by Mina Carter
“Hello, my love, how are you enjoying Edinburgh?” she whispered.
“Damn media,” Connall snapped.
Kade pulled out his phone and left the room.
Connall tried to calm his rage as he stroked her back. “It’s fine, love. We’ll sort it out.”
Kade returned a few minutes later.
“What did you find out?” Connall asked.
“The call didn’t originate here, but Ali said they can’t quite pinpoint where it did. It’s possible it came from somewhere in Scotland, but the only thing they know for sure is that it’s not Edinburgh.”
“Damn it.”
“It’s fine, Con,” Sam said. “We can order in. Hang out and watch a movie. It’s no biggie.”
“We’re going home,” Con said.
“I don’t think that’s necessary, is it? He probably just saw my picture from the café.” Pepper pulled away from Connall and wiped her face in frustration. “If he’s not here, then I don’t want to be chased away… or lead him back to our home. Maybe we should set a trap. I am sick of this asshat dictating my life! Let him come after me. I’ll burn the mother.”
“Pepper!” Sam said, stifling a laugh.
“Well, I will,” Pepper said.
“It could be anyone, Pepper,” Connall said. “Until we know who and where the threat is, I’d feel more comfortable taking you home. And there’s no way in hell I’m setting a trap until you’re somewhere he can’t touch you.”
“I don’t want to stop my life because someone is trying to mess with me.” She stomped her foot. “Then he wins.”
“I know, love, but I still think we should be careful. If we’re at home, I can make sure you’re safe,” Connall insisted. “For now, let’s have some popcorn and watch a movie, okay? We’ll order a pizza. We can head home tomorrow.”
“Throw in wine and I’ll consider it.”
Sam laughed. “Like that would even be a question. Change into your sweats and meet us back at our place. We’ll have wine, popcorn, and a movie ready to go in the media room.”
Pepper sighed. “Fine.”
Sam and Kade left the apartment and Connall laid his hands on her arms. “Hey, we’re going to find the guy. No one’s going to hurt you.”
Pepper nodded. “I know, baby. I just want this over, you know?”
“I know.” He kissed her forehead. “Will picking the movie make you feel better?”
Pepper chortled. “I want something with a lot of guns and men without shirts… I mean, a rom-com.”
He laughed. “I’m sure Kade can accommodate.”
* * *
The next morning, Connall worked with Kade’s pilot to finalize a flight plan. Due to Connall’s meeting commitment at Gunnach Pharmaceuticals, they would have to wait until the following day to fly home, but as long as they stayed close to the office or the apartment, Connall was confident he could keep Pepper safe.
He tiptoed into their bedroom just after nine and went about trying to wake his wife. She grumbled, but finally opened her eyes.
“Good morning,” he said as he kissed her cheek.
“Are mornings ever good?”
“They are now that I get to see your beautiful face.”
She smiled. “How did you sleep?”
“Other than you tossing and turning in your sleep? Fantastic.”
She sighed. “You sound like Sam.”
“You often sleep with Sam, do you?”
“I’ll never tell.” Pepper giggled. “My neat-nick friend wakes up with her bedding exactly where it was when she went to sleep. I could make my bed every day and still manage to destroy it… as she used to complain constantly. In the end, I had to remember to close my door so she wouldn’t have to see it.”
“I’m sure she appreciated that.” He smiled. “I talked to Russell and he says we can leave first thing tomorrow morning.”
“Who’s Russell again?” she asked, stifling a yawn.
“Kade’s pilot.”
“Oh, right.”
“Anyway, I have a meeting I committed to this afternoon, but it won’t take long, so I thought we could head on over to the office for a tour and then have lunch with Kade and Sam. Sam said she cleared her schedule this afternoon to babysit you.”
“Sounds fun. You could also come back to bed and we can meet them for lunch and then a tour. You already know what the office looks like.”
Before he could answer, his phone rang. Surprised to see Max’s name come up on the screen, he frowned. “Hold that thought, love.” He answered the call. “Max? Hey, everything okay?”
