by K. C. Lynn
“But I need your help to keep it that way.”
“What happened?”
“Alissa traveled to Kenya a few months ago to offer her assistance in a refugee camp. I had a bad feeling from the start. I didn’t want her to go, but when my daughter sets her mind to something, there’s no stopping her.”
She’s always been like that. Headstrong and sure of what she wants. It’s one of the things I loved about her. But out of all the fucking places she could have chosen, did it have to be one of the most dangerous in the world?
“A few days ago she was abducted by Somali pirates,” he tells me, sending a heavy dose of icy fear to course through me. “She was the only one taken from the camp because she’s worth something to them. The FBI told me it isn’t uncommon. Apparently, these pirates check into the backgrounds of the Americans that come there to help. When they found out that I have a lot of money, they targeted her.”
Dr. Derek Malone is a world-renowned heart surgeon. Patients come from all corners of the earth to seek him out. He is an expert in his field. He’s written several best selling books and has been featured in numerous health magazines and appeared on talk shows. When Dr. Derek Malone speaks, people listen.
Alissa’s stepfather also has money. He’s the CEO of a successful investment company; no doubt these assholes know she comes from wealth. Little do they know she’s worth so much more than money.
“I have three days to send them two million dollars or they’re going to kill her.”
Over my dead fucking body.
“Do you have proof she’s alive?”
“Yes, at least she was a few hours ago. They emailed a picture of her with the date on it.” He pauses, swallowing thickly. “Her face was pretty marked up. I’m terrified for what they’ve done to her.”
I don’t let myself think about it, knowing I won’t be able to keep my head straight. “You can’t give them the money. If you do, they will kill her.”
He nods. “I know. The FBI are doing all they can but it’s not enough. They don’t love her like I do. Or…how you did,” he adds, letting a moment of silence fill the air. “I know you guys haven’t been together for quite some time but I know you once loved her, Christopher.”
I still do and always will, but I keep that to myself.
“I also know what you, your stepfather, and his friends are capable of. I’m begging you to help me get her back. I can’t lose her. She’s all I have,” he chokes out, his tears finally breaking free as he hangs his head in grief.
“I’ll get her back,” I promise, resolution burning through my veins.
His head snaps up, his tight shoulders deflating with relief. “Thank you,” he says, pushing to his feet. “I’ll pay whatever it takes.”
I stiffen. “I don’t need or want your money.”
He nods. “I didn’t think so, but I wanted to offer anyway. What can I do then? Tell me what you need from me.”
“Do you have a contact for the FBI?”
“Yes.” He reaches into his jacket and grabs his wallet, pulling out a business card. “Special Agent Erickson is who I’ve been dealing with. I’ve written my number on the back for you, too.”
Taking the card from him, I head into my room and grab a clean shirt before walking back out. “I’ll call you with the plan when I have it.”
“Where are you going now?”
“To gather reinforcements.”
I don’t wait for him to leave before getting into my truck and peeling out of my spot. As I head to the gym, I try to tamp down the fear and desperation clawing at me. Every memory of her begins to surface, especially the good ones.
The ones I’ve never forgotten.
The way her light brown eyes would pin me in place as she watched me strum my guitar. The feel of her soft skin against mine, the scent of her long, blonde hair filling my senses while I filled her body. Her smile that would light up every dark place inside of me.
The thought of it never gracing this earth again brings on an unbearable pain I can’t fathom. It would be the final blow to finish my already shameful existence.
Coming to a screeching halt outside of the gym, I rush inside to find Kolan and Sarge in the ring with a fighter. “Where’s Cade?”
“In the office,” Sarge answers, his eyes following me as my feet eat up the gym floor, my strides long and quick.
Time is of the essence; every second that passes is another second her life is at risk. It turns out the man upstairs is on my side for this one. Jaxson and Sawyer are there with Cade as I storm into the office.
All of their heads snap up at my quick entrance. Cade rises to his feet, sensing my urgency.
“I need your help.”
CHAPTER 4
Alissa
The past
Closing my locker, I sling my book bag over my shoulder to head home for the day, the hallway vacant except for the janitor, Mr. Kessler. One of the perks of staying late to do my homework in the library is missing all the crazy after-school traffic.
As I continue down the hall, a beautiful melody suddenly drifts from the music room, the most incredible voice I’ve ever heard following soon after. It’s so unique and distinct; it rivets me to my spot.
Listening, I recognize the Lifehouse song, “You and Me,” being strummed on a guitar. I can say with absolute certainty that whoever is singing it is even better than the lead vocalist himself.
Pushing forward, I step into the music room, walking far enough in to get a glimpse of whom the incredible voice belongs to. Once again I come to a hard stop, shock rocking the very foundation of my being when I see it’s Christopher Dennison. The new kid who moved here last year and quickly became the troubled teen everyone spoke about. A boy who has caught my attention time and time again.
At first it was the angry vibe he gave off that drew me in. I couldn’t help but wonder what could make a person so angry all the time. It wasn’t long before I understood it was the man he lived with, his drunk father, who left marks on him. At least that was the rumor going around. The possibility of it being true breaks my heart.
