Relentless Night (New York Knights Book 4)

by S. M. West

  I don’t stop and think until the words are out of my mouth. “We’re together.”

  Shit, Ash. If he’s here or listening, he doesn’t need to hear this. It’ll only serve to enrage him.

  “Together? You’re an item?” Her lip curls as if she smells a skunk and with my nod, she snarls. “I don’t have time for this. We’re speeding things up. I’ll need you twice a day over the next few days.”

  She isn’t asking nor is she offering an explanation. She steels her spine, widening her shoulders as if anticipating my protest. I do have one rebuttal—well, many—but one for this purpose. The perfect segue to push for more details.

  “You do realize I have a full practice, surgeries and community obligations. Getting away from the hospital is hard enough as it is. Now you’re asking for more time?”

  “Max.” She curls her fingers into loose balls at her sides.

  “No. Listen, Mother.” I lean into her space. “How much longer?”

  “Not much more.” She surprises me with her response. I’d expected silence or worse, a dismissal.

  “You mentioned a meeting or something you’re working toward. When is it?”

  Her glacial eyes skate over my face and the chill of her glare settles uncomfortably on my flesh. “A week from Friday.”

  Holy shit. It takes everything within me to keep my expression blank, uncaring at the news. We finally have a date.

  “And what happens then? Am I expected to be there?”

  Folding her bony arms over her chest, she makes a displeased sound in the back of her throat. “This isn’t your concern. But yes, I might need you that evening.”

  Okay, another detail. It’s at night. Nice. “And what exactly is taking place?”

  “I can’t tell you.”

  “Fine. If you don’t tell me, I’m not showing up.” I raise my finger to stop her response. “And don’t start threatening Tate or my nephews. Or Tommie for that matter.”

  It’s hard to keep the smugness out of my voice knowing Tate is out of town and Tommie is safe at HC. For far too long, this woman has had the upper hand.

  Her hand lightly bangs on the desktop. “Why are you being so stubborn?”

  “This isn’t stubborn. I’ve been around long enough to know whatever it is you’re working toward, it’s something I want no part of.”

  “You’ll do as I say.” Dismissing me, she sits at her desk and opens her laptop.

  I turn to leave and think better of it. I’m here, and this is an opportunity to find out more.

  “Does Ash have anything to do with the upcoming auction?”

  I’ve screwed up. Why am I asking for trouble? First, I admit I’m with Tommie and now, I’ve not only called this event an auction, I’ve also insinuated Ash is involved.

  For a smart guy, I’m really bad at this covert stuff. I’m not used to analyzing and calculating everything I’m going to say or should say. Give me a broken heart or a blocked artery and I can do wonders.

  It’s a bold move, mentioning him and calling the event an auction, since I’m acting on what Tommie and the others at HC have shared.

  But I’m hoping she thinks I’ve made this leap because Ash was at one of the warehouses and it doesn’t take a genius to figure those women are being trafficked.

  “What did you say?” Her tone is as sharp as a blade.

  “You heard me.”

  It isn’t clear if she’s agitated by the suggestion that Ash is involved, or that I dared to label the event.

  “We are done here. Be ready for your next call.” She stares intently at the screen and I leave.

  I check my messages and Edith has moved my day around, so I have time and decide to head to HC. I fire off a quick text to Tommie letting her know I’m on my way and her response is short and immediate.

  Tommie: Good. We need to talk.

  She’s waiting for me at reception with our dog at her side. He bounces onto all paws, wagging his tail, happy to see me. Whereas her lips are pursed into a tight line, brows knitted.

  “Let’s talk in here.” She turns and I follow her into a conference room.

  “I know it’s not breakfast but I brought burritos.” I deliberately keep my tone light, even sensing she isn’t pleased at something I did, and hold up the bag with the meal we never got to enjoy a couple of days ago.

  “Thanks.” She’s single-minded, barely pausing to place the bag on the conference table without so much as a whiff. Usually, at the very least, she’d open the paper bag to smell the Mexican deliciousness.

