I lean backward and closed my eyes, exhausted.
“Can I ask you something, Kitten?”
I turn my face and scan Nick. “Sure.”
“How did you move that trash bin like that?”
Twisting my face away from him, I roll against the seat. “I don’t know.” It is an honest answer. I have no idea how that happened. “Adrenaline maybe? I don’t have a clue.” I sigh.
Nick has his arm around my waist before I realize he has moved. “Tony, hand me the bottle of water I have up there.” Tony nods and reaches over, picking up the bottle and handing it over to Nick.
“Here drink this, Kitten. You’ll feel better.” Nick holds out the water to me.
I look up at Nick and refuse the water bottle. “I’m not thirsty. But thanks.” The fuzziness returns, messing up my thoughts.
“Are you sure, Kitten? You look like you are thirsty. Have a drink.” He offers the bottle to me again, and I twist off the cap and chug the cool drink.
When I finish, I hand the empty bottle to Nick.
“Now isn’t that better?” His knuckles glide down my jaw line.
I blink once. Twice. Struggling to shake my blurring vision. “I…”
I feel the car closing in on me. Nick pulls me close and moves my legs up on the rear seat. I am leaning against his side now as my vision is blurring into a black tunnel.
“I’m sorry, Kitten. It’s better this way.” Nick pulls a plush cashmere blanket from the floorboard and covers me with it. “When you wake up, you’ll be in your new home.”
Chapter 8
Grant
“Kitten. Come on, sweetheart. I need you to wake up for me, yeah?” Nick is prodding Kelly as I stand in the doorway, tightening my fingers into fists.
Nick kneels down to deposit Kelly onto my living room couch.
“Kelly. We’re here, wake up.”
My girl raises her hand to itch the tip of her nose and then rolls over on her side.
“What did you do to her?” My lips tighten.
“Hey, Boss.” Nick stands up straight. “I gave her something to relax. With everything that went down, she was scared.” Nick looks at Tony. “And after what she did to the trash bin, we didn’t want to take any chances of anyone getting hurt.”
My men step back as I move closer to Kelly. Her blonde hair moves over her face, and I brush it back behind her ear.
“Tell me what happened.” I lower myself in the chair next to the couch and continue to watch Kelly sleep. The invisible connection between us pulls me to move closer to her.
“Joe takes off and leaves her with two of Finn’s guys. Finn didn’t show up though.” Nick moves across the living room to the small refrigerator next to the wet bar and pulls out a bag of O Negative and pops it in the microwave to warm.
“So, all we have to connect Finn to this situation is his two guys. How do you know they were with Finn?”
Nick pulls the bag out and pours the warmed blood into a high-ball glass. “Mason was there. I don’t know who the second guy was, but the first guy was Mason.”
Interesting. “Mason is Finn’s right hand. I doubt he would act without Finn’s approval.”
Tony’s throat clears. “That’s what we thought, too.”
“Then what?”
“We shot them both knowing that it wouldn’t kill them, just wanted to slow them down. We had to get to her before they took off. No telling what they planned to do, and we couldn’t risk losing her.”
I take in a deep breath. There may be repercussions from this confrontation, but I agree with Nick. I would not have wanted them to put Kelly at risk to avoid a council violation. Maybe moving into the open council seat can be beneficial.
“What else?”
“While Tony took down the other guy, I chased Kelly behind a warehouse hangar. She tried to hide behind a trash bin. I could hear her heart racing; she was freaking out a little.”
Peering down at her, I watch her steady breathing. It is good she is resting.
“I imagine she was. Her father left her with two men, vampires no less, without a second thought.”
“Yeah. Boss, I don’t guess he had a clue what they are.” He swallows the last of his drink and rinses out his glass at the bar sink. “Anyway, I tried to talk to her, but she wasn’t having it. The closer I got to her, she…”
Nick’s brows crease together. His hesitation unsettles me.
“Go on.”