“I have some information for you. Kinnon came clean.”
“Oh?” He put his phone on speaker and Pepper sat up with a frown.
“He said some American paid him to take out Pepper’s boyfriend. The American’s words, not Kinnon’s. He’s southern I’m assuming, because Kinnon said he talked like Sam.”
Pepper’s mouth gaped open. “How?”
“Oh, hi, Pepper,” Max said.
“Hi. How would Kinnon have met this guy?”
“Drug deal. You know what Kinnon’s like. He’ll do whatever he needs to do to score.”
“Did he say who the guy was?” Connall asked.
“Here’s the thing,” Max said. “He’s not really sure. He was high.”
“Shite.”
“Sorry, Con. He’s not well. He’s always been an idiot, but he’s also so deep into this life, Niall and I don’t know how to help him. If we find anything else out, we’ll let you know.”
“Thanks.”
“We’re sorry, Con. I don’t know if you know how much.”
“I do, Max,” Con said.
“Thanks, brother. Gotta go. I’ll call you in a week or two, or earlier if I hear anything.”
“Sounds good. ’Bye.” Connall hung up.
“Who is this guy?” Pepper said, more to the universe than to Connall.
Before Connall or the universe could answer, Pepper’s phone rang. “Hello?”
Her face went white and Connall had a hell of a time honing in on what was going on. Finding the path to her brain, he discovered it was Dalton on the phone.
“… he’s there,” Dalton finished.
“The stalker’s here?” Connall asked. Pepper nodded and handed her phone to Connall. “Dalton? What the hell is going on?”
“Jet’s the one after her and he’s in Scotland.”
“The guy who attacked her in high school?” Connall snapped.
“You know about that, huh?”
“Of course I know about that.”
“Right,” Dalton said. “I’m on my way. I’m in London right now and a day behind him, so just keep Pepper close.”
“When’s your flight out of London?”
“Delayed, so who knows?” Dalton complained.
Connall swore.
“Connall!” his brother called.
“Hold on, Dalton.” Connall handed Pepper a robe. “Put this on, love.”
He headed out of the bedroom.
“I used my key.” Kade asked. “What’s wrong?”
Sam didn’t say anything as she headed to the bedroom.
“Dalton’s stuck in London,” Connall said.
“Why’s he in London?”
“Because Pepper’s stalker’s here.”
“Right.” Kade pulled out his phone.
“Dalton, you still there?” Connall asked.
“Yeah, man.”
“Russ can pick him up in an hour,” Kade said. “He just needs to get to the terminal.”
“Kade’s sending his plane,” Connall said, and then gave Dalton instructions on where to go and who to meet.
Sam returned with Pepper in tow. Sam held her hand out. “May I talk to Dalton, please?”
Connall handed the phone to Sam and focused on Pepper. “You okay?”
She nodded, but Connall could see her hands shaking as she wrapped her arms around his waist.
�
��We’ll get him, baby,” he whispered and hugged her.
Sam finished her call and then handed the phone to Pepper. “Dalton wants to talk to you.”
“Hi,” Pepper said.
“Hey. Stay alert, okay?” Dalton ordered. “I don’t know what he’ll do or how close he’s gotten.”
“Don’t worry, Dalt. I will.”
“Okay. I’ll be there in a couple of hours. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
“Thanks, Dalton,” Pepper said. “For everything.” She hung up and then pulled away from Connall.
“What does he want?” she murmured.
“Do you think he still holds a grudge?” Sam asked.
Pepper shrugged and slapped her cell phone against her palm as she paced the room. “Oh, crap!”
“What?” Connall asked.
“The cassette, the movie poster, the forty-five! He was trying to send me a message.”
“What cassette, poster, and forty-five?” Sam asked, irritation crossing her face.
Pepper paced the room. “He was playing “Every Breath You Take” when I got to his house that day, and he said he wanted to watch Fatal Attraction.” She rubbed her forehead. “I remember thinking how weird that was.”
