Their tight bond had been solid until now. Until Ryker had snuck his way into her life and she had welcomed him. He made her want things she had no permission to covet. A friend, a family, a lover. Things she never had wanted in her life but now seemed like an integral part of her.
“I thought I’d find you out here. I stayed away as long as I could, but that only lasted about two minutes,” Ryker announces as he steps up behind her and rests his hands on the porch railing on each side of her, trapping her within his arms. His chin rests on her shoulder as he looks across the expanse of land on his property and Norah closes her eyes at the sensation of having him so close – the rock star she fantasized about for years.
“What are you thinking so hard about?” he asks as he turns his head and presses a kiss to her neck quickly followed by another.
“I was thinking about all the nights I fantasized about Ryker James, the lead singer from this amazing band Exoneration.”
“Mmm…what kind of things?” he questions as he snakes one of his hands across her waist and slips it underneath her shirt. His deft fingers travel along the waistband of her new jeans, and she has to control herself from tilting her hips back to allow him to slip further inside.
Her parched mouth causes her to lick her lips before speaking. The huskiness of her voice surprising her. “Um. . . I would think about him sneaking into my room late at night or me showing up at a show and him taking me backstage.”
“Go on,” he persists as he begins to suck on her neck, nipping with every kiss. His fingers leave a burning trail on her skin at her waistband.
“And he would kiss me, touch me, leave me breathless and wanting.”
“Did you come when you had these fantasies?” Ryker’s voice is deep and gruff, her words affecting him as much as they are affecting her.
“Yes. Always.”
His grip tightens on her waist and then she is spun around. Norah gasps at the motion only to have Ryker push her against the porch railing where he devours her mouth. She claws at his back wildly seeking more of him and he responds with a growl before he reaches down and grasps one of her legs to bring it up to his waist. In this position his hard erection presses against her core and she rocks against him. Her wetness pools in her panties and at every pass she can feel a climax growing deep in her belly. Their innocent act of foreplay was enough to bring her to this moment, and she’s surprised to find herself so close to the precipice.
“Let go, princess. I need to see you let go.”
Ryker jerks his hips into her again and she bites down on his lip as she crashes into her orgasm.
“God damn, I want to take you up to my room right now.”
“Okay,” she says as she slowly travels back into herself, the orgasm powerful enough to leave her seeing stars.
“Not okay. You deserve better than that.”
“I’m okay with it, Ryker.”
“Don’t care. You deserve to be treated like the amazing woman that you are. You said you had things to tell me. When I have you, I want all of you, no-holds-barred.”
“Please,” she requests one last time as she pushes out her bottom lip in a pout.
“Fuck, you’re gorgeous. But no. And don’t pout like that again. I only have so much willpower.”
“I’ll do my best,” she relents and then turns back around to look out into the yard. “I love your family, you know?”
“I know.”
“I don’t want them mixed up in this.”
“You’re not going to get a choice. You should realize that by now.”
“I figured as much,” she concedes as Ryker wraps his arms around her and she leans against his chest. “What’s that house in the woods?”
“That’s the house my security team stays in. Want to see it?”
“Only if we won’t be intruding. I don’t want to sneak up on them.”
“Don’t worry, they have cameras on every inch of this property.” Norah’s face blanches at that thought and Ryker chuckles. “Yeah, we gave them a good show. But don’t worry, they’re considerate and only have one camera at the entrance to the bedrooms and at each window looking out. So there is privacy. And I have never brought a woman here before. I’m sure they turned away.”
“Never?”
“Other than my siblings, Nikki, and Shelly when she’s with them, nope. You’re the first.”
“Wow, I feel special.”
“You are special. Now let me show you the cabin I built.”
Norah loves the cozy Cape Cod style cabin with its covered porch and traditional rooms and moldings. It looks like it was built on the property ages ago but Ryker insists that it’s only a few months just like his house. As much as Norah loves the mansion Ryker calls home this cabin seems to suit him more. He looks comfortable in the space and as he speaks with his head of security, Gary, she can see as he relaxes.
They both make sure to point out the entrance to the hidden tunnel in case she needs to use it, and she can feel her face blanche at the thought.
They head back toward the main house shortly after the tour and reheat the plate of food Eli has left them from breakfast.
The rest of the morning is spent playing with Jacob in Ryker’s personal music studio, letting the child play on the drums and keyboard while Shelly relaxes in the library. Norah goes to check in on her, but she had been sleeping peacefully curled up in a chair with a book on her lap. She can’t imagine how difficult it must be to take care of a young child on your own and work as a personal assistant to a world famous designer.
Around noon groups of people begin to descend on the house. First, Ryker and Jameson’s siblings and their significant others, followed by their parents with the grandchildren in tow. She watches in amazement as the fussy twins calm down the moment that they are placed in Ryker’s arms. Seeing him sway with the babies as he speaks softly to them tugs something inside her.
“I love the way he is with them,” Ryker’s mother Amy says as she takes a seat beside Norah on the oversized couch in the living room.
“He’s a natural,” Norah agrees.
