Seized: A Rough Romance

by Piper Stone

  “What is it?” I could tell by the way her eyes darted back and forth that she was having difficulty telling me whatever she was thinking.

  “Amber. What happened?”

  I was floored she’d ask the question now. “That doesn’t matter at this point. She’s out of my life and has been.”

  Delaney shook her head. “I don’t think so.”

  “I know all about Carter, Delaney. Why do you think the bad blood was created between us in the first place? She’d been sleeping with me, likely to gain information. I was a goddamn fool to trust her, something that will never happen again. You see, I walked in on the two of them in Carter’s office. Let’s just say they were more than cozy in their behavior.”

  While her eyes opened wide, there was something about her expression that bugged the hell out of me. “I...”

  “Look, yeah, it pissed me off and I’m not going to lie that what she did to me nearly broke me, but that was months ago, another life. Besides, karma has a way of righting the wrongs. Carter tossed her away just like he does all the women he dates. She left town even before I was arrested.”

  She cocked her head, as if trying to remember something else.

  “What is it, Delaney? Unless it’s helpful to finding evidence that Carter framed me, we ain’t talking about it right now.”

  “Sawyer, Amber never left town, or if she did, she’s been back for quite a while.”

  I hadn’t been prepared for the way the news hit me, right in the gut. “You’ve seen her?”

  She nodded.

  Boom!

  “Fuck. Trees are falling,” I snapped, still trying to figure out why Delaney was telling me information she knew would fester the wound. “Where, Delaney. Where have you seen her?” I realized I was squeezing her arm with significant pressure.

  “At the office.”

  I shrank back slightly, almost immediately laughing under my breath. “Of course. I should have known.” Everything was starting to make sense.

  “What?”

  The wind had intensified, the brunt of the storm coming in with viciousness.

  “I was stupid enough to tell Amber about my suspicions early on, even mentioning that I was keeping certain documents locked away. She was the one who worked with Carter on framing me. Bitch.”

  “I don’t think that’s it,” Delaney said as she pressed her hand against her forehead. “I’m trying to remember.”

  I could see the pain she was experiencing. “Listen to me. At this point, it doesn’t fucking matter. We need to hunker down and wait this out.” Oh, but I was going to enjoy hunting the bitch down. Had Amber used me all along? Had she simply been some kind of a plant issued by Carter to keep tabs on me? The thought churned in my mind, creating bile in my throat. I couldn’t wait to see her tossed behind bars. “Stay away from the windows and doors. All four of us will secure a single room. I’ll be right back.”

  A series of cracking sounds was followed by what had to be gunfire, although the shots were muffled. They were coming from three directions. Three shooters. Three fucking chances to get inside.

  “Goddamn it,” Jax yelled.

  Huffing, I shifted my gaze from right to left before grabbing one of the pistols from the duffle then snagging the flashlight. Then I grabbed her by the arm, yanked her against the back wall. “Baby, you need to listen to me. You’re going to take these and go upstairs. Find a closet to hide in. You will not come out until you hear the sound of my voice. Do you understand? Obviously, you know how to shoot.”

  “Yeah, I can. That means I can help you,” she insisted, yanking the weapon from my hand and checking the ammunition as if making certain I knew just how experienced she was with a gun.

  “That’s not going to happen, sweetheart. In case you haven’t noticed, we need to make it through the night. Please, just do as I say. I promise that I will come find you.”

  “Sawyer. Please, listen to me.”

  I placed a finger against her lips before lowering my head, capturing her mouth. The feel of her body crushed against mine created explosive heat, my entire body on fire. As I pressed my tongue against hers, I was captivated by her exquisite taste. Another booming sound reminded me that we were all in danger. I broke the kiss, rubbing her cheek and smiling. “Just go. You need to trust me. I hope I’ve earned at least a small amount.”

