by Piper Stone
“So how did he save your life?”
Jax grinned before his expression turned dark. “I was the bad seed of the three, the guy least likely to make it out of Chicago alive. For a while, I was a drug runner, attempting to work my way up in a very bad organization. Some things went south, accusations thrown around and I had every intention of killing the asshole who’d betrayed me. Sawyer talked me out of it. I don’t know how he did it, but I’m grateful every day. Instead of spending the rest of my life in prison, I was slapped with a drug charge, spending eleven of the longest months of my life in prison.”
“Are you really a bounty hunter?”
He chuckled. “Believe it or not. Before you go askin’ how a man with a felony record could be licensed to carry a gun, let’s just say with enough clout and money, you can bypass almost anything.”
“Just like Carter did.”
Nodding, he inched closer, using only the tip of his index finger, brushing it lightly across my cheek.
Another shiver trickled into my system, the sensations creating a pool of wetness between my legs. I could tell by his lust-filled expression what he longed to do.
Touch me.
Taste me.
Take me.
I could almost feel the heat from Sawyer’s glare from where I stood.
“You are truly one beautiful woman,” he whispered, the sound husky. Sensual.
“I don’t know.”
“I do,” he growled then cupped my chin, pulling me closer. “I didn’t plan on giving a damn about you. Not my style. But when I thought you’d drowned, I realized that you’ve done something to me, lady.”
I pressed my hand against his chest, feeling his rapid heartbeat. “Jax. I can’t care about you. Any of you. I have a life, but I want to help you. I need to do whatever I can and not just because it’s the right thing to do, but also because I need it to remember who I am as a woman. I realize you can’t understand that, but it’s the truth.”
“Maybe I understand more than you know.” He pulled me toward him, his fingers digging into my skin. “But that doesn’t mean there isn’t something special between all of us. Maybe we can’t explain why or on some level realize the connection is wrong, but I’m starting not to give a damn.”
As he pulled me onto my toes, I struggled to ease my glass onto the counter, wishing I had the desire to push away from him.
But I didn’t.
He was always the aggressor, the rough man who refused to take no for an answer. As he pressed his lips over mine, I experienced the gentler side, a man prepared to die for what he believed in. The attraction was intense, the passion erupting between us, electricity soaring. He held me tightly against him, sliding his tongue past my lips as a growl rumbled up from the depths of his being.
His scent seemed to wrap around me, drawing me as it had never done before. I wanted to lose myself in him, to embrace the intimacy in a way few could ever understand. Maybe this was wrong. Maybe I’d regret every moment that I’d experienced, but I was unable to resist him.
As quickly as the kiss had started, he pushed away, rubbing his thumb back and forth across my lips.
“Come with me,” he requested, although I knew there was no way I could say no.
“Who is the woman that was in Sawyer’s life?”
He hesitated, his eyes narrowing. “Why do you ask?”
“Because he obviously still cares about her.” I wasn’t certain I was ready to mention that I thought I knew her.
“Look, you’re going to have to ask Sawyer.”
“And you know he won’t tell me.”
Jax glanced over his shoulder, sighing when he did so. “Sawyer’s been through a lot. I think you realize that now. Sadly, the three of us went our separate ways for a few years, even losing touch. I don’t know the whole story, only that she wasn’t the one. She simply didn’t feel the same way about him.”
“No wonder he doesn’t trust anyone.”
Laughing, he rubbed his knuckles across my arm. “Trust is earned and that takes a lot with a man like Sawyer.”
“So I’ve heard,” I half whispered. Did I actually give a shit whether any of them trusted me? Maybe the better question was whether I could learn to trust them.
I allowed Jax to lead me into the living room, sitting down only inches away from Rafael. Sawyer’s eyes never left me as he nursed his drink, his body tense.
“The storm is getting worse,” Rafael said quietly. “What happens after?”
“Then we wait until Carter decides to fly his little bird home,” Sawyer said with almost no inflection in his tone.
I knew the answer as to whether or not what I’d said had affected him in any manner. Not in the least. Tonight was all about business, forming another plan. Then I had no doubt he’d punish me again for all my horrible sins of the afternoon.
“My job was to keep Carter on track. You know, make sure he made it to his appointments and never missed his important lunches. He paid me really well to do just that, refusing to tell me anything about those special meetings.” I didn’t look at any of them when I started talking. Maybe I just wanted to get it off my chest. If it helped, then so be it.
“During the six months I was employed, of course I overheard conversations, caught various ends of phones calls. While nothing seemed illegal, I realized quickly that Carter is an unscrupulous man. What I also know for certain is that the reputation of Bradley Enterprises is likely a hell of a lot different than when you left, Sawyer. There are questions being asked, contracts suddenly disappearing. I knew going in that merely working alongside of him was going to be tough, but I didn’t expect to be shut out of almost every aspect of his business. But yes, I gleaned enough through the contracts that passed my desk, the financials that I’d taken from his office to know that the company was losing money.”
Sawyer shifted to the very edge of his seat, listening intently. “Go on.”
“Someone is threatening Carter’s empire,” I continued.