“I noticed the way you look at him. It’s different than the way you look at Jameson.”
“I’ve only known him a day.”
“Well, you may have only met him a day ago, but you’ve known him for years. He’s in every member of our family. He’s bright, creative, passionate – all things his sibling’s possess. But most of all - he has a big heart.
“I never had to worry about Ryker, not even when he was on tour, not like I did the rest of his siblings when they became adults. He has always had a level head, knows right from wrong. He isn’t going to jump into something he isn’t 100% sure about.”
“And you think he’s sure about me?” Norah questions just as Ryker turns to glance at her with the now sleeping twins in his arms and shoots a wink in her direction.
“Oh, he’s definitely sure. He’s just waiting for you to catch up.”
Her husband Joseph arrives about half an hour later with a bag of wrapped up sandwiches for everyone. If Ryker ages the way Mr. Connelly has she can imagine fans being enthralled with him for decades; Mr. Connelly is an incredibly attractive man – Amy is a lucky woman.
As they sit and eat their sandwiches, Preston walks into the home, the local sheriff wearing a pair of jeans and a navy shirt with sheriff emblazoned along the back. Just as he steps into the kitchen, he watches as Shelly steps through the hall raising her arms in a yawn and stretch. The two lock eyes and Norah swears something passes between them.
Preston turns and walks to the table taking an open seat beside Sydney his ex-girlfriend. Norah had been told he was the reason she had been kidnapped. A growl sounds from the kitchen and Norah is certain it’s coming from Dylan, Sydney’s husband. The moment is awkward and the room remains silent until Jacob starts speaking animatedly to his mother about the studio and how he was going to be a famous musician. The rest of the group continue eating, but Preston watc
hes in fascination at the exchange.
More people begin to arrive, and Norah leans over to Ryker to ask if he is hosting a party and he chuckles as he introduces the rest of the Scarlet Security team. He explains that they are here to help Jameson and her disengage the scanners lockdown capabilities and help protect her when they travel to the lab.
“I think we’re all here,” Dylan claims just as Heath and Alexis from the FBI clamber through the door. “First I’d like to let Norah give a breakdown of what happened and why she needs our help, then we can discuss resolutions. Norah?”
She hadn’t expected to be put on the spot, and she turns toward Ryker pleading with him through her eyes to not make her relieve the nightmare again. He smiles at her and grips her hand under the table before turning back to the group.
“To sum it up, Norah has been working on a secret device for the government that can control adrenaline impulses. It’s a barcode of sorts that embeds itself under the skin. It was commissioned to be used by the military.
“The device was stolen and her colleague kidnapped. Norah barely escaped and now they’re after her, she’s the one missing link in controlling the device.”
“My God,” Joseph whispers articulating the same thought on everyone’s mind based on their expressions.
“That’s not all. She was requested to be the test subject for the first implant, and it was successful. That means even without her set of coding they can track her using the scanner. The device has a fatal emission sequence if the scanner is attempted to be hacked, so time is of the essence in removing the device from her skin.
“But we aren’t sure if they are aware of that or not. We hope that they have Dr. Lewis and he has explained that she is necessary for completing the sequence.
“We need to get Norah to her lab to grab a chemical solution that will burn away the implant.”
Ryker continues and explains what will happen if it falls into the wrong hands and she’s once again exhausted by the time he’s finished clarifying the details.
“Thank you,” she whispers as the group lets the knowledge seep over them.
“We should get her to the lab as soon as possible, especially if she is able to use her program to track the scanner,” Cohen suggests.
“I still need to figure out how to launch the program on Jameson’s computer. That’s why I need your group to help. Hitting the wrong firewall or network or even the wrong number in an IP address can cause it to cancel out certain segments rendering it useless,” Norah explains.
“God I love it when you talk like that,” Ryker rumbles next to her ear triggering a shiver to shake down her body.
“Like what?” she whispers back.
“Like the fucking smartest woman in the world. It’s a serious turn-on.”
Amidst their personal discussion, a conversation grows around them on when and who will accompany her to the lab. The first suggestion is to head out tonight, and Ryker quickly shoots that down.
“It will have to be tomorrow at the earliest.”
“Why?” Dylan asks looking up from his pad of paper.
“Because I’m taking Norah on a date tonight.”
Usually, a statement like that would have her blushing from head to toe but with the way Ryker smiles at her as he stakes his claim in front of his friends and family she can’t help but return his smile proudly.
My God, she’s going on a date with Ryker James – rock star with a heart of gold.
*
CARSON IS A SMALL town with only two places available to take a woman out on a respectable date. One is his sister’s small eatery called The Grill and the other is Angie’s diner. It’s set up like a traditional 50’s diner, but the back side has been expanded to include banquet and private rooms.
Ryker had considered taking Norah to one of the wineries or breweries popping up on the way to Asheville, but he didn’t think that would be something she’s interested in. He knows she’s eaten at Angie’s before, but he wants to make it special for her.
Neither of them changed before heading out, so he is surprised to find she has put on a little makeup. And just the lining and mascara around her eyes made them pop against her alabaster skin. As they walk into the restaurant, Ryker holds the door open for her.