  “What’s wrong?” I lean in to kiss her, needing to make this better and wanting to touch her, be near to her.

  Our lips meet and she inches forward, laying a hand on my arm, fingers curling to tighten her grip. The kiss is quick, almost mechanical, and she’s the first to pull away.

  Her text said we needed to talk, and sure, while never a good sign, I figured it was to debrief about the warehouse. But this seems like more. She’s definitely not happy about something.

  “This morning was stupid.” She examines me with a discerning frown.

  “What was?” My nerves are sparking as I wait for her to unload whatever it is that’s eating at her.

  “Well, where should I start?” Her sarcastic tone causes me to tense. “You pushed Taya every chance you got. Coming right out and asking about Ash’s involvement and telling her you know it’s an auction. What were you thinking, Max?”

  Despite her obvious agitation, she inches closer, grabbing my hand in what feels like frustration.

  I’ve already berated myself for this fuck up, but we are also running out of time. I was trying to help.

  “I was doing the job I was told to do. Get as much information as possible.”

  “Without raising suspicion,” Van says from behind me. I turn on my heel only to be hit with his stern expression. “You were rattling her cage.”

  “I saw an opportunity and took it.” There’s a defensive grit to my tone I don’t anticipate.

  “She knew you stayed here last night.” Displeasure clouds his voice.

  “We knew she was watching me.” This time I try to kill my bite but end up sounding more sarcastic.

  Van doesn’t miss my unintentional but demeaning insinuation and scowls, resting his hands on his hips, shoulders squared in a let’s not do this posture.

  Like a steamroller flattening the mounting tension, Tommie’s injured tone hits me straight in the gut when she says, “And you told her about us.”

  “Yeah, I messed up. Okay. I’m not good at this.” I angrily run my hand through my hair on a sharp exhale. “I shouldn’t have said anything. I wasn’t thinking about Ash.”

  My lips curve in a sorry excuse of a smile, more rueful than anything else. Even with the bold but no less stupid move I made, I’m not so sure I would change anything. We have more information than we did yesterday.

  “Yes, there’s Ash. But she’s dangerous too.” Her tone softens and she swings the hand she’s holding between us. “Don’t be naïve enough to think because she’s your mother you’re untouchable.”

  “You shouldn’t be here. From now on, we debrief at the hospital. And you can no longer stay overnight.” Van bends to rub Gun’s coat once and stands, saying gruffly, “You guys should most probably cool things until this is done.”

  “What? I’ve been here before. Taya knows Tommie is staying here.” I clench my jaw to stop more stupidity from spewing from my mouth. Of course he’s right, even if I don’t like it. Before I can say I agree, his sharp glare stabs me in the chest.

  “Even more reason for her to be suspicious. And let’s not forget about Ash. Or need I remind you Tommie was drugged?” He leans into my personal space and his waning patience is evident in his fiery eyes.

  I’m trying not to take this personally. He’s just doing his job and looking out for Tommie, and for me. I just really don’t like how I feel like a useless idiot.

  “Ash is going to make a move again
and we might not be so lucky the next time. We don’t need to be rubbing his nose in the two of you together right now. We have to be smart.”

  “I get it,” I say through gritted teeth at the same time as Tommie releases my hand.

  I glance to her and her expression is grim. Van nods, storming to the doorway, where he pauses to look at me over his shoulder.

  “Max, good work today. We now have a date.” He flashes a wicked grin and some of my ire disappears. “Tripp’s waiting in conference room three to debrief. Don’t leave him waiting too long.”

  Now it’s just the two of us and I’m a ball of mixed emotions. Part pent-up frustration and part elated to get recognition for the new intel. I thought this morning had been a success and for the first time, I feel like I’m doing something to help those women. To stop my mother and Ash.

  “Well, I’m glad to see someone is happy with the information I got out of Taya. We know more than we did yesterday.”

  I turn to face Tommie and she’s petting Gunnar. Sensing my gaze, she stands and grabs a small bag at her feet to hand it to me. It contains the dog’s things like his bowl and leash.