“As I told you before, I’d issued a threat.”
I glanced at Sawyer, shaking my head. “Maybe you did, but this has been going on for almost a month. While I honestly do not know the details, I was asked to provide a file for one of the board meetings. I took a quick look at the file for the third time. It contained the same financial information I’d seen only days before, but the numbers had been altered.”
“Altered?” Rafael asked.
“Carter wanted the board of directors to think the company wasn’t in financial trouble,” Sawyer answered.
“That’s exactly what I think. Just before I walked out of the room, one of the board members mentioned there were rumors about threats being made to the company, including the possibility of criminal activity. Carter went nuts, getting in the man’s face. I think they were going to toss him out as president. At that point, I was rushed out of the room. Carter came to me later, explaining that threats were always made to companies the size of Bradley Enterprises, but for the first time, I saw fear in his eyes.” Sighing, I took a sip of wine. “Then he proceeded to tell me not to say anything to anyone else.”
Sawyer chuckled. “Maybe his ruthless behavior is catching up to him.”
“I don’t know, but I think you should consider the fact that he wasn’t behind what happened to you.”
“She’s right, Sawyer. Didn’t you tell me that Carter doesn’t have the mindset with regard to the finances?” Rafael asked as he shifted his drink back and forth.
“That doesn’t mean he didn’t work with someone in order to make it happen,” Sawyer answered.
“Then what if that person wants more, maybe threatening to blackmail him?” While my question hung in the air, I could tell Sawyer wasn’t in the mindset to believe in any alternatives.
“Well, we will find out,” Sawyer growled. “I’m not going to believe anything at this point. At least not yet. You mentioned you were almost fired, Delaney. Why?”
“Because I wa
s caught looking through the files. One of the file rooms had been left unlocked and my curiosity got the better of me. While I initially didn’t think anything had been said to Carter, obviously it had since my termination was mentioned that day in his office.” Why did I think that it hadn’t just been blind luck that I’d been able to save the day for Carter by suggesting that I come here? No, something didn’t feel right. In fact, something stunk about the entire situation.
“That tells us nothing.”
I heard the growl in Sawyer’s voice, the venom in his eyes shimmering like the darkness that had captured his soul.
“The girl in the picture. Tell me her name.” I could tell the instant I’d issued my own command that he bristled.
“She doesn’t matter. Someone I no longer care about.”
“Her fucking name. What. Is. It?” I was almost exasperated as visions popped into my mind.
Sawyer shook his head, taking his time as he lifted his glass, closing his eyes as he allowed the liquid to slide down his throat.
“Fucking tell her,” Jax hissed.
As Sawyer lowered the glass, the expression on his face was one I’d never forget. Anger. Sadness. Remorse. “Amber Barclay. What the fuck does it matter?”
It was as if I’d been tossed into a vacuum, a swirl of images rushing into the forefront of my mind, adding to the confusion. But in the few seconds as I held my breath, I realized that Sawyer had been betrayed, only he had no understanding of why.
Or by the person responsible.
“We will figure this out.” As soon as Sawyer issued the words, the rumble of thunder became more ominous, the lights flashing on and off several times.
“Listen to me,” I started. “I think I know what might have happened.”
“Oh, yeah?” Sawyer grumbled as he got to his feet, his expression grim. “What the fuck do you know, sweetheart?”
Suddenly, there was another rumble.
Then a flash of light.
A horrible thundering sound.
The sound of an explosion cut through the howling wind and pelting rain.
Then there was nothing but darkness.
Chapter Fifteen
Sawyer
Boom!
Pop!
The sounds were horrific, although my gut told me the explosion was at least several hundred yards away.
But there was no doubt the source.
The electric system, including the massive generator Carter had installed on the island was on fire. As the room was pitched into total darkness, only a single candle Delaney had lit provided any hint of light.
“Fuck,” I snarled, yanking my weapon from the table, checking the level of ammunition as I made my way through the darkness toward the front door.
“Get the fucking flashlights,” Jax barked.
“What’s happening?” Delaney asked.
“Just stay here,” I commanded, blinking several times until my eyes were able to focus. As I pushed my way through the front door, racing out several feet, I was immediately able to see the fire billowing in the distance. The search of the property early on had led us to the facility Carter had devised allowing for electricity as well as water for the facilities on the island. The rain pelted sideways, the drops making it difficult to see more than a few feet, the wind pummeling my body toward the house. Yet the bright orange fire illuminated the entire sky. I fought my way to take several steps forward, attempting to scan the perimeter. It was impossible to see shit.
“Jesus. Fucking. Christ,” Rafael yelled as he flanked my side, struggling as hard as I was in order to keep his footing.
“What the fuck?” Jax roared as he attempted to shine the flashlight in the direction of the blast.
“That isn’t weather related,” Rafael added.
I took long strides, dragged back several feet. “No. It isn’t.” The boat exploding and now this? There was someone on the island. “Get the fuck inside. Now!” The second I swiveled back toward the house, the shimmer of the flashlight catching Delaney’s silhouette, I heard the first crack of gunfire.