She passes through looking up at him and whispers, “Thank you,” and Ryker can’t control himself. He simply locks eyes with her and replies, “You’re absolutely gorgeous.” That sweet blush he is becoming addicted to rises on her cheeks, and he swears that he will do something every day for the rest of his life to make her look that way.
Inside, Angie the owner quickly escorts them to a back banquet room he has reserved for tonight to give them privacy and to keep any curious parties from interrupting.
“Here you are,” Angie says as she takes them to their room where a server fills up their water glasses.
“Do either of you need to hear the specials?” she asks, and both Ryker and Norah shake their heads. Angie fills her menu with a wide array of comfort foods and Ryker has yet to try anything that didn’t taste amazing.
“Actually,” he begins. “Why don’t you surprise us, Angie? Whatever you think we’d like.”
“Oh, that’s a great idea,” Norah agrees enthusiastically.
“Well now, that’s just asking for trouble,” Angie jokes as she takes their menus.
“Don’t worry, we trust you.”
They watch as Angie scurries off and finally they’re left alone together.
“So, we have a little while until she returns. Want to fill me in on why I may reconsider having any sort of relationship with you?”
Norah slouches back in her chair and Ryker can see she is fighting back a groan. “I was hoping that you would have forgotten.”
“Not a chance.”
She grabs her glass and takes a sip of water then fiddles with the linens on the table. Norah is stalling but that’s okay, he has all the time in the world.
He’s waited long enough for her, what’s a few more minutes?
“If I tell you this, it is in complete confidence. Not even Jameson is aware. And you’ll probably not want me near your family afterward.”
“I beg to differ, but I won’t say a word. Please, go on.”
“Do you know the name Anthony Morretti?”
Ryker nods. Anthony has been on America’s Most Wanted list for years. He’s a notorious weapon and drug dealer that has recently been linked with sex trafficking. It has even been mentioned that he was involved with the woman that kidnapped his sister Sydney. The thought of Norah being targeted by that man sends his heart plummeting.
“Yes, I know who he is.”
“Well, Anthony Moretti is my father.”
Of all the things he expected her to say, that is not it. Rough childhood? Sure. Foster care? Maybe. Daughter of a mobster and killer? No way.
“I grew up in New Jersey and my parents ran the town that we lived in. But once my father started getting into the bigger things, more dangerous things, the cops trailed him everywhere. There were many nights we stayed in empty warehouses while we ran.
“I was a misstep in my parents’ plan, an unwanted pregnancy if you will. My mother hadn’t thought she could get pregnant, but obviously here I am. They did love me and made sure I was taken care of, but I was more of an accessory to their lifestyle, not a treasured part of them.
“Anyway, the night of my thirteenth birthday the FBI caught up to us and killed my mother while my father fled. He hid me in one of our hideaway homes until he could return a month later. Because of my father, I wasn’t able to attend public school, so I taught myself using encyclopedias and got my GED at fifteen with my father’s signature.
“He had hoped to use me to help create and sell manufactured drugs, but when I turned him down, he left. I’ve pretty much been raising myself since I was sixteen. I had a teacher and officer work with me to get my name changed saying that I was under the protection of the state. I’ve been Norah B
lakley ever since.”
“It wasn’t until he was caught a few years ago that I heard anything out of him. He had taken his drug money and paid off my student loans, which I was thankful for, but now my education feels tainted.”
“I heard he is still in jail.”
“As far as I know. But that’s it. So I understand if you don’t want to be tied to the Princess of the Moretti Mob. I know I surely don’t want to be.”
Reaching out he clasps her hands between his much larger ones.
“Norah, our family doesn’t make us. We chose who we want to be.”
“Your family made you who you are. I see a piece of each of them in you.”
“You’re right, but I’ve been surrounded by good people my entire life. Norah, you’re incredibly bright and you understand right from wrong. You’re not your parents.”
“I know that you’re right, but I’m still worried that I’ll be associated with him if anyone finds out.
“You’re remarkable, you know that?” Ryker says reverently as he looks at her from across the table.
“I’m not though. I’m just trying to protect you and your family.”
“Norah, I’m not going to say anything unless I absolutely have to. But I wasn’t referring to that. I’m talking about the fact that even through all the shit, all the bad hands you’ve been dealt, you’ve persevered. Most people would have fallen into the shadows at this point. You’re remarkable.”
“That’s nice of you to say.”
“I only speak the truth.”
“So you’re not scared off?”
“Sweetheart, Anthony Moretti himself couldn’t keep me away.”
Their food arrives quickly after their conversation finishes, and Angie explains that she has served them homemade ravioli and fresh bread. Norah doesn’t waste any time and dives head first into her meal. She doesn’t even notice the way he is looking at her. He can’t see himself, but he’s sure it’s something along the lines of lust-fueled and rapture. Ryker understands her reasoning for not wanting to share her past, but nothing she could have said would have kept him away from her. He can feel it deep in his bones that they are headed somewhere special. He just prays that he gets the chance to prove it to her.
Coming Unplugged Page 8