Over the last several weeks, I’ve become even more intrigued since I’ve seen him at church doing his community service. It was then I saw the way he was with his little sister, protective and kind, and knew that everyone’s perception of him had been wrong. He’s not bad. Hard around the edges maybe, but not bad. And I’m not the only one who sees it, Faith does, too. Which is why she has taken him and his sister into her home, something I am really happy about.
Out of all the glimpses I’ve seen of him, not once did I ever think he had a voice like this. A talent that could put any music legend to shame, that’s how good he is. His passion and soul bleeds through every word that falls past his mouth, gracing the air around us.
Why would he keep something like this hidden from the world?
I step out of the shadows, his haunting voice beckoning me to where he sits on the stage, perched on a tall, wooden stool. Unfortunately, it was a mistake, because as soon as he sees me, he stops.
“Shit!” He startles and jumps to his feet, the guitar slipping from his hand.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“You didn’t. Just caught me off guard.” He clears his throat, his feet shifting. “How long have you been standing there?”
“Long enough. You’re incredible,” I tell him, fascinated by his eyes. I’ve never seen someone hide so much, yet give so much away. He’s an open book; anyone that looks close enough can see that, you just have to be brave enough to turn the page.
He grunts, clearly disagreeing with me, and bends down to pick up the guitar. “You ever hear of invasion of privacy?”
“You’re in a public place,” I argue, not letting his annoyed tone deter me.
“Yeah, well, I thought everyone was gone.”
“They are. Except for Mr. Kessler and me,” I inform him. When I get nothing in return, I summon the courage I need to app
roach him and extend my hand. “I’m Alissa.”
He stares at my gesture, hesitant to accept it. His warm hand finally engulfs mine, the heat of his touch scorching my skin. When his eyes lift to my face, the hazel irises rock me to my core.
“I know who you are, Alissa Malone.”
Swallowing past my dry throat, I offer him a shaky smile. “Is that a good thing or a bad thing?”
He releases my hand and turns his back to me, grabbing the broom behind him to sweep up. Obviously, it’s what he was supposed to be doing in the first place.
“I doubt there’s a single bad thing about you,” he finally answers.
I’m unsure whether to take it as a compliment or not. The hint of sarcasm in his voice makes it hard to determine. “Of course there is. Everyone has flaws.”
He twists his head, lifting a disbelieving brow.
“I do. You should hear me chew gum. It’s so annoying,” I admit shamelessly. “My favorite is the pink Hubba Bubba kind but the piece is so big that my lips smack together really loud, and sometimes, spit even flies out of my mouth.”
Okay, Alissa, you didn’t have to go that far, I scold myself.
The embarrassing information is worth it though, because for the first time, I witness Christopher Dennison smile, and it’s almost as stunning as his voice. His soft chuckle flows through me like his hypnotic melody did minutes ago. It’s completely captivating and earth shattering.
I smile back at him, knowing I will gladly admit every flaw I have if it means seeing it again. I plan to make it my mission. “You have a nice smile, Christopher Dennison.”
The compliment wipes the beautiful act from his face, just like I expected, but I don’t let it ruin the moment.
“As much as I’d love to stay and continue to tell you all about my flaws, I must go. But…maybe one day, I’ll have the chance to tell you all about them.” Turning my back on him, I leave and feel his eyes upon me until I disappear out of the room.
That night I fell asleep with a permanent smile on my face and a new beat in my heart. The next day, I’d never been more excited to go to school.
CHAPTER 5
Christopher
“I won’t survive it if something happens to either of you,” Faith cries.
Standing in the dimly lit kitchen, I watch her pain and fear unfold through the window as she and Cade stand on the back porch.
“Red, look at me. Nothing is going to happen to us.”
“You can’t promise that. Look what happened last time,” she says, a fearful sob ripping from her chest as she’s forced to think about the darkest moment from her past.
“This isn’t like last time, baby. It’s not even remotely the same thing.” Cade does his best to reassure her. “We know exactly where she is. We’ll be in and out. I promise.” He pulls her into his arms, trying to comfort her further.
Thanks to Nick and Ryder, we were able to get all the information the FBI had collected already. We have exactly what we need. If all goes accordingly, we will have her out within minutes of our arrival.
I could tell Cade was hesitant to let me be a part of this; he hasn’t pried too much since I got home, but he sees what everyone else does. I’m sure he even has a small idea of what I’m feeling. But he also knew there was no chance in hell I was staying behind.
No one goes in to get her but me.
“She’s been like this since you guys came home with the news this afternoon,” Ruthie says quietly, her voice soft and sad as she comes up beside me. Both of her arms wrap around my bicep, her beanie-covered head resting on my shoulder.
It still boggles my mind that my kid sister’s head can even reach my shoulder. It’s hard for me to grasp that she’s thirteen and not six anymore. She’s no longer the girl who lacked confidence and had a severe speech problem. She still struggles from time to time with her words, depending on what she has to say and how fast she tries to say it. It’s usually more prominent when she’s upset.
I hate that I’m causing everyone so much pain and wish there were another way, but I need the guys’ help to pull this off. It’s not something I want to risk doing on my own, not when Alissa’s life is at stake.