Jax reacted first, using his bulk to push forward, his weapon pointed in the direction of the sound. “Move. Move!”
As I jerked into motion, allowing the force of the wind to push me toward her, there wasn’t a portion of my body that wasn’t on edge.
Crack!
Pop! Pop! Pop!
“Get the fuck inside.” Rafael’s muffled voice was barely heard over the roar of the wind. He let off several shots, blanketing a wide arc surrounding the property.
“We need the rifles,” Jax growled, adding several shots of his own.
I swung around again, holding the Glock in both hands, the torrent of rain keeping me from seeing shit.
Except for the red laser line cutting through the darkness.
And pointed at Delaney.
A second explosion happened as the land beneath us rumbled and I flung myself forward, tackling her to the ground as another series of popping noises occurred behind me, two smashing against the doorframe where she’d been standing.
“Retreat!” Jax screamed.
As Delaney scrambled to get out of my hold, I managed to drag her into the house, the echo of the gunshots remaining in my ears. Whoever the fucker was, he was close, at least close enough to be able to take an accurate shot through the surrounding trees that continued to bend to the power of the wind.
“Stay low,” I instructed, twisting my body until I was able to point the barrel of the gun toward the open door.
“Sawyer,” she yelped, her hands pushing hard against me.
Gasping, I glanced down even though I was unable to see anything but shadows. Where in the hell had the asshole come from? Between the three of us, we’d done a comprehensive search of the island, unable to find another dock or landing strip, the remainder of the island inaccessible as fuck. They hid the boat in a remote section, taking action to eliminate any way off the island. “It’s okay. We’re going to be fine. Just stay down.”
I heard the slam of the door behind me, the hard thumping of two sets of boots. When two beams of light were positioned on either side of me, I glanced at her face once again.
“Are you hurt?” I asked, my tone demanding.
“No,” she managed, her entire body shaking.
“We need to block off this entrance,” Jax huffed, immediately storming toward another room.
Jerking to my feet, I took her by the arm, forcing her to a standing position. “You’re going to listen to me. There’s no way of knowing how many people are out there.” As I pulled her into the kitchen, my instincts told me the fuckers wouldn’t stop just because of the storm.
“Two shooters, at least at this point,” Rafael stated as he trailed behind us, constantly twisting in an effort to watch the front door, one of the most vulnerable areas for attack.
“You’re certain?” I asked as I moved into the kitchen. The soft glow of the candle allowed just enough light for me to yank the duffle Rafael had brought containing the guns into my hand, dragging out another flashlight as well as a second clip of ammunition.
“That’s my job,” he said, chuckling. “However, there could be more. They’ll likely attempt to get in one of the windows with the least resistance. I doubt they’re coming in through the front door. They know we’ll be prepared.”
There was a hell of a lot of real estate, but with the horrific winds and rain, their advance would be made difficult. “Do it.” I grabbed a second weapon, an AK-47, marveling in the gunpower my buddy used on a regular basis. He’d come a long way from being a rough around the edges asshole who refused to play by anyone’s rules.
The sound of Jax’s heavy feet penetrated the space. “The front is secured. At least for now. They have high powered rifles.”
Which meant they could have taken the shot from several hundred yards away, although with the storm, my gut told me they were far too close. “They knew we’d find out what the hell had caused th
e explosion.”
Jax nodded, easing the flashlight onto the counter, immediately turning off the light. “Those assholes aren’t going to allow the storm to keep them from trying to get in. We stay in the dark and keep watch.”
“Agreed, but we shoot to kill if necessary,” I snarled, flinching when I heard what had to be tree limbs smashing against the exterior.
“You really think Carter is behind this attack?” Jax asked, yanking the bag from my hand as he scooted almost everything from the kitchen island toward the edge. He grabbed two magazines, shoving them into his pockets, also grabbing a rifle.
Delaney stood behind the island, her face pensive, yet her skin continued to glow in the candlelight. She studied us intently, her body tense.
“That’s the logical explanation, but I doubt the man has a sixth sense and unless the call you had with Rafael was hijacked, there was no way to know about my plan.”
“But he did have plenty of time to get here after you made the threat,” Jax offered.
I grinned. “He had no idea I was coming here. For all he knew, I was going to show up at his glorious high-rise.”
“Fair point. I’ll check the upstairs.” Jax gave Delaney a longing look before bounding out of the room.
“What are you going to do?” she asked in a stilted voice.
“Keep watch on the entrances. With the hurricane maybe a couple hours away, whoever is out there is going to have one hell of a time staying alive, let alone breaching the perimeter. If they do, Carter and his buddies are going to get a quick lesson in what happens when we’re fucked with. Just stay right here until we are able to check out the estate. Whoever is behind this will calculate their next move, which should take a few minutes.”
“Wait.”
When Delaney grabbed my arm, her tug was insistent. I shifted closer until we were inches apart. “You don’t have to be afraid. We know what we’re doing.”
“While that should bother me, it doesn’t. But there’s something you need to know.”
Her tone was even more imploring than her body language.