From across the room, Nick locks eyes with me. “It’s like she became a little power generator. I could feel the air turning into static and the next thing I know she sent a bolt of energy out and it blew the trash bin away like twenty feet.”
This gets my attention. “She’s more than human.”
“Yeah, I got that.” Nick quips. “You shoulda been there to see it.”
He’s right. I should have been there. Being called back to meet with Alex could not be helped though. When a sire calls his progeny, we have no choice but to obey.
I loosen my tie and unbutton the top buttons of my collar, then begin rolling up my sleeves.
“Thank you, Nick. Tony. For protecting her and bringing her to me. I owe you both a debt.”
Nick gives Tony a quick glance and tilts his head toward the door.
“Let me know if you need anything, Master Grant.”
“Thank you, Tony.” I watch as Nick’s progeny leaves the room.
“Boss?”
I look up to see the concern etched on my friend's face. “You may speak, Nick.”
“I expect whatever is going on is bigger than we first realized.” Nick looks down at Kelly, not with desire, but with admiration. “We need to keep her secluded until we figure out what Finn wants. Let me continue as her personal security. Finn might know more than we do, and I don’t want him or anyone else to get near her.”
My fangs pinch the inside my mouth. “If it were anyone else but you, I would kill them for insinuating I am incapable of taking care of my mate.”
“No… boss.”
I hold my hand up. “Let me finish. I’m not sure I trust anyone else but you, Nick. I can see you have affection for her.”
“Wait, no…”
“Shut up, Nick.” I am growing tired of his interruptions. “I know you look at her as a little sister. I am lucky to have someone like you looking after her.”
“Thank you, Sire.” He kneels down in front of me. “I pledged my life to you and now I pledge my life to your mate.”
I reach over and give Nick’s shoulder a soft punch. “Go get some rest. I will take care of her now.”
Nick stands. “Good night, Boss.”
I stand over Kelly a few moments and then slide one arm under the bend of her knees and the other around her shoulders, hoisting her into my arms. I carry her down the hall to her new room and then ease her onto a bed.
Kelly rubs her cheek against the soft pillow and burrows deeper into the softness of the bed. She is in-between a doze and a waking state and sighs from the sheer pleasure of a good night’s rest.
She sits up, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. The room is in total darkness, but I can see her fumbling for the light on her nightstand, patting the edge of the bed, looking for the side table. My girl continues searching for the light until she finds what she is looking for and switches it on.
Her breath hitches as she realizes she is not in her own room back at the apartment. No, this room is large enough to fit that entire apartment within its walls. She takes in the soft white walls and pale blue carpeting. She continues to take in her surroundings when she discovers she is not alone. Pressing herself back against the padded headboard, she pulls the pale blue throw blanket against her as recognition clicks.
“Hello, Kelly.” I remain sitting in the floral chair in the room's corner. She inspects my tousled blonde hair and the stubble on my face. I continue sitting but uncrossed my leg to sit straighter. “Do you know who I am?”
Kelly stiffens and licks
her dry lips, unable to find her voice. She nods. “You’re the man at the bus stop the other day. Grant, right?”
“Good. Introductions will not be necessary then.” I stand up and step to the edge of the bed. “Do you know why you are here?” I wait for her to formulate a response.
“Well.” Kelly’s voice cracks. “I am guessing Joe has done something and you’ve brought me here, holding me hostage until he gives you what you want.” Her matter-of-fact response surprises me. I heard no fear in what she said, just a hint of annoyance.
“You are a smart girl. But you only have it partially right.” I take a step closer to her, making my way up the side of the bed, towards her. I need to be closer.
“Kelly, you are right to assume Joe has done something. He took money from someone he shouldn’t have.”
“I’m sure he will pay you back, with interest.” We both know this is not true. She looks to her hands with regret, knowing she is in trouble.
I grip her chin and bring her face up to meet mine. “He feels he has paid off what he owes, Kelly.” I continue to look at her, flexing an eyebrow up as if to say THINK.