“I understand why you’re doing it,” my sister says. “And for Alissa’s sake, I’m glad you are. She has the best coming for her, but the thought of losing you and the Big Guy…” She shakes her head, her words trailing off as she holds in her tears.
“Hey, come on, it’ll be okay,” I promise, pulling my arm out of hers to wrap it around her shoulders. “Just look at it like every other time I left before this one.”
“Like that makes it easier,” she mumbles. “Those times were just as h—hard.”
I recall when I first enlisted how hard it was on her—on everyone, but especially her. Because at the end of the day, even though Cade and Faith are our family, Ruthie and I are the only ones with the same blood running through our veins. Without Cade, Faith, and Mia, we only have each other.
“I promised you before that I would come back, and I plan to keep that promise. I swear, Ruthie, we will be home before you know it.”
She nods, her arms banded tight around my waist, face buried in my chest. “Make sure you do, because I would never survive without you, Christopher. I need you. I always have.”
The last of her whispered words start an ache in my hollow chest, something I can’t deal with right now.
“Where’s Mia?” I ask, hating how gruff my voice sounds.
“Sleeping. It’s probably for the best. He already said good-bye to her, and I think it’s better she doesn’t see him leave.”
I agree but decide to go up and say my own good-bye to her. Climbing the stairs, I walk into the pink room that’s littered with dolls and horses, her violin resting against the wall next to her door. At only five years old, the kid has more musical talent in her pinky than Faith and I possess together.
Carefully, I sit on the edge of her bed and stare down at her innocent, sleeping face, wondering what it feels like to be so at peace. Even when I was a kid, I never knew what that was like. I was lucky if I slept at all. Closing my eyes left me vulnerable to the monster I lived with. Who knew that one day a different monster would haunt me, only this one would live inside of me, ruining any chance I’ll ever have at finding solitude.
“Kistipher?” Mia’s sleepy voice cuts into my tortured thoughts.
“Hey, kid. Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.”
“It’s okay. Why are you starin’ at me?” she asks, her innocent brown eyes blinking up at me in the quiet dark.
“I just wanted to see you before I left.”
“You’re goin’ too,” she voices it as a statement not a question, but I find myself nodding anyway. “Mama’s sad.”
“I know but she’ll be okay. We’ll be back soon.”
“Pwomise?”
“Yeah, I promise.”
Throwing the covers off her, she crawls onto my lap. Her tiny arms wrap around my neck, squeezing me harder than she looks capable of. “I wuv you, Kistipher.”
I hold her close, swallowing past the burn in my throat. “I love you too, kid.”
“Make sure you take care of Daddy, okay?”
I grunt. “Trust me, he can take care of himself, but I’ll be there just in case.”
“Good,” she whispers, hugging me tighter.
“Come on, let’s get you back in bed.” Laying her down, I chuckle when I see she’s wearing her cowgirl boots with her nightgown.
“Don’t tell Daddy. He says it’s not good to sweep in them but I wuv ’em.”
My smirk spreads. “Your secret is safe with me.” Covering her back up, I drop a kiss on her small cheek, lingering a little longer than usual, because even though I have every intention of returning, one never knows. No one can. It’s something I’ve learned the hard way.
As I head for the door, she calls out to me. I turn back, barely making out her small body in the darkness.
“A
we you goin’ to be sad and angwy again when you come back?”
My heart twists, the cruel blade of fate making it impossible to avoid the honesty and sadness in her voice. It’s a sobering blow and for the first time, I realize how much my demons have affected the people around me, even people who I didn’t think noticed.
“I’m going to try really hard not to be,” I tell her, wishing I could promise her more. “No matter what, Mia, always know that it’s not you. I could never be angry at you.”
“Okay,” she answers, her voice growing sleepy again. “Bye, Kistipher.”
“Bye.” Stepping out of her room, I lean back against the wall, trying to breathe through the scalding pain in my chest. Eventually, I pull myself together and head downstairs, finding both Faith and Ruthie in Cade’s arms.
“Make sure you guys go to Cooper if you need anything.”
“We’ll be fine,” Faith assures him, but her tear-filled voice betrays her confidence. Once she spots me on the stairs, she steps away from him and closes the distance between us, pulling me into her arms.
I return her hug, feeling her shoulders shake with agony, and hate that I’m the one causing it. “I’m sorry, Faith.”
She pulls back, grasping my face between her hands. “Don’t be. As hard as it is, I know you have to do this. Alissa needs you right now. Bring her home.”
“I will.”
If there’s one thing I can promise right now, it’s that.
Grabbing my duffle bag by the door, Cade and I step outside to see Jaxson and Sawyer waiting by the truck, their bags packed and ready. Both Grace and Julia walk up the steps, tears staining their cheeks as they stop and hug Cade and me before moving for Faith.
The sound of their pain fills the air as we head over to the others.
“Wait!”
I stop at Ruthie’s sob. Spinning around, I watch as she bounds down the steps, tears flooding her face as she runs at me.
My arms open as she launches herself at me. “I love you, Twistiphwor,” she cries, saying my name from our past, the tears she was holding in earlier finally breaking free.