  “Van’s right. You should go.”

  “What? Aren’t you going to come to the debrief? We could have a quick bite while I talk to Tripp.”

  “No, I think it’s best if you go on your own.” She hands me the food and I refuse to take it.

  “You keep it.” I don’t like feeling this way.

  She’s already creating the distance Van ordered and I hate it. Hate the idea of being separated from her. We are stronger together.

  “I’m not really hungry and if I put it in the fridge, someone will eat it before I can even say my name.” Her levity falls flat like her smile. “Thanks, but please eat it. Tripp will go easy on you if you share.”

  Great, Tripp’s going to pile onto what has already been an awesome visit to HC. I put down the bags and step in front of her. “Are we okay?”

  “Of course.” She rests her hands on my waist and the knot in my chest loosens a bit, taking her touch as a good sign that I haven’t completely screwed this up.

  “I don’t like this at all. You’re scared for me, I get that. And you don’t like feeling like this. I get that too because my girl is never scared.”

  Now she smiles at the use of my girl and her eyes shine, making me feel ten times better than a moment ago.

  “I just don’t want you taking crazy risks. If anything were to happen to you…” Her voice wavers and water wells in her eyes.

  “Nothing is going to happen to me. I promise I’ll be more careful.”

  My mouth covers hers and her lips are soft and at first, slow and tentative. Her fingers sink into my waist and our mouths meld and meet, over and over again, more hungry and needy.

  “Max, debrief, now.” Van sticks his head into the room and I growl into her mouth, wanting to shut out everything but Tommie.

  Max

  The sun is high in the sky and the day is hot but at least there’s a warm breeze. Outside my building, Gunnar is at my side, tongue wagging and eager for his walk.

  I miss Tommie.

  The past couple of days have been exhausting, between work and the twice-daily calls from Taya. Half the time, I don’t know if I’m coming or going, and Tommie… we haven’t seen each other since Van told us to stay apart.

  I want to see her. Be with her.

  I’m frustrated, so a run seems like a good way to burn off some of this tension and clear my mind. I’ve got a few hours until I’m back at the hospital and I’m sure Mother will call again. The sooner we shut down Taya and Ash, the sooner I can be with Tommie again.

  “Max,” a woman calls from behind me.

  Mid-stride, I pause and turn. My mother’s driver is on the curb in front of her car. Taya peers out at me from the back-passenger window.

  “Get in,” she orders, and her visage gradually disappears behind the tinted car window rolling up.

  What the hell? She is the last person I want to see or talk to. I’m already in a foul mood, things will only get worse. But ignoring her isn’t an option and this doesn’t feel like a summons to a warehouse. She usually calls.

  The driver holds the car door open and my dog hops in first.

  “He stays outside. Tie him to a post or something.” She doesn’t bother to hide her disgust for my four-legged companion and for the first time all day, I smile.

  “No. He comes with me or we walk.”

  She glowers but keeps her lips sealed as we climb into the roomy sedan. Gunnar sits at my feet.

  “What did you want?”

  “How are things with Tommie?”

  I narrow my gaze, what is she up to? “Please tell me you didn’t come all the way uptown to chat about my girlfriend. What is it?”

  A sharp glint flashes in her eyes before she dons a token smile. “If you’re together, why haven’t you seen her in a few days?

  “What do you want?” I’m getting tired of her little digs and reminders that she’s my shadow. Once again, she’s fully aware that I haven’t seen Tommie in a couple days.

  “Did she tell you about Ash?”

  Fire burns in my belly. I’m not talking to her about this. “Last time or I’m leaving.”

  I pick up the leash resting on my thigh and wrap the strap around the palm of my hand. “Why did you call me over?”

  “I don’t want to see you hurt.” She sniffs and juts out her chin.

  Oh please. She reeks of an agenda.

  “Well, that’s kind of you.” My dry tone causes her to tighten her jaw. “But it still doesn’t explain why you’re here.”