  Delaney exhaled, nodding only once. As she walked away, I found it difficult not to drag her back, insisting on keeping her close. Somehow, I knew the fuckers outside wouldn’t stop until they’d gotten in. They would not hurt her. Period.

  When she got to the doorway, she turned around for a few seconds. The moment she finally walked away, I let out a scattered hiss. It was going to be one hell of a long night.

  Only seconds later, the crash of glass indicated they’d breached the perimeter, the sound coming from one of the back rooms.

  Rafael darted into the kitchen, taking deep breaths. “From what I can tell, I still count three. Too bad I didn’t bring my damn night goggles.”

  “Not sure it would have done us any good with the storm. I’m going to head down the stairs to the pool deck and see if I can catch them.” I slipped the pistol into my back just in case, but the rifle was necessary for a task of this nature.

  He shook his head. “That’s not a good idea. The damn storm is dangerous.”

  “Yeah, tell the assholes that.”

  “Then I’m coming with you.”

  “There’s three of them and three of us. We have to secure all areas of the house.”

  “Yeah, okay, you damn fool,” he said before rummaging in the bag, yanking out a smaller flashlight. “This baby is small, but it’s mighty. The low setting might allow you to see where the fuck you’re going. However, on the highest setting, you’ll momentarily blind whoever you point it at.” He grinned as he handed it to me.

  “Tools of the trade.” I flipped the switch, shifting to all the various settings. “Impressive.”

  “We all have them. Where’s Delaney?”

  “Hiding. Store the ammo and you and Jax make certain they do not get into this house. If I don’t make it back, you will protect her no matter what it takes.” I didn’t wait for his answer, moving toward the bank of rear doors. The rattle of the storm shutters created an eerie sound and I wasn’t entirely certain how the hell they were supposed to keep any occupants safe.

  With the direction of the wind, getting outside was almost impossible, the violent wind trying to rip the wooden section out of my hand.

  Navigating the stairs was treacherous, but when I finally made it to the landing and next to the building, the massive structure provided a form of protection. I used the light sparingly, remaining hovering next to the stone wall as I made my way around to the side of the building. The damn rain was blinding, a chill coursing down the length of my body.

  The wind seemed to intensify as I made it to the front of the estate, exhausted from the effort. I held the weapon tightly, trying to control my breathing then crouching lower. There was nothing but the roar of the wind and rain, the howling echoing in my ears. Damn it. This was crazy.

  I continued to move, my shoulder now hurting like a son of a bitch. After a few seconds, I dared to turn on the flashlight, scanning the perimeter briefly. While there were several out buildings, locations where the fuckers could easily hide, I knew in my gut they were preparing to find the right opportunity to break into the estate.

  Fuck.

  A series of cracks sounded off just in front of me and the second a red beam locked onto my chest, I dropped and rolled, sending a spray of bullets into the surrounding forest. Able to hear a single yelp, I wiped my eyes and pressed on.

  I felt a presence and jerked to the right, flashing the light toward the asshole.

  Rafael shielded his eyes, growling for the two seconds before I snapped it off. “Jesus.”

  I grabbed his collar, struggling to yank him several feet out of the line of fire. “Get back to the ho
use.”

  “Not a chance. Jax has it covered. This is my gig, buddy.”

  Fuck. I was angry he didn’t follow my directions then grateful as fuck to have such good friends.

  Pop! Pop!

  We both ducked by instinct. The bullets had come far too damn close.

  Rafael charged forward and all I could hear was the rapid firing of at least two weapons. I crouched down, catching my breath when my gut told me there was another presence. I jerked my head, trying to regain focus as another red beam found its mark.

  My reactions slow, I dropped and rolled, hitting the concrete of the driveway with a solid and painful thud. Within seconds, there was no mistaking the sound of someone running forward. As I tried to roll over, the pain in my shoulder intensified, creating a momentarily glitch in my actions.

  But enough.

  The red beam was now positioned between my eyes.

  Pop!