“And obviously, the “My Obsession” record is self explanatory,” Connall added.
“When exactly did all of that happen?” Sam demanded. “And why didn’t you tell me?”
Pepper sighed. “I’m sorry. The weird gifts and phone calls started right before you left to come here. I didn’t want to worry you… or give you an excuse to stay.”
Kade wrapped an arm around Sam and smiled at Pepper. “I’m grateful for that.”
Sam scowled at her best friend. “You should’ve told me.”
“I promise I’ll tell you next time,” Pepper retorted.
“Are you okay?” Sam asked.
“Right now, I’m pissed.”
Connall raised an eyebrow. “Which means what, exactly?”
“That we’re not leaving Edinburgh until Jethro ‘Asshat’ Rivers is either locked up, maimed, or dead. At this point, I don’t care which.”
Sam nodded. “I don’t have a problem with that.”
“Samantha,” Kade admonished. “You are not getting involved.”
“Like hell I’m not. I should have done something ten years ago, but instead I let Pepper walk into a nightmare.”
“Whoa!” Pepper argued. “Need I remind you, you tried to talk me out of going over there? I was the one who didn’t listen. If you hadn’t told Dalton, something much worse could have happened.”
“It doesn’t really matter,” Kade said. “Neither of you are having anything to do with this. We will take care of it. Without you. Got it?”
Sam took Pepper’s hand, gave it a squeeze, and then nodded at Kade. “Got it.”
“I mean it, Sam,” Kade pressed. “You are not to engage.”
Sam smiled. “Yep. Got it.”
Kade narrowed his eyes, but didn’t say anything further. He turned to Connall. “Want to head on over with us?”
“We’ll meet you for lunch,” Connall said. “Ali’s dropping Dalton here first, so we’ll bring him with us.”
“Sounds good,” Kade said. “Do you want a key to our place?”
Connall shook his head. “Dalton can leave his stuff here and we’ll take it to your place later.”
Sam hugged Pepper and then followed Kade out of the flat.
Connall locked the door and faced Pepper. “Neither of you are going to leave this alone, are you?”
Pepper shook her head. “You’re definitely smarter than the average bear.”
“Fine.” He crossed his arms. “Just promise me you’ll stay close to me. Or Sam. Or Santa Claus, I don’t really care. Just make sure you are never alone.”
“Santa? What’s he gonna do? Use the elves as muscle? Newsflash, they aren’t big enough to ride most of the rides at Disney World.”
Connall raised an eyebrow. “Your humor’s intact, I see.”
“My plan is to stay as close to you as possible, so I don’t think that will be a problem.”
“Good answer.”
Pepper smiled. “What would you like for breakfast?”
“Surprise me,” he said, and leaned down for a kiss. “I’m going to take a quick shower.”
“Hey.”
“Hmm?”
“I love you.”
He grinned. “I love you too.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
DALTON ARRIVED TWO hours later and spent more time than Connall would have liked hugging Pepper. He fisted his hands at his side in an effort not to hit the man.
Fight the urge, baby.
He needs to get his hands off you.
Pepper gently pushed Dalton away and grinned up at Connall. Okay. Okay. Don’t kill him.
She leaned against Connall and he wrapped his arms possessively around her. “How was the flight, Dalton?” she asked.
“Flying private’s the way to go. I could so live like this forever.”
Pepper rolled her eyes. “Most people say that.”
“I think everyone says that but you.”
“I’m beginning to change my mind,” she grumbled.
“Shocker.” Dalton laughed. “Cole said he’d meet us at the Gunnach Towers, does that sound right?”
Connall nodded. “Aye. You can leave your bags here for now. Kade and Sam are already at the office, but we’ll meet them at their place for dinner and you can settle in.”
“I can stay here, if that would make you feel better,” Dalton said to Pepper. “I want you to feel safe, babe.”
“I do feel safe,” Pepper said.
“Are you sure?”
“She’s sure,” Connall pressed.
Don’t hit him, Connall. She laid her hand on his arm. I know you want to, but resist.