  “Can you trust her? Ash and Tommie have a past and I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s sleeping with him.”

  “What?”

  Her accusation is absurd. Is she really clueless as to their past? Or is she prodding to see what I know? And if so, why? What is she up to?

  “Do you know where she is right now?” It’s clear in her tone she does.

  “Taya,” I grit out, exasperated.

  I’ve no idea where she is, and this little pop-up meeting feels like a set-up. Taya is about to drop some kind of bomb.

  “Get to the fucking point. Do you actually have something of use to tell me? If not, we’re done here.” With leash in hand, I go for the door handle.

  “Max, put aside your distrust of me for just one second and hear me out.” She tugs at my arm and it takes all my restraint not to pull away from her touch.

  “I’m listening.” Barely.

  “Tommie is with Ash right now.” The knot grows in the pit of my stomach. What? That can’t be. Van would never allow it unless it’s some kind of planned operation. But would Van risk her life? Take that chance? I don’t think so.

  Taya is bluffing. Is she suspicious of my now-intimate relationship with Tommie and my more frequent visits to HC? Right now, she’s examining my reaction with keen interest. That has to be it.

  “Where is she?” I lean into her, placing my hand on her upper arm and getting into her face.

  She points in the direction of my window. “Look over there.”

  Out the tinted window across a busy Fifth Avenue, by an entrance to Central Park, Tommie is there, in a striking summer dress and high heels. She’s standing not even an inch from Ash.

  Every nerve in my body fires with a burning need to be at her side. Ash towers over her seductive five-foot nine frame, looking at her as if he owns her. She’s clearly upset and something inside me snaps. I open the car door, already feeling like I’ve failed her. I need to get to her.

  Taya grabs at my arm. “Ash is obsessed with her.”

  Like a tightly wound spring let loose, I lash out at her. “Yes, he is.”

  I lean forward and my hand flies to her face, fingers gripping her jaw in place while the other secures both her wrists. “And he wants to hurt her. Take her with him when he leaves New York City.”

  Taya’s eyes widen. She’s s
urprised by my words. She doesn’t know a thing about their past. Is she really that oblivious to who, or what, Ash is?

  Out of the corner of my eye, there’s a flash of movement and the slam of a car door. The next thing I know, her driver grabs the back of my collar and arm. Gunnar is pushing to stand, a low snarl rolling through his throat.

  “Get the fuck off her,” he says, trying to haul me from the car.

  “It’s all right,” Taya says to him at the same time Gunnar barks in the car. We both wince at the piercing sensation in our ears and I release my hold on my mother. No longer fighting, the brute removes me from the car, and I try to reassure my dog that the man at my back isn’t a threat. That’s easier said than done.

  Gunnar’s ready to attack and as soon as I’m free from the vehicle, no longer touching Taya, the driver steps back. Eyes nailed to the animal, his hands move out to his sides, in plain sight, making it clear that he isn’t going to harm me.

  “Back off and he won’t go any further,” I say to the driver, pulling on Gunnar’s leash, and the man slips into the front of the car.

  “Stay the fuck away from Tommie.” I bend to look into the car, and glare at my mother before slamming the door.

  High-strung and volatile, I bound across the street. Ash is manhandling Tommie and their backs are to me as they walk into the park. Although it appears as if she isn’t willing. She struggles to fight him off but it’s subtle. You’d have to be watching to catch it. Is she hesitant to cause a scene? Fuck that.

  They are too far away for me to do anything of significance and I can’t seem to move fast enough. It’s as if I’m moving in quicksand and for every step I take, I sink further into the abyss. Further away from Tommie.

  His hands on her provokes a rage in the deepest and darkest parts of me that I never knew was possible. My body is wound tight and loaded, just itching to bring down that disgusting excuse for a human being.

  “Get your hands off her.” I’m practically yelling, not yet close enough to rip his hands off her myself, and that’s infuriating.

  Some of the people nearby stop what they’re doing to stare at me and then the couple I seem to be focused on. But none of them matter. We might as well be the only three people on the planet.