The recognition I am looking for appears on Kelly’s face. This beautiful girl has just realized her father traded her in for his debt. “Joe feels his debt is paid in full, Kelly.” I continue holding her gaze, not giving her a moment of reprieve.
The fire ignites behind her hazel eyes, reflecting bits of amber. I watch as her cheeks flush in anger.
“He… he traded me.” Kelly’s voice is calm. “Of course, he did. How else would he be able to save himself?” She stiffens but did not pull away from me. “What do you want from me, Grant? Will you sell me to recoup the money Joe took from you? Human trafficking, maybe?” The distaste of her words pokes at me.
I move into Kelly’s personal space and sit on the bed next to her, my leg touching hers. The tingle of a spark between us. “Let me make something clear. I will not sell you. I do not condone the act of slavery. There will be no human trafficking in your future.”
Kelly can’t stop the words rushing out of her mouth. “No, but you condone taking me as payment for my father’s debts. So, at some level, I’m sure you can understand my hesitation to trust you.”
She keeps her face blank of emotion and waits.
I need to reign in my frustration and close my eyes. After taking a deep breath, I continue.
“Joe does not owe me money. He owes my enemy. I had my men step in and extract you from the situation for your own protection. When your father offered you as payment to Finn Bailey, he intended for you to work off his debt. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
Kelly tries to hold on to her anger. “Yes. He pimped me out. Right? Is that what you want from me? Sex? I won’t do it. I’m no one’s whore.” Her body is now shaking.
“No, you’re not a whore. But you do belong to me now.”
“I don’t get it.” Her voice is a little less aggressive now.
“Let me explain it to you.” The pale blue blanket falls away from Kelly, exposing her hands. I wrap my fingers around Kelly’s wrists. “You deserve so much more than a father who would give his daughter away to a man such as Finn Bailey.” I give her a gentle squeeze. “I will not harm you, Kelly. You will be protected here.”
“What about the money Joe owes Finn Bailey? I don’t understand. How will he get it back? Do you mean to tell me he is a 'forgive and forget’ kind of guy?”
I throw my head back and laugh. “No. He is not a forgive and forget kind of guy, Kelly.” My amusement fades. “I will take care of this financial debt and then we will find a way for you to repay me.”
I watch as Kelly absorbs this information like a sponge. Holding on to every word, she dissects what she’s heard and tries to process it. I can feel her growing agitation and watch, expecting to see her demeanor crack. The anger bubbling up from inside her dissipates. I know she is panicking, the wave of fear she is producing is palatable. Yet, Kelly continues sitting on the bed, motionless. She is covering up her emotions well.
She gathers her thoughts and blinked. “How long will it take for me to work off his debt to you?”
“A lifetime, Kelly.”
Her eyes widen. “What? You mean to keep me here until…” She doesn’t finish her thought aloud.
She attempts to hold on to her stoic visage while a single tear slides down the side of her cheek. I reach up and smooth the tear from her face. I don’t want to hurt my girl, but it’s better to believe this than the truth of her reality.
“Do not cry. You will find yourself happy here.”
Kelly works to keep from hyperventilating. She takes a deep breath in and releases it. “You never plan to let me go?”
I did not disagree with her. “Kelly, there is nothing more I want in this world but to see you happy.”
I lean toward her again, inhaling her scent. My attraction to Kelly seems to be more difficult to control. Drawing her closer to me, I place a kiss on her forehead, and pull back from her far enough to connect eyes with hers. “I promise.” Rising up, I put some much-needed space between us.
Kelly watches me as I walk toward the bedroom door. “Sofia will be up with your meal soon. Freshen up. You will find your new wardrobe in the closet. The bathroom has fresh towels and everything else you may need.”
“Thanks.” Her gaze grows distant.
“You are welcome. Oh, and one more thing. You will not attempt to leave this property. If you do, there will be consequences for your actions. I will hunt you, find you, and then punish you. Are we clear?”
