny the joy bubbling up inside of her at the idea of following her dreams. Even if she was years behind where she’d like to be.

  “Seriously?” She bounced, her food forgotten in her lap.

  “Yes.” Coco chuckled, some of
the dark cloud finally dispersing. It was impossible to not feel Lacey’s joy. It was infectious.

  “Wait.” Her smile flipped off and her gaze narrowed. “Are you doing this because you want to, or because of Paxton?”

  “Fair.” Coco sipped her water, her hunger waking up with a vengeance. “Both, if I’m being honest. I mean, I want to go, but it’s a bonus if Paxton is closer because of it.”

  “Aw.” Lacey pressed her palm to hear heart. “You are so into him. In a week you’re going to call me and tell me you’re in love.”

  “Stop.” Coco’s heart was already running away from her. It didn’t need ideas.

  Lacey’s grin widened. “Paxton and Coco sitting in a tree.”

  Coco picked up a French fry and threw it at Lacey, nailing her in the chest.

  “I need someone to talk me into being rational here.” Not to mention this was a big move.

  Coco had never wanted to be with someone like this. Her priorities had always been clear, with no deviation. But then Paxton landed in her life and she wanted something she’d never had. A partner. Someone to love.

  Lacey waved her finger under Coco’s nose. “Girl, I’ve got all the newlywed mushiness in my head. I am not the person to talk rational to anyone. My sister or Omarosa are better suited to that role.”

  “Are you ever rational?”

  “Nope. That’s usually your role. We’re both screwed, my friend.”

  So screwed.

  Coco sucked in a breath and closed her eyes.

  Could she be in love with Paxton? Not now, but in the future?

  Her insides twisted around. Her skin warmed. God, she wanted him to be there, rest her head on his shoulder, lean against him.

  Her phone rang to life. She picked it up and frowned.

  Why were they calling her?

  “Who is it?” Lacey asked.

  “The main desk.” She pressed the phone to her ear. “Hello?”

  “Coco?”

  It took a moment for the voice to register. She frowned at Lacey and said, “Cane?”

  “Are you here? Where are you?” The desperation in his voice gave Coco pause.

  Lacey smacked Coco’s thigh. She jabbed the speaker button then asked, “What do you want?”

  “Please, I need to talk to you. Coco, you can hate me, just give me five minutes. Please?”

  Lacey covered the phone with her hand. “Something’s not right.”

  Coco mouthed, “Let’s go,” to Lacey before answering her brother. “Cane, where are you now?”

  “The lobby. They wouldn’t let me in over by you, so I came here.”

  “I’m on the public side of the resort. I’ll meet you in a few minutes. Stay put.” Coco ended the call, her insides feeling rattled around.

  “So much for getting a full meal.” Lacey picked up her burger and set the rest aside. “What do you think he wants?”

  “What has Cane ever needed from me?” Coco wrapped her burger in a napkin then followed Lacey out of the villa.

  Today was about as strange as they came.

  “Maybe he wants to apologize about earlier?” Lacey suggested.

  Coco took a bite to keep from automatically saying no. Cane was a man of resolve. When he decided something that was it. It was that determination that inspired people to believe in him.

  “Earlier, when I was talking with Ebrahim, I was thinking about how Cane’s way is the real solution to everything. Change from the top down, you know?” Coco glanced at her friend.

  “That’s a good way to make things better for everyone. It still doesn’t mean you’re wrong, and he’s right. It just means you both want the same end result.”

  They scarfed their burger as they walked the distance from the villas to the main resort, neither saying much.

  Coco had met Lacey during her second year at Mlilo. They’d both been finding themselves, sorting things out. It was funny to think that after all these years they were still close.

  “Is that him?” Lacey asked as they neared the pool area and could see inside the lobby.

  Coco squinted at the figure pacing back and forth. There was a bar and grill taking up part of the lobby, so it could be anyone. But she knew those clothes.

  He was wearing the same thing as earlier, but his sleeves were rolled and his shirt was wrinkled. That was very unlike him. Cane was neat, tidy, precise. A rumpled and rolled shirt shouldn’t be cause for concern, except this was her twin and she knew him. Something was very wrong.

  The moment their eyes locked Cane rushed toward her. There was a glint in his eye. Fear? Was he afraid?

  Coco was so taken back she just stood there as her twin crowded into her space and gripped her shoulders.

  “Coco. Thank God,” he muttered.

  “What’s going on?” she asked.

  “Look, please don’t ask why, but can you just go somewhere? For the weekend. A week. Take one of those trips you’ve always talked about. I can hook you up with a great place to stay—”

  Coco gaped at him. “I’m not leaving.”