  The single shot rang out. As a flash of light was suddenly clicked on, I gasped for air as I watched the shooter crumple to the ground.

  “Fucker,” Rafael barked.

  I dropped my head, still trying to catch my breath. Goddamn it. Did Carter really want me dead that badly?

  “Three for three,” Rafael growled as he jerked me to my feet. “But I don’t trust there aren’t more. We need to get out of this goddamn storm.”

  I didn’t argue as he dragged me toward the front door, pounding only once, the weapon still in his hand.

  Jax threw open the door, pointing his rifle outside until we made it in. “Jesus. Sounded like warfare out there.”

  “That’s exactly what it was,” Rafael huffed. “Goddamn it. Who the fuck were those guys?”

  “Professionals,” I commented, hunkering over.

  “Fuck,” Rafael said after shining the light toward my shoulder. “You’re bleeding again.”

  “I don’t give a shit.” I knew better than to think we could attempt another counterattack again. The storm was getting far too bad. “Get the weapons, whatever supplies. Lock down the fucking house. We can’t stop an army if there is one. But we can protect a single location.”

  “Good point,” Jax agreed.

  “I’ll meet you both in the library upstairs. I’m going to find Delaney.”

  I didn’t need to see either one of their faces to know just how worried they were. I’d underestimated Carter and likely the damn storm. Whatever firepower we had left would have to keep us alive until the damn hurricane passed. Maybe, just maybe, we’d be able to find the damn boat the assholes arrived in.

  If it hadn’t been torn to bits.

  I hobbled up the stairs, keeping the flashlight on medium power. “Delaney.” When there was no sound, no calls from anywhere, I almost panicked.

  Then there was no mistaking her voice.

  “Sawyer.” As she rushed in my direction, throwing her arms around me, I took a deep breath. “I heard several gunshots,” she said, her voice muffled as she buried her head against my unhurt shoulder.

  “It’s okay. Think we got them.”

  I pressed my open hand against her jaw, pushing her away gently. “I’m right here.”

  “I thought I’d lost you or Jax and Rafael. I just...” She seemed to realize what she was saying, a smile crossing her face. “Nothing can happen to you. Do you hear me?”

  “Don’t worry, sweet sunshine. You ain’t getting away from me.” As I lowered my head, this time I pressed my lips against her forehead.

  I wasn’t going to have a future. Whether Carter hired another group of assassins to hunt me down or he brought in the law, my life would end on this island.

  But not before I put a bullet into Carter’s head.

  As I held her close, enjoying the warmth shared between us, I realized how foolish I’d been. However, I’d done one thing right.

  I’d fallen in love with an angel.

  I only hoped her wings would keep her safe.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Delaney

  Howling wind.

  Ferocious rain.

  Ominous sounds.

  Absolute protection.

  All four had happened during the long hours of the night. I remained curled on the couch in the library, nuzzled next to Rafael. They’d taken turns holding me, as if I needed comfort. Maybe a portion of me did, but I knew all three were deeply concerned. While there’d been no other sounds of gunfire, they’d remained on alert, refusing to get any rest even as I’d dozed on and off. Maybe I did have a concussion, various events from the past fuzzy, leaving me feeling weak and useless.

  Yet in my lucid moments, I’d overheard their banter, discussions about their past. I’d even heard raucous laughter from the stories that were told.

  While all of them had come from broken homes, I’d been right. They’d made a family out of their small world, keeping the three of them together through horrific odds and even violence. What I’d learned from what should have been the most terrifying time of my life was that they would stop at nothing to keep me safe.

  And to love me.

  While I doubted any of them had the capacity to express such a strong emotion, the change in them in two days was extraordinary. I had no idea where the situation was going. All I knew was that Amber did have a part in Sawyer’s betrayal. I was determined to process the information and find answers.

  I hoped before it was too late.

  What I also realized clearly and without hesitation that I wanted all three in my life. It was difficult to imagine spending any time without them. I’d tried to convince myself more than once that my injury had pushed me further into the fantasy and my rational mind would take over as soon as my head cleared.