“I’ve got her, Dalton. But thanks.” Connall said pointedly.
“If you need me, you only have to ask, right?” he asked Pepper.
Connall shifted.
He’s messing with you, Con. Take a deep breath.
“Yes.” Pepper gripped Connall’s hand. “I appreciate it, but we’re all good, and I know Sam wants to spend some time with you.”
Dalton grinned. “Be sure to let me know if you change your mind.”
Connall stiffened again.
“I won’t change my mind, Dalton.” Pepper grabbed Connall’s arm with her free hand. “And you need to stop.”
Dalton shrugged and gave Connall a sly grin. “Stop what?”
“Dalton,” she warned.
He reached his hand out, as if to touch her, but Pepper shook her head. “Dalton!”
Now he’s just being an ass. If he says one more thing, Connall, I’ll let go of your arm.
Right now, I want him to give me an excuse.
Dalton lowered his arm. “Sorry.”
“How about we head to lunch?” Pepper suggested.
“Sounds great,” Dalton said.
They made their way down to the garage and into the car Alasdair had waiting for them. The offices were close enough to walk, but Connall wanted them safe and to be driven from building to building under cover. He ushered them up the private elevator and to the executive offices.
Payton sat at the large desk outside of Kade’s office. He’d made several personnel changes over the past few weeks and one of them was to steal Payton away from Duncan MacKenzie, their Chief Hiring Officer. Duncan wasn’t happy, but with the promise that Payton would not only hire his new assistant but train them as well, he reluctantly agreed. Not that he really had a choice, but Kade had wanted to give him the illusion he did. One of the reasons Kade was respected far more than his father had been.
Payton grinned and stood as the three of them exited the elevator. “Hello, everyone. Dalton, it’s lovely to see you again, especially so soon.”
“Payton. Wonderful to see you as well. How do you like being home?” He smile
d and shook her hand. The perfect southern gentleman.
“It’s much quieter, but I love it,” she said. “Kade and Sam are expecting you. Agent Drake has also arrived. If you’ll follow me, I’ll walk you back.”
Connall waited for Dalton and Payton to precede him, keeping himself between Pepper and Dalton.
What’s Dalton going to do, Con?
I’m not willing to find out.
You act like he’s going to accost me or something. He’s always been respectful. Plus he knows. Oh, wait! No he doesn’t. He doesn’t know we’re married.
Connall sighed. We need to fix that.
She took his arm and turned him to face her. “That’s fine, but let me do it, okay?”
“Not alone.”
“What? Why not?”
“Because he may object,” Connall said.
“Baby. Come on. You’re overreacting. It doesn’t matter if he objects.” Pepper peeked around him and then frowned. “I want to tell him alone. I owe him that. But if you want to be close by, that’s fine.”
Connall took a deep breath. “I suppose I can live with that.”
“I thought once we were bound, this jealousy would stop,” she whispered. “You have nothing to worry about.”
“It’s not jealousy as much as me wanting to keep you safe.” He kissed her forehead and pulled her close. “I don’t want to take any chances.”
She smiled. “I get it. But it’s all going to be okay.”
“I hope so,” he said, and led her down the hall and into Kade’s office.
* * *
Once Kade and Connall went into their meeting, Sam directed a tour of the offices and lab, and then the small group decided to stop at the café for something to eat. They ordered and sat at one of the tables away from the windows. Pepper knew she was going to need to proceed carefully with Dalton. She knew he’d be hurt.
“So, this thing with Connall is serious, huh?” Dalton asked.
So much for proceeding carefully. Pepper glanced at Sam and then nodded. “Very.”
“Like exclusive?” he asked.
“Like married.”
“What?” he said. “You got engaged?”
Pepper shook her head. “No. We got married.”
Dalton stared at her. Just sat and stared at her for several uncomfortable seconds.
“Dalt.” Sam laid her hand on her brother’s arm.
He yanked it away and shook his head. “What the hell, Pepper? You’ve known the guy for less than a month. What about us?”