  “What exactly is going on here?” Lacey shouldered between them, glaring up at Cane. If she’d had hackles, they’d be up. This was Lacey in protector mode.

  “Who are you?” he asked.

  Lacey jabbed her finger at Cane. “Her best friend, so start talking.”

  Coco knew she should intervene, say something, diffuse the situation, but she was still knocked off kilter by the difference in her brother from that morning to now.

  “I can’t—” He opened and closed his mouth. “This is between my sister and I.”

  Lacey waved what was left of her burger under Cane’s nose. “This is about to be between you, me, my husband, her boyfriend and her if you don’t explain yourself.”

  Coco followed Lacey’s hand and saw Shane, Paxton and a whole group of guys watching them.

  Oh, boy.

  “Coco.” He focused in on her, ignoring Lacey. “Please.”

  “Please, why?” Coco asked. She was torn. She wanted to help him, but she couldn’t allow herself to be taken in by Cane without knowing what was going on.

  “Just—please,” he pleaded.

  “What happened? Why do you want me to take a trip?” Coco’s stomach rolled at the words.

  Something was very, very wrong.

  “Alright. We’re getting to the bottom of this.” Lacey waved and called out, “Husband of mine. Over here.”

  “Shit.” Cane grabbed Coco’s hand and pulled her in close. “Please. Go somewhere.”

  She stared deep into her brother’s eyes. The fear coming off him was palpable. He was genuinely afraid for her. Whatever shit had wedged them apart, she wasn’t going to leave him right now.

  “Not until you tell me what happened.” And why did she get the sinking feeling this was going to be more bad news?

  “What’s going on here?” Shane asked.

  Coco felt Paxton’s presence before she felt his hand on the small of her back. She glanced up and saw Paxton, his gaze on Cane. She pressed her other hand to Paxton’s chest.

  “Cane?” She gave him her full attention, aware of how tightly he held onto her.

  He spoke softly, which only made his words more ominous. “Someone forced their way into Dad’s house and took Mia and the boys.”

  Cane stared at him a moment, those words processing. “Patrick? James? Is Dad and Olivia okay?”

  “Yeah. I mean, Dad wasn’t home. They locked Olivia in the pantry, but she’s okay. Just some bruising.” Cane’s hand trembled. “The police are looking into it, but... I’m sorry. I think this is my fault.”

  Coco glanced at Paxton, feeling as though someone had punched her in the gut. He didn’t say anything, just crossed to her and wrapped an arm around her waist.

  “What is it?” Paxton said softly. “Who are Patrick and James?”

  “Our brothers.” She tipped her chin up and stared at him. “Someone took them. And Mia.”

  “When?”
His head snapped up, and he stared at Cane.

  “Earlier. Just before you came to my office. I got a call from our step-mom and...”

  Paxton’s whole energy changed. It was like he’d just stepped forward and grabbed the wheel of a car careening out of control. “Are the cops involved?”

  “Who are you?” Cane finally seemed to pull himself together a little.

  “Paxton Mills. I work for Aegis Group. We help people, Mr. De Jong.” He squeezed Coco a little tighter. “Start at the beginning.”

  “He wants me to go somewhere for a week. Do you think I’m a target?” Coco asked.

  Cane nodded. “Yeah. This is all my fault.”

  Panic rose, sharp and vicious in Coco. “Mom—”

  Cane held up his hands. “Is visiting family.”

  “From the beginning,” Paxton prompted.

  “Come over here.” Shane herded them to a seating area.

  Cane began speaking before they sat. “I’ve been pressured since I was elected to lean certain ways. You’d think with the bribery scandal people would be more careful, but no. It’s still a thing. I’ve been... I have had a certain interest group pressuring me to favor them, and I haven’t. I ignored their threats and now... I think this is my fault.”

  “What exactly happened, Cane? You’ve got to spell it out.” Paxton was so serious, dialed in. As if he knew what to do.

  “I don’t know. Olivia, our step-mother, was meeting with my fiancé this morning. Mia. They were going over some wedding stuff. Olivia said when she answered the door two men jumped Mia, forced their way inside and knocked Olivia out. When she came to, the boys and Mia were gone.”

  “And since then has anyone contacted you? What about the police?”

  “The police aren’t going to do anything.” Cane’s shoulders slumped. “He owns them.”

  And in that moment Coco knew who Cane was talking about.

  The Nodorf family.

  Luke.

  FRIDAY. SOWETO, SOUTH Africa.

  Mia held tight to Patrick and James, her heart pounding against her ribs.

  This was not what they’d discussed. This was not the plan.