  Only I prayed that it wouldn’t.

  “The storm is easing, beautiful baby,” Rafael whispered. “Why don’t you get some sleep. The house is still standing.”

  I nuzzled closer against his chest, finding it difficult to keep my eyes open. “What then?”

  As Rafael kissed the top of my forehead, I heard his deep exhale.

  “I’m not sure. One step at a time.”

  My entire body tingled from the way he held me but before I closed my eyes, I searched until I found Sawyer. He’d suffered so much, including the ultimate in betrayal from the woman he cared about. Was he even capable of loving again?

  The light barely illuminated his gorgeous form, the dimness not allowing me to see his eyes, but I knew without a doubt he was watching me. Forever watching me.

  As if he cared.

  As if he’d fallen in love with...

  “I don’t think you understand what we’re dealing with, Graham,” Carter snorted as he addressed one of the board members.

  “Yes, I think we do, Carter. Unfortunately, it’s you who doesn’t seem to understand. We’re aware of what’s happening in our company,” Graham retorted.

  “Your company?” Carter huffed. “You’re an arrogant ass, Graham. This is my company. Mine. The one I created.”

  “And we know that’s not entirely true. You started the company with a man you pushed out; however, you have no business running a company, not given the financial losses that have occurred over the last nine months.”

  “I just gave you the financials, all of you,” Carter huffed, obviously addressing the entire board.

  Graham as well as several others laughed. “Fabricated, Carter. I never thought you would sink so low. As I said, we’ve taken steps to ensure that this company will continue running. We have a new investor, which in turn has presented us with additional investors and copious opportunities. Sadly, no thanks to you. You’ve been removed as president of this company. While you are welcome to remain as an employee, you will no longer be in charge of the finances.”

  I darted a glance over my shoulder, trying to make it look like I was busy. If anyone caught me eavesdropping, I could kiss the new career goodbye.

  Carter laughed bitterly. “And just who do you think is going to run this organization, Graha
m?”

  As I heard the sound of female laughter, I inched closer to the wall, trying to think of a good reason why I was standing alone in the middle of the executive wing. When I caught a glimpse of the woman leaving an office, I couldn’t help but take notice. She was stunning, sophisticated as hell. She even reminded me of a younger version of my mother as she laughed at my father’s jokes after leaving his posh office, even though they weren’t funny.

  Cringing, I was almost sickened as she rose onto her tiptoes, gently pressing her cherry red lips against his...

  I jerked up, gasping for air. “No. Oh, no.” I blinked several times, trying to figure out where the hell I was. The limited lighting coming into the room created a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. I studied the room, finally remembering the events of the night before as well as why the dream had hit me so hard. When I’d snooped in the files, I’d found and bypassed a series of newspaper articles that had been saved.

  But I’d remembered scanning the article.

  Sawyer Gunn.

  Former vice president and prior partial owner convicted of embezzlement. Stocks plummet.

  If only I’d paid closer attention, although there were so many missing pieces.

  As I placed my hand on the lump on the back of my head, I winced but it was less tender. At least my mind was clear, enough so that I was shaking.

  That’s when I finally realized the others had left the room. They’d left me sleeping, likely to survey damage to the grounds. As I got to my feet, another wave of terror rushed into me. What if there’d been additional shooters? What if the men I adored were in danger?

  My legs shaking, I scanned the room, thankful that they’d left the gun on one of the tables. I slid it into the pocket of my shorts, slowly inching toward the door. I pressed my hand against it, listening for any sounds. There was nothing. No wind. No rain.

  No voices.

  Very slowly I opened the door, peering out into the hallway. The light was still dim, the shutters obviously remaining in place. I had to find Sawyer. I had to tell him what I knew. I tiptoed along the railing, peering over the thick metal surface to the area below. Still, there were no sounds, as if they’d abandoned me here.