Her eyes narrow slightly. Kelly’s temper flares. “Crystal clear.”
I study her for a moment longer and know Kelly takes this caution as an idle threat and will in fact attempt to defy me. I look forward to the moment she tries.
“Good. We understand each other. I will stop in to see you later.” I turn and leave her alone with her thoughts.
Chapter 9
Kelly
I hear the door close and wonder if Grant has locked it as he left. I slide my feet to the floor and arch my back in a bone popping stretch. My toes sink into the plush baby blue carpeting while I wrestle a knot from the back of my neck.
Turning toward the door, I lean against it, listening for any sound. Nothing. I wrap my hand around the doorknob and twist it open. It’s not locked! Hoping the door doesn’t have squeaky hinges, I open the door.
The door may be unlocked, but Grant made sure I cannot leave this room. Nick is leaning against the wall facing my bedroom door. His gaze fastens on me. “Hey Kitten, going somewhere?”
My shoulders slumping in defeat. “No, just curious where this door would take me.”
Nick took two steps and blocks my way. “It will not take you anywhere but back in your room.” He motions with his index finger in a circle. “Now, turn back around and find yourself something else to be curious about.”
“But…”
“Seriously, Kitten. You’ll get us both in trouble if the boss finds you’re out here in the hall. Let’s not piss him off. It’s not good for anybody if you know what I mean.”
I don’t really know what he means, but I get the gist, I wasn’t leaving this room. Swinging around, I close the door, and not too quietly in Nick’s face.
There has to be a way out of here. I walk across the room toward the bathroom, hoping to find a window. I push the pocket door into the wall and stand in awe. This bathroom, no wait, it isn’t a bathroom. This is a work of art. I want to applaud in appreciation for the architect and interior designer who created this beautiful space.
I thought going to a spa and being pampered for the day was something I would only dream about. I now have a private luxury spa all to myself. This can’t be real.
The slate floor is a creamy sand color. The slate continues a quarter of the way up the wall where cream-colored walls climb up to the ceiling. A tub that can seat ten people comfortably, sits in the middle of the room facing a wind
ow that overlooks the Las Vegas Strip. So much for escaping out the window. I must be on the top floor of the Contessa Hotel. A little too high for jumping out a window.
I continue to appraise the bathroom. Glass walls encase the shower, three rain shower heads are a foot apart from each other across the ceiling. There are two jet shower sprays on the far wall of the shower. Again, it is big enough to host a party of people. A cabinet with double sinks sits across from the shower made from slate stone and teak wood.
I continue walking through the enormous room. To the far left is an infrared sauna at my disposal. I will have to take the time to figure out how that works. To the right of the sauna is another door. Moving through the door, lights magically lit the room, exposing a sea of women's clothing.
This is must be a joke or something. Leaning against the door frame, I let out a sigh. I have let myself enjoy the fantasy for a moment, but this room doesn’t belong to me. The truth of the matter is, I was being held hostage in a Las Vegas hotel with no way of escaping.
I heard a door open and moved back to the main area of the bedroom. A petite woman let herself in with a tray full of food. She can’t be much taller than five feet, dark brown hair and doe-like brown eyes. The woman turned as she heard me enter the room. Her bright smile eased my apprehension of meeting another stranger.
“Hello! You must be Kelly.” Offering her outstretched hand. “I am Sofia. I’ve brought you something to eat.” After shaking my hand, Sofia pulled out a chair next to the bistro-sized table. “Please, sit.” She motioned for me to take a seat.
“Um, hi.” Sitting down in the offered chair, I watched the little woman as she made her way through the open room to enter the enormous bathroom.
The tray was full of fruits and bite-size vegetables, along with an assortment of sandwiches. My belly grumbled while I decided what to try first. I reached for a strawberry as Sofia returns from the bathroom.
Paid in Full: Kelly Kennedy Series (Book One) Page 6
